Methods and systems are provided for using energy harvesting modules as a means for providing energy to power an electrical load and/or as a means for monitoring an operational state of a component or components to which the energy harvesting module is coupled. In one example, a method includes, via a controller, monitoring an actual amount of energy generated by an energy harvesting module attached to a mounting structure that is used to secure a torque-supplying machine to a frame, comparing the actual amount to an expected amount, and indicating degradation of the mounting structure and/or the torque-supplying machine based on the comparing. In this way, the energy harvesting modules may both power electrical loads and simultaneously serve as a monitor for component degradation.

The invention relates to a remote switch (1) comprising a first wireless interface (2) for sending out switch commands. The remote switch (1) has a second wireless interface (3) arranged separate from the first wireless interface (2). The second wireless interface (3) is configured for the wireless transmission of information (19) between the remote switch (1) and an external device (12). The invention also relates to a method for communication between a remote switch (1) and an external device (12). The method involves creating a communication link between a wireless interface (3) of the remote switch (1) and a wireless interface (14) of the external device (12), as well as transmitting information (19) between the remote switch (1) and the external device (12) by means of the established communication link. This allows for simple configuration or maintenance of the remote switch (1) by means of the external device (12) according to the exchanged information (19).

A wireless control device includes a housing, a movable actuation element, an electronic control circuit including a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a control signal to an electrical device, an energy harvesting device configured to power the electronic control circuit, by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy when the movable actuation element is actuated, by delivering an output electrical voltage whose sign depends on the direction of movement of the transmission mechanism. The control circuit further includes a pulse detection circuit configured to identify the sign of the output electrical voltage and to store information representative of the sign of the output electrical voltage, the transmitter being further configured to include, in the control signal sent, the information representative of the sign of the output electrical voltage.

A waterproof passive wireless controller includes at least one waterproof assembly, at least one driver assembly, at least one power generator, at least one communication module, and at least one housing. The waterproof assembly and the housing form at least one waterproof chamber, wherein the power generator and the communication module are disposed in the waterproof chamber. In response to an external force applied on the driver assembly, the power generator is enclosed in a waterproof manner and is driven to actuate by the driver assembly to converts mechanical energy into electrical energy to power the communication module, such that the communication module is activated for sending out a control signal.

A remote control device for remotely controlling a toilet device is provided. The remote control device includes a casing, a power generation device, buttons, and a link mechanism. The casing forms a contour of the remote control device. The power generation device is housed in the casing and is capable of generating a power by being pressed. The buttons is provided on a surface of the casing and each is configured to activate a function of the toilet device. The link mechanism is configured to move so as to press the power generation device when one of the buttons is pressed. The buttons is supported on the casing by an elastic member so that, when one of the buttons is pressed to cause motion of the link mechanism, one other of the buttons not pressed is not affected by the motion of the link mechanism.

According to one embodiment, a remote control device for a toilet device includes an operation button and a power generator. The operation button is capable of a push operation and is configured to operate an equipment in response to the push operation. The power generator is configured to generate a power by being pressed in response to the push operation. A direction of the pressing is parallel to a wall surface on which the remote control device is placed.

A wireless transmitting device 1 using electric power supplied from a power generating element 100 which can generate the electric power by utilizing mechanical energy externally applied includes an electric storage element 3 for storing the electric power generated by the power generating element 100; and a wireless transmitting unit 4 for performing a wireless transmitting operation with using the electric power supplied from the electric storage element 3. The wireless transmitting unit 4 is capable of setting a power consumption amount consumed at one time of the wireless transmitting operation. The wireless transmitting device 1 is configured to set timing when the wireless transmitting unit 4 consumes the electric power and the power consumption amount of the wireless transmitting unit 4 according to electromotive force of the power generating element 100.

Remote control device comprising a generator (PVU) intended to convert light or mechanical energy to electrical energy, a wireless transmitter (RF) able to send messages to a remote receiver, a first electrical energy storage element (C1) connected to the energy generator (PVU) and intended to be charged with the electrical energy generated by the generator (PVU) in order to supply power to the wireless transmitter (RF) in a first operating mode of the control device, and a second electrical energy storage element (C2) intended to supply power to the wireless transmitter (RF) in a second operating mode. The second electrical energy storage element is connected to the generator (PVU) via parallel connection of a first resistor (R1) and a first diode (D1), the cathode of the first diode being connected to the positive terminal of the generator (PVU).

Embodiments include an implant and a method of operating the implant. The implant includes a receiver that receives first ultrasound signals emitted by an external transmitting unit of a further apparatus. The receiver includes a piezoelement, which is excited by the first ultrasound signals at a first resonance frequency (f1) and therefrom converts the mechanical energy transferred with the first ultrasound signals into electrical energy. In embodiments of the invention, the piezoelement is additionally excited at a second resonance frequency (f2), which differs from the first resonance frequency (f1), and at the second resonance frequency (f2) operates as a transmitter to transmit second ultrasound signals.

Methods and systems are provided for using energy harvesting modules as a means for providing energy to power an electrical load and/or as a means for monitoring an operational state of a component or components to which the energy harvesting module is coupled. In one example, a method includes, via a controller, monitoring an actual amount of energy generated by an energy harvesting module attached to a mounting structure that is used to secure a torque-supplying machine to a frame, comparing the actual amount to an expected amount, and indicating degradation of the mounting structure and/or the torque-supplying machine based on the comparing. In this way, the energy harvesting modules may both power electrical loads and simultaneously serve as a monitor for component degradation.