Self-Powered Wireless Sensor Using 3D Printed TENG
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless sensors require external power sources, contributing to waste and limited applications, while existing triboelectric nanogenerators face challenges in using eco-friendly and high-performance materials for wireless energy transmission.
Innovation Solution
A 3D-printed wireless triboelectric nanogenerator (W-TENG) using graphene-polylactic acid (gPLA) nanocomposites and Teflon, capable of generating high output voltages and powers without external power, enabling wireless energy transmission and self-powered operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireless sensors use traditional batteries, then they can operate continuously, but they produce landfill waste and require replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system harvests mechanical energy from its operating environment (vibrations, movements) to power itself, eliminating the need for external battery replacement and reducing waste. The energy harvesting component continuously converts ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy to sustain sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from chemical energy storage (batteries) to mechanical energy conversion (energy harvesting). By changing the energy source parameter from finite chemical storage to continuous mechanical conversion, the system achieves sustainable operation without waste accumulation.
2Power
If triboelectric nanogenerators use conventional materials, then they can generate sufficient power, but they are not eco-friendly or biodegradable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining biodegradable polymers with conductive fillers or triboelectric layers. These composites maintain the necessary electrical properties for power generation while introducing biodegradability and environmental compatibility, resolving the conflict between performance and eco-friendliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the material composition parameters from conventional non-biodegradable materials to biodegradable alternatives. By adjusting material properties while maintaining triboelectric effect efficiency, the system achieves both sufficient power generation and environmental sustainability.
3Reliability
If wireless sensors require hardwiring for energy storage, then they can achieve stable power supply, but they lose portability and versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function from external fixed infrastructure (hardwired power sources) and integrates it into the sensor itself through onboard energy harvesting components. This extraction enables the sensor to maintain stable power supply while becoming portable and adaptable to various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting component serves multiple functions: it acts as both a power generation device and an energy storage mechanism, eliminating the need for separate battery compartments or hardwired connections. This multi-functionality enhances portability while maintaining reliable power supply.
4Stability of the object's composition
If PLA is used as TENG electrode material, then it provides high polarization, but it has high electrical resistance making it unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite electrode structures where PLA or similar polar materials are combined with conductive additives or layered with conductive materials. This composite approach maintains the high polarization properties of PLA while introducing sufficient electrical conductivity through the conductive components, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
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 W-TENG achieves wireless transmission of electrical energy over distances, powers electronic devices, and has unlimited life cycles, making it suitable for various applications including smart homes and security systems without the need for batteries or hardwiring.
Implementation Method 1
Triboelectric nanogenerators (hereinafter also "TENG"s) harness the contact induced electrostatic potential generated across the surfaces of two dissimilar materials to convert waste mechanical energy into usable electrical energy.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods relate to a portable self-powered wireless sensor and transmitter providing a tactile driven electric generator, using a 3D printed nano carbon and polymer electrodes. The device has two electrodes capable of producing greater than 2000 V, which when connected to a metal conductor is sufficient to create an electric field that can be used to wirelessly communicate a signal over a range of a few tens of meters. The sensor is completely self-powered and requires no motors or additional power such as active power supplies, batteries, or capacitors. The sensor generated waveform can be modulated by mechanical action such as hand tapping in a given sequence, which is preserved in the wireless signal (akin to Morse coding) and can be detected by existing compatible commercial electronic receivers. Resulting devices are suitable for security applications requiring wireless transmission of codes.