Piezoelectric Vector Device for Road Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating and transmitting electric energy and electrical signals are rigid, fragile, and unable to adapt to changing environmental conditions, particularly in environments with insulating fluids like bitumen on road surfaces, leading to frequent breakages and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional vector device capable of moving and operating within insulating fluids with binding properties, utilizing a magnetic field generator and a laser device to adapt configurations and switch between generating electric energy and transmitting signals, composed of piezoelectric or piezo thermal materials with rectifier means and NiTiNol elements for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If rigid piezoelectric devices are positioned under the road surface to generate energy, then energy generation capability is improved, but the system becomes fragile and subject to frequent breakages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible piezoelectric elements that can dynamically adapt to road surface movements and deformations rather than maintaining a rigid structure. This flexibility allows the elements to withstand traffic loads and environmental changes without breaking, resolving the contradiction between energy generation capability and system durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin, flexible piezoelectric films embedded in the road surface instead of rigid devices. These flexible films can bend and deform with the road surface under vehicle traffic, maintaining structural integrity while still generating electrical energy through mechanical deformation, thus improving both reliability and power generation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid systems are used for energy generation, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses flexible piezoelectric elements that can dynamically adjust their configuration in response to environmental changes such as temperature variations, moisture, and traffic patterns. This dynamic adaptability maintains structural stability while allowing the system to accommodate changing conditions, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes piezoelectric materials whose electrical properties change in response to mechanical stress from traffic. By converting mechanical parameters (pressure, deformation) into electrical energy, the system adapts to varying traffic conditions while maintaining structural integrity, thus achieving both stability and versatility.
3Power
If piezoelectric devices are embedded in road surface, then energy generation is improved, but the system becomes complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the road surface into segments with discrete piezoelectric elements embedded at specific locations. This segmentation allows for modular installation and maintenance, where individual elements can be replaced or repaired without affecting the entire system, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric elements generate electrical energy directly from the mechanical stress of passing vehicles, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems. This self-powered operation simplifies the overall system architecture and reduces maintenance requirements, resolving the contradiction between energy generation and system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If flexible structures are used to improve adaptability, then adaptability to environmental conditions is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite structures combining flexible piezoelectric materials with reinforcing elements or protective coatings. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for environmental adaptability and the structural strength to withstand traffic loads, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin, flexible piezoelectric films that are engineered to have sufficient strength for their intended application. These films are designed with appropriate thickness and material properties to maintain structural integrity while providing the flexibility needed to adapt to road surface deformations and environmental conditions.
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 system achieves reliable and adaptable generation and transmission of electric energy and signals with minimal breakages, capable of complex configurations and efficient signal transfer with zero resistance, suitable for various environments and applications.
Implementation Method 1
a central core 12 consisting of piezoelectric or piezo thermal material or material with triboelectric properties, prepared so as to generate pulsating electric currents once subjected to a physical stress suitable for the purpose
Implementation Method 2
a central core 12 consisting of piezoelectric or piezo thermal material or material with triboelectric properties
Implementation Method 3
electric current rectifier means, indicated as a whole with 20, which in the preferred example of embodiment illustrated are prepared in a substantially Graetz bridge 20* arrangement
Implementation Method 4
ferromagnetic means 17,18 associated with each of the outer faces 15,16 adapted as a whole to generate a specific, polarised and directed magnetic field
Implementation Method 5
a laser device 32 of a type with dual output beam 31, 33 suitable to melt and/or perforate said insulating means 11 of the vector device 10
Implementation Method 6
NiTiNol type means 19 associated permanently and with electrical continuity with each pair of outer faces 15, 16
Data Source
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a multifunctional vector device adapted to move and operate inside an insulating fluid with binding properties, in particular a suspension mass, and a system and a method for the generation and/or transmission of electric energy and/or of electrical signals. The peculiarity of the multifunctional vector device is that it comprises: a central core (12) consisting of piezoelectric or piezo thermal material or material with triboelectric properties, being provided with a pair of electrodes (13,14) with opposite polarity at two ends thereof; electric current rectifier means (20) associated with said pair of electrodes (13,14) ferromagnetic means (17,18) adapted as a whole to generate a specific, polarised and directed magnetic field; insulating type protective means (11) associated with the central core (12) and with said rectifier means (20) to cover and insulate the assembly of said central core (12) and rectifier means (20).