Self-Powering Control Element with E-Paper Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy self-sufficient control elements for devices like lighting and HVAC systems lack the ability to provide information on the operating state, limiting their functionality and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a wireless communication system, a display for state representation, and an energy management system with both self-generated and stored energy sources, allowing for automatic status queries and feedback-driven display updates, utilizing e-paper displays for low-energy consumption and intuitive user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a self-powered control element is used to control a device, then energy autonomy is achieved, but the ability to display device operating state is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The control element proactively sends status queries to the controllable device at predetermined intervals before the user needs to check the state. This preliminary action ensures that when the user views the display, the information is already updated and ready, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption while maintaining information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the control element queries the device status, receives feedback information wirelessly, and updates the display accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the control element to autonomously maintain accurate state information without requiring continuous power, as updates only occur when new status information is received.
2Loss of information
If a display is added to show device state, then information representation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously updating the display, the system uses periodic status queries at predetermined intervals. The display is updated only when new status information is received from the device, rather than continuously refreshing. This periodic action significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to display current device state information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs e-paper display technology, which functions similarly to disposable low-cost displays. E-paper displays maintain their visual state without requiring continuous power, consuming energy only when the display content needs to be changed. This allows the display to remain visible and informative while using minimal energy, effectively treating the display as a low-cost, low-maintenance component.
3Loss of information
If automatic status queries are implemented, then device state monitoring is improved, but energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is programmed to send status queries at predetermined intervals automatically, before the user needs to check the device state. This preliminary action ensures information is ready when needed without requiring user-initiated actions that would consume additional energy. The timing and frequency of queries are optimized to balance information freshness with energy conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element autonomously manages the status query process without requiring user intervention. It automatically sends queries at predetermined intervals, receives feedback wirelessly, and updates the display without user input. This self-service capability reduces the energy that would otherwise be required for user interactions such as button presses or screen activations.
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 flexible and accurate representation of device states, reducing manual intervention and enhancing user interaction, while maintaining energy efficiency and autonomy.
Implementation Method 1
The first energy source (7) is preferably designed as a magneto-inductive and/or piezoelectric generator
Implementation Method 2
The first energy source (7) is preferably designed as a magneto-inductive and/or piezoelectric generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a control element (3, 13, 21, 25) for a controllable device (2), such as for a lamp, an air conditioner, devices for ventilation or heating, blinds, garage doors or similar, having communication means (6) for wireless transmission of control information to the device (2) and at least one energy source (7) which is designed such that, by operating or actuating the control element, energy is produced for an autonomous operation of the control element, wherein the control element furthermore has at least one display (4, 17, 16', 28) for depicting an operating status of the controllable device (2).