Remote Control Energy Harvesting With PV Lens and Piezo Keys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote controls with energy harvesting features often compromise design aesthetics and efficiency, failing to seamlessly integrate energy harvesting components into the device's overall appearance and functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a light-based energy harvesting feature into the remote control design, utilizing a photovoltaic lens with a halftone dotted mask to blend into the device's casing, and integrating piezoelectric modules in hard keys to convert mechanical energy, along with RF harvesting from ambient signals, to enhance power generation while maintaining a sleek appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If energy harvesting components are added to the remote control, then power generation capability is improved, but device complexity and design aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple energy harvesting mechanisms (photovoltaic cells, piezoelectric elements, RF harvesting circuits) into a single integrated power generation system within the remote control device, merging previously separate functions into one unified architecture that reduces overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The remote control device is designed to perform multiple energy harvesting functions simultaneously - capturing light energy through photovoltaic cells, mechanical energy through piezoelectric elements in buttons, and electromagnetic energy through RF harvesting, making the device universally capable of harvesting various energy types to power its operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If energy harvesting components are added to the remote control, then power generation capability is improved, but design aesthetics worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoiddesign aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies energy harvesting components specifically in localized areas where they can be effectively integrated without compromising overall design - such as placing photovoltaic cells on specific surface areas and piezoelectric elements within button structures, rather than uniformly distributing them across the entire device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests energy harvesting components within existing structural elements of the remote control - embedding piezoelectric elements inside button assemblies and integrating photovoltaic cells into the housing surfaces, allowing energy harvesting functionality to be contained within the device's existing aesthetic form factor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If photovoltaic lens with halftone dotted mask is used, then light-based energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight-based energy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a halftone dotted mask on the photovoltaic lens that creates optical properties through patterns of varying density, allowing the lens to selectively transmit and absorb light wavelengths to maximize energy harvesting efficiency while maintaining visual aesthetic appeal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The photovoltaic lens is constructed as a composite structure combining transparent photovoltaic material with a halftone dotted mask layer, creating a multi-layer composite that enhances light absorption efficiency while the mask pattern allows for simplified manufacturing through conventional printing or coating techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution achieves efficient energy harvesting by maximizing light-based power generation and mechanical energy conversion, reducing device size, and ensuring a seamless integration of energy harvesting components into the remote control's design.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a light-based energy harvesting feature into the remote control design, utilizing a photovoltaic lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

integrating piezoelectric modules in hard keys to convert mechanical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

along with RF harvesting from ambient signals, to enhance power generation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy harvesting: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20260082729A1Controlling device having an energy harvesting feature

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A controlling device has at least a light-based energy harvesting system disposed within the controlling device housing. The light-based energy harvesting system is operative to supply power to at least one of a processing device and a transmitter of the controlling device. The light-based energy harvesting system includes s a substrate having a photovoltaic (PV) active area and a lens, separate from the substrate, disposed over the PV active area.