Piezoelectric Power Generation Device with Electrically Isolated Generators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power generation devices experience interference between alternating current power flows generated at different ends, leading to inefficiencies and variations in power generation.

Innovation Solution

The power generation device electrically isolates the first and second power generators from each other, preventing interference by using separate electrodes and piezoelectric layers with opposite polarities, and employing a rectifier to combine direct current power without mixing alternating current power flows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single electrode extends from the first end to the second end to generate power, then the device structure is simple, but interference occurs between alternating current power generated at different ends due to vibration phase differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode structureVSAvoidpower generation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single continuous electrode is divided into multiple separate electrodes (first electrode at first end, second electrode at second end, and optionally third electrode at middle portion). This segmentation allows each electrode to independently collect power from its local vibration source without interference from other ends, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and power generation stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If the first end and second end vibrate to generate power simultaneously, then power generation capacity increases, but interference between alternating current power flows reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal power generationVSAvoidpower generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the power generation into separate electrodes at different ends, each electrode generates power independently without interference. The total power is the sum of individual electrode outputs, maintaining high power generation capacity while eliminating interference losses and improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If opposite polarity piezoelectric layers are used at first and second ends, then interference is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation stabilityVSAvoidpiezoelectric layer fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric layers at different ends are configured with opposite polarities (first end has first polarity, second end has second polarity opposite to first). This local differentiation prevents interference between power flows while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility through standardized fabrication processes that can accommodate polarity variations at different locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration effectively restrains interference between alternating current power flows, stabilizes power generation, and allows for efficient energy harvesting while minimizing the impact of vibration phase differences.

Implementation Method 1

The power generator includes a piezoelectric layer and a pair of electrodes. The piezoelectric layer has a first polarity at the first end and a second polarity at the second end, opposite to the first polarity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3624327B1Power generation device and sensor-incorporated body using same
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3624327B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3624327B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Provided is a power generation device that restrains interference between a plurality of flows of alternating current power if the flows of alternating current power are generated in the power generation device. The power generation device includes a housing, a first power generator held in the housing so as to be allowed to vibrate, and a second power generator held in the housing so as to be allowed to vibrate. The second power generator is electrically isolated from the first power generator.