Piezoelectric Energy Harvester With Integrated Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piezoelectric energy harvesters require continuous external mechanical energy to function effectively and lack a built-in solution for storing generated electrical energy, limiting their usability as a standalone power source.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric energy harvester design incorporating a cover frame, a mass (which can be an energy storage device), and piezoelectric transducers between the cover frame and the mass, where the transducers generate electricity through relative movement, with an antifriction guide to reduce friction and a circuit for rectifying and storing energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a piezoelectric energy harvester is designed to generate electrical energy from mechanical vibrations, then electrical energy generation capability is improved, but the device cannot function as a standalone power source when external mechanical energy is not continuously received
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the piezoelectric energy harvesting function with an energy storage device (battery or capacitor) into a single integrated system. The energy storage device is positioned within the cover frame and electrically connected to the piezoelectric transducers, allowing the system to both generate and store electrical energy, thereby enabling standalone operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mass component serves multiple functions: it acts as both the oscillating mass for mechanical energy input and as a structural component housing the energy storage device. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain power generation capability while also providing energy storage for standalone operation.
2Power
If piezoelectric transducers are fixed between the cover frame and mass to generate electrical energy, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but friction between the cover frame and mass reduces the amount of mechanical energy available for conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces antifriction guides as intermediary components between the cover frame and the mass. These guides reduce the friction coefficient at the contact interface, allowing the mass to move more freely while still providing the necessary mechanical coupling for piezoelectric transducer deformation. This mediator reduces energy loss to friction while maintaining energy conversion capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the second end of piezoelectric transducers is fixed on the mass, then structural stability is improved, but the transducers cannot effectively deform to generate electrical energy during relative movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic configuration where the second end of the piezoelectric transducers is not rigidly fixed but rather allowed to move or contact the mass selectively. This dynamic arrangement enables the transducers to deform during relative movement between the cover frame and mass, generating electrical energy while maintaining structural integrity through controlled contact points.
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
Enables the generation and storage of electrical energy from vibrations and shocks without continuous external input, making it suitable for powering portable devices and providing emergency charging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric transducer provided between an inner wall of the cover frame and the mass and configured to generate electrical energy by being deformed according to a relative movement between the cover frame and the mass
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric energy harvester includes a cover frame, a mass provided in the cover frame, and at least one piezoelectric transducer provided between an inner wall of the cover frame and the mass and configured to generate electrical energy by being deformed according to a relative movement between the cover frame and the mass.