Piezoelectric Impact Generator Using Reciprocating Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of generating electrical energy face challenges such as reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels, space consumption, location and time dependency, and limited power output in renewable energy methods like solar panels, while existing piezoelectric energy harvesting is primarily suited for small-scale, ambient energy scavenging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a piezoelectric element that generates electrical charge through impact-induced pressure from a reciprocating body or stack, allowing for efficient energy collection and reuse, reducing form factor and dependency on location and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional electromagnetic generators are used to generate electrical energy, then power output can be large, but reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental energy conversion parameter from chemical combustion (fossil fuels) to mechanical impact (piezoelectric effect). By using a reciprocating mass to impact piezoelectric elements, the system generates electricity through mechanical stress rather than chemical combustion, eliminating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining scalable power output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electromagnetic generation system with a piezoelectric mechanical impact system. Instead of using large rotating electromagnetic generators driven by fossil fuel combustion, the system uses controlled mechanical impacts on piezoelectric elements to generate electricity, substituting one mechanical system for another that is environmentally benign
2Object-affected harmful factors
If solar panels are used to generate electrical energy, then the process is clean and renewable, but space consumption is high and location dependency occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the photovoltaic conversion system with a piezoelectric mechanical impact system. Instead of using large-area solar panels that convert light to electricity, the system uses compact piezoelectric elements impacted by a reciprocating mass, substituting optical conversion with mechanical-to-electrical conversion that requires minimal space and has no location dependency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the energy input parameter from optical radiation (solar light) to mechanical impact energy. By using a reciprocating mass system that can be driven by various mechanical sources (human power, animal power, wind, water), the system becomes independent of sunlight availability and location, while maintaining environmental cleanliness
3Object-affected harmful factors
If piezoelectric energy harvesting is used to scavenge ambient energy, then the process is renewable and pollution-free, but power output is limited to small amounts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs periodic reciprocating motion of a mass to repeatedly impact the piezoelectric elements. This periodic action allows continuous energy generation rather than relying on ambient vibrations, significantly increasing power output while maintaining the pollution-free advantage of piezoelectric conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a reciprocating mass system that stores mechanical energy and releases it in controlled impacts on the piezoelectric elements. This preliminary energy storage and controlled release mechanism enables the system to generate substantial power on demand rather than scavenging limited ambient energy
4Object-affected harmful factors
If solar panels are used to generate electrical energy, then the process is renewable, but time dependency on daylight usage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the energy input parameter from solar radiation (time-dependent) to mechanical impact energy (on-demand). By using a reciprocating mass system that can be driven by various mechanical sources available at any time, the system eliminates time dependency while maintaining renewable energy generation
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 a more efficient and flexible generation of electrical energy using piezoelectricity, maximizing energy output and reducing environmental impact by harnessing mechanical stress for renewable energy production.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element which develops electric charge in response to applied pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed method of generating electrical energy uses a body (36) set in reciprocating motion (M5, M6) to and from a piezoelectric element (22) such that the body is caused to make impact and apply pressure (F56) on the piezoelectric element, thereby developing electrical charge which is collected as electrical energy from the electrodes of the piezoelectric element. A reciprocating mechanism (32), for example, a crank mechanism including rotating member (34) and reciprocating member (36), to convert rotating motion into reciprocating motion, and a gear train (52) for changing input rotational speed, can be included.