Flutter Triboelectric Nanogenerator With Charge Accumulation Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) face challenges with low peak current output at the nano/microampere level due to internal impedance and electrical characteristics, leading to device packaging issues and reduced portability, especially when sustaining high frequencies under regular input conditions.

Innovation Solution

A charge accumulation-type, flutter-based triboelectric nanogenerator (CAF-TENG) incorporating a fluttering conductive layer, charge induction layers, and electrode layers with a discharge gateway structure, designed to generate high RMS current and electrostatic induction output through airflow interaction, optimized for portability and high frequency operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional TENG structures are used to harvest energy from airflow, then the device can generate electrical output, but the peak current remains extremely low at the nano/microampere level due to internal impedance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak current outputVSAvoidinternal impedance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The TENG is segmented into functionally distinct layers: a fluttering conductive layer for charge accumulation, charge induction layers for electrostatic induction, and electrode layers with discharge gateways for current output. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function, with the discharge gateway structure specifically designed to overcome internal impedance and amplify peak current to the milliampere level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive layer is designed to flutter dynamically in response to airflow rather than remaining static. This dynamic fluttering motion enables continuous charge accumulation and release cycles, transforming the static charge generation limitation into a dynamic process that sustains high-frequency output and amplifies peak current while maintaining low effective impedance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If additional electrical components and circuits are incorporated to increase peak current to milliampere level, then high current output is achieved, but device packaging becomes problematic and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak current outputVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The TENG structure is self-sufficient, generating and managing its own electrical output without requiring external electrical components or circuits. The internal discharge gateway mechanism and layered structure enable the device to self-regulate and amplify current internally, eliminating the need for external packaging and maintaining portability while achieving milliampere-level peak current output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If automatic input through motors and actuators is used to sustain high frequency output, then high frequency operation is achieved, but the system becomes complex and cannot be sustained under regular input conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput frequencyVSAvoidmechanical input system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical system of motors and actuators is replaced with a passive aerodynamic system. The fluttering conductive layer responds directly to airflow dynamics, allowing the device to sustain high-frequency output under regular airflow conditions without complex mechanical input systems. The fluttering phenomenon itself generates the high-frequency charge accumulation and release cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If a lightweight sheet is used to enable fluttering and improve portability, then excellent portability is achieved, but the structural integrity and charge accumulation capability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidcharge accumulation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The fluttering conductive layer is constructed as a composite structure combining lightweight materials for portability with conductive elements for charge accumulation. This composite design maintains the structural integrity needed for effective charge generation while preserving the lightweight characteristics required for excellent portability and flexible deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 CAF-TENG achieves very high RMS current and average power density, enabling practical applications such as real-time visual respiration monitoring and safety lighting, as well as powering commercial electronic devices and wireless signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a fluttering conductive layer located in a space between the first charge inducing layer and the second charge inducing layer, wherein it is characterized in that the space between the first charge inducing layer and the second charge inducing layer defines a gas flow space through which gas is introduced and discharged, and the fluttering conductive layer generates output through fluttering behavior induced by the gas flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlutter: Flutter

Implementation Method 2

which is mechanically/electrically designed to generate amplified current output by incorporating a fluttering conductive layer, a charge induction layer and an electrode layer with a discharge gateway structure and which is also capable of generating electrostatic induction output and spark (ESD) as airflow passes through the device due to the charge accumulation and discharge gateway mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a charge accumulation-type, flutter-based triboelectric nanogenerator (CAF-TENG)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4641912A1Flutter-based triboelectric nanogenerator and operating method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 CHUNG ANG UNIV IND ACADEMIC COOP FOUND
  • EP4641912A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4641912A1 patent drawingFigure 2i~2iii
  • EP4641912A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a flutter-based triboelectric nanogenerator and a method of operating the same, and more particularly to a charge accumulation-type, flutter-based triboelectric nanogenerator (CAF-TENG) capable of achieving very high RMS current/average power density and portability, while providing high frequency output and excellent portability by utilizing the fluttering phenomenon of a lightweight sheet and sheet flutter TENG.