Piezoelectric Door Release Powered by Energy Harvester
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric door release mechanisms require a constant power source, either through hardwiring to an AC grid or periodic battery replacement, which is impractical in situations where a power source is not available, and they consume excessive power due to the use of large solenoids or motors.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes a piezoelectric actuator powered by an energy harvester, such as a piezoelectric energy harvester or stepper motor/generator, with a voltage boost circuit and a thin film battery or Greinacher-type voltage doubler circuit to recycle and store energy, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for periodic human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery is used to power the electric door release mechanism, then the device can operate without hardwiring, but the battery must be periodically replaced or recharged, creating maintenance requirements and security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvester enables the door release mechanism to power itself by harvesting ambient vibrations and kinetic energy from the door's normal operation. This eliminates the need for external battery replacement or recharging, making the system self-sustaining and maintenance-free while ensuring continuous security operation.
2Reliability
If a large solenoid or motor is used to actuate the door release mechanism, then the locking function is reliable, but the power consumption is excessive, requiring a large and expensive battery pack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional high-power electromagnetic solenoids or motors with a piezoelectric actuator that converts mechanical vibrations directly into the mechanical motion needed to actuate the door release. This substitution dramatically reduces power consumption while maintaining reliable locking and release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the actuation mechanism from high-power electromagnetic fields to low-power piezoelectric conversion, fundamentally altering the energy parameters of the system. The piezoelectric actuator requires significantly less power to achieve the same mechanical displacement needed for door release actuation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If hardwiring is used to power the electric door release mechanism, then continuous power is available, but installation is complex and requires access to AC grid infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvester enables the door release mechanism to power itself by harvesting ambient vibrations and kinetic energy from the door's normal operation. This eliminates the need for external power infrastructure, complex hardwiring, and installation access to AC grids, while ensuring continuous operation through self-generated power.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a piezoelectric actuator is used instead of a solenoid, then power consumption is reduced, but the actuator requires a higher voltage supply that is not readily available from energy harvesters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage boost circuit as an intermediary component between the low-voltage energy harvester and the high-voltage piezoelectric actuator. This circuit steps up the voltage from the harvester to the level required by the piezoelectric actuator, enabling the low-power actuation scheme to function without requiring complex high-voltage power supply infrastructure.
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 effectively harnesses 'waste' energy to power the door release mechanism, ensuring continuous operation without the need for a constant power source, reducing power consumption by up to 60% through energy recycling, and providing a secure, self-sustaining locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an electric door release system wherein the actuator requires significantly less electric power than in the prior art... an electric door release mechanism is actuated by a piezoelectric actuator powered by an energy harvester... a piezoelectric energy harvester
Implementation Method 2
a voltage boost circuit operationally connected to the energy harvester
Implementation Method 3
a power module including a battery, such as a thin film battery, disposed in a circuit between the energy harvester and the voltage boost circuit
Implementation Method 4
an actuator discharge circuit disposed between the piezoelectric actuator and the power module battery for recycling back to the battery a portion of the power provided to, and not consumed by, the piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.