Magnetostrictive Power Generation Switch for High-Frequency Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power generation switches using electrical magnets produce limited power due to low resonant frequency, and those using piezoelectric materials face durability and impedance issues, making them unsuitable for practical applications.
Innovation Solution
A power generation switch driven by the inverse magnetostriction effect in a magnetostrictive element, featuring parallel beams with a magnetostrictive rod, a coil, and connecting parts that allow for free oscillation, increasing resonant frequency and durability while reducing the operational force required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the stroke in free oscillation of the movable yoke is increased to generate sufficient power, then the generated power increases, but the resonant frequency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical magnet-based mechanical oscillation system with a magnetostrictive element-based system. The magnetostrictive element directly converts electrical signals to mechanical oscillation without requiring a complex electromagnet structure, enabling higher resonant frequencies while maintaining sufficient oscillation stroke for power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using magnetostrictive materials with high strain characteristics, allowing the system to achieve both large oscillation amplitudes and high frequencies simultaneously. This material parameter change resolves the traditional trade-off between stroke length and resonant frequency.
2Power
If piezoelectric elements are used for power generation, then power can be generated by mechanical action, but the elements are brittle and have low durability against repeated bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes piezoelectric materials with magnetostrictive materials. Magnetostrictive elements are made of ductile metals or alloys that can withstand repeated bending and mechanical stress without cracking, thereby dramatically improving durability while maintaining power generation capability through the inverse magnetostriction effect.
3Power
If piezoelectric elements with high output impedance are used, then power generation is possible, but connected low resistance loads prevent efficient power generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical characteristics of the power generation element by using magnetostrictive materials coupled with coil structures, which inherently provide lower output impedance compared to piezoelectric elements. This enables efficient power transfer to low resistance loads commonly found in electronic devices.
4Ease of operation
If conventional electrical magnets are used for power generation, then power can be generated by finger motion, but the generated power is not large enough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the power generation magnitude by using magnetostrictive elements with high strain characteristics and optimizing the coupling between the element and coil structure. This allows sufficient power generation from small finger motions while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parallel beam structures that oscillate in multiple dimensions, increasing the effective oscillation volume and magnetic flux change, thereby generating more power from the same input motion.
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 enables the generation of more power with high durability and efficient power transmission, eliminating the need for batteries in devices like remote controllers and allowing for flexible placement without the need for wiring.
Implementation Method 1
a power generation switch driven by power generated by an inverse magnetostriction effect caused in a magnetostrictive element
Implementation Method 2
a coil wound around the magnetostrictive rod
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation switch includes: parallel beams including at least one magnetostrictive rod made of a beam-shaped magnetostrictive material; a coil wound around the rod; a first connecting part connecting two beams in the parallel beams together, at first ends of the parallel beams; a second connecting part connecting the two beams together at second ends of the parallel beams; a field part that produces magnetic flux to pass through the two beams in the same direction; and an operating part operable by a user. The first connecting part is a non-displaced fixed end. The second connecting part is a free end for free oscillation. The operating part applies external force to the second connecting part to cause free oscillation of the parallel beams, thereby causing a positive axial force in one of the two beams and a negative axial force in the other one of the two beams.