Timepiece Decorative Plate with Inclined Light-Redirecting Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decorative plates in timepieces with solar cells struggle to efficiently capture light due to limited light incidence on the solar cell, as only light reflected from inclined decorative elements is utilized, reducing power generation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A decorative plate with a three-dimensional pattern featuring first and second inclined surfaces and through holes between them, allowing direct and reflected light to enter the solar cell, while hiding the solar cell from view and maintaining a stylish appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a decorative plate with inclined decorative elements is used, then light reflection is enhanced, but light incidence on the solar cell is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative plate is segmented into multiple inclined surfaces (first inclined surfaces and second inclined surfaces) with different orientations. This segmentation allows different portions of incident light to be reflected in different directions, with some light paths directed toward the solar cell while others provide aesthetic reflection, thus resolving the contradiction between light reflection enhancement and light incidence optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the decorative plate have different surface properties - the first inclined surfaces are configured to reflect light toward the solar cell, while the second inclined surfaces provide aesthetic reflection. This local differentiation of surface quality allows simultaneous achievement of both light incidence enhancement and visual appeal.
2Power
If the solar cell is positioned to receive reflected light, then power generation is enabled, but the solar cell becomes visible and aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative plate with its specifically configured inclined surfaces acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the solar cell. It redirects light paths through controlled reflection, enabling the solar cell to receive sufficient light for power generation while the solar cell itself remains hidden from external view, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation functionality and aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flat decorative plate is used, then manufacturing is simple, but light incidence on the solar cell is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative plate transitions from a flat two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional structure with inclined surfaces at different angles. This dimensional change creates multiple light reflection paths that can direct light toward the solar cell, significantly improving light incidence while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard forming processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances light incidence on the solar cell, improving power generation efficiency while maintaining a luxurious and designable outer appearance, with the solar cell remaining inconspicuous.
Implementation Method 1
Light reflected off the surface of the decorative elements inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the substrate surface is incident on a light receiving surface of a solar cell
Data Source
AI summary
A decorative plate is placed on one surface side of a solar cell. The decorative plate includes a plurality of first inclined surface and a through hole. The plurality of first inclined surfaces are formed from one side to an other side. The first inclined surfaces rise from the solar cell side. The first inclined surfaces rise from the one side to the other side. The through hole is formed in at least a part between adjacent first inclined surfaces. A region of the decorative plate located on the one side of the through hole and a region of the decorative plate located on the other side of the through hole are provided in positions that do not overlap in plan view.