Passive Self-Tuning Resonator for Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical energy harvesting systems require active components to tune resonant frequencies, which consume harvested energy and reduce efficiency, especially when dealing with vibrations at multiple frequencies.

Innovation Solution

A passive self-tuning resonator system that adjusts its resonant frequency by moving a movable mass in response to vibrations, allowing for efficient energy harvesting without consuming harvested energy, using a vibratory member and resonator with a support structure to change resonant frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If active components are used to tune the resonant frequency of the resonator, then the resonant frequency can be adjusted to match the vibration frequency, but harvested energy is consumed to power the active components, reducing the effective output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresonant frequency adjustmentVSAvoidenergy consumption for tuning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator system uses the mechanical vibration energy itself to drive the frequency tuning mechanism through a frequency-responsive element that automatically adjusts the resonant frequency to match the input vibration frequency, eliminating the need for external power sources or active control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces active electronic tuning components with a passive mechanical frequency-responsive element that automatically adjusts the resonant frequency through mechanical means, substituting complex active systems with a simpler passive mechanical solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If a fixed resonant frequency resonator is used, then the system is simpler to design, but it cannot efficiently harvest energy from vibrations at varying frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidresonator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator incorporates a frequency-responsive element that dynamically adjusts the resonant frequency in response to the input vibration frequency, allowing the system to adapt to varying vibration frequencies while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the resonant frequency parameter automatically in response to the input vibration characteristics through the frequency-responsive element, enabling efficient energy harvesting across a range of frequencies without requiring multiple fixed-frequency resonators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 maximizes energy conversion by passively tuning the resonator to match the driving frequency, enhancing the efficiency of mechanical energy harvesting from vibrating sources with varying frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

The resonator may include a piezoelectric element configured to convert vibrations of the resonator to electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a frequency-responsive element responsive to a frequency of vibration of the vibratory member and configured to change a physical state of the frequency-responsive element in response to the frequency of vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency-responsive material behavior:

Data Source

PatentUS7626316B2Passive self-tuning resonator system

Publication Date: 2009.12.01 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

The invention is a system incorporating a self-tuning resonator and method of self-tuning a resonator within a system. In one embodiment, a method of powering a system with energy harvested from a vibrating surface includes receiving a first mechanical energy at a first driving frequency from the vibrating surface, transferring the received first mechanical energy to a suspended structure within the system, vibrating the suspended structure with the transferred first mechanical energy, passively adjusting the resonant frequency of the suspended structure to a first resonant frequency associated with the first driving frequency by moving a movable mass in response to the movement of the suspended structure, vibrating the adjusted suspended structure with the transferred first mechanical energy, generating electrical energy using the vibrations of the adjusted suspended structure, and powering the system with the generated electrical energy.