Flexible Printed Circuit Energy Harvester for Body Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting technologies, such as those based on pendulum movement and random vibration, are inefficient in converting bending motions into electricity, particularly in applications where consistent energy generation is required.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electromagnetic device with a coil and core, where bending is translated into continuous movement or toggling of a magnet relative to the coil, reversing magnetic flux to generate electricity, utilizing mechanisms like lateral displacement and ferroelectric cores to enhance energy harvesting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pendulum movement or random vibration mechanisms are used for energy harvesting, then the device can be simple in structure, but the energy generation efficiency is low and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) that dynamically bends and deforms in response to external forces, enabling the magnet to move relative to the coil. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to varying bending inputs while maintaining consistent electromagnetic induction, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and energy generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration of the FPC from rigid to flexible, allowing it to undergo controlled bending deformations. This parameter change enables the conversion of mechanical bending energy into electromagnetic energy through relative motion between the magnet and coil, achieving high efficiency energy harvesting without complex mechanical structures.
2Device complexity
If bending motion is directly converted to electricity without intermediate mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the magnetic flux reversal and energy generation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The FPC serves as an intermediary element that translates external bending forces into controlled relative motion between the magnet and coil. This intermediate mechanism enables effective magnetic flux reversal and electromagnetic induction without requiring complex direct conversion mechanisms, achieving high power output while maintaining simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the magnet is fixed relative to the coil, then the device structure is stable, but no electricity is generated during bending
Solution Approach 1:
The FPC creates a dynamic relationship between the magnet and coil, allowing their relative positions to change in response to bending inputs. This dynamic configuration maintains structural stability through the flexible support while enabling the necessary relative motion for electromagnetic induction and electricity generation.
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
This approach results in higher energy generation per switching event, with configurations capable of producing several milli-joules of energy per toggle, demonstrating improved efficiency in converting bending motions into electrical power.
Implementation Method 1
The bending of the Bending Energy Harvester is used to generate electricity using electromagnetic device that comprises coil, core and magnets
Implementation Method 2
utilizing mechanisms like lateral displacement and ferroelectric cores to enhance energy harvesting
Data Source
AI summary
A device for converting bends of a body to electricity, that is designed to be fixed to the body, that includes an electromagnetic device with a coil and a core, a magnet and a converter that is designed to convert bending of the body to a movement of the magnet relative to the electromagnetic device.