Piezoelectric Generator with Non-Piezoelectric Resonator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric generators and motors face challenges in miniaturization due to limited electrical conversion efficiency, complex fabrication, and magnetic field interference, with piezoelectric materials having low permissible strains that restrict mechanical motion and electrical current generation.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a non-piezoelectric resonating element with a piezoelectric transducer, using materials like steel or silicon, to provide mechanical force and enhance displacement, allowing for higher frequency operation and increased electrical current generation while minimizing magnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If electromagnetic motors and generators are miniaturized to produce low-power units, then size is reduced, but electrical conversion efficiency is appreciably reduced and fabrication becomes extremely complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic motors and generators with piezoelectric motors and generators. The piezoelectric motor uses piezoelectric elements to convert electrical energy directly to mechanical motion through piezoelectric expansion/contraction, eliminating the need for electromagnetic coils, magnets, and commutators. This mechanical substitution enables miniaturization while maintaining high electrical conversion efficiency, as demonstrated by the small form factor of the piezoelectric elements compared to traditional electromagnetic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using piezoelectric materials with high permissible strain (greater than 0.1%, and in some embodiments greater than 1%). This parameter change allows for larger amplitude mechanical motion in piezoelectric elements, which directly increases the electrical current generated and improves electrical conversion efficiency in miniaturized devices.
2Device complexity
If piezoelectric materials with low permissible strains are used, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical motion and electrical current generation are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the strain parameter by selecting piezoelectric materials with permissible strains greater than 0.1%, and in many embodiments greater than 1%. This parameter change enables the piezoelectric elements to undergo much larger mechanical deformations, which directly translates to higher electrical current generation through the piezoelectric effect, while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration and resonance in the piezoelectric elements to amplify the mechanical motion and electrical current generation. By operating the piezoelectric elements at their resonant frequencies, the system achieves enhanced mechanical displacement and electrical output without requiring larger or more complex structures, thus maintaining simplicity while increasing power output.
3Power
If electromagnetic motors and generators are used, then power output can be achieved, but magnetic field interference with other devices and systems occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic motors and generators with piezoelectric motors and generators, substituting the electromagnetic field-based operation with piezoelectric material-based operation. The piezoelectric motor uses direct piezoelectric expansion and contraction of crystal structures to produce mechanical motion, completely eliminating the need for magnetic fields. This substitution maintains power output capability while eliminating magnetic field interference with other devices and systems.
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 generators and motors with improved electrical current output and reduced magnetic interference, suitable for low-power applications and miniaturized devices.
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 assembly operatively coupled to the piezoelectric element and configured to provide the external force thereto
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 they are operably coupled or attached.