Flexible Triboelectric Power Generating Element for Non-Oscillatory Human Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piezoelectric elements are ineffective in generating significant power from non-oscillatory human body movements such as bending and stretching, limiting their application in wearable power generating devices.
Innovation Solution
A power generating element comprising a flexible substrate with insulating members and electrodes, where the intermediate layer is subjected to surface modification and inactivation treatments to differentially deform and generate charge upon substrate deformation, enabling efficient power generation from non-oscillatory movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional piezoelectric elements are used, then they can generate electric power from vibrations, but they cannot generate significant power from non-oscillatory human body movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from piezoelectric effect to triboelectric effect. The power generating element uses a triboelectric layer instead of piezoelectric material, enabling it to respond to non-oscillatory movements through contact electrification and electrostatic induction rather than mechanical stress-induced polarization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical piezoelectric mechanism with an electrostatic triboelectric mechanism. Instead of relying on mechanical stress to generate charge separation, the system uses contact between the triboelectric layer and electrode to generate charges that are then separated by electrostatic induction when the substrate deforms.
2Strength
If piezoelectric polymer fibers are used, then the element can be made flexible and wearable, but the power output remains insufficient for practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a flexible substrate, triboelectric layer, intermediate layer, and electrode. This composite design combines the flexibility of polymer materials with the high power generation capability of triboelectric effect, achieving both wearability and sufficient power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different layers: the substrate provides flexibility, the triboelectric layer generates charges through contact, the intermediate layer provides insulation and mechanical coupling, and the electrode collects charges. Each layer is optimized for its specific function to achieve overall high performance.
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 effectively generates a substantial amount of power from human body movements, as demonstrated by the ability to light up multiple LEDs, surpassing the power output of conventional elements.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate layer is subjected to surface modification and inactivation treatments to differentially deform and generate charge upon substrate deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A power generating element is provided. The power generating element includes a pair of electrodes, an intermediate layer being insulating, and a substrate being flexible. The intermediate layer is disposed between the electrodes. The substrate is configured to support the electrodes and the intermediate layer. When the substrate undergoes a deformation, the intermediate layer is separated from or pressed against one of the electrodes.