Single-Electrode Sliding Triboelectric Generator for Vector Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sliding-mode triboelectric generators have complex structures requiring two electrode layers for power generation, increasing manufacturing costs and hindering their development and application.

Innovation Solution

A single electrode type sliding-mode triboelectric generator is developed, where a friction layer with a first conductive layer connected to an isopotential generates electrical energy through relative sliding friction with a second conductive layer, eliminating the need for a second electrode layer and simplifying the configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If two electrode layers are used for power generation, then electrical energy output is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy outputVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates one electrode layer from the conventional two-electrode configuration, reducing the generator to a single-electrode system. The first conductive layer serves as the sole electrode that outputs electrical energy, while the second conductive layer functions only as a friction surface, not requiring electrical connection. This extraction principle directly resolves the contradiction by removing unnecessary structural complexity while preserving power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The second conductive layer performs multiple functions: it serves as both the friction surface for charge transfer and the opposing surface for mechanical contact, eliminating the need for a separate second electrode. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain electrical energy output with reduced structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If two electrode layers are used for power generation, then electrical energy output is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy outputVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting and eliminating the second electrode layer and its electrical connection requirements, the patent significantly simplifies the manufacturing process. Only the first conductive layer needs to be electrically connected and manufactured with precision, while the second conductive layer can be any conductive material serving purely as a friction surface, reducing material costs and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If a single electrode configuration is used, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but electrical energy output capability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidelectrical energy output
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The friction layer serves as an intermediary between the two conductive layers, facilitating charge transfer through friction. This intermediary mechanism enables the single-electrode system to generate electrical energy by transferring charges from the friction interface to the first conductive layer, which then outputs the electrical energy to the external circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical-electrical conversion mechanism (requiring two electrodes) with a triboelectric charge transfer mechanism. The relative sliding friction between the two conductive layers generates surface charges that are transferred to the first conductive layer, which then outputs electrical energy, substituting a simpler mechanical friction-based charge generation for the more complex two-electrode system.

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

The single electrode configuration reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, enabling wider applicability in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, and allows for the creation of a self-powered vector displacement sensor without external power supply.

Implementation Method 1

it is based on account of surface charge transfer due to friction between two different friction materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3021476B1Sliding-friction power generator, power generation method and vector displacement sensor
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 BEIJING INST OF NANOENERGY & NANOSYST
  • EP3021476B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3021476B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3021476B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6e

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a sliding-mode triboelectric generator and a method of power generation. The sliding-mode triboelectric generator comprises: a friction layer, a lower surface of which being provided with a first conductive layer, and the first conductive layer being electrically connected to an isopotential; and, a second conductive layer being opposite to an upper surface of the friction layer; wherein, an electrical signal can be outputted between the first conductive layer and the isopotential when a relative sliding, under the action of external force, occurs between the upper surface of the friction layer and the lower surface of the second conductive layer while a friction area changes in the course of the sliding. Correspondingly, the present disclosure provides a vector displacement sensor where the sliding-mode triboelectric generator is applied, wherein the friction layer is formed of a plurality of friction units, a first friction unit electrically connected to the isopotential is provided correspondingly on the lower surface of each friction unit. When the second conductive layer slides on the friction units, position, moving direction and moving distance of the second conductive layer is detectable in accordance with the electrical signal outputted between the first conductive layer and the isopotential. No power supply is required for the sensor.