Piezoelectric Power Generation Unit with Resonant Voltage Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric power generation units face limitations in generating high voltage due to the inherent voltage constraints of piezoelectric materials, requiring additional step-up circuits and hindering miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A power generation unit incorporating a deforming member with a piezoelectric element, an inductor, and a switch, where the switch is controlled based on stored information about the characteristic vibration period, dimension, and weight of the deforming member to periodically connect and disconnect the piezoelectric element and inductor, allowing for efficient charge storage and voltage enhancement without a step-up circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a step-up circuit is added to generate high voltage, then the voltage output is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the piezoelectric element with the inductor to form an integrated power generation unit. The piezoelectric element serves dual functions: generating voltage through piezoelectric effect and acting as a capacitor in an LC resonant circuit. This integration eliminates the need for separate step-up circuits while achieving high voltage output through resonance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic switching of the piezoelectric element between different circuit configurations. By controlling the switch to connect or disconnect the piezoelectric element from the inductor based on vibration phase, the system dynamically optimizes energy transfer and voltage generation, achieving high voltage without static step-up circuitry.
2Power
If a step-up circuit is added to generate high voltage, then the voltage output is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a compact integrated structure. The piezoelectric element is directly coupled with the inductor forming an LC resonant circuit, eliminating the need for separate step-up circuit components. This merging significantly reduces the overall device volume while maintaining high voltage generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates voltage through mechanical deformation, stores electrical energy as a capacitor, and participates in resonant oscillation with the inductor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated step-up circuit components, reducing device size.
3Ease of operation
If the switching timing is not synchronized with vibration phase, then the control simplicity is improved, but the power generation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the switching timing is adjusted based on the vibration phase of the piezoelectric element. By detecting the vibration state and synchronizing the switch operation accordingly, the system maximizes energy transfer efficiency during each vibration cycle while maintaining automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching synchronized with the natural vibration frequency of the piezoelectric element. The switch operates at specific phases of each vibration cycle, creating periodic energy transfer that resonates with the system's natural frequency, thereby maximizing power generation efficiency through constructive interference.
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 enables the generation of higher voltages than those achievable through piezoelectric polarization alone, facilitating a compact and efficient power generation unit without the need for additional step-up circuits.
Implementation Method 1
When a piezoelectric material such as lead zirconium titanate (PZT), quartz crystal (SiO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO) is deformed in response to an external force, electrical polarization is induced inside the material, and positive and negative charges appear on the surfaces. Such a phenomenon is called a so-called piezoelectric effect.
Implementation Method 2
by connecting the switch, the resonant circuit composed of the piezoelectric element and the inductor is formed, and the charge generated in the piezoelectric element flows from one electrode of the piezoelectric element into the inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation unit includes a beam (a deforming member) having a piezoelectric element and deforming while switching a deformation direction, an inductor electrically connected to the piezoelectric element, a switch disposed between the piezoelectric element and the inductor, a memory (a storage section) adapted to store switching period information (information of a characteristic vibration period of the beam), and a control circuit (a control section) adapted to control one of a timing at which the switch is set to a conductive state and a timing at which the switch is set to a nonconductive state in accordance with the switching period information stored in the memory.