Electroactive Energy Harvester With Deformable Electrode Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy harvesting devices using electroactive materials primarily achieve static behaviors and small deformations due to external forces, limiting their ability to perform precise sensing and efficient energy harvesting.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting apparatus and electrode unit that incorporate a deformable and restorable impact generator, capable of repetitive deformation and restoration, to induce dynamic loads and increase energy harvesting efficiency, while maintaining contact with an electricity generator and suppressing continuous deforming forces on the electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electrode layer is coated and coupled to a PVDF film layer via curing, then electrical connection is achieved, but repetitive deforming force causes damage to or destruction of the electrode layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate electrode unit as an intermediary component between the PVDF film layer and the external circuit. This electrode unit includes a deformable electrode layer that can independently accommodate repetitive deformations, preventing direct transmission of deforming forces to the cured electrode coating on the PVDF film, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining electrical connection and preventing electrode damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrode system into separate functional units: the PVDF film layer maintains its structural integrity while the electrode unit handles electrical connection and deformation accommodation. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other, addressing the reliability issue
2Productivity
If electroactive material achieves static behaviors, then structural stability is maintained, but deformation magnitude is small and energy harvesting efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the system from static to dynamic behavior by introducing a deformable electrode unit that can dynamically adjust its shape and position in response to external stimuli. This allows the PVDF film to undergo larger deformations without compromising structural stability, thereby increasing energy harvesting efficiency while maintaining overall system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the electrode unit, making it deformable rather than rigid. This parameter change allows the electrode to accommodate larger deformations and dynamic movements, enabling the system to harvest energy more efficiently from dynamic loads while maintaining structural integrity
3Reliability
If a rigid electrode structure is used, then electrical connection is stable, but it cannot accommodate repetitive deformation without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible deformable electrode layer within the electrode unit that can bend and stretch to accommodate repetitive deformations. This flexible structure maintains stable electrical connection while easily undergoing the necessary shape changes, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for stable connection and flexibility for deformation accommodation
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 apparatus enhances energy harvesting efficiency by converting static loads into dynamic loads, improving durability and sensing efficiency through the use of a deformable impact generator and electroactive materials, allowing for repetitive deformation and restoration.
Implementation Method 1
an electroactive material to generate a voltage due to deformation caused by an external stimulus
Implementation Method 2
a deformable and restorable material capable of repetitive deformation and restoration
Data Source
AI summary
An energy harvesting apparatus using an electroactive material includes an electricity generator including the electroactive material to generate a voltage due to deformation caused by an external stimulus, and an impact generator including a deformable and restorable material capable of repetitive deformation and restoration and configured to generate a dynamic behavior based on the repetitive deformation and restoration in the electricity generator. A stimulus of the impact generator with respect to the electricity generator enables energy harvest. An electrode unit for deformation includes an electricity generator including an electroactive material to generate a voltage due to deformation caused by an external stimulus, and an electrode part electrically connected to at least one surface of the electricity generator, and including an elastically deformable material to achieve relative deformation while in contact with the electricity generator.