Leaf Spring Buckling Vibration Energy Harvester
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration energy harvesting devices lack industrialization and reliability in converting mechanical vibrations into electricity, with existing solutions often requiring external mechanical adjustments and being prone to instability.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical vibration energy recovery device featuring a set of leaf springs between two fixed points with masses on either side, which buckles into two stable positions symmetrically, allowing energy conversion through piezoelectric elements without external mechanical action, maintaining constant mass difference and stability regardless of applied vibrational energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vibration energy harvesters use flexible blades with varying buckling levels, then energy conversion is achieved, but reliability and stability deteriorate due to external mechanical adjustments required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vibrational energy from the mechanical system itself to drive the buckling transformation of the flexible blade, eliminating the need for external mechanical adjustments. The flexible blade automatically transforms between buckled and unbuckled states in response to vibrations, making the system self-regulating and more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible blade is pre-designed with specific buckling characteristics that enable it to automatically transform between stable states when subjected to vibrational energy. This preliminary structural design eliminates the need for real-time external adjustments during operation.
2Reliability
If flexible blades are used in vibration energy harvesters, then energy conversion is possible, but stability worsens due to prone to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transforms between two stable states (buckled and unbuckled) in response to vibrational energy input. By designing the flexible blade with controlled buckling characteristics, the system maintains stability within each state while enabling controlled transitions, rather than relying on a single static configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buckling parameter of the flexible blade in response to vibrational energy levels. When vibration energy exceeds a threshold, the blade transforms from a buckled stable state to an unbuckled stable state, providing stable operation across different energy conditions.
3Productivity
If external mechanical action is used to adjust buckling levels, then energy harvesting is achieved, but ease of operation worsens due to required adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible blade automatically adjusts its buckling state in response to vibrational energy from the mechanical system, eliminating the need for external mechanical adjustments. The system self-regulates to optimize energy harvesting based on the vibrational input it receives.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional designs allow variable buckling levels, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to frame deformation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the buckling transformation capability from the frame structure and concentrates it in the flexible blade component. The frame remains rigid and stable, while the flexible blade independently transforms between buckled and unbuckled states, simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the functions of the frame (providing stable support) and the flexible blade (providing buckling transformation). This segmentation allows the frame to remain simple and rigid while the flexible blade handles the complexity of state transformation, reducing overall device 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
This solution enhances the reliability and industrial applicability of vibration energy harvesting by maintaining stability and symmetry, allowing for efficient energy conversion from mechanical vibrations to electricity without requiring external adjustments or deformation of the frame, thus improving the overall efficiency and ease of implementation.
Implementation Method 1
Some mechanical-electrical converters or vibrational recuperators use piezoelectric elements to convert mechanical energy originating from vibrations into electricity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for recovering vibrational mechanical energy, comprising an assembly (3) of spring leaves between two points (225, 245), and at least two masses (41, 43) positioned one on either side of said leaf assembly, wherein said leaf assembly is made to buckle between the two points by bringing the masses one towards the other.