Piezoelectric Pump Charge Reclaiming Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing piezoelectric devices used in pumps are inefficient in energy utilization due to the need for high excitation voltages and frequent field reversals, which are typically derived from low-voltage sources, leading to suboptimal energy management.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that involve scavenging charge from a piezoelectric element, using charge holding elements to accumulate and reverse the polarity of the charge, thereby improving energy efficiency by applying the scavenged charge with opposite polarity to the piezoelectric element, utilizing a flyback boost circuit and charge reclaiming circuit to manage the charge effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If high-voltage excitation is applied to piezoelectric actuators to achieve desired mechanical output, then the actuator performance is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator output powerVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent recovers electrical energy from the piezoelectric element during its discharge phase and reuse it during subsequent excitation cycles. The circuit captures the reverse polarity voltage generated when the piezoelectric element releases mechanical stress, storing this recovered energy to reduce the burden on the power supply and lower overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the voltage generated by the piezoelectric element during relaxation is detected and fed back into the excitation circuit. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically utilize the element's own generated energy, creating a self-sustaining energy management system that reduces external power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If excitation voltage is derived from low-voltage sources through conversion, then device simplicity is maintained, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to conversion losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion system complexityVSAvoidenergy conversion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the piezoelectric element to serve its own energy needs by generating and recovering voltage during its operational cycle. The element's inherent piezoelectric effect is harnessed to produce the reverse polarity voltage required for excitation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating or reducing the need for external high-voltage power conversion equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the excitation function and energy storage function into a single integrated circuit system. The charge holding element serves dual purposes: storing energy for excitation and capturing recovered energy from the piezoelectric element, thereby consolidating multiple functions into one component and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If charge is frequently reversed in piezoelectric elements to maintain pumping action, then pumping continuity is improved, but energy waste increases due to repeated charging cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepumping continuityVSAvoidenergy waste from repeated charging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous pumping action by implementing a circuit that continuously manages charge and discharge cycles of the piezoelectric element. The charge holding element ensures uninterrupted supply of excitation voltage, while the recovery circuit continuously captures energy during discharge phases, creating an unbroken cycle of useful mechanical work without energy gaps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes periodic excitation and recovery cycles that synchronize with the piezoelectric element's natural response characteristics. By applying excitation voltage in periodic pulses and recovering energy during corresponding discharge phases, the system maintains continuous pumping while optimizing energy utilization through rhythmic charge-recovery operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach enhances energy utilization in piezoelectric pumps by efficiently removing and reapplying charge, reducing energy waste and improving the overall efficiency of the pumping process.

Implementation Method 1

A piezoelectric element is a crystalline material which produces an electric voltage when subjected to mechanical pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9806249B2Methods and systems for applying charge to a piezoelectric element

Publication Date: 2017.10.31 ALFRED E MANN FOUND FOR SCI RES

AI summary

Methods and systems for applying charge to a piezoelectric element include and/or facilitate implementation of processes including cyclical multi-stage processes for: providing a piezoelectric element with an accumulated charge; providing one or more charge holding elements with a scavenged charge from the piezoelectric element; substantially removing or discharging a remaining charge from the piezoelectric element; and applying the scavenged charge to the piezoelectric element with an opposite polarity in relation to the polarity of the remaining charge.