Variable-Thickness Energy Harvester Structure for Compressive Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting systems are inefficient in converting mechanical input into electrical energy, particularly under compressive forces, and lack flexibility and stability for use in projectiles and munitions.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting system comprising a transducer and a structure with a first portion, a second portion, and one or more third portions connecting them, where the third portions have varying thickness, such as tapering thickness, to enhance flexibility and force distribution, and a housing to inhibit horizontal deflection, allowing for improved energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional rigid structure is used to transfer force to the transducer, then structural strength is maintained, but energy harvesting efficiency deteriorates due to insufficient deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The structure incorporates regions of varying thickness, including thinner regions that deform more easily under applied force. This local variation in geometric properties allows specific portions of the structure to flex and deform, transmitting mechanical energy to the transducer while maintaining overall structural integrity through thicker supporting regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure's geometric parameters are deliberately varied, particularly the thickness of different regions. This parameter change enables the structure to exhibit both flexibility for energy harvesting and sufficient strength for structural support, resolving the contradiction between deformability and structural integrity.
2Productivity
If the structure is made more flexible to enhance deformation, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into distinct regions with different thicknesses and mechanical properties. The thinner regions provide flexibility for deformation and energy conversion, while the thicker regions maintain structural stability. This segmentation allows the structure to simultaneously achieve both flexibility and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the structure have locally optimized properties - thinner regions for flexibility and energy harvesting, thicker regions for stability. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing the structure to be flexible where needed while maintaining overall stability.
3Productivity
If uniform thickness is used throughout the structure, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but force distribution and energy harvesting efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The structure features varying thickness across different regions, with thinner portions optimized for deformation and thicker portions for structural support. This local variation in geometric quality optimizes force distribution and energy harvesting efficiency, while the gradual transitions minimize manufacturing complexity.
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 system achieves efficient energy harvesting by optimizing force transfer to the transducer, enhancing deformation and output signal generation, suitable for use in projectiles and munitions without the need for additional power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer may be piezoelectric or magnetostrictive
Implementation Method 2
The transducer may be piezoelectric or magnetostrictive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An energy harvesting system (50, 60) comprises a transducer (100) arranged to provide an output signal in response to deformation of the transducer (100) by an applied force to harvest energy from the applied force and a structure (200, 300) in mechanical communication with the transducer (100), deformation of the structure (200, 300) being arranged to cause deformation of the transducer (100). The structure (200, 300) comprises: a first portion (210, 310) arranged to provide a contacting surface; a second portion (220, 320) in mechanical communication with the transducer (100); and one or more third portions (230, 330) connecting the first portion (210, 310) and second portion (220, 320), wherein the one or more third portions (230, 330) comprise at least a region of varying thickness. Also provided is a structure (200, 300) for use in the energy harvesting system (50, 60), a projectile (2000) and a munition (3000).