Vibrationally-Activated Power Generating Tile Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a power generating system that can efficiently convert sound waves or external forces into electrical energy, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A power generating tile assembly comprising a rigid base plate, a vibrationally-activated power generating device, and an energy harvesting circuit that generates a DC voltage in response to vibrations caused by sound waves or external forces, utilizing piezoelectric devices and energy harvesting circuits to convert high-frequency vibrations into usable electrical power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If existing power generation technologies are used, then electrical energy can be generated, but they cannot efficiently convert sound waves or external forces into electrical energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidability to convert sound waves or external forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes mechanical vibration by coupling a vibrationally-activated power generating device to a tile cover plate that vibrates in response to sound waves or external forces. The power generating device converts these vibrations directly into electrical energy through piezoelectric or electromagnetic mechanisms, enabling efficient energy conversion from mechanical vibrations to electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical power generation systems with a vibrationally-activated device that directly converts mechanical vibrations from sound waves or external forces into electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for traditional mechanical engines or turbines, enabling direct energy conversion from environmental vibrations to usable electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If a vibrationally-activated power generating device is coupled to the tile cover plate, then electrical power can be generated from vibrations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical power generationVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tile cover plate serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural covering element and a vibration-transmitting component that couples sound waves or external forces to the power generating device. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate vibration transmission components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power generating device is nested within the interior region defined by the tile cover plate and rigid base plate. This nested configuration integrates the power generation functionality within the existing tile structure, minimizing additional space requirements and reducing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If the tile cover plate vibrates in response to sound waves or external forces, then electrical energy can be generated, but the reliability of power generation under varying conditions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation outputVSAvoidconsistent power generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to dynamically respond to varying vibration inputs from sound waves or external forces. The vibrationally-activated power generating device adjusts its energy conversion output based on the amplitude and frequency of incoming vibrations, allowing the system to maintain reliable power generation across varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power generating device utilizes changes in vibration parameters (amplitude, frequency, duration) to modulate electrical energy output. By converting varying mechanical vibration parameters into corresponding electrical parameters, the system maintains reliable power generation across different sound wave intensities and external force conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively generates a DC voltage from sound waves or external forces, enabling the charging of batteries and providing a power source for external devices or other assemblies, with the potential for increased power generation through grid configurations.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing piezoelectric devices and energy harvesting circuits to convert high-frequency vibrations into usable electrical power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10205409B1Power generating tile assembly

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 MELOCHE JOSEPH L

AI summary

A power generating tile assembly includes a tile cover plate that is coupled to a rigid base plate to define an interior region therebetween. The tile cover plate vibrates in response to either sounds waves contacting the tile cover plate or an external force being applied to the tile cover plate. The power generating tile assembly includes a vibrationally-activated power generating device that is coupled to the tile cover plate within the interior region. The vibrationally-activated power generating device generates a first voltage in response to vibrations in the tile cover plate.