Transparent Solar Cell Integration for Wireless Touch Input Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless input-output devices lack a reliable and convenient power source, as they cannot be powered through a permanent wired connection, leading to inconvenience with disposable and rechargeable batteries.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a solar cell to convert ambient light into electrical power, combined with energy storage devices like capacitors and batteries, and a power regulator to supply power to the touch sensor and wireless communications circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable or rechargeable batteries are used as power sources, then the wireless device can operate without wired connection, but the device requires frequent battery replacement or charging which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell enables the wireless device to generate its own power autonomously from ambient light, eliminating the need for external charging equipment or battery replacement. The device serves itself by converting environmental light energy into electrical energy to power its operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell acts as an intermediary energy conversion device between ambient light and the electrical power needed by the wireless device components, providing a continuous power supply without direct user intervention for charging or replacement.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a solar cell is integrated to convert ambient light into electrical power, then the device can operate autonomously without battery replacement, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell is integrated with the existing wireless device structure, merging the power generation function with the device housing. This combination approach adds functionality while minimizing structural complexity by utilizing the device's existing form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar cell integration provides multiple functions: it generates electrical power from ambient light, serves as part of the device housing structure, and maintains aesthetic appearance when transparent. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
3Illumination intensity
If transparent solar cell or transparent touch sensor is used, then the device maintains aesthetic appearance and allows light transmission, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent solar cell and transparent touch sensor are positioned in specific regions where transparency is most beneficial for both aesthetics and light transmission. The border region configuration allows the solar cell to be placed where it does not interfere with the primary touch interaction area, maintaining local functional quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent touch sensor and transparent solar cell are nested within each other in the device structure, with one component positioned between the other and the device housing. This nesting arrangement minimizes the number of separate manufacturing steps and alignment requirements.
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
Enables wireless input-output devices to operate autonomously with a sustainable power source, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and providing continuous functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell that converts ambient light into electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless input-output device may gather touch input from a user. The touch input may be wirelessly transmitted to external wireless equipment such as a computer. The wireless device has a touch sensor and a solar cell that converts ambient light into electrical power. Wireless communications circuitry transmits the touch input to the external equipment using the electrical power from the solar cell. Energy storage devices such as a capacitor and a battery can be charged using the electrical power. The wireless device may have a transparent cover layer. The touch sensor may be a transparent touch sensor that is located between the cover layer and the solar cell or the solar cell may be a transparent solar cell that is located between the transparent cover layer and the touch sensor.