Transparent Photovoltaic Sensor for Smartcard Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multifunction smart cards with photovoltaic sensors have an unattractive appearance that masks visual information and limits the surface area for energy harvesting, reducing the electrical power that can be recovered to supply the energy storage device.
Innovation Solution
A transparent photovoltaic sensor is integrated over at least 70% of the card's surface using an electrically conductive adhesive film or metal particles bonded by a non-conductive paste, allowing the sensor to appear transparent by optical effect while maintaining electrical connectivity for energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a photovoltaic sensor is integrated into the smart card to recharge the energy storage device, then the electrical power recovered is improved, but the appearance is degraded and visual information is masked
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic sensor is designed to be transparent or translucent, changing its optical properties from conventional opaque solar cells. This allows the sensor to maintain its power-generating function while becoming visually imperceptible or blending with the card design, thus resolving the contradiction between power recovery and appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the photovoltaic sensor are modified to achieve transparency or translucency. By changing the material properties and optical characteristics of the sensor, it can capture light for energy generation while allowing visual information to pass through, thereby improving both appearance and maintaining power recovery capability
2Shape
If the photovoltaic sensor surface area is reduced to improve appearance, then the appearance is improved, but the electrical power recovered is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By making the photovoltaic sensor transparent or translucent, the entire card surface can be utilized for energy harvesting without compromising appearance. The transparency allows visual information to be displayed while the sensor material continues to absorb light for power generation across the full surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The card surface serves dual functions: it acts as both a display area for visual information and an energy harvesting area for power generation. The transparent photovoltaic sensor enables these two functions to coexist on the same surface, maximizing both appearance quality and power recovery capability
3Shape
If a transparent photovoltaic sensor is used to improve appearance and maximize surface area, then the visual information visibility is improved, but the electrical connectivity for energy harvesting must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Transparent conductive materials serve as intermediaries between the transparent photovoltaic sensor and the underlying circuitry. These materials maintain electrical connectivity while preserving optical transparency, allowing both visual information visibility and energy harvesting to function simultaneously without compromising either aspect
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
This design enhances the appearance of the smart card while maximizing the energy capture surface, allowing for efficient recharging of the energy storage device without obstructing visual information.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic sensor, extending at least partially over one face of the card body element and being electrically connected to the energy storage device to recharge this energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
The transparent photovoltaic sensor extends over at least 70% of the surface of the card body element
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a chip holder, such as a smartcard (2), comprising: a holding body element, such as a card body (4), comprising a printed circuit board (14) and a photovoltaic sensor (12) that is at least partially transparent to visible light and that extends over at least part of one face of the holding body element and that is electrically connected to the printed circuit board by an electrical connection; and a layer or film of a material that is opaque to visible light, which layer or film is located between the printed circuit board and the photovoltaic sensor (12) and at least partially masks the printed circuit board, characterised in that said electrical connection extends through an aperture in the opaque film or layer.