Nested Vibration Subsystems for Broadband Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibration power generators require multiple piezoelectric materials with narrow frequency ranges, making it difficult to cover a broad frequency band for efficient power generation.

Innovation Solution

A vibration power generator system comprising a first and second vibration subsystem, where the second subsystem has a higher resonance amplification factor and a mass ratio greater than the first subsystem, allowing for adjustable resonant frequencies and a piezoelectric element with compressive stress, enabling power generation across a broader frequency band.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vibrating piezoelectric materials with different resonant frequencies are used to extend the frequency range, then the frequency coverage is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency coverage rangeVSAvoidnumber of piezoelectric materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration system is divided into multiple vibration subsystems, each with different resonant frequencies. The first vibration subsystem has a resonant frequency substantially equal to the resonant frequency of the second vibration subsystem, allowing each subsystem to operate effectively at different frequency ranges while maintaining overall system coherence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second vibration subsystem is attached to the first vibration subsystem, creating a nested structure where subsystems are hierarchically arranged. This nesting allows compact integration of multiple frequency-response components without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric material matches the vibration frequency, then power generation efficiency is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to frequency variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidfrequency band coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple vibration subsystems with different resonant frequencies that can dynamically respond to varying vibration frequencies. When the input vibration frequency changes, different subsystems become dominant in power generation, allowing the system to adapt to frequency variations while maintaining efficient power generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the resonant frequency parameter across different vibration subsystems. The first and second vibration subsystems have substantially equal resonant frequencies, but the mass ratios and resonance amplification factors differ, creating a distributed frequency response that covers a broader frequency band

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the mass of the first mass member is increased to at least five times the mass of the second mass member, then the power output is improved, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidtotal mass

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses different mass ratios in different vibration subsystems. The first vibration subsystem has a mass member with at least five times the mass of the second mass member, creating localized mass concentration where needed to maximize power generation at specific frequencies, while the overall system mass remains controlled through the hierarchical structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 efficiently generates power across a wide frequency range, extending the bandwidth for power generation and improving power output, while being adaptable to varying vibration frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

A piezoelectric element is an element which induces electric polarization and generates a voltage when a pressure in a specific direction is applied thereto. By utilizing such a piezoelectric element, mechanical displacement is converted into voltage, and power can be thus generated.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

If the resonant frequency of the vibrating piezoelectric material is identical to the frequency of vibration, a large mechanical displacement is obtained, and power can be thus generated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9729087B2Vibration power generator, vibration monitoring device, and vibration monitoring system

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A vibration power generator includes a vibration system attached to a vibrating member. The vibration system includes a first vibration subsystem, and a second vibration subsystem attached to the first vibration subsystem. The first vibration subsystem includes an elastic member attached to the vibrating member, and a first mass member attached to the elastic member. The second vibration subsystem includes a plate spring integral with a piezoelectric element, and a second mass member attached to the plate spring. The first vibration subsystem has a resonant frequency that is substantially equal to a resonant frequency of the second vibration subsystem.