Coupled Piezoelectric Element Unit for High Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for harnessing vibration energy, such as those using piezoelectric elements in footwear, are unable to generate high electric power effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electricity-generating element unit comprising multiple elements with a coupling unit that brings electrodes closer together when an external force is applied, increasing the distance between electrodes of other elements to enhance power generation, utilizing materials like ceramics, electret dielectrics, and rubber intermediate layers for efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a piezoelectric element is arranged in the bottom of a shoe or insole to obtain electric energy through walking motions, then electric energy can be generated from vibration, but the generated electric power is insufficient and cannot reach high electric power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electricity-generating elements into a single integrated unit with shared electrodes and coupling mechanisms. Multiple piezoelectric elements are arranged in layers with common first and second electrodes, allowing them to work together as a unified system rather than isolated components, thereby amplifying the overall power output while maintaining compact form factor suitable for footwear applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling unit that dynamically adjusts the spacing between electricity-generating elements based on applied external forces. When force is applied, the coupling unit allows elements to move closer together, increasing their effectiveness. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the power generation response to varying walking motions and impact forces, significantly improving energy conversion efficiency compared to fixed arrangements
2Power
If multiple electricity-generating elements are arranged close together to increase power output, then electric power can be enhanced, but the distance between electrodes cannot be increased to improve power generation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling unit dynamically adjusts electrode spacing in response to external forces. During normal operation, elements maintain optimal spacing for efficiency. When external force is applied (such as during walking impact), the coupling unit allows elements to move closer together, maximizing power generation during high-energy events while maintaining compact overall dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple electricity-generating elements in a nested, layered configuration where elements are stacked between shared electrodes. This nested arrangement allows the system to achieve increased effective power output through multiple active elements while maintaining compact external dimensions. The coupling unit mediates the spacing between nested elements, allowing them to move closer when force is applied without requiring excessive overall length
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 solution enables the generation of high electric power through efficient power generation mechanisms, improving cumulative energy output and power-generating performance compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element is arranged in a bottom of a shoe or insole to obtain electric energy through motions of walking
Implementation Method 2
a method utilizing electrostatic induction
Data Source
AI summary
An electricity-generating element unit including a plurality of electricity-generating elements, each of the plurality of electricity-generating elements including a first electrode, an intermediate layer, and a second electrode disposed with the intermediate layer being between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a coupling unit coupling the plurality of electricity-generating elements to each other, wherein when an external force is applied to at least one of the plurality of electricity-generating elements to bring the first electrode and the second electrode of the at least one of the plurality of electricity-generating elements close to each other, a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the electricity-generating element or each of the electricity-generating elements to which an external force is not applied is increased by the coupling unit.