Electrical component

Abstract

An electrical component with the following features: a sensor cell (10, 10'); wherein the sensor cell (10, 10') is designed firstly to detect a physical variable (P) and to output, based on the detected physical variable (P), an electrical measurement signal (M) with at least three distinguishable states, and secondly, to provide electrical energy (E) under the effect of the physical variable (P).

Description

[0001] Electrical component

[0002] Description

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrical component, in particular an electrical component with a sensor cell. Further embodiments relate to corresponding applications, such as running shoes, mechanical systems, floor coverings, tires or tire components, such as a valve, a sports equipment, e.g., a ball or racket, a prosthesis, an implant, a seat, a hose, a pipe, a tarpaulin, a sail, and / or a switch.

[0004] Sensors for measuring physical quantities, such as force, vibration, or pressure, typically use electrical energy to amplify the measurement signals and transmit the measurement data, e.g., externally. This requires batteries, for example, to provide the necessary energy to power the sensor signal amplifier and the radio transceiver. However, these batteries must be replaced and recharged regularly. This increases maintenance effort and therefore costs. This creates further problems, particularly in inaccessible installation locations, encapsulated systems, and implants, and even makes certain applications impossible.

[0005] Further problems with the batteries used so far, which have to be recharged and replaced regularly, are that direct access to the sensor was always necessary and the housing had to be opened and closed.

[0006] An alternative to this approach is the use of energy harvester technologies, which harness ambient energy, such as light and temperature differences or mechanical energy, to generate electrical energy at the sensor location. This allows the battery to be recharged during operation, eliminating the need to replace batteries.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to improve the concept of sensors, in particular wireless sensors or single sensors.

[0008] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Embodiments of the present invention provide an electrical component with a sensor cell. The sensor cell is configured to, first, detect a physical quantity, such as a force or pressure, and, based on the detected physical quantity, output an electrical measurement signal, e.g., an analog voltage, with at least three differentiable or differentiated states, and, second, to provide or harvest electrical energy upon exposure to the physical quantity.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention are based on the finding that a sensor cell can be provided with a dual function, namely to record a measured variable (continuously or at least across multiple states) and to use the same physical variable to harvest energy. The background to this is that energy converters, which can often be used alone in energy harvesting systems, can also be used as sensors or even actuators. This means that an energy harvester no longer needs to be provided separately from the sensors on the shared electronics board (on which, for example, a radio transmitter or another component can also be arranged). This allows for the construction of the electrical component (orSensor components) offer significantly more degrees of freedom in that both the sensor and the energy harvester can be optimally positioned at a single location within the sensor housing, allowing the energy harvester to be placed directly at the location of the physical quantity of interest. This improves the overall acquisition of the physical measurement and energy harvesting, while also saving space and thus costs.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the voltage of a solar cell can be used both as a measure of the lighting in a room and as a voltage for extracting electrical energy.

[0011] According to exemplary embodiments, a piezoelectric material can be used both for energy conversion and for mechanical sensing. For example, the piezo material is used as an energy converter, providing electrical power in the form of an electrical voltage based on the mechanical deformation of the material itself or a housing part. This electrical voltage is simultaneously a measure of the applied mechanical force. For example, the deformation of a housing part can also be an indication of mechanical stress, which should be counteracted if certain maximum values ​​are exceeded. For this purpose, the piezo material / sensor element or the associated housing part can be integrated into the corresponding application, such as a shoe, a piece of clothing, or a floor covering.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention thus propose the use of an energy converter whose output signal can simultaneously be used as information about a physical quantity, such as an existing deformation or mechanical load. According to embodiments, three cases can be distinguished here: a) One and the same piece of material is also used as an energy converter and sensor. This means that, according to embodiments, the sensor cell is designed to detect the physical quantity and, at the same time, to provide electrical energy based on the physical quantity. For this purpose, for example, the output voltage, which charges the electrical power, for example in a capacitor, is simultaneously monitored in order to obtain the relevant information (regarding the prevailing mechanical force / voltage / vibration) from it.b) One and the same piece of material is used alternately either as an energy converter or as a sensor. Thus, according to further embodiments, the sensor cell is designed to detect the physical quantity, namely independently of or subsequent to the provision of electrical energy. c) Two separate pieces of the same material are used, one as a sensor and the other as an energy converter. For example, it would be conceivable for a sensor material to be segmented into different regions, one being used for sensing and the other for energy harvesting. According to embodiments, the sensor cell therefore has at least two units (regions) or even two identical units (regions). In this variant, it is also possible for different regions of the same material to be used differently.Separate cabling of the energy converter region and the sensor region can then also be implemented. According to embodiments, the first of the at least two (identical) regions can be configured to detect the physical quantity, while the other of the at least two (identical) regions is configured to provide the electrical energy.

[0013] According to further embodiments, the physical quantity can be a force, such as a tensile force, compressive force, or transverse force, but also an acceleration or vibration. Other physical quantities, such as light energy or temperature, are possible according to further embodiments.

[0014] According to further embodiments, the electrical component comprises a power supply coupled to the sensor cell to receive the provided energy and process it accordingly (rectify, smooth, store, etc.). According to embodiments, the power supply may comprise a capacitor, a battery, or another (electrical) energy storage device (for storing electrical energy).

[0015] According to further embodiments, the electrical component has measuring electronics that are connected to the sensor cell and are designed to receive the electrical signal with the at least three states to be differentiated, to further process it, such as to digitize it (with at least three corresponding states), and to transmit it externally or externally via radio. This means that in addition to the measuring electronics, a transceiver can also be provided in the electronic component. In addition, another consumer (e.g., actuator, display, ...) can be connected to the electrical component, which executes corresponding actions (e.g., alarm, change of properties, opening a valve, ...) based on the measured values.

[0016] According to further embodiments, the electrical component has a housing into which the sensor cell is integrated or embedded. The sensor cell can, for example, be coupled to the housing in order to obtain a deformation of the housing and thus the physical quantity acting on the housing.

[0017] Embodiments of the present invention provide a corresponding application, for example an application from the following:

[0018] - running shoe,

[0019] - mechanical system,

[0020] - Floor covering, - Tires or tire components, such as valves,

[0021] - sports equipment, such as a ball or racket,

[0022] - prosthesis or implant,

[0023] - seat or seating furniture,

[0024] - Hose or pipe

[0025] - Sail or tarpaulin

[0026] - Rope or cord

[0027] - Switches, the corresponding application comprising the electrical component as explained above.

[0028] Further developments are defined in the subclaims. Embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1a is a schematic representation of an electrical component according to a basic embodiment;

[0030] Fig. 1b is a schematic representation of an electrical component according to a further embodiment; and

[0031] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a shoe with an integrated electrical component according to further embodiments.

[0032] Before exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that elements and structures with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of them is applicable to one another or interchangeable.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a sensor cell 10 of an electrical component. The sensor cell 10 has an electrical output, such as a voltage tap or a measurement signal output 12. When a physical quantity P acts on the sensor cell 10, both the signal M and the signal E are output at the sensor output 12. The signal M represents a measurement signal, while the signal E is an energy signal. Both signals can be identical. For example, the sensor cell 10 is a piezo element. When a mechanical force P is applied, an electrical voltage is induced at the output 12. This electrical voltage is dependent, e.g., proportional to the acting force P, so that this electrical voltage can be used as the measurement signal M. At the same time, the electrical voltage at the output 12 causes a current to flow, so that electrical energy E can be taken from this voltage signal.This makes it possible to harvest electrical energy E, e.g., through force(s) acting on the sensor cell anyway, originating from vibrations or actuation. This electrical energy E can be used directly or temporarily stored according to embodiments. By temporarily storing it, it is advantageously possible for several smaller amounts of energy E to be summed up over time, so that a sufficient amount of energy is then kept available for short-term needs. The physical quantity can also be determined simultaneously or independently of the harvested energy. For this purpose, the sensor cell 10 outputs the measurement signal M, e.g., a measurement voltage. This measurement voltage is dependent, e.g., proportional or directly proportional, on the acting force P. According to preferred embodiments, the measurement signal M is such that at least three states can be differentiated (e.g.,0 volts with no external load, such as 0 Newton / 0.2 volts with light external load, e.g. 0.2 Newton / 0.4 volts with high external load, e.g. 0.8 Newton). According to embodiments, the measurement signal M can also be a continuous measurement signal and / or have a plurality / multiplicity of states. According to further embodiments, the measurement signal can also be a negative measurement signal, e.g. when the physical measurement variable P < 0, i.e. when it acts in the opposite direction (opposite to the direction of the arrow shown). According to further embodiments, the measurement variable P does not have to be a tensile force; a vibration or a pressure / compressive force or a shear force or even a speed or movement, e.g. in the form of a rotation, would also be conceivable.

[0034] A further variant will now be explained with reference to Fig. 1b. Fig. 1b shows a sensor cell 10' with two regions 10a' and 10b'. The two regions 10a' and 10b' can, for example, be identical and together form the sensor cell 10'. In this exemplary embodiment, it is assumed, for example, that both are piezo elements which, based on an externally acting physical measurement variable P, maintain a corresponding voltage at the respective output 12a' or 12b'. Region 10a' is responsible for determining the measurement variable P and therefore outputs its measurement signal M at output 12a'. Region 10b' is used to harvest energy and therefore outputs an energy signal at output 12b'.

[0035] According to embodiments, these regions 10a' and 10b' can be identical in terms of their electrical properties, but also identical in terms of their size. According to further embodiments, the sizes can also differ. For example, it would be conceivable for region 10b' to occupy a larger area so that a sufficient amount of energy can be harvested.

[0036] According to embodiments, the sensor cell 10', i.e., with the areas 10a' and 10b', can be implemented using a large-area, segmented energy converter, such as PVDF foils. These enable sensor monitoring of larger areas without the use of dedicated sensors.

[0037] The use of an energy converter as a sensor element simplifies the construction of self-contained sensor systems. Additional sensors, often connected externally via cables, are no longer required. This enables a reduction in installation space and costs. Furthermore, the reduction in the number of components leads to a lower probability of failure. According to exemplary embodiments, the sensor cell 10 or 10" can be expanded with further components, such as an energy conditioning unit at the output 12 or 12b" or measuring electronics at the output 12 or 12a'. The energy conditioning unit (not shown) is designed to condition the energy, e.g., to smooth the voltage, rectify it, and / or store it. For this purpose, the energy conditioning device can have a capacitor, generally a buffer capacitor, a rechargeable battery, or a similar energy storage device.The measurement electronics can comprise an analog-to-digital converter that converts the measurement signal M into a digital measurement signal with at least three differentiable states and then transmits it, for example, externally. External transmission can be achieved using an additional radio module in some embodiments. The radio module and the measurement electronics are powered by energy E or the energy prepared by the power supply, respectively, according to some embodiments. The advantage of energy buffering is that energy can be harvested and temporarily stored over a long period of time, allowing the measurement to be performed and the measured values ​​transmitted at the appropriate times.The simultaneous use of a material as an energy converter and sensor, and possibly also as an actuator, allows the sensor or actuator to be mounted or positioned directly at the location of the relevant measured or controlled variable of interest. This is explained below using a specific application, namely a running shoe.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a shoe sole 20 with a midsole 20b and an outsole 20a. The measuring element 10 is embedded in this sole 20 using a housing 14. The housing is designed such that the force P acting on the housing (or physical measurement variable P) is transmitted to the sensor cell 10. By embedding the sensor cell 10 together with the housing 14 in the shoe sole 20, it is possible for the component 10 to generate electrical energy so that the sensor unit 10 can be operated and, at the same time, the physical quantity P to be measured can be measured. In running shoes, for example, the piezoelectric film can be used to record kinetic and kinematic measurement variables (ground reaction force, foot strike angle, pronation behavior, running intensity, stride frequency, running symmetry, etc.) as well as to supply energy to the sensor system in the running shoe.

[0039] Especially in flexible applications, such as shoes, clothing, or stickers, rigid sensors complicate the construction. In this embodiment, the housing can be formed, for example, by a film. According to other embodiments, this film also supports the other components, such as the measurement electronics or the radio transceiver.

[0040] According to further embodiments, the sensor element can also have an actuator function or control a separate actuator. Piezo elements, for example, enable a movement to be stimulated when controlled with an electrical signal and can therefore take on the function of an actuator. Connected screens (e.g. LEDs) enable the direct display of the recorded measurement value or even an alarm. Other mechanical systems can be used to change the properties of the device in which they are integrated, e.g. heating, mechanical amplification or triggering dedicated actions, e.g. opening a valve, closing an electrical circuit. The actuator is designed to exert a force when controlled, e.g. as acoustic or haptic feedback. Further applications are explained below.

[0041] One embodiment creates a mechanical system, such as a pump, bearing, clutch, or motor. Piezoelectric foils can be used to detect vibrations, power the sensor system, and, if necessary, for wireless data transmission. Vibrations and deformation are always a measure of mechanical stability (condition monitoring).

[0042] Another embodiment involves a floor covering with a corresponding sensor cell. Piezoelectric transducers can be used to detect people (e.g., presence detection). At the same time, the piezoelectric transducer can harvest the energy needed for signal amplification and data transmission.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the sensor element can be integrated into a tire. This allows, for example, the tire pressure to be measured. One possible integration is, for example, the tire valve.

[0044] According to another embodiment, the sensor cell can be integrated into a piece of sports equipment, such as a ball in ball sports or a racket. The sensor signal is used as feedback for the test subject regarding the condition of the equipment or the quality of the movement.

[0045] Another application is a prosthesis or an implant. According to exemplary embodiments, the sensor cell can be integrated into a prosthesis, for example, to enable gait analysis.

[0046] Another embodiment relates to a seat or piece of seating furniture. The sensor cell can be used to monitor the seat position, the length of time spent sitting, and seat occupancy (airplane, cinema, bus, car, etc.).

[0047] Another embodiment relates to a switch. The flexible switch can, for example, output a switching signal using a radio signal. Reference numeral

[0048] Sensor cell (10, 10') Area (10a', 10b') First area (10a') Second area (10b') Physical quantity (P) Measurement signal (M) Electrical energy (E)

Claims

Claims: An electrical component comprising the following features: a sensor cell (10, 10'); wherein the sensor cell (10, 10') is configured to, firstly, detect a physical quantity (P) and, starting from the detected physical quantity (P), output an electrical measurement signal (M) with at least three differentiable states, and, secondly, to provide electrical energy (E) when acted upon by the physical quantity (P). An electrical component according to claim 1, wherein the sensor cell (10, 10') is configured to detect the physical quantity (P) and simultaneously provide electrical energy (E) starting from the physical quantity (P). An electrical component according to claim 1, wherein the sensor cell (10, 10') is configured to detect the physical quantity (P), independently or subsequently to provide the electrical energy (E).An electrical component further comprising a power supply coupled to the sensor cell (10, 10') to receive the supplied electrical energy (E). An electrical component according to claim 4, wherein the power supply comprises a capacitor, a battery, or another type of energy storage device. An electrical component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component comprises measuring electronics connected to the sensor cell (10, 10') and configured to receive, further process, and / or receive and digitize the electrical signal with at least three differentiating states and / or transmit it externally or wirelessly.

7. Electrical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the physical quantity (P) comprises a force, tensile force, compressive force, transverse force, acceleration, rotation, pressure, velocity and / or vibration.

8. Electrical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor cell (10, 10') has at least two or two identical areas (10a', 10b').

9. Electrical component according to claim 8, wherein the first of the at least two or at least two identical regions (10a', 10b') is configured to detect the physical quantity (P), wherein the other of the at least two or at least two identical regions (10a', 10b') is configured to provide the electrical energy (E).

10. Electrical component according to one of the preceding claims, which additionally comprises a housing in which the sensor cell (10, 10') is integrated and / or embedded.

11. Electrical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor cell (10, 10') comprises a large-area energy converter, a large-area segmented energy converter, a segmented energy converter, a piezoelectric element and / or a PVDF film.

12. Electrical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical component comprises an actuator or the sensor cell (10, 10') comprises an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to exert a force when actuated.

13. Electrical component according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor cell (10, 10') comprises a piezoelectric film or flexible film; and / or wherein the sensor cell (10, 10') comprises a thermoelectric generator and / or solar cell, in particular a flexible solar cell. Running shoe, mechanical system, flooring, tire, valve, sports equipment, ball, prosthesis, seat and / or switch with an electrical component according to one of the preceding claims.

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