IP Library Granted Patent US 12,261,238
Granted Patent B2
US 12,261,238 · App. 18/376,922 · Granted Mar 25, 2025

Controlling device having an energy harvesting feature

Inventors: Rex Xu (Foothill Ranch, CA); Ara Gharapetian (Porter Ranch, CA)
Assignee: Universal Electronics Inc.
H01L31/0543H02J7/35
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,261,238
App. No.
18/376,922
Granted
Mar 25, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

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.

Claims (20)

1. A controlling device, comprising:

a housing;

a processing device;

a user input coupled to the processing device;

a transmitter coupled to the processing device wherein the processing device causes the transmitter to send commands responsive to select user interactions with the user input;

a power store for providing power to the transmitter and the processing device; and

at least a light-based energy harvesting system disposed within the housing and coupled to the power store;

wherein the light-based energy harvesting system comprises a substrate having a photovoltaic (PV) active area and a lens, separate from the substrate, comprising a plurality of reverse pyramids disposed over the PV active area.

2. The controlling device as recited in claim 1 , wherein the user input comprises a depressible, physical key and the controlling device further comprises a piezoelectric capture module associated with the depressible, physical key and coupled to the power store.

3. The controlling device as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a radio frequency harvesting module coupled to the power store.

4. A controlling device, comprising:

a housing;

a processing device;

a user input coupled to the processing device;

a transmitter coupled to the processing device wherein the processing device causes the transmitter to send commands responsive to select user interactions with the user input;

a power store for providing power to the transmitter and the processing device; and

at least a light-based energy harvesting system disposed within the housing and coupled to the power store;

wherein the light-based energy harvesting system comprises a substrate having a photovoltaic (PV) active area and a lens, separate from the substrate, comprising a plurality of reverse cones disposed over the PV active area.

5. The controlling device as recited in claim 4 , wherein the user input comprises a depressible, physical key and the controlling device further comprises a piezoelectric capture module associated with the depressible, physical key and coupled to the power store.

6. The controlling device as recited in claim 4 , further comprising a radio frequency harvesting module coupled to the power store.

Assignments (2)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 15, 2024
From: UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
To: U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Reel/Frame 067417/0402 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 5, 2023
From: XU, REX; GHARAPETIAN, ARA
To: UNIVERSAL ELECTRONICS INC.
Reel/Frame 065133/0360 →