Translucent Cover for Solar-Powered Sensor Optical Appearance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar-powered sensor devices for home automation struggle to achieve a visually appealing, white optical appearance while maintaining high photovoltaic efficiency, as silicon-based solar cells are aesthetically unpleasing and expensive to colorize, especially under low indoor light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a translucent cover over the solar cell, made from materials like PMMA or PC, which scatters light without significantly impairing energy conversion efficiency, allowing for a cost-effective and aesthetically adapted solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If silicon-based solar cells are used for photovoltaic operation, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but optical appearance becomes unaesthetic (dark brown contrast)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a translucent cover with light-diffusing properties that modifies the optical appearance of the solar cell from dark brown to a lighter, more aesthetic appearance. The cover scatters incident light before it reaches the solar cell, changing the visual appearance while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent cover acts as an intermediary element between the incident light and the solar cell. It diffuses the light in a way that improves appearance while still allowing sufficient light transmission for photovoltaic conversion, thus mediating between aesthetic requirements and energy conversion needs.
2Shape
If the solar cell surface is made bright or white by reflecting light, then optical appearance is improved, but photovoltaic output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the surface brightly reflective, the patent uses a translucent cover that diffuses light to create a softer, more aesthetic appearance. This approach achieves visual appeal without significantly reducing the light energy available for photovoltaic conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the light-solar cell interface by introducing a translucent cover with specific light-diffusing properties. This modification alters how light is perceived visually while maintaining sufficient transmission for energy conversion, thus improving appearance without proportionally reducing photovoltaic output.
3Shape
If colored solar cells are manufactured using special process steps, then optical appearance is adapted, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the aesthetic function from the photovoltaic function by introducing a distinct translucent cover component. This allows the solar cell itself to remain simple and cost-effective to manufacture, while the cover provides the desired optical appearance through its light-diffusing properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent cover serves as an intermediary component that provides aesthetic adaptation without requiring complex manufacturing processes for the solar cell itself. This approach maintains simplicity in solar cell production while achieving optical appearance goals through the separate cover element.
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
The translucent cover ensures a homogeneous, white appearance without compromising the solar cell's energy conversion efficiency, providing a cost-effective and functional solution for indoor solar-powered sensor devices.
Implementation Method 1
the cover comprises a translucent material... which scatters light without significantly impairing energy conversion efficiency
Implementation Method 2
at least one solar cell for supplying energy to the at least one sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device (100). The sensor device (100) comprises: at least one sensor (110); a housing (120) for the at least one sensor (110); at least one solar cell (130) for supplying energy to the at least one sensor (110), wherein the at least one solar cell (130) is attached to an outer wall (121) of the housing (120); and a cover (140) which covers a photovoltaically active side (131) of the at least one solar cell (130), wherein the cover (140) comprises a translucent material (141).