Bistable Vibration Harvester With Sliding Link for Reliable Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechano-electric converters and vibration energy harvesters lack industrialization and reliability in mechanical vibration energy recovery.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sliding connection between a blade structure and a conversion device, utilizing a bistable system with a piezoelectric element, where the blade structure is connected to a fixed point and includes a mass in its central part, allowing for efficient energy conversion by oscillating between stable positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid fixed connection is used between the blade structure and the conversion device, then structural stability is improved, but stress concentration and reliability of electrical connections deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidreliability of electrical connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed connection is segmented into a series of adjustable fastening elements distributed along the blade structure, allowing stress distribution and independent adjustment of connection points, thereby maintaining stability while reducing stress concentration on electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is made dynamically adjustable, allowing the fastening elements to be repositioned or adjusted during operation to accommodate varying stress conditions and vibration patterns, improving both stability and connection reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a complex fixed mounting system is used to secure the conversion device, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into modular fastening elements that can be independently installed and adjusted, reducing overall complexity while maintaining structural stability through distributed attachment points

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of securing the entire conversion device at once with a complex system, the mounting is achieved through multiple simple fastening points that collectively provide sufficient stability with reduced individual complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the conversion device is rigidly mounted inside the frame, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability of mounting configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the conversion device position and orientation through adjustable fastening elements, enabling adaptation to different installation scenarios while maintaining structural stability during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system serves multiple functions including mechanical attachment, position adjustment, and stress distribution, making the mounting configuration adaptable to various requirements while ensuring structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device enhances the reliability and flexibility of energy harvesting by reducing stress on electrical connections and allowing modular design, improving energy conversion efficiency and robustness.

Implementation Method 1

Some mechano-electric converters or vibration energy harvesters use piezoelectric elements to convert mechanical energy from vibrations into electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A device with a sliding connection between a blade structure and a conversion device, utilizing a bistable system with a piezoelectric element, where the blade structure is connected to a fixed point and includes a mass in its central part, allowing for efficient energy conversion by oscillating between stable positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3804117B1Vibration energy harvester
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 UNIV SAVOIE MONT BLANC
  • EP3804117B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP3804117B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3804117B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for recovering mechanical vibrational energy, comprising a bistable spring leaf structure (3) in a frame (2), and a sliding link (24') on a wall (24') of said frame between said structure and at least one mechanical-electrical conversion device (5) outside the frame.