Micromechanical Amplifier With Selective Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibratory energy conversion technologies face challenges in efficiently amplifying vibratory movements across a wide frequency range while maintaining a compact device size and high energy transmission efficiency, especially when the vibratory frequency deviates from the resonance frequency.
Innovation Solution
A pseudo-resonant micromechanical device that couples and uncouples a movable mass with a vibrating member based on the orientation and speed of the vibration, using a spring and coupling mechanism to transfer kinetic energy effectively across a broad frequency range, and incorporates a control system for optimal energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a resonant system is used to amplify mechanical vibration, then the energy transmission efficiency is improved at resonance frequency, but the device becomes bulky and the amplification is limited when frequency deviates from resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the coupling between the proof mass and support conditional rather than fixed. The coupling member selectively couples and decouples the proof mass from the support based on vibration frequency detection, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical configuration dynamically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high energy transmission when needed (coupled state at resonance) while maintaining compactness (decoupled state when frequency deviates), without requiring a bulky structure to handle all frequency ranges simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coupling parameter (coupled/decoupled state) based on the vibration frequency parameter. When the detected frequency matches the resonance frequency, the coupling member establishes mechanical coupling to maximize energy transmission. When frequency deviates, the coupling is released to prevent energy loss and maintain system compactness. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and device size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resonant systems with distinct frequencies are used to cover a wide frequency range, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency handling function by separating the detection function (accelerometer detecting frequency) from the execution function (coupling member establishing mechanical coupling only at resonance). This allows a single proof mass-spring system to be selectively activated only when needed for a specific frequency, rather than requiring multiple permanently coupled resonant systems. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling wide frequency range adaptability through selective activation while maintaining device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling member that acts as a mediator between the proof mass and the support. This coupling member is controlled by frequency detection and selectively establishes or releases mechanical coupling. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt to different frequencies through controlled coupling/decoupling cycles, rather than requiring multiple permanent resonant structures, thus maintaining compactness while achieving wide frequency range coverage.
3Productivity
If the coupling is maintained continuously between the proof mass and support, then the energy transmission is maximized at resonance, but the energy is lost when frequency deviates from resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic coupling and decoupling actions based on frequency detection. The coupling member periodically establishes mechanical coupling when resonance frequency is detected and releases it when frequency deviates. This periodic on/off coupling action resolves the contradiction by ensuring energy transmission is maximized only during resonant conditions (when coupling is active) while preventing energy loss during non-resonant conditions (when coupling is released), thereby optimizing overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the vibration frequency in advance and proactively establishing or releasing the coupling before energy loss occurs. The accelerometer continuously monitors frequency, and when resonance is detected, the coupling member is activated to establish coupling in advance, maximizing energy transmission from the start of resonant conditions. Conversely, when frequency deviation is detected, coupling is released proactively to prevent energy loss, resolving the contradiction between maximizing transmission and minimizing loss.
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 device achieves significant kinetic energy amplification over a wide vibratory frequency range, maintaining compactness and high energy transmission efficiency, even when the frequency is far from the resonance frequency, and allows for efficient conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Implementation Method 1
a spring capable of exerting a return bias between the mobile mass and the interface
Implementation Method 2
the piezoelectric element extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the mass so as to couple the mass at the interface
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 8~9e
Figure 10~11
AI summary
The invention relates to a micromechanical device (11) for amplifying a vibrating movement, including: an interface (7) for securing the device to a vibrating member; a body (3) mounted so as to move with at least one degree of freedom in relation to the interface; a spring (4) suitable for exerting a return biasing between the movable body and the interface; a member for detecting the direction of movement of the interface according to said degree of freedom; a member (6) for coupling the movable body to the interface, configured so as to couple the movable body (3) to the interface (7) when the direction of movement of the interface is opposite that of the movable body, and configured so as to uncouple the movable body from the interface prior to a change in direction of the interface and when the direction of movement of the interface is identical to that of the movable body.