Self-Generating Power Supply for Real-Time Mechanical Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable devices and small mobile communication devices rely on rechargeable batteries that require external power sources, which are often unavailable in wild or complex conditions, and existing energy generation methods have low efficiency and cause environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A self-generating power supply apparatus that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using a power generating body and energy harvester, allowing for real-time charging of devices through a wired or wireless electromagnetic field, eliminating the need for external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rechargeable batteries are used as the main energy source, then devices can be recharged through external power sources, but external power sources are unavailable in wild or complex conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-charging by harvesting mechanical energy from user actions (tapping, rubbing, pressing) through piezoelectric or triboelectric materials, eliminating the need for external power sources and allowing operation in wild or complex conditions where traditional charging is unavailable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical-electrical charging system (requiring external plugs and outlets) with a direct mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system using piezoelectric or triboelectric effects, where mechanical input from user interaction directly generates electrical energy for charging
2Power
If traditional energy generation methods (combustion of fossil fuels, hydroelectric power generation) are used, then electrical energy can be generated, but energy conversion efficiency is low and environmental pollution is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces polluting thermal and hydroelectric power generation systems with direct mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion using piezoelectric or triboelectric materials, eliminating combustion and large-scale water infrastructure while providing localized clean energy generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy conversion mechanism from chemical/thermal processes (fossil fuel combustion) or large-scale hydroelectric processes to direct mechanical stress-induced electrical generation, achieving high efficiency and zero pollution at the device level
3Use of energy by moving object
If rechargeable batteries are used, then devices can store energy, but real-time charging without external power supply is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous energy harvesting during normal use through integrated piezoelectric or triboelectric elements that convert everyday mechanical interactions (tapping, rubbing, pressing) into electrical energy, allowing real-time charging without interruption or separate charging steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the energy harvesting function with the device structure itself, integrating piezoelectric or triboelectric materials into the device housing or components, so that the device simultaneously performs its primary function and harvests energy from user interactions for continuous charging
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
Enables direct, real-time charging of small-sized power consumers without external power supplies, enhancing the usability of wearable devices and mobile communication devices, and promoting clean energy use, with implications for the Internet of Things and sensing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the power generating body generates an electromagnetic field through an action force
Implementation Method 2
an energy of the electromagnetic field is harvested by the energy harvester and transferred to the power consumer
Data Source
AI summary
A self-generating power supply apparatus includes a power generating body, an energy harvester, and a power consumer. The power generating body generates an electromagnetic field when a force is applied, an energy of the electromagnetic field is received by the energy harvester and subsequently transferred to the power consumer; or alternatively, the energy harvester is not provided and the energy of the electromagnetic field is directly received and used by the power consumer. The energy of the electromagnetic field is harvested by the energy harvester contacting or not contacting the power generating body, and then is converted into electrical energy, which is transferred out in a wired or wireless manner to enable self-generating power supply for the apparatus. The self-generating power supply apparatus has an immeasurable impact on the development in the fields such as wearable devices, small mobile communication devices, Internet of Things, new energy etc.