Flexible Piezoelectric Sensor Structure for Self-Powered Pressure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional piezoelectric sensors, such as those using lead zirconate titanate (PZT), barium titanate (BTO), zinc oxide (ZnO), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), face limitations in sensitivity, response speed, and flexibility, failing to meet the requirements for next-generation pressure sensors.

Innovation Solution

A piezoelectric sensor incorporating carbon-based materials like graphene oxide and two-dimensional crystals of unconventional stoichiometries, such as Na2Cl crystals, which enhance sensitivity, response speed, and flexibility, and enable self-powered operation through mechano-electric transduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional piezoelectric materials (PZT, BTO, ZnO, PVDF) are used, then good sensitivity and fast response speed can be achieved, but the performance still needs further improvement to satisfy next-generation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidperformance limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure combining carbon-based materials (graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, or fullerene) with two-dimensional crystals of unconventional stoichiometries (such as Na2Cl, K2Cl, CaCl, MgCl). This composite approach leverages the electrical conductivity and mechanical flexibility of carbon materials alongside the piezoelectric properties of the two-dimensional crystals, achieving enhanced sensitivity, lower detection limits, and improved response speed compared to conventional single-material piezoelectric sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional piezoelectric materials are used, then piezoelectric functionality is achieved, but flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes thin-film structures of two-dimensional crystals (such as Na2Cl, K2Cl, CaCl, MgCl) with thicknesses in the nanometer to micrometer range, combined with flexible carbon-based materials. This thin-film architecture provides inherent flexibility while maintaining piezoelectric functionality, enabling the sensor to conform to curved surfaces and withstand bending deformations without compromising mechanical strength or electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Extent of automation

If conventional piezoelectric materials are used, then pressure sensing capability is achieved, but self-powered capability is not realized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveself-powered capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the sensor structure to be self-powered through direct mechano-electric transduction. The two-dimensional crystals with unconventional stoichiometries generate electrical signals directly in response to mechanical pressure stimuli, eliminating the need for external power sources. The carbon-based materials enhance this self-powered capability by providing efficient charge transport pathways, allowing the sensor to operate autonomously and convert mechanical energy directly into electrical energy for signal generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 proposed sensor achieves higher sensitivity, lower pressure detection limits, faster response times, and repeatability, while offering flexibility and self-powered capabilities, surpassing the performance of conventional sensors.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The first carbon-based material comprises graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotube or fullerene, and the second carbon-based material comprises graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, carbon nanotube or fullerene.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11963453B1Piezoelectric sensor

Publication Date: 2024.04.16 EAST CHINA UNIV OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

A piezoelectric sensor is provided. The piezoelectric sensor comprises a first base, a first conductive layer adjacent to the first base, a second base, a second conductive layer adjacent to the second base; and a first structure between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The first structure comprises a first layer with a first carbon-based material and a plurality of second structures with piezoelectricity. Each of the plurality of second structures comprises a second layer with a second carbon-based material and a third layer adjacent to the second layer. The third layer comprises a material of two-dimensional crystals of unconventional stoichiometries such as Na2Cl crystals.