Rippled 2D Membrane Energy Harvesting for Quiet Low-Frequency Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration energy harvesting technologies face challenges in efficiently capturing and converting ambient vibrational energy, particularly at low frequencies and in quiet environments.

Innovation Solution

The use of a membrane comprising a two-dimensional material, such as graphene, with one or more ripples disposed on a substrate, where the membrane can spontaneously vibrate and buckle, converting thermal or ambient vibrational energy into electrical, magnetic, or mechanical energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional vibration energy harvesting technologies are used, then energy can be captured from external vibration sources, but they fail to efficiently capture energy at low frequencies and in quiet environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidoperational environment range

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes thermal vibrations at the atomic scale to drive the membrane structure, converting thermal energy into mechanical vibrations that can be harvested. This approach enables energy harvesting from ambient thermal energy rather than requiring external vibration sources, thereby improving efficiency in quiet environments and at low frequencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a membrane with controlled tension per unit length (0.0 N/m to 10.0 N/m) and specific geometric parameters (ripple length 1 nm to 100 nm, height 0.1 nm to 2.0 nm) to optimize its response to thermal vibrations. By tuning these parameters, the device can efficiently harvest energy across a broad frequency range including low frequencies, enhancing both productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If a plate is fixed at one end to harvest vibration energy, then strain/stress can be generated on the surface, but the device cannot operate effectively without external vibration sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoiddependence on external energy source

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane structure harvests energy from its own thermal vibrations and ambient thermal energy rather than requiring external vibration sources. The thermal energy of the substrate converts into vibration of the membrane, which then generates electrical energy through the coupled component, making the device self-powered and independent of external energy sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical vibration input system with a thermal energy conversion system. Instead of requiring mechanical vibration sources to induce stress in the harvesting element, the system uses thermal energy to generate membrane vibrations, which are then converted to electrical energy, substituting a thermal-mechanical-electrical conversion pathway for the traditional mechanical-mechanical pathway

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enables the harvesting of energy from ambient vibrations, including those at low frequencies, with potential power densities comparable to wind and solar energy, and the ability to operate in both noisy and quiet environments.

Implementation Method 1

the substrate is thermally conductive and the membrane is in thermal contact with the substrate, wherein the thermal energy of the substrate can be converted into a vibration of the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the component is configured to convert the vibrational energy of the membrane into electrical, magnetic, and/or mechanical energy, thereby harvesting energy from the membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration energy harvesting: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250179998A1Energy harvesting devices and sensors, and methods of making and use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIV OF ARKANSAS

AI summary

Disclosed herein are energy harvesting devices and sensors, and methods of making and use thereof. The energy harvesting devices can comprise a membrane disposed on a substrate, wherein the membrane comprises a two-dimensional (2D) material and one or more ripples; and a component electrically, magnetically, and/or mechanically coupled to the membrane and/or the substrate, such that the component is configured to harvest energy from the membrane. The sensors can comprise a membrane disposed on a substrate, wherein the membrane comprises a two-dimensional material one or more ripples; and a component electrically, magnetically, and/or mechanically coupled to the membrane and/or the substrate, such that the component is configured to detect a signal from the membrane.