Double-Supported Piezoelectric Power Generation Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power generating elements with cantilever structures experience excessive weight body displacement, leading to reduced stress generation and power output due to plastic deformation and breakage, as the weight body abuts stoppers, causing force escape and decreased piezoelectric element stress.

Innovation Solution

A power generating element with a double-supported beam structure, where the weight body is supported by multiple bridge portions with distinct resonance frequencies, and additional weight bodies with stopper portions to regulate displacement, preventing plastic deformation and enhancing stress generation in the bridge portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a cantilever structure bridge portion is used to support the weight body, then the displacement of the weight body can be increased, but excessive displacement causes the weight body to abut stoppers leading to force escape and decreased stress generation in the bridge portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement of weight bodyVSAvoidstress generation in bridge portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional cantilever support structure by using a double-supported beam structure where the weight body is supported at both ends by first and second bridge portions. This inversion prevents excessive displacement and stopper abutment, maintaining reliable stress generation in the bridge portions during vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the support system by introducing multiple bridge portions with different resonance frequencies. The first bridge portion has a first resonance frequency and the second bridge portion has a second resonance frequency, allowing optimized vibration characteristics and stress distribution without excessive displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the weight body displacement is increased to enhance power generation, then more vibration energy can be converted, but plastic deformation and breakage of the bridge portion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation amountVSAvoidbridge portion integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting from a single cantilever support to a double-supported beam structure, the patent achieves a balance that prevents both excessive displacement (which would cause breakage) and insufficient displacement (which would reduce power generation). The structure maintains bridge portion integrity while enabling effective vibration energy conversion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic characteristics by designing bridge portions with specific resonance frequencies. The first bridge portion resonates at a first frequency and the second at a second frequency, allowing the system to dynamically respond to vibration inputs while maintaining structural integrity and optimizing power generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single resonance frequency system is used, then the structure is simpler, but the power generation is limited to specific vibration frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidpower generation frequency range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the support structure into multiple independent bridge portions (first and second bridge portions) with different resonance frequencies. This segmentation allows the system to respond to a broader range of vibration frequencies while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs, thus improving adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple bridge portions serve multiple functions: the first bridge portion provides support and stress generation at its resonance frequency, while the second bridge portion provides the same function at a different resonance frequency. This multi-functionality enables the power generating element to operate effectively across a wider frequency range.

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 solution effectively suppresses weight body displacement, increases power generation by maintaining stress in the bridge portions, and prevents plastic deformation, thereby enhancing the conversion of vibration energy into electric energy.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element provided on the first bridge portion and the second bridge portion... extract a charge generated on the basis of a stress applied to the piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a resonance system defined on the basis of the first weight body and the first bridge portion has a resonance frequency different from a resonance frequency of a resonance system defined on the basis of the second weight body and the second bridge portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3460981B1Power generation element
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 TRI FORCE MANAGEMENT CORP
  • EP3460981B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3460981B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3460981B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A power generating element according to the present invention includes: a support frame formed in a frame shape in plan view; a vibrating body provided inside the support frame; a first bridge portion and a second bridge portion that supports the vibrating body on the support frame; and a charge generating element to generate a charge at the time of displacement of the vibrating body. The support frame includes a first frame portion arranged on a first side with respect to the vibrating body and includes a second frame portion arranged on a second side opposite to the first side with respect to the vibrating body. The first bridge portion couples the vibrating body with the first frame portion. The second bridge portion couples the vibrating body with the second frame portion.