Piezoelectric Glideboard Usage Analysis Without Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for analyzing the use of sliding boards, such as alpine skis or snowboards, face challenges due to the need for an additional power source, like batteries, which are inefficient in cold temperatures and prone to discharge, and are not suitable for the mechanical stresses and occasional use of these boards.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous electronic circuit powered by a piezoelectric element that generates energy from deformations, eliminating the need for a separate power source and incorporating a capacitive storage element to store energy for later use, allowing for the estimation of parameters like duration of use and mechanical energy imposed on the board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an electrochemical battery is used to power the electronic analysis circuit, then the circuit can be permanently powered and perform measurements, but the battery has constraints in size, weight, cold resistance, and storage compatibility with snowboards
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element converts mechanical deformation energy from the snowboard's natural movements into electrical energy, allowing the system to power itself without external batteries. The snowboard's own usage generates the power needed for the electronic circuit, eliminating the need for separate power sources that fail in cold conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrochemical battery system with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system. Instead of using chemical energy storage, the system uses mechanical deformation of the piezoelectric element during snowboard usage to generate electrical energy, substituting a mechanical energy conversion mechanism for a chemical power source.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a battery is installed on the snowboard, then the electronic circuit can operate continuously, but the battery must be replaced or recharged frequently in cold conditions and during occasional use
Solution Approach 1:
The system harvests energy from the snowboard's natural deformation during use to continuously recharge the capacitive storage element. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention to replace or recharge batteries, as the snowboard's own movements generate the necessary electrical energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element generates electrical energy periodically during each deformation cycle of the snowboard. This periodic energy generation continuously charges the capacitive storage element, maintaining power supply during usage periods without requiring frequent battery replacement.
3Measurement precision
If an electronic analysis circuit is permanently powered, then it can continuously measure and analyze snowboard deformations, but it requires additional power source components that are incompatible with snowboard constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation function with the measurement function by integrating the piezoelectric element directly into the snowboard structure. The same element that detects deformation through its piezoelectric properties also generates electrical energy to power the analysis circuit, combining sensing and power supply functions into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sensor for detecting snowboard deformation and the power source for energizing the electronic analysis circuit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power source components, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 collection of usage data without external power, enhancing resistance to climatic conditions and periods of inactivity, and providing accurate information on board wear and user engagement without the bulk of additional components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric element intended to be secured to said sliding board and intended to generate electrical energy during deformations of said sliding board
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a capacitive storage element to store energy for later use
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3e
AI summary
The invention relates to an analysis system (100) of the use of a sliding board comprising: - at least one piezoelectric element (11a-11b) intended to be attached to said sliding board and intended to generate electrical energy during deformations of said sliding board; and - an electronic processing circuit configured to estimate at least one usage parameter of said sliding board and intended to be connected to said sliding board: said electronic processing circuit (15) being powered by said electrical energy generated by said at least one piezoelectric element (11a-11b).