Watch Solar Cell and Antenna Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch designs with integrated solar cells and antennas have a high number of parts, leading to complex assembly and potential interference between the solar cell and antenna components, which affects the reception sensitivity and appearance of the device.
Innovation Solution
A watch design where the solar cell and antenna are integrated into a single unit with a substrate, electrodes, and semiconductor layers, with the antenna positioned to avoid overlap with the solar cell, and a protective layer covering both, reducing the number of parts and improving assembly and reception sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solar cell and antenna are configured as separate parts, then the antenna can be positioned to avoid overlap with the solar cell, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the solar cell and antenna into a single integrated structure where the antenna is formed on the same substrate as the solar cell. The antenna pattern is created by configuring conductive patterns on the substrate that does not overlap with the solar cell active area, allowing both functions to coexist in one component rather than as separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural base for the solar cell, provides the conductive patterns for the antenna, and serves as the supporting structure for the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the solar cell and antenna are configured as separate parts, then each component can be optimized independently, but assembly becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The solar cell and antenna are manufactured together on the same substrate in a single production process. The conductive patterns for the antenna and the solar cell structures are formed simultaneously or in sequence on the same substrate, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps.
3Reliability
If the antenna is positioned to avoid overlap with the solar cell, then reception sensitivity is improved, but the available space for antenna placement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna pattern is created by utilizing the two-dimensional surface of the substrate in areas that do not overlap with the solar cell. By carefully designing the conductive pattern layout on the substrate surface, the antenna achieves sufficient area for effective operation while maintaining non-overlap with the solar cell active area.
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 integrated design simplifies assembly, reduces the number of parts, enhances reception sensitivity, and improves the appearance by minimizing color differences and interference, resulting in a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing device.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell disposed inside the case and including a substrate made of resin and having a surface, a power generating unit having, at the surface, a first electrode, a first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode stacked in order
Data Source
AI summary
A watch includes a case, and a solar cell disposed inside the case and including a substrate made of resin and having a surface, a power generating unit having, at the surface, a first electrode, a first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode that are stacked in order, a first antenna including a third electrode that is provided at the surface and that is disposed at a position not to overlap the power generating unit in a plan view viewed in a direction orthogonal to the surface, and a protective layer disposed covering the power generating unit and the first antenna.