Mechanical Self-Reciprocating Oscillator for High Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micromachined devices require high voltages for operation, but existing solutions, such as high voltage generators, occupy large footprints and are inefficient due to the need for electronic components and limited power handling capacity, making them unsuitable for integrated Microsystems and portable devices.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical self-reciprocating oscillator and mechanism that uses a micromachined switch and electrothermal actuator to generate regular back-and-forth movement without electronic components, enabling high voltage generation from a single DC power source, with configurations utilizing inductors or transformers for efficient voltage conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional high voltage generators with electronic components are used, then voltage conversion capability is achieved, but device footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates all electronic components (transistors, oscillators, control circuits) from the high voltage generator, retaining only the essential mechanical elements (switch, inductor, transformer) needed for voltage conversion. This extraction reduces device footprint while maintaining core functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical oscillator is designed to self-oscillate using inherent mechanical feedback and energy storage elements, eliminating the need for external electronic control circuits. The system serves itself by using the output voltage to drive the mechanical oscillator, which in turn controls the switching, creating a self-sustaining cycle without electronic components.
2Power
If miniaturized high voltage power sources are integrated, then voltage generation is achieved, but power management overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all power management electronics including voltage regulators, current controllers, and protection circuits, leaving only the essential power conversion elements. This extraction eliminates power management overhead while maintaining voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical oscillator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the switching mechanism, the frequency generator, and the control element. The inductor and transformer serve both as energy storage elements and as the core voltage conversion mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If electronic components are used in micromachined devices, then control precision is improved, but reliability and integration suitability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical control mechanism. The mechanical oscillator uses physical feedback through spring-mass systems and mechanical switches to achieve precise timing and control, eliminating reliability issues associated with electronic components in high voltage environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system uses self-oscillation driven by the interaction between the mechanical oscillator and the electrical load, eliminating the need for external electronic control signals. This self-service mechanism improves reliability by removing vulnerable electronic interfaces while maintaining control precision through inherent mechanical feedback.
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 system generates peak voltages exceeding 200 V with high energy efficiency, allowing for the direct powering of devices and integration into Microsystems using a low voltage DC source, while occupying minimal space.
Implementation Method 1
electrothermal actuator
Implementation Method 2
electrothermal actuator
Implementation Method 3
inductor
Implementation Method 4
transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical self-reciprocating oscillator and mechanism and method for establishing and maintaining regular back and forth movement of a micromachined device without the aid of any electronic components are provided. The fully mechanical micromachined oscillator and mechanism are driven using only a DC power source on at least one substrate such as a semiconductor chip. The oscillator and mechanism preferably include an electrothermal actuator, that, when actuated, opens a switch to cut off supply current to the actuator. Two versions of the oscillator and mechanism are provided using distinct hysteresis mechanisms, one structural and the other thermal.