Wireless Temperature Profiling Using Passive Transponders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature profiling systems for photovoltaic module manufacturing lack accuracy and flexibility due to the need for power sources and wired connections, limiting their ability to provide reliable data for process optimization and quality control.
Innovation Solution
A wireless temperature profiling system utilizing passive transponders with radio-frequency powered LC sensors and piezoelectric energy harvesters, which send temperature signals to readers without the need for power wires, allowing for accurate and flexible temperature measurement across photovoltaic substrates during manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wired temperature sensors with power sources are used, then temperature measurement can be performed, but the system lacks flexibility and accuracy due to power wire connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless electromagnetic field communication. Temperature data is transmitted via electromagnetic signals between the transponder and reader, eliminating physical power wires and mechanical connectors, thereby achieving both high measurement precision and system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive transponder harvests energy from the reader's electromagnetic field to power its temperature sensing and communication functions. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or batteries, enabling flexible placement while maintaining accurate temperature measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive transponders without power sources are used, then flexibility and accuracy are improved, but energy harvesting mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The passive transponder uses the electromagnetic field from the reader to harvest energy for its operation. This self-service energy harvesting approach allows the transponder to be placed flexibly without external power sources, while the energy requirement is met through the interaction with the reader's field.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field acts as an intermediary that serves dual purposes: it carries temperature data from the transponder to the reader and simultaneously provides energy to power the passive transponder's operations, resolving the energy requirement while maintaining flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless communication is implemented, then flexibility is improved, but radio-frequency powered sensors and energy harvesters are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function, energy harvesting mechanism, and wireless communication capability into a single integrated passive transponder device. This consolidation achieves wireless operation flexibility while managing device complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
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 system achieves higher accuracy and flexibility in temperature profiling, enabling reliable data for process optimization and quality control by eliminating the need for power sources and wired connections, thereby improving process control and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric energy harvester driving the transmitter
Implementation Method 2
a radio-frequency powered inductive-capacitive sensor (known as an 'LC sensor')
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless temperature profiling system and the methods of making it are disclosed. The wireless temperature profiling system can include a photovoltaic substrate, a transponder, and a reader.