Patent Application: Keyboard Keys with Photovoltaic Panels

ChangeBridge: Patent Apps - Power Supply (H02J)

Published September 23rd, 2024

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

The USPTO has published a patent application (US20260086653A1) for keyboard keys featuring integrated photovoltaic panels designed to charge the keyboard battery using ambient light. The application was filed by Dell Products L.P. and includes provisions for key value markings and backlighting.

View original document View source feed page

What changed

This document is a patent application, not a regulatory rule or guidance. It describes an invention for keyboard keys that incorporate photovoltaic panels to generate electricity for charging the keyboard's battery. The design allows for key value markings to be visible through openings in the panels, with backlighting options for illumination. The patent application was filed by Dell Products L.P. and lists Peng Lip Goh and Deeder M. Aurongzeb as inventors.

As this is a patent application, there are no immediate compliance obligations or deadlines for regulated entities. However, companies involved in manufacturing computer peripherals or exploring energy-harvesting technologies may wish to review the application for potential intellectual property considerations or future product development insights. The application is currently in a draft stage, and its eventual grant could impact the landscape of keyboard and peripheral design.

Source document (simplified)

← USPTO Patent Applications

INFORMATION HANDLING SYSTEM KEYBOARD KEYS WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

Application US20260086653A1 Kind: A1 Mar 26, 2026

Assignee

Dell Products L.P.

Inventors

Peng Lip Goh, Deeder M. Aurongzeb

Abstract

An information handling system keyboard keys include a photovoltaic panel coupled to an outer surface that collects ambient light to generate a current that charges the keyboard battery. When the keyboard keys have a key value marking, the photovoltaic panel may have an opening to show the key value and allow illumination from a backlight below the keys to highlight the key value. The area covered by the photovoltaic panels and the battery size correspond to a projected use case and desired battery life.