Soft Magnetoelastic Pressure Sensor With Waterproof Biomechanical Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biomechanical energy conversion technologies face challenges such as low current output, high internal impedance, and vulnerability to humidity, limiting their practical applications in wearable and implantable bioelectronics.

Innovation Solution

A soft system comprising a platinum-catalyzed silicone polymer matrix and neodymium-iron-boron nanomagnets is developed, achieving a giant magnetoelastic effect with enhanced magnetomechanical coupling. This system is coupled with magnetic induction to create a soft magnetoelastic generator (MEG) for biomechanical energy conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional rigid magnetoelastic materials are used for biomechanical energy conversion, then magnetomechanical coupling is achieved, but current output is low and internal impedance is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent outputVSAvoidinternal impedance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the magnetoelastic material from rigid to soft by using a silicone polymer matrix, which fundamentally alters the magnetomechanical coupling characteristics and enables higher current output with lower internal impedance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining silicone polymer matrix with iron powder and magnetic nanoparticles, achieving both softness and magnetoelastic functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between material softness and functional performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional biomechanical energy conversion devices are used, then energy conversion is achieved, but water/humidity resistance is poor leading to operational instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidhumidity vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silicone polymer matrix creates an inert, waterproof environment for the magnetic particles, isolating them from humidity and body fluids, thereby achieving operational stability in wet conditions without requiring additional encapsulation layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Strength

If rigid metal alloys are used to achieve magnetoelastic effect, then magnetomechanical coupling is obtained, but mechanical softness and compliance are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetomechanical couplingVSAvoidmechanical softness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the magnetoelastic material from rigid to soft by selecting silicone polymer as the matrix, enabling the material to conform to soft tissues while maintaining magnetoelastic functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure of silicone polymer matrix with magnetic particles provides both the mechanical softness of the polymer and the magnetoelastic properties of the magnetic particles, resolving the contradiction between softness and functional strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 soft MEG demonstrates significantly improved biomechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, with enhanced current density and reduced internal impedance, while maintaining waterproofness and stability even in wet conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGiant magnetoelastic effect: Magnetoelastic Effects

Implementation Method 2

This system is coupled with magnetic induction to create a soft magnetoelastic generator (MEG) for biomechanical energy conversion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250143596A1Giant magnetoelasticity enabled self-powered pressure sensor for biomonitoring

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

The present embodiments relate generally to a soft system for producing a giant magnetoelastic effect. In some embodiments, the soft system is composed of platinum-catalyzed silicone polymer matrix and neodymium-iron-boron nanomagnets. The soft system shows up to four times more enhancement of the magnetomechanical coupling factor (T/Pa) than traditional rigid counterparts owing to a distinct physical mechanism. In embodiments, the giant magnetoelastic effect is coupled with magnetic induction to implement a soft magnetoelastic generator (MEG) as an approach to biomechanical energy conversion, a technology that was heretofore conventionally challenged by low current, high internal impedance, and low water/humidity resistance for decent operation stability. This new method of biomechanical-to-electrical conversion is intrinsically waterproof since the magnetic fields are able to penetrate water with negligible intensity loss. Thus, it was demonstrated to work stably on wet skin or in body fluids without any encapsulation, opening up alternative avenues for practical human-body centered energy, sensing, and therapeutic applications.