Solar Charging Watch With NFC Vehicle Key Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices, such as watches and key fobs, are not powered by solar or moonlight energy, and lack integrated sensors for vehicle ignition activation, requiring separate devices and battery-powered solutions that need frequent recharging.

Innovation Solution

A solar-powered and moonlight-powered watch with integrated photovoltaic cells, cameras, communication chips, and sensors, combining watch and key fob functionalities into a single device with energy storage and transfer mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate battery-powered watches and key fobs are used, then device functionality is provided, but the number of devices to carry increases and batteries deplete requiring frequent recharging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate devices (watch, key fob, digital assistant) into a single integrated wearable device. The device incorporates watch functionality, key fob capabilities with NFC and RFID chips, and digital assistant features, eliminating the need to carry multiple separate devices while providing all required functions through unified hardware and software integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: timekeeping as a watch, contactless payment and vehicle access as a key fob, and voice-activated digital assistant capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace several specialized devices, reducing the quantity of devices needed while maintaining adaptability across different use cases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If battery-powered devices are used, then device operation is enabled, but battery power depletes requiring access to charging devices or outlets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice operationVSAvoidbattery power

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates solar cells that automatically convert sunlight into electrical energy to recharge the battery during normal wear. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for users to actively connect the device to external charging outlets, allowing the device to replenish its own power supply passively while being worn in daylight conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical charging system (requiring physical connection to outlets) with a photovoltaic energy conversion system. Solar cells convert light energy directly into electrical energy to charge the battery, substituting the need for grid-based electrical charging with a renewable energy source that operates autonomously based on environmental light conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional key fobs with keypads are used, then vehicle ignition and access functions are provided, but user interaction complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle control functionalityVSAvoiduser interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical keypad input systems with contactless communication technologies including NFC and RFID chips. These enable automatic vehicle recognition and authentication through proximity-based wireless communication, eliminating the need for physical button pressing or complex manual input sequences while maintaining secure vehicle access and control functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 a single device to perform both watch and key fob functions, reducing the need for multiple devices and providing continuous power through solar and moonlight energy, with integrated vehicle control and communication capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one photovoltaic cell for powering the rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12541177B2Solar energy charging watch and electronic key device and operating system thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 GALINDO JOSE

AI summary

A solar energy charging watch and electronic key device and operating system thereof includes a body having a watch face, at least one digital touchscreen display on the watch face, at least one camera on the watch face, a rechargeable battery, at least one of a Bluetooth chip, a Near Field Communication (NFC) chip, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The solar energy charging watch and electronic key device and operating system thereof further includes at least one photovoltaic cell for powering the rechargeable battery, a means for storing energy from the at least one photovoltaic cell, and a means for transferring energy from the at least one photovoltaic cell to the rechargeable battery.