Organic Matter Powered Device with Carbon Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy harvesting technologies face challenges in deriving usable energy from biologically active organic matter, such as plants, due to the low voltage and current generated, which is prohibitively costly and inefficient for powering devices like LEDs, and existing systems lack environmental monitoring capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A biologically active organic matter powered device comprising electrodes coupled to a power generation circuit and a monitoring circuit that transforms the low voltage and current from organic matter into a higher output, enabling both energy harvesting and environmental attribute monitoring, including attributes of the organic matter or its surrounding environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If energy harvesting is performed from biologically active organic matter, then renewable energy generation is achieved, but the low voltage and current generated make it prohibitively costly and inefficient for powering devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation from organic matterVSAvoidvoltage and current output

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a voltage boost circuit to transform the low voltage and current parameters from organic matter into higher voltage and current suitable for powering devices. The circuit converts the weak electrical signals generated by organic matter (such as plants) into usable power levels, thereby resolving the contradiction between energy generation from organic matter and sufficient power output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If conventional energy harvesting systems are used, then power generation is achieved, but environmental monitoring capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a system that performs multiple functions: it generates power from organic matter through electrodes and voltage boosting, simultaneously monitors environmental attributes (temperature, humidity, light, etc.) through integrated sensors, and transmits data wirelessly. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction between power generation and environmental monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If metal electrodes are used for energy harvesting, then electrical connection is achieved, but the electrodes degrade over time reducing system reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode durabilityVSAvoidsystem operational lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses electrode degradation by using carbon-based electrodes instead of metal electrodes. Carbon electrodes are more stable and resistant to corrosion in biological environments, significantly extending the operational lifespan of the system. This material substitution resolves the contradiction between achieving electrical connection and maintaining long-term system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 effectively harvests energy from organic matter while providing environmental monitoring, enabling the powering of devices like LEDs and sensors, even in low-power applications, and can sustain energy generation over long periods by using non-degradable carbon electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

a power generation circuit coupled to the electrodes; wherein the power generation circuit is configured to receive a first voltage and current from the organic matter, and output a second voltage and current generated by the first voltage and current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a set of electrodes configured to be coupled to a set of biologically active organic matter... receive a first voltage and current from the organic matter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS11133518B2Organic matter powered device

Publication Date: 2021.09.28 NXP BV

AI summary

One example discloses an organic matter powered device, comprising: a set of electrodes configured to be coupled to a set of biologically active organic matter; a power generation circuit coupled to the electrodes; wherein the power generation circuit is configured to receive a first voltage and current from the organic matter, and output a second voltage and current generated by the first voltage and current; a monitoring circuit coupled to the electrodes and coupled to monitor the first voltage and current, and to be powered by the second voltage and current; wherein the monitoring circuit is configured to translate variations in the first voltage and current into an environmental attribute.