Piezoelectric Generator With Resonating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric motors, generators, and transformers face challenges in miniaturization due to limitations in materials used, leading to reduced electrical conversion efficiency, complexity in fabrication, and interference with magnetic fields, making them unsuitable for low-power applications with high mechanical output or electrical current generation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a non-piezoelectric resonating element with a piezoelectric element, utilizing materials like steel, silicon, or metal alloys to enhance mechanical displacement and frequency, allowing for efficient energy transfer and conversion, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional piezoelectric materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electromagnetic methods are used to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, then power generation capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic conversion mechanisms with piezoelectric material-based mechanical-to-electrical conversion. The piezoelectric element converts mechanical stress directly into electrical energy, eliminating the need for complex electromagnetic components such as copper windings, iron cores, and magnetic field generation systems. This substitution resolves the contradiction by achieving power generation through a simpler mechanical stress application method.
2Volume of moving object
If electromagnetic motors are miniaturized, then size is reduced, but electrical conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using piezoelectric materials that exhibit significant piezoelectric effect at small scales. The piezoelectric element's ability to generate electrical charge in response to mechanical stress remains effective even in miniaturized configurations, unlike electromagnetic systems where efficiency drops sharply at small scales. This parameter change enables efficient power generation in compact form factors.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional piezoelectric materials are used, then device size is reduced, but permissible strain and electrical current generation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite structural design where the piezoelectric element is integrated with mechanical amplification mechanisms. The composite system includes the piezoelectric material combined with mechanical levers or resonance structures that amplify the effective strain on the piezoelectric element, thereby increasing electrical current generation capability while maintaining small device dimensions.
4Power
If electromagnetic materials are used, then power generation is achieved, but magnetic field interference with other devices occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates magnetic field interference by substituting electromagnetic energy conversion with direct piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical conversion. The piezoelectric element responds to mechanical stress through crystal structure deformation, generating electrical charge without producing magnetic fields. This从根本上 resolves the harmful magnetic field interference issue while maintaining power generation capability.
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 enables the creation of smaller, more efficient piezoelectric machines with higher power generation capabilities, reduced magnetic interference, and easier control of speed and direction, suitable for low-power applications.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element capable of generating electrical current in response to at least one of movement, deflection and stress being applied thereto by an external force
Implementation Method 2
a non-piezoelectric resonating element operatively coupled to the piezoelectric element and configured to provide the external force thereto, and a moving element configured to cause at least one of mechanical movement and mechanical resonance in the resonating element
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments of systems, devices and methods for generating electricity, transforming voltages and generating motion using one or more piezoelectric elements operably coupled to one or more non-piezoelectric resonating elements. In one embodiment, a non-piezoelectric resonating element is configured to oscillate and dissipate mechanical energy into a piezoelectric element, which converts a portion of such mechanical energy into electricity and therefore acts as a generator. In another embodiment, a piezoelectric element is configured to drive one or more mechanical elements operably coupled to the one or more non-piezoelectric resonating elements, and therefore acts as a motor. In still another embodiment, a piezoelectric element is operably coupled to a non-piezoelectric resonating element to form an electrical transformer. The mechanical properties of the non-piezoelectric resonating elements are typically selected to permit relatively high permissible stress and strain in comparison to the corresponding piezoelectric elements to which coupled or attached.