Single-Electrode Sliding Triboelectric Generator for Durable Power Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding-mode triboelectric generators have complex structures due to the need for conductive metal electrodes on triboelectric materials, leading to high manufacturing costs and fragility, limiting their application and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A single electrode type sliding-mode triboelectric generator with a conductive material connected to an isopotential, where the electrode layer is electrically connected to an isopotential, and the friction layer is an insulator material, eliminating the need for metal deposition on the triboelectric material and allowing for thicker, more durable friction layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conductive metal is deposited on the surface of the friction film material as an electrode layer, then electrical energy can be output, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-layer electrode structure from the friction generator. Instead of using conventional conductive metal electrodes deposited on both friction materials, the invention uses a single friction material with a simple conductive layer on one side, removing unnecessary structural complexity while maintaining electrical energy output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only one friction material conductive rather than both. The first friction material has a conductive layer on its surface, while the second friction material remains insulating. This localized conductivity is sufficient for electrical energy generation and simplifies the overall structure compared to making both materials conductive
2Productivity
If the thickness of the triboelectric material is kept small (less than 100 microns), then the generator can operate, but the materials are easily destroyed during sliding friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the friction materials from thin (less than 100 microns) to thick (greater than 100 microns). This parameter change significantly improves material durability and resistance to destruction during sliding friction, while the generator continues to operate effectively. The thick friction materials provide better mechanical strength and longer service life
3Ease of operation
If two kinds of triboelectric materials are used with thin thickness, then the generator can function, but the materials are greatly easy to be destroyed in the course of sliding friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of both friction materials from thin to thick (greater than 100 microns). This parameter change dramatically improves the strength and durability of both materials during sliding friction operations, while the generator maintains full functionality for electrical energy generation
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 configuration simplifies the generator design, increases durability, and enables efficient conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy, suitable for various applications including touch screens and wearable devices without the need for external power.
Implementation Method 1
it is on account of surface charge transfer due to friction between two different friction materials
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7a~7c
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 (100) and an electrode layer (200), wherein the electrode layer (200) is electrically connected to an isopotential (300). An electrical signal is outputted between the electrode layer and the isopotential when a relative sliding occurs, under the action of an external force, between the upper surface of the electrode layer and the lower surface of the friction 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 electrode layer is formed of a plurality of sub-electrodes (231, 232, 233, 234). When a moving object (140) slides on the electrode layer, a position, a moving direction and a moving distance of the moving object is detectable in accordance with the electrical signal outputted between the sub-electrodes and the isopotential. No power supply is required for the sensor.