Watch Antenna Solar Cell Interference Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic watches with circularly polarized antennas and solar panels face a degradation in receiving sensitivity due to direct series connections of solar cells along the antenna's outer circumference, leading to increased electric current flow that interferes with antenna reception.
Innovation Solution
The electronic watch design includes a dielectric base antenna with an antenna electrode, where solar cells are arranged along the antenna's outer circumference, with at least one solar cell positioned between the outer circumference and the antenna electrode, and connected in series through a third solar cell, ensuring the connection is made in a region away from the antenna, reducing interference and maintaining reception sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If solar cells are directly connected in series along the outer circumference of the antenna, then the solar panel can be arranged continuously along the antenna, but the receiving sensitivity of the antenna is largely degraded due to increased electric current flow
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive member is introduced as an intermediary between solar cells arranged along the outer circumference of the antenna. This mediator prevents direct electrical connection between adjacent solar cells, blocking the harmful current flow that degrades antenna reception while allowing the solar cells to maintain their continuous arrangement along the antenna circumference for manufacturing efficiency.
2Reliability
If the connection position between solar panel and circuit board is arranged away from the antenna, then interference with antenna is reduced, but the solar cells must be connected in series which causes current flow along the antenna circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive member serves as a strategic intermediary placed at critical connection points between solar cells along the antenna circumference. This allows the solar cells to be connected in series for power generation while preventing the formation of current loops that would interfere with the antenna, thus resolving the contradiction between connection configuration and antenna performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-conductive member is selectively positioned only at specific locations where solar cells are arranged along the antenna's outer circumference, rather than throughout the entire solar panel. This localized application prevents harmful current flow paths while maintaining electrical connectivity in other areas, optimizing both antenna reception and power generation functionality.
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 configuration enhances the reception sensitivity of the antenna by minimizing electric current interference, allowing for improved satellite signal reception and accurate time correction, while maintaining a sleek and functional watch design.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel including a first solar cell and a second solar cell being arranged to overlap with the dial in plan view and arranged continuously along an outer circumference of the antenna electrode
Implementation Method 2
an antenna being arranged to overlap with the dial in a plan view as seen in a vertical direction with respect to a front surface of the dial, the antenna including a dielectric base and an antenna electrode arranged on a front surface of the dielectric base
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic watch includes a dial, an antenna, a solar panel, a circuit board, and a connection member. The antenna includes an antenna electrode. On the solar panel, a first solar cell and a second solar cell, are arranged continuously along an outer circumference of the antenna electrode, are connected in series via a third solar cell, which is not arranged along the outer circumference of the antenna electrode. The connection member is configured to connect the solar panel and the circuit board, and is arranged in a region different from a region in which the antenna is arranged when the dial is divided into two regions by a second virtual straight line, which is orthogonal to a first virtual straight line and passes through a center of the dial.