MEMS Energy Harvester With Adjustable Transducer Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesters, such as those disclosed in Deterre, fail to efficiently convert low-frequency mechanical vibrations from living creatures into electrical energy due to a lack of control over the damping force exerted by the mechano-electric transducer, limiting the conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed device incorporates a mechanoelectric transducer designed to adjust its mechanoelectrical properties, using electrostatic, piezoelectric, or electromagnetic mechanisms to control the force applied to the seismic mass, optimizing the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy by adjusting the mechanoelectrical coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a standard mechano-electric transducer is used to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, then electrical energy is generated, but the damping force reduces the conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transducer properties adjustable rather than fixed. The mechano-electric transducer is designed with controllable parameters that allow optimization of the damping force in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to different vibration conditions and maximize energy conversion efficiency while minimizing excessive damping that would reduce performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the mechanoelectrical properties of the transducer. By adjusting parameters such as the coupling coefficient or electrical load, the system can optimize the balance between generating electrical energy and maintaining acceptable damping levels, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency
2Power
If the mechanoelectrical coupling is increased to improve power generation, then more electrical energy is produced, but mechanical damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the current generated by the transducer as a feedback signal to adjust the mechanoelectrical coupling. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor power generation levels and automatically reduce the coupling when thresholds are approached, preventing mechanical damage while maximizing power output under normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by making the mechanoelectrical coupling adjustable rather than fixed. This allows the system to dynamically optimize power generation while implementing safety limits to prevent mechanical damage, adapting the coupling strength based on operating conditions
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 approach enhances the efficiency of mechanical to electrical energy conversion by optimizing the mechanoelectrical coupling, allowing for better control of vibration amplitude and minimizing mechanical damage, thereby improving the power generation from mechanical movements.
Implementation Method 1
using electrostatic, piezoelectric, or electromagnetic mechanisms to control the force applied to the seismic mass
Implementation Method 2
using electrostatic, piezoelectric, or electromagnetic mechanisms to control the force applied to the seismic mass
Implementation Method 3
using electrostatic, piezoelectric, or electromagnetic mechanisms to control the force applied to the seismic mass
Implementation Method 4
a mechanical device comprising a seismic mass flexibly connected to a base by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A device for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy that include a mechanical device comprising a seismic mass flexibly connected to a base by at least one spring, a mechano-electric transducer that is associated with the mechanical device for converting mechanical energy of the seismic mass to electric energy, and an electric circuit that is connected to the mechano-electric transducer in a way that electric current is generated in the electric circuit when the seismic mass moves relative to the base. The mechano-electric transducer is designed to adjust a force that the mechano-electric transducer can exert on the mechanical device and by that to control the conversion level of the mechanical energy to the electrical energy.