Flexible Power Generating Element for Rescue Display

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for converting vibration energy into electric energy, such as those using piezoelectric elements, face challenges in durability and efficiency, particularly in flexible and water-resistant applications, and often require complex adhesion structures that can lead to stress concentration and electric discharge issues.

Innovation Solution

A power generating element comprising a pair of flexible electrodes and an insulating silicone rubber intermediate layer that slides due to curvature differences, generating electrostatic charge without strong connections, and is integrated with a light emitting diode via a rectifier circuit, forming a band-like light emitting body for use in a rescue display device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If piezoelectric elements are used to convert vibration energy into electric energy, then power generation function is achieved, but durability and reliability deteriorate due to stress concentration and electric discharge issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation functionVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating intermediate layer is introduced between the upper and lower electrodes to prevent direct contact and electric discharge. This intermediary layer allows relative movement while maintaining electrical isolation, resolving the contradiction between power generation through vibration and durability against electric discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible electrodes and a flexible insulating intermediate layer that can withstand repeated bending and deformation. This flexible structure eliminates stress concentration issues associated with rigid piezoelectric elements, improving durability while maintaining power generation function through mechanical deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If strong adhesion structures are used to connect electrodes, then structural stability is improved, but stress concentration increases leading to reduced durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating intermediate layer serves as a mediator between the electrodes, providing both mechanical connection and electrical isolation. This layer distributes stress uniformly across the interface, preventing stress concentration while maintaining structural stability during bending and deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of conductive electrodes and insulating elastic material. This composite design allows the structure to maintain stability through the rigid electrodes while the elastic intermediate layer absorbs and distributes mechanical stress, preventing durability issues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid structures are used for power generation, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to bending deformations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible electrodes and a flexible insulating intermediate layer that can withstand repeated bending and deformation. This flexible structure allows the device to adapt to various bending deformations while maintaining structural integrity and power generation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating intermediate layer is designed to allow relative movement between the electrodes during bending. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt to changing geometric conditions while maintaining electrical isolation and structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a flexible, durable, and efficient power generation system that avoids stress concentration and electric discharge, enabling effective power generation in bending deformations and water exposure, with improved durability and visibility through integrated light emitting diodes.

Implementation Method 1

The power generating element is flexibly bendable when receiving an external force, while causing sliding motion between at least one of the electrodes and at least one surface of the intermediate layer which faces the at least one of the electrodes, due to a difference in curvature between the electrodes and the intermediate layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9705429B2Power generating element, light emitting element, band-like light emitting body, and rescue display device

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A power generating element is provided. The power generating element includes a pair of electrodes and an intermediate layer disposed between the pair of electrodes. The intermediate layer includes an insulating elastic body. The power generating element is flexibly bendable when receiving an external force, while causing a sliding transfer between at least one of the electrodes and at least one surface of the intermediate layer which faces the at least one of the electrodes, due to a difference in curvature between the electrodes and the intermediate layer.