Ion current type underwater piezoelectric conversion device and method

Abstract

The present invention provides an ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device and method. The device of the present invention comprises: a plastic hose with openings at both ends, a pair of metal electrodes and a signal transmission cable. The plastic hose is made of an insulating elastic material and directly bears pressure. Under the action of pressure, it will undergo elastic deformation, causing the inner surface area of ​​the plastic hose to change; at the same time, the double electric layer area on the inner surface of the plastic hose changes, and the ions in the water inside the hose will enter the newly formed double electric layer, forming an ion current in the process, and the current signal is transmitted to the current detection device through the electrodes and the signal transmission cable. The current size is proportional to the pressure size of the plastic hose. The present invention realizes piezoelectric conversion based on the generation of ion current by charging and discharging the double electric layer at the solid-liquid interface, does not require additional power supply, and is suitable for underwater use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of piezoelectric technology, and in particular to an ionic current type underwater piezoelectric conversion device and method. Background Art

[0002] The ocean is the origin of human life, and it supports the sustainable development of mankind with its rich water resources, mineral resources and biological resources. With the continuous development of science and technology, people's exploration of marine resources has gradually turned to the deep sea. Deep-sea exploration is a strategic way and an important means for mankind to achieve sustainable development at this stage. However, the deep-sea environment is harsh, especially the huge water pressure, which far exceeds the detection range of pressure sensors based on the traditional piezoresistive working principle, making it difficult to measure dynamic pressure in the deep sea. In order to accelerate the process of developing and utilizing deep-sea resources, it is urgent to develop a dynamic pressure sensor suitable for the deep sea.

[0003] The working principles of pressure sensors are mainly piezoresistive and piezoelectric. Piezoresistive sensors are based on the piezoresistive effect and use materials with piezoresistive properties to measure pressure. In practical applications, they have a certain working range. The huge static pressure in the deep sea has far exceeded the measurement range of piezoresistive sensors, making these sensors unable to measure dynamic pressure. Piezoelectric pressure sensors measure dynamic pressure based on the piezoelectric conversion principle. The traditional piezoelectric conversion method uses certain dielectrics (piezoelectric crystals, piezoelectric ceramics, etc.) to achieve piezoelectric conversion when they are deformed (including bending and stretching deformation) by external forces in a certain direction. Due to the internal charge polarization, charges are generated on the surface. When this method is used in the deep sea, the static pressure will also exceed the sensing range of the piezoelectric material. Therefore, a piezoelectric conversion method and device that can be used for pressure sensing in the deep sea is meaningful. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the current piezoelectric conversion technology in the field of deep-sea pressure sensing, an ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device and method are provided. The present invention realizes piezoelectric conversion based on the solid-liquid interface double electric layer charging and discharging to generate ion current, does not require additional power supply, and is suitable for underwater use.

[0005] The technical means adopted by the present invention are as follows:

[0006] An ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device comprises: a plastic hose, a metal electrode, a signal transmission cable and an electrode support structure; wherein:

[0007] Open holes are provided at both ends of the plastic hose to ensure that water inside and outside the hose is connected. One end of the metal electrode is arranged at the open holes at both ends of the plastic hose through an electrode support structure, and the metal electrode does not directly contact the plastic hose, but contacts the water in the plastic hose. The other end of the metal electrode is connected to a signal transmission cable, and both ends of the signal transmission cable are connected to a current detection device.

[0008] When the plastic hose is filled with environmental solution, specific ion adsorption will occur at the solid-liquid interface, thus forming a double layer, storing a certain amount of charge and having a certain potential, namely the zeta potential; the size of the zeta potential is related to the solid-liquid phases in contact. When the solid and liquid phases do not change, the number of charges in the double layer is proportional to the area of ​​the solid-liquid interface; when the plastic hose is deformed under the action of external force, the contact area of ​​the solid-liquid interface changes, and the ions in the solution will move in a directed manner, entering or flowing out of the solid-liquid interface double layer, forming an ion current, and the position difference of the compressed position relative to the two electrodes will generate a potential between the two electrodes, thereby forming a current in the channel, and the current is transmitted through the electrodes through the transmission cable to complete the piezoelectric conversion process.

[0009] Furthermore, the plastic hose is selected according to the form and size of the measured pressure to ensure that the deformation of the plastic hose under the measured pressure is within the elastic limit; it is preferably made of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer TPE material, with a length of 5 cm, an inner diameter of 3 mm, and an outer diameter of 5 mm.

[0010] Furthermore, the signal transmission cable comprises oxygen-free copper conductors, and the outer layer of the signal transmission cable is shielded by oxygen-free copper braided mesh and aluminum foil in addition to being protected by insulating materials.

[0011] Furthermore, the electrode support structure is a cross-shaped structure with a hole in the center, made of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer TPE material, and is glued to the open holes at both ends of the plastic hose using waterproof glue. The shielded signal transmission cable is inserted into the center hole to fix the metal electrode at the open hole.

[0012] The present invention also provides an ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion method based on the above-mentioned ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device, comprising:

[0013] Double electrical layer formation: Place the plastic hose in water. Water enters the plastic hose through the open holes and contacts the inner surface of the plastic hose to spontaneously form a double electrical layer.

[0014] Stable plastic hose: When the inside of the plastic hose is filled with water, it can balance the static pressure of deep water and maintain the stability of the plastic hose without external pressure;

[0015] Realize piezoelectric conversion: When the plastic hose is subjected to external force, it undergoes elastic deformation under the action of the force, and its shape changes to form a plastic hose under pressure. The solid-liquid contact interface area changes. In order to maintain the stability of the double electric layer, the ions in the solution will move in a directional manner, entering or flowing out of the solid-liquid interface double electric layer, forming an ion current. The difference in the compressed position relative to the position of the two metal electrodes causes an electric potential to be generated between the two electrodes in the plastic hose, forming a current, which is transmitted to the current detection device through the metal electrodes and the signal transmission cable to complete the piezoelectric conversion process. The magnitude of the current is related to the change in the solid-liquid contact area. The greater the pressure on the plastic hose, the greater the deformation, the greater the change in the surface area in the plastic hose, and the greater the current generated.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0017] 1. The present invention realizes piezoelectric conversion based on the double electric layer principle rather than the piezoelectric properties of the material itself, so it is more flexible in material selection and can flexibly select materials according to different pressure ranges to achieve better piezoelectric conversion effect.

[0018] 2. The present invention realizes piezoelectric conversion based on the double electric layer principle. The double electric layer can be spontaneously formed at the solid-liquid interface without the need for external power supply, and piezoelectric conversion can be realized under passive conditions.

[0019] 3. The present invention realizes piezoelectric conversion through a plastic hose with a protective hole. The protective hole allows the inside and outside of the plastic hose to be filled with environmental water, which can effectively eliminate the influence of deep-water static pressure and is also applicable in the deep sea.

[0020] 4. The principle of the present invention is simple and the device is extremely small and light, making it easy to deploy.

[0021] Based on the above reasons, the present invention can be widely promoted in the fields of piezoelectric technology and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of the ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion method of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3The figure is a schematic diagram showing the principle of the conversion mode of the plastic hose under pressure in the ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device of the present invention.

[0026] In the figure: 1. first metal electrode; 2. water body; 3. plastic hose; 4. open hole; 5. signal transmission cable; 6. current detection device; 7. double electric layer; 8. pressure position and direction; 9. second metal electrode; 10. electrode support structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0028] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit exemplary embodiments according to the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps described in these embodiments, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be clear that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. The technology, methods and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant field may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be regarded as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, so once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it is necessary to understand that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention: the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contours of each component itself.

[0032] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship between a device or feature and other devices or features as shown in the figure. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figure. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below their position devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0033] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. If not otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the present invention provides an ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device, comprising: a plastic hose 3, a first metal electrode 1, a second metal electrode 9, a signal transmission cable 5 and an electrode support structure 10; wherein:

[0035] Open holes 4 are provided at both ends of the plastic hose 3 to ensure that water inside and outside the plastic hose 3 are connected. One end of the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 are respectively arranged at the open holes 4 at both ends of the plastic hose 3 through the electrode support structure 10, and the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 are not directly in contact with the plastic hose 3, but in contact with the water body 2 in the plastic hose 3. The other ends of the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 are connected to the signal transmission cable 5, and the two ends of the signal transmission cable 5 are connected to the current detection device 6;

[0036] When the plastic hose 3 is filled with environmental solution, specific ion adsorption will occur at the solid-liquid interface, thereby forming a double electric layer 7, storing a certain amount of charge and having a certain potential, namely zeta potential; the magnitude of zeta potential is related to the solid-liquid two phases in contact, and when the solid-liquid phase does not change, the amount of charge in the double electric layer 7 is proportional to the area of ​​the solid-liquid interface; when the plastic hose 3 is deformed under the action of external force, the contact area of ​​the solid-liquid interface changes, and the ions in the solution will move in a directional manner, enter or flow out of the solid-liquid interface double electric layer 7, forming an ion current, and the position difference of the compressed position relative to the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 will generate a potential between the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9, thereby forming a current in the channel, and the current is transmitted through the electrodes through the signal transmission cable 5 to complete the piezoelectric conversion process. The magnitude of the ion current is related to the change in the solid-liquid area. The greater the area change, the stronger the ion current generated.

[0037] In specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plastic hose 3 is selected according to the form and size of the measured pressure to ensure that the deformation of the plastic hose 3 under the measured pressure is within the elastic limit; it is preferably made of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer TPE material, with a length of 5 cm, an inner diameter of 3 mm, and an outer diameter of 5 mm.

[0038] In specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 include platinum wire electrodes with a diameter of 0.5 mm and a length of 5 mm.

[0039] In specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the signal transmission cable 5 includes oxygen-free copper wires, and the outer layer of the signal transmission cable 5 is shielded by oxygen-free copper braided mesh and aluminum foil in addition to being protected by insulating materials.

[0040] In specific implementation, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrode support structure 10 is a cross-shaped structure with a hole in the center, made of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer TPE material, and is glued to the open holes 4 at both ends of the plastic hose 3 using waterproof glue. The shielded signal transmission cable 5 is inserted into the center hole to fix the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 at the open hole 4.

[0041] The present invention also provides an ion current type underwater piezoelectric conversion method based on the above-mentioned ion current type underwater piezoelectric conversion device, comprising:

[0042] Double electric layer 7 is formed: the plastic hose 3 is placed in the water body 2, and the water enters the plastic hose 3 through the open hole 4 and contacts with the inner surface of the plastic hose 3 to spontaneously form a double electric layer 7;

[0043] Stable plastic hose: After the inside of the plastic hose 3 is filled with water, it can balance the static pressure of deep water and maintain the stability of the plastic hose 3 without being subjected to external pressure;

[0044] Realize piezoelectric conversion: When the plastic hose 3 is subjected to the external force 8, the plastic hose 3 undergoes elastic deformation under the action of the force, and the shape changes to form the plastic hose 3 under pressure. The solid-liquid contact interface area changes. In order to maintain the stability of the double electric layer 7, the ions in the solution will move in a directional manner, enter or flow out of the solid-liquid interface double electric layer, and form an ion current. The difference in the position of the compressed position relative to the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 causes an electric potential to be generated between the two electrodes in the plastic hose 3, forming a current, which is transmitted to the current detection device 6 through the first metal electrode 1 and the signal transmission cable 5 to complete the piezoelectric conversion process; the magnitude of the current is related to the change in the solid-liquid contact area. The greater the pressure on the plastic hose 3, the greater the deformation, the greater the change in the surface area of ​​the plastic hose 3, and the greater the current generated.

[0045] The present invention also provides a use process based on the above-mentioned ion current type underwater piezoelectric conversion device, as follows:

[0046] S1. Place the plastic hose 3 with both ends open in water. Water enters the plastic hose 3 through the open holes 4 at both ends of the plastic hose 3 and contacts the inner surface of the plastic hose 3, spontaneously forming a double electrical layer 7.

[0047] S2. When the plastic hose 3 is filled with water, the pressure inside and outside the plastic hose 3 is balanced, and the structure of the plastic hose 3 remains stable;

[0048] S3, when the plastic hose 3 is subjected to pressure, the plastic hose 3 is deformed, and the solid-liquid contact interface area in the plastic hose 3 changes. In order to keep the double electric layer 7 stable, the ions in the solution will move in a directional manner, enter or flow out of the solid-liquid interface double electric layer, and form an ion current;

[0049] S4, the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 at both ends of the plastic hose 3 are fixed to the open holes 4 at both ends of the plastic hose 3 by the electrode support structure 10, ensuring that the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 are not directly connected to the plastic hose 3;

[0050] S5. The difference in the position of the pressure-bearing position relative to the first metal electrode 1 and the second metal electrode 9 causes an electric potential to be generated between the two electrodes in the plastic hose 3, forming a current, which is transmitted to the current detection device 6 through the first metal electrode 1 and the signal transmission cable 5, completing the piezoelectric conversion process.

[0051] The working principle of the present invention is:

[0052] When the plastic hose 3 is filled with environmental solution, specific ion adsorption will occur at the solid-liquid interface, thereby forming a double electric layer 7, which stores a certain amount of charge and has a certain potential. The amount of charge in the double electric layer 7 is proportional to the area of ​​the solid-liquid interface. When the plastic hose 3 is deformed under the action of the external force 8, the contact area of ​​the solid-liquid interface changes, and the ions in the solution will move in a directional manner, enter (or flow out of) the solid-liquid interface double electric layer, and charge and discharge will occur, thereby forming an ion current in the channel. The position difference of the compressed position relative to the two electrodes generates a potential between the two electrodes, forming a current, and completing the piezoelectric conversion process. The magnitude of the current is related to the change in the solid-liquid area. The greater the area change, the stronger the current generated.

[0053] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device, characterized in that: include: A plastic hose, a pair of metal electrodes, a signal transmission cable and an electrode support structure; wherein: Open holes are provided at both ends of the plastic hose to ensure that water inside and outside the plastic hose are connected. One end of the metal electrode is arranged at the open holes at both ends of the plastic hose through an electrode support structure, and the metal electrode does not directly contact the plastic hose, but contacts the water in the plastic hose. The other end of the metal electrode is connected to a signal transmission cable, and both ends of the signal transmission cable are connected to a current detection device. When the plastic hose is filled with environmental solution, specific ion adsorption will occur at the solid-liquid interface, thus forming a double layer, storing a certain amount of charge and having a certain potential, namely the zeta potential; the size of the zeta potential is related to the solid-liquid phases in contact. When the solid and liquid phases do not change, the number of charges in the double layer is proportional to the area of ​​the solid-liquid interface; when the plastic hose is deformed under the action of external force, the contact area of ​​the solid-liquid interface changes, and the ions in the solution will move in a directed manner, entering or flowing out of the solid-liquid interface double layer, forming an ion current, and the position difference of the compressed position relative to the two electrodes will generate a potential between the two electrodes, thereby forming a current in the channel, and the current is transmitted through the electrodes through the transmission cable to complete the piezoelectric conversion process.

2. The ionic current underwater piezoelectric converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plastic hose is selected according to the form and size of the measured pressure to ensure that the deformation of the plastic hose under the measured pressure is within the elastic limit; it is made of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer TPE material, with a length of 5 cm, an inner diameter of 3 mm, and an outer diameter of 5 mm.

3. The ionic current underwater piezoelectric converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal transmission cable comprises oxygen-free copper conductors. In addition to being protected by insulating materials, the outer layer of the signal transmission cable also requires oxygen-free copper braided mesh and aluminum foil for shielding.

4. The ionic current type underwater piezoelectric converter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode support structure is a cross-shaped structure with a hole in the center, made of polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer TPE material, and is glued to the open openings at both ends of the plastic hose using waterproof glue. The shielded signal transmission cable is inserted into the center hole to fix the metal electrode at the open opening.

5. An ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion method based on the ion current underwater piezoelectric conversion device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: include: Double electrical layer formation: Place the plastic hose in water, and the water enters the plastic hose through the open holes and contacts the inner surface of the plastic hose to spontaneously form a double electrical layer; Stable plastic hose: When the inside of the plastic hose is filled with water, it can balance the static pressure of deep water and maintain the stability of the plastic hose without external pressure; Realize piezoelectric conversion: When the plastic hose is subjected to external force, it undergoes elastic deformation under the action of the force, and its shape changes to form a plastic hose under pressure. The solid-liquid contact interface area changes, and the ions in the solution will move in a directional manner, entering or flowing out of the solid-liquid interface double layer to form an ion current. The difference in the compressed position relative to the position of the two metal electrodes causes an electric potential to be generated between the two electrodes in the plastic hose, forming a current, which is transmitted to the current detection device through the metal electrodes and the signal transmission cable to complete the piezoelectric conversion process. The magnitude of the current is related to the change in the solid-liquid contact area. The greater the pressure on the plastic hose, the greater the deformation, the greater the change in the surface area in the plastic hose, and the greater the current generated.

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