Angle-adjustable electric ear tag for animals

Abstract

The present invention discloses an angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals, comprising a main body shell and a fixed plate. The fixed plate and the main body shell are connected via an angle adjustment structure. The angle adjustment structure comprises a rotating seat provided on the main body shell, wherein a rotating cavity is provided in the rotating seat, and the rotating cavity has a plurality of bayonet holes spaced apart along the circumference. The angle adjustment structure also comprises a rotating head provided on the fixed plate and extending into the rotating cavity, wherein the rotating head is provided with a buckle that can be rotated and switched between the bayonet holes. The fixed plate and the main body shell are connected by the angle adjustment structure. When applied to a specific animal, the performance at different angles is detected after adjusting the angle, and the contact conditions of the friction nano-power generation unit are optimized, so that the friction nano-power generation unit always maintains the optimal angle during use. This dynamic adjustment mechanism significantly improves the energy capture efficiency in order to maximize the generation of friction charges.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of ear tags, in particular to an angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals. Background Art

[0002] Animal ear tags are not only essential tools for animal identification but also play a crucial role in recording and managing animal health, production performance, and genetic information. Ear tags allow farmers and managers to easily track an animal's growth, monitor its health, and track its historical data. Ear tags are often equipped with wireless communication modules that transmit real-time data to a central database, enabling managers to quickly access information and make timely decisions. Traditional ear tags rely on batteries for power, but battery replacement and maintenance not only increase operating costs but can also place a burden on the environment. Batteries have a limited lifespan and require regular replacement, making battery management and replacement more complex and tedious, and increasing the workload of operators.

[0003] For example, the utility model with authorization publication number CN221198723U discloses an ear tag-type temperature monitoring device for pig breeding, which allows for remote temperature monitoring of pigs. While this device offers high installation efficiency and accurate monitoring, battery management and replacement become increasingly complex and tedious as the number of devices increases. Battery replacement and maintenance not only increases operating costs but also poses a potential environmental burden.

[0004] Therefore, finding a reliable and sustainable energy supply solution has become an important direction for the development of current ear tag technology.

[0005] For example, the utility model with authorization announcement number CN217850788U discloses an embedded animal ear tag device, including a shell, on which a rotating mechanism is provided; the rotating mechanism is fixedly connected to a magnetic induction power generation mechanism; the outside of the shell is fixedly connected to an electronic ink display screen; the inside of the shell is fixedly connected to an electronic device mechanism; the shell is fixedly connected to a mounting shell; the mounting shell is provided with an insertion rod mechanism and a limit bolt, and the limit bolt is threadedly connected to the mounting shell. The utility model can realize rotation after being placed on the animal's ear by setting a rotating mechanism, and can realize power supply in combination with the magnetic induction power generation mechanism, thereby powering the energy storage system to prevent the ear tag function from failing due to power shortage.

[0006] A triboelectric nanogenerator (TGN) is a device that generates electricity through friction or contact, and it can harvest energy from the daily movements of ear tags. This generator operates based on the triboelectric effect, whereby charges are generated on the surfaces of two dissimilar materials as they come into contact and separate, generating an electric current. TGNs offer advantages such as high efficiency, low cost, and environmental friendliness, enabling them to continuously generate electricity in dynamic environments. Since animals are constantly moving and rubbing against each other during their daily activities, this provides a continuous source of energy for the TGN. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides an angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals.

[0008] An angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals, comprising a main body shell, a fixing plate provided on one side of the main body shell, one end of the fixing plate being connected to the main body shell, and the other end of the fixing plate being provided with a fixing hole for fixing to an animal;

[0009] The fixing plate and the main body shell are connected by an angle adjustment structure, and the angle adjustment structure includes a rotating seat provided on the main body shell, a rotating cavity provided in the rotating seat, and a plurality of bayonet holes distributed along the circumferential direction; the angle adjustment structure also includes a rotating head provided on the fixing plate and extending into the rotating cavity, and the rotating head is provided with a buckle that can be rotated and switched between the bayonet holes; the angle adjustment structure is also provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the angle between the rotating head and the rotating cavity;

[0010] The main body shell is provided with a plurality of friction nano-power generation units and a power management module, wherein the power management module includes a battery for storing the electricity generated by the friction nano-power generation units;

[0011] When in use, first install the buckle of the rotating head and multiple animal power-generating ear tags with different bayonets on the animals of the species to be used, detect the energy collection situation respectively, and select the optimal installation angle of the rotating head and the rotating cavity for subsequent use.

[0012] Preferably, the main shell is a sheet-like structure as a whole and has a housing cavity for accommodating the friction nano-power generation unit and the power management module; the main shell is opened on both sides in the thickness direction and is provided with a cover.

[0013] More preferably, the projected shape of the accommodating cavity is a rectangle.

[0014] Preferably, the friction nano-power generation unit is arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating cavity.

[0015] More preferably, the friction nano-power generation unit includes a plurality of friction nano-power generation units, and each of the friction nano-power generation units is arranged side by side along the axial direction of the rotating chamber.

[0016] The axial direction of the fixing hole on the fixing plate is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of each friction nanometer power generation unit and the axial direction of a single friction nanometer power generation unit.

[0017] Further preferably, the friction nano power generation unit includes a power generation cavity, wherein the power generation cavity has two electrode layers, the two electrode layers are respectively located at one end of the power generation cavity and there is a gap between the two electrode layers;

[0018] The friction nano-power generation unit further includes a friction ball placed in the power generation chamber and rolling on the electrode layer to generate frictional electricity.

[0019] Further preferably, the electrode layer is provided on at least one of the bottom surface, side surface and top surface of the power generation cavity.

[0020] Further preferably, the material of the electrode layer is at least one of carbon nanotubes, conductive polymers, metal films and conductive oxides;

[0021] The friction ball is made of a negatively charged material, and the negatively charged material is at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polydimethylsiloxane, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl fluoride, epoxy resin, polystyrene and polycarbonate.

[0022] Preferably, the angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals further comprises a sensor for monitoring the physiological state of the animal, and a Bluetooth module for transmitting the monitored data via Bluetooth;

[0023] The power management module is located on one side of the accommodating cavity, and the sensor and the Bluetooth module are located on the side where the power management module is located.

[0024] Preferably, the angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag further comprises a fixing pin for cooperating with the fixing hole to fix the angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag to the animal.

[0025] The power-generating ear tag of the present invention can be used for farmed animals such as pigs, cattle, and sheep.

[0026] The present invention's adjustable-angle animal power-generating ear tag connects a fixed plate to the main housing via an angle adjustment mechanism. When used on a specific animal, the angle is adjusted and performance at different angles is measured to optimize the contact conditions of the triboelectric nanogenerator unit, ensuring it maintains the optimal angle during use. This maximizes triboelectric charge generation. This dynamic adjustment mechanism significantly improves energy capture efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 The figure is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 The figure is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 The figure is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of the friction nano power generation unit of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a cover plate used to cover a friction nano power generation unit according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the angle adjustment structure.

[0033] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the top view of the angle adjustment structure.

[0034] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the top view of the rotating seat.

[0035] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the rotating head.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the top view structure after the angle of the angle adjustment structure is fixed.

[0037] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the top view of the locking block.

[0038] Figure 12 The figure is a schematic diagram of the power generation circuit structure of the angle-adjustable power generating ear tag for animals according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 13 The output voltage (left) and current (right) diagrams of the present invention at different rotation angles.

[0040] Reference numerals:

[0041] Main housing 1, accommodating cavity 11, first cover plate 12, second electrode layer 121, spacer 122, second cover plate 13,

[0042] Fixed plate 2, fixed hole 21,

[0043] Angle adjustment structure 3, rotating seat 31, rotating cavity 32, bayonet 33, rotating head 34, buckle 35, cover 36, locking block 37,

[0044] The friction nano-power generation unit 4 includes a power generation chamber 41 , a first electrode layer 42 , friction balls 43 , and a spacer 44 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown, an angle-adjustable electric ear tag for animals includes a main shell 1, a fixing plate 2 is provided on one side of the main shell 1, one end of the fixing plate 2 is connected to the main shell 1, and the other end is provided with a fixing hole 21 for fixing to the animal.

[0046] The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag of the present invention may further include a fixing pin for engaging with the fixing hole 21 to fix the angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag to the animal. The power-generating ear tag of the present invention can be used for farmed animals such as pigs, cattle, and sheep.

[0047] like Figures 6-9 As shown, the fixing plate 2 and the main shell 1 are connected through an angle adjustment structure 3. The angle adjustment structure 3 includes a rotating seat 31 provided on the main shell 1. A rotating cavity 32 is provided in the rotating seat 31. The rotating cavity 32 has a plurality of bayonet holes 33 distributed at intervals along the circumferential direction. The figure shows four bayonet holes 33 distributed in a cross shape.

[0048] The angle adjustment structure 3 further includes a rotating head 34 provided on the fixing plate 2 and extending into the rotating cavity 32. The rotating head 34 is provided with a buckle 35 that can be rotated and switched between the bayonet 33. The buckle 35 includes two buckles 35, which are provided side by side at the end of the rotating head 34.

[0049] The side wall of the rotating cavity 32 between the two bayonet holes 33 protrudes toward the middle of the rotating cavity 32 to form a cylindrical structure. The cross section of the cylindrical structure is an arc-shaped part of the side wall of the rotating cavity 32. The distance between the two opposing cylindrical structures is slightly larger than the length between the two buckles 35 facing away from each other, so that the rotating head 34 can rotate freely in the rotating cavity 32. However, due to the positioning of the cylindrical structure, the rotating head 34 can easily rotate to the angle when the buckle 35 falls into the bayonet hole 33. The angle adjustment structure 3 can change the angle of the ear tag in units of 45 degrees to ensure efficient energy collection efficiency. Figures 1-3 In the structure shown in , the surface where the length and width of the main shell 1 are located is perpendicular to the axial direction of the fixing hole 21. At this time, the angle of the rotating head 34 relative to the rotating cavity 32 can be set to 0°. Similarly, at 90° and 180°, the surface where the length and width of the main shell 1 are located is also perpendicular to the axial direction of the fixing hole 21, and at 45° and 135°, the surface where the length and width of the main shell 1 are located is also parallel to the axial direction of the fixing hole 21.

[0050] The angle adjustment structure 3 is also provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the angle between the rotating head 34 and the rotating cavity 32. The locking mechanism is a locking block 37 that is inserted into the bayonet 33. Figures 10-11As shown, the locking block 37 is locked in the bayonet 33 where the buckle 35 is located, so that the rotating head 34 can no longer rotate freely, and the angle of the rotating head 34 relative to the rotating cavity 32 is fixed.

[0051] When in use, first install multiple animal power-generating ear tags that match the buckle 35 of the rotating head 34 with different bayonets 33 on the animals of the species to be used, detect the energy collection conditions respectively, and select the optimal installation angle of the rotating head 34 and the rotating cavity 32 for subsequent use.

[0052] The top surface of the rotating base 31 is open, and a cover plate 36 is provided at the opening to seal the rotating chamber 32. The cover plate 36 has a through-hole for the rotating head 34 to pass through. The rotating head 34 passes through the through-hole but is not fixed to the sidewall of the through-hole, allowing the rotating head 34 and the cover plate 36 to rotate freely relative to each other. The overall size of the two clips 35 prevents them from being removed from the through-hole of the cover plate 36, so the two clips 35 can only rotate within the rotating chamber 32.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the main housing 1 is a sheet-like structure with a housing cavity 11. Both sides of the main housing 1 are open in the thickness direction and are equipped with covers (a first cover 12 and a second cover 13). The housing cavity 11 within the main housing 1 is rectangular in shape, meaning that the entire cavity 11 is a flat cuboid. Multiple triboelectric nano-electrical power generation units 4 and a power management module are housed within the cavity 11.

[0054] The triboelectric nanometer power generation units 4 are arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating chamber 32. Each triboelectric nanometer power generation unit is a long columnar structure, and the triboelectric nanometer power generation units 4 are arranged side by side along the axial direction of the rotating chamber 32. The axial direction of the fixing hole 21 on the fixing plate 2 is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the triboelectric nanometer power generation units 4 and the axial direction of each triboelectric nanometer power generation unit 4.

[0055] The triboelectric nano-power generation unit 4 collects energy by sliding friction. Two contacting friction surfaces include negatively charged materials and electrode layers, one of which is a charge generating surface and the other is a charge receiving surface.

[0056] Each friction nano-power generation unit 4 includes a power generation chamber 41. The bottom surface and four side walls of the power generation chamber 41 can be prepared as a whole and then assembled into the accommodating chamber 11, or can be directly prepared as a whole with the main shell 1 in the accommodating chamber 11.

[0057] The power generation chamber 41 contains two first electrode layers 42, one located at each end of the chamber, with a gap 44 between them. The first electrode layer 42 is located on at least one of the bottom, side, and top surfaces of the chamber 41. In the structure shown in the figure, in addition to the first electrode layer 42 on the bottom surface, an electrode layer is also located on the top surface (i.e., the inner side of the cover plate on one side of the chamber 41).

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, one side of the accommodating cavity 11 is the first cover plate 12 , and the other side is the second cover plate 13 , while the power generation cavity 41 is opened toward one side of the first cover plate 12 , and the inner side surface of the first cover plate 12 serves as the top surface of the power generation cavity 41 . Figure 5 As shown, two second electrode layers 121 are provided on the inner side of the first cover plate 12, with a gap 122 between the two second electrode layers 121. For ease of preparation, the second electrode layers 121 corresponding to the respective triboelectric nano-power generation units 4 on the same side of the first cover plate 12 are connected into one piece.

[0059] The triboelectric nanometer power generation unit 4 further includes a friction ball 43 placed in the power generation chamber 41 and configured to generate power by rolling friction on the first electrode layer 42. A plurality of friction balls 43 are provided in each power generation chamber 41.

[0060] The electrode layers (including the first electrode layer 42 and the second electrode layer 121) are made of at least one of carbon nanotubes, a conductive polymer, a metal film, and a conductive oxide. The metal film can be copper foil or copper film. The thickness of the electrode layers ranges from 1 μm to 0.5 mm. The spacing between the electrode layers is 0.5 to 2 times the diameter of the friction ball 43.

[0061] The friction ball 43 is made of a negatively charged material, and the negatively charged material is at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polydimethylsiloxane, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl fluoride, epoxy resin, polystyrene and polycarbonate.

[0062] Each triboelectric nano-power generation unit 4 is connected in series or parallel. The triboelectric nano-power generation unit 4 uses the combined principles of triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction to collect the mechanical energy generated by the animal's ear swinging. The negatively charged material can generate mechanical motion on the electrode surface as the animal's ear swings.

[0063] like Figure 12As shown, the electrical energy generated by the tribo-nano power generation unit 4 is stored in the power management module through the rectifier circuit. The power management module provided in the accommodating chamber 11 includes a battery for storing the electricity generated by the tribo-nano power generation unit 4. In this application, the rectifier circuit and the power management module can directly use the commonly used technical solutions in the prior art. No improvements are made in this application, so the specific structure is not drawn in the drawings of this application. In this application, the rectifier circuit and the power management module are both provided in the accommodating chamber 11 between the tribo-nano power generation unit 4 and the second cover plate 13.

[0064] When the friction ball 43 slides on the surface of the two electrode layers, alternating current is generated, which is converted into direct current through the rectifier circuit, and then stored in the battery in the power management module, and can output electrical energy under different conditions.

[0065] The angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals in this application also includes a sensor for monitoring the animal's physiological state and a Bluetooth module for transmitting the monitored data via Bluetooth. The sensor and Bluetooth module are also located on the same side as the power management module. The sensor and Bluetooth module can also use commonly used technical solutions in the prior art, which are not shown in the figure. The sensor type can be a single sensor or multiple sensors for detecting body temperature, heart rate, etc.

[0066] The angle-adjustable, power-generating ear tags for animals described in this application can be produced using 3D printing. First, an ear tag model is created and modeled. Then, the main shell of the ear tag is printed on a Bambu Lab 3D printer using a biocompatible material (such as polylactic acid). Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used as the negatively charged material for printing. Finally, the printed materials are assembled and the electrode layer is attached at the appropriate locations during assembly. Conductive tape can be used as the electrode layer.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] The length of a single friction nano-power generation unit is 4.8 cm and the width is 0.8 cm. Copper foil is used as the electrode layer and pasted on the bottom and side of the power generation chamber of the friction nano-power generation unit. The length of a single electrode layer is 2 cm, and the interval between the two electrode layers is 0.8 cm. Similarly, an electrode layer of the same size is also printed on the first cover plate, and the material of the electrode layer is a copper film. Small balls printed from polytetrafluoroethylene material are placed in the power generation chamber as negatively charged materials, and the diameter of the small balls is 0.3 cm. In the above manner, the negatively charged material 9 can slide and rub back and forth between the two electrode layers as the animal's ears mechanically swing, thereby generating a friction potential, prompting the friction nano-power generation unit to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0069] The angle adjustment mechanism's rotating base has a 9mm inner diameter, and the narrowest distance between two opposing columns of the four protruding columns is 5.5mm. The diameter of the rotating head 34 is 3.5mm, and the distance between the two clips 35 at their farthest points is 5mm.

[0070] like Figure 13 To investigate the energy collection performance of the power-generating ear tag at different rotation angles, the tag was mounted on the ear of a cow and its open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current were recorded at three different rotation angles (0°, 45°, and 90°). The oscillation frequency was 2 and the oscillation duration was 5 minutes. At a rotation angle of 90°, the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current reached their maximum values, reaching 54.3 V and 141.2 nA, respectively. This is likely because the oscillation angle aligns with the direction of motion of the negatively charged material, resulting in optimal energy collection. Subsequent use in this group of cows was performed at a fixed angle at 90°.

Claims

1. An angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals, comprising a main body shell, characterized in that: A fixing plate is provided on one side of the main shell, one end of the fixing plate is connected to the main shell, and the other end of the fixing plate is provided with a fixing hole for fixing to an animal; The fixing plate and the main body shell are connected by an angle adjustment structure, and the angle adjustment structure includes a rotating seat provided on the main body shell, a rotating cavity provided in the rotating seat, and a plurality of bayonet holes distributed along the circumferential direction; the angle adjustment structure also includes a rotating head provided on the fixing plate and extending into the rotating cavity, and the rotating head is provided with a buckle that can be rotated and switched between the bayonet holes; the angle adjustment structure is also provided with a locking mechanism for fixing the angle between the rotating head and the rotating cavity; The main body shell is provided with a plurality of friction nano-power generation units and a power management module, wherein the power management module includes a battery for storing the electricity generated by the friction nano-power generation units; When in use, first install the buckle of the rotating head and multiple animal power-generating ear tags with different bayonets on the animals of the species to be used, detect the energy collection situation respectively, and select the optimal installation angle of the rotating head and the rotating cavity for subsequent use.

2. The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main shell is a sheet-like structure as a whole, and has a receiving cavity for accommodating the friction nano-power generation unit and the power management module; Both sides of the main shell in the thickness direction are opened and provided with cover plates.

3. The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag according to claim 2, characterized in that: The projected shape of the accommodating cavity is a rectangle.

4. The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag according to claim 2, characterized in that: The friction nano power generation unit is arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating cavity.

5. The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag according to claim 4, characterized in that: The friction nanometer power generation unit includes a plurality of friction nanometer power generation units, and each of the friction nanometer power generation units is arranged side by side along the axial direction of the rotating cavity.

6. The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag according to claim 5, characterized in that: The tribo-nano power generation unit comprises a power generation cavity, wherein the power generation cavity has two electrode layers, the two electrode layers are respectively located at one end of the power generation cavity and there is a gap between the two electrode layers; The friction nano-power generation unit further includes a friction ball placed in the power generation chamber and rolling on the electrode layer to generate frictional electricity.

7. The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag according to claim 6, characterized in that: The electrode layer is arranged at least one of the bottom surface, the side surface and the top surface of the power generation cavity.

8. The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag according to claim 7, characterized in that: The material of the electrode layer is at least one of carbon nanotubes, conductive polymers, metal films and conductive oxides; The friction ball is made of a negatively charged material, and the negatively charged material is at least one of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polydimethylsiloxane, polyvinyl alcohol resin, polyvinyl fluoride, epoxy resin, polystyrene and polycarbonate.

9. The angle-adjustable power-generating ear tag for animals according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a sensor for monitoring the physiological status of the animal, and a Bluetooth module for transmitting the monitored data via Bluetooth; The power management module is located on one side of the accommodating cavity, and the sensor and the Bluetooth module are located on the side where the power management module is located.

10. The angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also comprises a fixing nail for cooperating with the fixing hole to fix the angle-adjustable animal power-generating ear tag to the animal.

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