Electrostatic Induction Sensor and Generator Without External Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors and generators require a power supply, limiting their application in harsh environments and making it difficult for them to operate independently for long periods, as they rely on batteries that are heavy, large, and contain toxic chemicals. Additionally, conventional friction nanogenerators have durability and stability issues due to the need for continuous contact between friction layers.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic induction-based sensor and generator that utilizes the principle of electrostatic induction to detect or generate electricity without a power supply, using a simple structure with conductive electrodes and an isolating layer, allowing for movement-based energy harvesting and adaptive operation modes, including contact-separation and sliding friction, without the need for continuous electrode contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to power the sensor, then the sensor can operate continuously, but the sensor becomes heavy, large, and environmentally hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the battery from the sensor system entirely. Instead of using a battery to power the sensor, the invention uses the sensor's movement itself to generate the necessary electrical energy through electrostatic induction, thereby removing the weight, size, and environmental hazards associated with batteries while maintaining continuous operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs self-powering by utilizing its own movement to generate electrical energy through electrostatic induction. The moving charged object induces charges in the sensor electrodes, generating current that powers the sensor without requiring external power sources, thus achieving self-service operation
2Power
If two friction layers are used in a friction nanogenerator, then electrical energy can be generated through contact and separation, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to connect to external circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts one of the two friction layers from the conventional friction nanogenerator structure. By removing one friction layer and its associated electrode, the invention simplifies the structure to a single sensor component with fewer parts, making it easier to manufacture and connect to external circuits while retaining the ability to generate electrical energy through electrostatic induction
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using two friction layers that contact and separate to generate power, the invention inverts the approach by using a single stationary electrode structure where a moving charged object passes by it. This inverted configuration generates electrical energy through electrostatic induction during movement without requiring contact or separation of multiple layers
3Power
If two electrode layers are continuously moved relative to each other, then electrical signals can be output, but the distance between electrodes continuously changes making circuit connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the generator into a stationary electrode structure and a moving charged object. This segmentation allows the electrode to remain fixed in position for easy circuit connection, while the moving object passes by it to generate electrical signals through electrostatic induction, eliminating the problem of continuously changing electrode distances
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a moving charged object as an intermediary between the stationary electrode and the external circuit. This intermediary generates electrical signals through its movement past the electrode while the electrode itself remains stationary and easily connectable to the circuit, resolving the contradiction between signal generation and connection ease
4Power
If friction layers frequently contact or frictionate with each other to ensure output performance, then electrical energy can be generated, but the durability and stability of the generator cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the friction contact mechanism from the system by eliminating one of the two friction layers. Instead of relying on frequent contact and friction between layers to generate power, the invention uses electrostatic induction during movement, which eliminates wear and mechanical degradation, thereby ensuring long-term durability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical friction contact system with an electrostatic induction system. By substituting the mechanical interaction of friction layers with the electrostatic interaction between a moving charged object and a stationary electrode, the system eliminates mechanical wear while maintaining the ability to generate electrical energy, thus improving reliability
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 long-term, stable operation in various environments, reduces wear on electrodes, and simplifies production, allowing for wide application and efficient energy conversion from mechanical sources, eliminating the need for external power and enhancing durability.
Implementation Method 1
a position of an object to be detected that carries charges relative to a first electrode layer of a sensing component changes, so that electric potential on the electrode layer generated by the charges carried by the object to be detected changes
Implementation Method 2
a position of a first component that carries charges relative to a first electrode layer changes, so that electric potential on the electrode layer generated by the charges carried by the first component changes
Data Source
Figure 1~2d
Figure 3a~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
The disclosure provides an electrostatic induction based sensor and generator, as well as sensing method and method of generating electricity thereof. A sensing component of the sensor comprises a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer associated therewith, the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are separately disposed and electrically connected to each other. When the sensing component and the object to be detected are combined to be an integrity, they constitute the generator of the present disclosure. When the object to be detected moves relative to the first electrode layer of the sensing component, electric potential on the first electrode layer generated by charges carried by the sensing component changes and charges flow between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer under the electrostatic induction effect to generate a current. The sensor or generator of the present disclosure has a simple structure. There is no need to provide an external power supply when used as a sensor.