Curved-Arm Energy Harvester Structure for Compressive Force Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting systems are inefficient in converting mechanical input into electrical output, particularly under compressive forces, due to limitations in force amplification and energy transfer mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting system comprising a transducer and a structure with a varying thickness region, such as a cymbal form, that amplifies compressive forces and optimizes energy transfer through mechanical communication, utilizing piezoelectric or magnetostrictive materials to generate an output signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional structure is used in the energy harvesting system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy harvesting efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient force amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, and one or more third portions) with different functions. The third portions with varying thickness act as force amplification elements, while the first and second portions provide structural support and transducer coupling, respectively. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall energy harvesting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The third portions of the structure have a region of varying thickness, creating local variations in mechanical properties. This local quality change enables force amplification at specific locations where the thickness varies, while other portions maintain uniform thickness for structural integrity. The varying thickness region acts as a mechanical lever to amplify the force applied to the transducer.
2Force
If the structure has uniform thickness, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the force amplification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure intentionally introduces local quality variations through the varying thickness region in the third portions. This design accepts reduced manufacturing precision in specific areas (the varying thickness region) to achieve the critical function of force amplification. The varying thickness creates a mechanical advantage that uniform thickness cannot provide, prioritizing force amplification capability over overall thickness uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the structure is deliberately changed in the third portions to create the force amplification mechanism. By varying the thickness parameter in this specific region, the structure achieves mechanical leverage that amplifies the input force. This parameter change is strategically located to maximize force transmission to the transducer while maintaining manufacturability.
3Loss of energy
If the transducer is directly connected to the contacting surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the energy transfer efficiency deteriorates due to lack of force amplification
Solution Approach 1:
The structure with varying thickness portions acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the contacting surface and the transducer. This intermediate structure amplifies the force from the contacting surface before transmitting it to the transducer, improving energy transfer efficiency. The intermediary structure includes the first portion (contacting surface), second portion (transducer interface), and third portions (force amplification elements with varying thickness).
Solution Approach 2:
The varying thickness in the third portions introduces a dimensional variation in the vertical direction, creating a mechanical lever arm effect. This dimensional change allows the structure to amplify force in the direction of transducer deformation, converting a simple direct connection into a force-amplifying mechanical system without significantly increasing horizontal complexity.
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 system enhances energy harvesting efficiency by improving force conversion to electrical energy, allowing for greater energy output and more effective power generation in applications like projectiles and munitions.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer may be piezoelectric or magnetostrictive
Implementation Method 2
The transducer may be piezoelectric or magnetostrictive
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy harvesting system (50, 60) comprises a transducer (100) arranged to provide an output signal in response to deformation of the transducer (100) by an applied force to harvest energy from the applied force and a structure (200, 300) in mechanical communication with the transducer (100), deformation of the structure (200, 300) being arranged to cause deformation of the transducer (100). The structure (200, 300) comprises: a first portion (210, 310); a second portion (220, 320) in mechanical communication with the transducer (100); and one or more third portions (230, 330) connecting the first portion (210, 310) and second portion (220, 320), wherein the one or more third portions (230, 330) comprise one or more curved arms. Also provided is a structure (200, 300) for use in the energy harvesting system (50, 60), a projectile (2000) and a munition (3000).