Self-Powered MEMS Oscillator Using Radioactive Decay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MEMS oscillators require external electrical power to maintain oscillations, which is a disadvantage in applications with limited or no available power.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered MEMS device using a radioactive isotope to generate periodic deflection of a metallic membrane without electronic circuit assistance, where the radioactive isotope powers the device and surrounding circuitry, enabling operation in optical light modulation, remote sensing, and electronic frequency determining circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external electrical power is provided to maintain oscillations in MEMS oscillators, then sustained oscillations at characteristic frequency are achieved, but the device requires external power sources and electronic circuitry which increases device complexity and is unsuitable for applications with limited power
Solution Approach 1:
The MEMS oscillator is designed to be self-powered by harvesting vibrational energy from its own operation. The piezoelectric elements convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy that is stored in a capacitor and fed back to sustain the oscillations, eliminating the need for external power sources and complex electronic circuitry while maintaining reliable sustained oscillations at the characteristic frequency
2Reliability
If external electrical power is provided to overcome energy losses in electronic oscillator circuits, then oscillations are maintained, but energy consumption increases which is disadvantageous in applications with small or non-existent available electrical power
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic vibrational motion of the MEMS structure to generate electrical energy through piezoelectric elements at each oscillation cycle. This periodically harvested energy is stored in a capacitor and released to maintain oscillations, creating a self-sustaining energy cycle that eliminates continuous external power consumption while maintaining reliable oscillation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electronic feedback amplifier system with a mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system using piezoelectric elements. The mechanical vibrations that would normally be energy losses are instead converted into useful electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect, substituting a passive energy harvesting mechanism for active electronic power amplification
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 self-powered MEMS device operates without external power, providing sustained oscillations for extended periods, suitable for applications where power is scarce, and allows for wireless communication of the characteristic frequency.
Implementation Method 1
a first substrate having a radioactive material configured to emit electrons
Implementation Method 2
The transfer of collected electrons from the second substrate to the first substrate thereby releases an electrostatic force
Implementation Method 3
because of the intrinsic stress in the flexible material of the second substrate, the second substrate returns to its original, non-deflected state
Data Source
AI summary
Self powered microelectromechanical oscillators are provided for various applications. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a self powered microelectromechanical tagging or sensing system including a microelectromechanical oscillator having a characteristic frequency, the oscillator including a first substrate having a radioactive material configured to emit electrons, and a second substrate, spaced apart from the first substrate by first and second ends supported at spaced locations on the first substrate, where the second substrate includes a flexible material and is configured to collect the electrons emitted from the first substrate, and move toward the first substrate from a default position to an actuated position when a sufficient number of electrons have been collected, where, in the actuated position, collected electrons are transferred from the second substrate to the first substrate, and a circuitry configured to receive, from the oscillator by wireless communication, information indicative of the characteristic frequency of the oscillator.