Piezoelectric Sensor Material for Bicycle Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piezoelectric materials for bicycle components face challenges in achieving a balance between output voltage, adhesion strength, and moisture resistance, with current ratios of ferroelectric particles to adhesive resin not optimally addressing these factors, leading to suboptimal performance in generating electric power from mechanical force.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric material comprising ferroelectric particles and an adhesive resin, with a ratio of ferroelectric particles between 40 mass % and 90 mass %, and an average particle diameter of 2 μm to 10 μm, sintered and pulverized to optimize output voltage and adhesion, integrated with electrodes to form a sensor for bicycle components like crankshafts and crank arms, generating electric power from mechanical strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the ratio of ferroelectric particles to adhesive resin is increased to improve output voltage, then the adhesion strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the ratio of ferroelectric particles to adhesive resin within a specific range (40-90 mass %) to achieve the desired balance between output voltage and adhesion strength. This parameter optimization allows the piezoelectric material to generate sufficient electrical power while maintaining adequate bonding strength to the substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of ferroelectric particles dispersed in an adhesive resin matrix. This composite structure enables the material to simultaneously exhibit piezoelectric properties for power generation and adhesive properties for bonding, resolving the contradiction between electrical performance and mechanical strength.
2Strength
If the ratio of ferroelectric particles to adhesive resin is decreased to improve adhesion strength, then the output voltage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a minimum threshold for ferroelectric particle content (40 mass %) to ensure sufficient piezoelectric activity for power generation. This parameter constraint prevents the output voltage from deteriorating while allowing the adhesive resin to provide adequate bonding strength.
3Strength
If the particle diameter of ferroelectric particles is reduced to improve adhesion, then the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an optimal particle diameter range (2-10 μm) that balances adhesion performance with manufacturing feasibility. This parameter selection ensures sufficient surface area for bonding while avoiding the complexities associated with ultra-fine particle handling and processing.
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
The proposed solution enhances the output voltage and adhesion strength of piezoelectric sensors in bicycle components, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling effective power generation from mechanical strain, while maintaining moisture resistance and physical strength.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric element (piezo element) that generates electric power when mechanical force is applied thereto is widely known.
Data Source
AI summary
A piezoelectric material contains ferroelectric particles and an adhesive resin. The ratio of the ferroelectric particles relative to the total mass of the ferroelectric particles and the adhesive resin is 40 mass % or greater and 98 mass % or less.