Conductive Polymer Power Generator for Wearable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized electronic devices, such as cellular phones and smart wearable devices, face limited battery life due to small batteries, which restricts their usability.
Innovation Solution
A power generator is developed comprising a deformation unit made of a conductive polymer film layer and a piezoelectric unit that generates voltage under mechanical forces, utilizing sweat or humidity to produce power by contracting and deforming the polymer film layer, thereby enhancing battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the battery size is reduced to accommodate miniaturized electronic devices, then the device size is reduced, but the battery life becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power generator enables the electronic device to generate its own power through body movements. The deformation unit converts mechanical energy from user movements into electrical energy that charges the battery, allowing the device to self-recharge during normal use without requiring larger battery capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power generation function with the existing battery system. The deformation unit and piezoelectric unit are integrated into the device structure, merging mechanical energy conversion with electrical energy storage to extend battery life without increasing device volume
2Duration of action of moving object
If a power generator is added to extend battery life, then the battery life is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation unit uses a flexible polymer film as the energy storage element. This thin-film structure replaces complex mechanical components with a flexible membrane that can be easily integrated into the device, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the power generation function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials including piezoelectric materials embedded in polymer matrices. These composite structures combine multiple functions (energy storage, mechanical deformation, electrical generation) in a single integrated component, simplifying the overall device architecture
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 power generator effectively extends battery life in electronic devices by converting mechanical forces into electrical energy, improving user experience through enhanced power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric unit 20 configured to output voltage under mechanical forces
Implementation Method 2
when water molecules come into contact with the network structure of a conductive polymer material in the polymer film layer, the water molecules can be absorbed and covered by the atoms of the conductive polymer material which, in turn results in the movement and vibration of the conductive polymer material, causing the polymer film layer to be contracted and deformed
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a power generator, its manufacturing method, and an electronic device utilizing the power generator as its power source. The power generator includes a deformation unit and a piezoelectric unit. The deformation unit is coupled to the piezoelectric unit; and the deformation unit comprises a conductive polymer, which is configured to deform upon contacting moisture to thereby apply a mechanical force to the piezoelectric unit to thereby generate electricity.