A new Apple patent awarded by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today covers the integration of a solar panel with a flexible touchscreen display in a mobile device.
AppleInsider reports that the new patent is a variation on patent No. 8,730,179, which primarily applies to display-less, touch-capable devices, limiting its functionality in contemporary mobile devices. While both patent applications were filed at the same time, this version took more time to work its way through the approval maze.
The patent describes a way to stack solar cells between touch sensors within a display to create a charging system to replenish the device’s battery. The method applies to both glass-covered and flexible plastic displays.
While this solar charging method will likely not serve as the main power source for future Apple devices, it could be used to improve the battery life of such devices.
(Via MacRumors)
