Embedded Electrode Structure for Flexible Triboelectric Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting devices, such as triboelectric generators, face challenges in achieving flexibility and mechanical robustness, which are essential for wearable devices that require continuous and efficient energy generation from environmental mechanical forces.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrode structures with a flexible layer and embedded conductive networks, where conductive structures like metal or graphene are integrated within a flexible material, allowing for mechanical robustness and flexibility, and a triboelectric generator design with charging layers and electrodes that optimize energy generation based on contact and separation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid electrode structure is used to ensure mechanical strength, then the electrode maintains structural integrity, but the device loses flexibility and cannot be used in wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible thin film substrates (such as polyimide or PET) as the base structure for the electrode assembly. These thin films provide the necessary flexibility for wearable applications while supporting the conductive electrode patterns deposited on their surfaces, enabling the device to conform to curved surfaces and withstand bending without structural failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure combines multiple materials with complementary properties: flexible polymer substrates provide bendability, while deposited conductive layers (such as metal films or transparent conductive oxides) provide electrical conductivity. This composite structure integrates the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials, achieving mechanical strength and flexibility simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode is made thin to improve flexibility, then the device becomes more flexible, but the mechanical robustness and electrical conductivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thin film substrates with optimized thickness (typically 12-50 micrometers) that balance flexibility and mechanical strength. These thin films are sufficiently thin to provide flexibility and conformability for wearable devices, yet thick enough to maintain structural integrity and protect the embedded conductive electrodes during handling and operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode is made thin to improve flexibility, then the device becomes more flexible, but the electrical conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode employs composite conductive structures combining multiple conductive layers or materials (such as transparent conductive oxide layers combined with metal nanowires or conductive polymers). This multi-layer composite approach maintains high electrical conductivity even in thin configurations, as each layer contributes to the overall conductive network while keeping the total thickness minimal for flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive electrode patterns are locally optimized with varied thickness and material composition in different regions. Areas requiring higher conductivity (such as contact pads and signal transmission paths) use thicker or more conductive materials, while other regions use thinner layers to maintain flexibility, achieving spatially differentiated properties that satisfy both electrical and mechanical requirements.
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 flexible and robust electrode structures that enhance energy harvesting efficiency, maintaining consistent sheet resistance and optical transmittance even under deformation and stretching, effectively converting mechanical energy into electrical energy with improved mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode including conductive structures, wherein at least some regions of the electrode are embedded in the flexible layer
Implementation Method 2
A triboelectric generator is an energy harvesting device that generates electrical energy based on charge movement that occurs when two charged bodies are rubbed against each other
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to an electrode structure, a triboelectric generator including the electrode structure, and a method of manufacturing the electrode structure. The electrode structure includes a flexible layer configured to be bendable by an external force and an electrode, at least some regions thereof being embedded in the flexible layer.