Impulse Generator Triboelectric Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power-supply systems for microelectronic devices rely heavily on batteries, which are bulky, hazardous, and environmentally unfriendly, necessitating the development of technologies that convert natural mechanical energies into electric energy.
Innovation Solution
An impulse generator comprising a first and second substrate with conductive and insulation film layers connected by an elastic body, allowing surface charge transfer when an external force is applied, generating AC pulse signals that can power devices like LEDs without additional power sources, and a generator set with stacked impulse generators for increased output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power microelectronic devices, then devices can be powered continuously, but the power supply becomes bulky, heavy, and environmentally hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy conversion system. The impulse generator uses mechanical motion from external forces to drive the relative movement between insulation film layer and conductive film layer, converting mechanical energy directly into electrical energy through contact and separation cycles, thereby eliminating the need for heavy battery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The power generation system is designed to be self-powered through ambient mechanical energy. The elastic connection body automatically restores the insulating layer to its initial position after each contact cycle, and the continuous relative movement between layers generates electrical energy that powers the microelectronic devices without requiring external power sources or heavy energy storage components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power microelectronic devices, then devices can be powered continuously, but toxic chemicals pose health and environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates chemical batteries entirely by substituting them with a mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system. The impulse generator uses purely physical processes - contact electrification and elastic mechanical restoration - to generate electrical energy, thereby removing all toxic chemicals from the power supply system and eliminating associated health and environmental hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts ambient mechanical energy (such as vibrations, movements, or external forces) that would otherwise be wasted or harmful into useful electrical energy. By harvesting these mechanical inputs through the contact-separation mechanism of the insulation and conductive film layers, the system transforms potential harmful mechanical disturbances into beneficial electrical power for microelectronic devices.
3Power
If the insulation film layer is in contact with the second conductive film layer, then surface charge transfer occurs, but the structure becomes more complex compared to fixed electrode designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic structures where the insulation film layer and conductive film layer continuously move relative to each other through contact and separation cycles. The elastic connection body provides dynamic restoration, allowing the system to transition between contact states (for charge transfer) and separation states (for charge collection), thereby enabling power generation through dynamic mechanical-electrical coupling rather than static configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film structures for both the insulation layer and conductive layers, allowing them to flex and move relative to each other during operation. These flexible thin films enable the contact-separation mechanism required for impulse generation while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure, avoiding the need for complex rigid mechanical assemblies.
4Power
If multiple impulse generators are stacked to increase output, then power generation capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple impulse generator units into a stacked configuration where they share common structural elements such as substrates and elastic connection bodies. By combining multiple power-generating layers in a compact stacked arrangement with shared components, the system achieves increased total output power while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity compared to separate independent units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested stacking configuration where impulse generator units are arranged in layers, with each unit containing the essential elements (substrates, conductive films, insulation films, elastic connections) nested within a compact vertical structure. This nesting approach allows multiple generators to occupy a small volume and share common boundaries, increasing power output without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 impulse generator and generator set effectively convert mechanical energy into electric energy, powering microelectronic devices such as LEDs, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for powering devices in densely populated areas without the need for external power supplies.
Implementation Method 1
when an external force is applied on the first substrate or the second substrate, the insulation film layer contacts with the second conductive film layer to generate a surface charge transfer between the insulation film layer and the second conductive film layer
Implementation Method 2
an elastic connection body for connecting the first substrate with the second substrate such that the insulation film layer and the second conductive film layer face each other
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3(a)~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an impulse generator and a generator set. The impulse generator comprises: a first substrate; a first conductive film layer on the first substrate; an insulation film layer on the first conductive film layer; a second substrate; a second conductive film layer on the second substrate; and an elastic connection body for connecting the first substrate with the second substrate such that the insulation film layer and the second conductive film layer face each other; wherein, when no external force is applied on the first substrate or the second substrate, the insulation film layer is separated from the second conductive film layer; and, when an external force is applied on the first substrate or the second substrate, the insulation film layer is contacted with the second conductive film layer such that, a surface charge transfer is generated by the contact between the insulation film and the second conductive film layer, owing to their difference in triboelectric series. For the impulse generator according to the present disclosure, when a periodic external force is applied on the substrate of the generator, AC pulse signal output may be formed between the first conductive film layer and the second conductive film layer.