Segmented Disk Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Rotational Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing triboelectric generators are not well adapted to harvest rotational energy and are limited by the need for periodic contact and vertical separation of materials with opposite triboelectric polarities, making them unsuitable for applications in humid or corrosive environments and unable to efficiently convert rotational energy from sources like turbines into electricity.
Innovation Solution
A triboelectric generator system that includes a first member with a dielectric layer and a second member with a conductive material, where the first member slides laterally against the second member, creating an electric potential imbalance, and can be configured with a disc-shaped design and axle to rotate relative to each other, allowing for the conversion of rotational motion into electricity using materials with different triboelectric ratings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If periodic contact and vertical separation of two materials with opposite triboelectric polarities is used, then triboelectric energy can be harvested, but the system becomes limited to intermittent impact or shock applications and cannot effectively harvest rotational energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static vertical separation to dynamic lateral sliding motion. The first and second members slide laterally against each other during rotation, converting rotational motion into triboelectric charge separation. This dynamic sliding mechanism enables continuous energy harvesting from rotational sources while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the motion direction from vertical (perpendicular to contact surface) to lateral (parallel to contact surface). By sliding the members laterally against each other during rotation, the system harvests energy from rotational motion without requiring complex mechanical structures, thus improving adaptability while keeping device complexity low.
2Reliability
If a cavity with constantly changing volume is used for triboelectric generation, then energy can be harvested from impact or shock, but packaging becomes difficult and applications in humid or corrosive environments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic lateral sliding motion between the first and second members instead of volume-changing cavity structures. This sliding mechanism can be hermetically sealed, protecting the triboelectric materials from humid or corrosive environments while maintaining ease of manufacturing and packaging.
3Productivity
If existing triboelectric generator designs are used, then they can generate electricity from contact and separation, but they cannot efficiently convert rotational energy from turbines into electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous lateral sliding motion between the first and second members during rotation, enabling efficient and continuous conversion of rotational energy from turbines into electricity. This dynamic sliding mechanism maintains high energy conversion efficiency while being specifically adapted to rotational motion sources.
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 alternating current by sliding two surfaces with different triboelectric properties, expanding the applicability to diverse mechanical motions and enabling efficient energy harvesting from rotational sources, such as wind or ocean waves, with improved efficiency and adaptability in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The sliding mechanism is configured to move the first member laterally against the second member in a first direction, thereby generating an electric potential imbalance between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A generator includes a disc shaped first unit, a disc shaped second unit and an axle. The first unit includes a substrate layer, a double complementary electrode layer and an electrification material layer. The electrode layer includes a first electrode member and a second electrode member. The first electrode member includes evenly spaced apart first electrode legs extending inwardly. The second electrode member is complementary in shape to the first electrode member. The legs of the first electrode member and the second electrode member are interleaved with each other and define a continuous gap therebetween. The electrification material includes a first material that is in a first position on the triboelectric series. The second unit defines elongated openings and corresponding elongated leg portions, and includes a second material that is at a second position on a triboelectric series, different than the first position.