Dielectric Elastomer Membrane Stack for Linear Wave Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wave harvesting technologies are impractical due to their heavy and bulky nature, and they are limited to harvesting rotational accelerations, which are inefficient for converting linear wave accelerations into energy.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a stack of dielectric elastomer membrane layers with funnel-shaped configurations, coupled with a rigid connector rod and a support base, which accumulates electrical charge when cyclically stretched and relaxed, allowing for efficient harvesting of linear kinetic energy from waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electromagnetic turbines are used for wave harvesting, then rotational acceleration can be harvested, but the device becomes too heavy and bulky for practical marine vessel applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewave harvesting capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electromagnetic turbines with a dielectric elastomer generator that directly converts linear mechanical motion into electrical energy through electrostatic induction. The system uses flexible dielectric elastomer membranes with electrodes that generate charge separation when stretched and relaxed by wave-induced linear motion, eliminating the need for heavy electromagnetic components and rotational conversion mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs thin, flexible dielectric elastomer membrane layers as the core energy harvesting element. These membranes can be cyclically stretched and relaxed by linear wave motions, generating electrical energy through changes in capacitance. The flexible nature of these thin films dramatically reduces device weight and bulk while maintaining effective wave energy capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If conventional wave harvesting technologies are used, then energy can be harvested, but they are limited to harvesting rotational accelerations which causes inefficiency in converting linear wave accelerations into energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidconversion mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the complex rotational conversion mechanism by directly coupling the dielectric elastomer generator to linear wave motion. The flexible membranes respond directly to linear accelerations from waves, converting them into electrical energy through electrostatic effects without requiring intermediate rotational conversion stages, thereby simplifying the system and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operating parameter from rotational acceleration to linear acceleration by designing the dielectric elastomer generator to respond directly to linear wave motions. The capacitance of the elastomer membranes changes in response to linear stretching and relaxation, enabling direct conversion of linear kinetic energy into electrical energy with higher efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively converts linear kinetic energy from waves into electrical energy with high efficiency, reducing the need for heavy and bulky equipment and overcoming the limitations of existing wave harvesting technologies.

Implementation Method 1

Each membrane layer can be configured to accumulate electrical charge when cyclically stretched and relaxed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric elastomer effect: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

Application of linear force at the second end portion of the connector rod in a first direction along the longitudinal axis causes at least a first membrane layer to stretch. Application of the force in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes at least a second membrane layer adjacent to the first membrane layer to stretch.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical energy to electrical energy conversion: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12286964B2Devices and methods for harvesting kinetic energy

Publication Date: 2025.04.29 VOLTAI INC

AI summary

Devices and methods are provided for harvesting kinetic energy. The devices can include a plurality of dielectric elastomeric membranes, a rigid connector rod, and a mountable support base. Membrane layers have a funnel-shape with a narrow opening portion and a wide perimeter portion. Membrane layers are adjacent to other membrane layers having an opposite orientation defined by the narrow opening portion and the wide perimeter portion. The narrow opening portions are coupled to a first end portion of the connector rod. The wide perimeter portions are fixed in relation to the support base. Application of linear force at a second end portion of the connector rod in a first direction causes at least a first membrane layer to stretch. Application of the force in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes at least a second membrane layer adjacent to the first membrane layer to stretch.