Stacked Piezoelectric Power Unit with Spacer Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The power generation capacity of individual piezoelectric elements is low, requiring multiple elements to achieve necessary power, which complicates the application of external forces and can lead to reduced efficiency due to internal element interference and increased manufacturing costs for supporting structures.
Innovation Solution
A power generation unit comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements stacked with spacers that form deformation spaces and transmit deformation forces, allowing effective force transmission without dispersing the external force, thereby enhancing power generating efficiency and simplifying the support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large number of piezoelectric elements are merely arranged on the same plane, then the power generation capacity can be increased, but the external force is dispersed to the respective piezoelectric elements making it difficult to effectively apply the external force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement of piezoelectric elements to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. This dimensional change allows multiple elements to be vertically arranged, enabling concentrated force application from above while maintaining high power generation capacity through the cumulative effect of multiple elements in the stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple piezoelectric elements into a single stacked assembly that functions as an integrated power generation unit. The elements are merged vertically with their respective electrodes connected in series, allowing the external force to be concentrated on the top surface and transmitted through all elements simultaneously, rather than dispersing force across a planar arrangement.
2Power
If a large number of piezoelectric elements are merely stacked, then the power generation capacity can be increased, but the deformations of inner piezoelectric elements are hindered by other piezoelectric elements deteriorating power generating efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces insulating spacers as intermediary components between adjacent piezoelectric elements in the stack. These spacers act as mediators that maintain proper spacing and prevent mechanical interference between elements, allowing each piezoelectric element to deform freely in response to external force while maintaining electrical isolation and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stacked piezoelectric element assembly into distinct, isolated units using insulating spacers. Each piezoelectric element is separated from its neighbors by these spacer components, creating independent deformation zones that prevent mechanical coupling and interference between adjacent elements, thereby maintaining individual element performance.
3Reliability
If supporting units are provided for individually supporting the piezoelectric elements, then the deformation freedom of each element is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating spacers in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical support and spacing between piezoelectric elements, enable free deformation of each element, provide electrical insulation between adjacent elements, and maintain the structural integrity of the stacked assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate, complex supporting units for each element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the support function, insulation function, and spacing function into a single integrated component - the insulating spacer. Rather than providing separate supporting units for each piezoelectric element, the spacers are merged into the stack structure itself, providing all necessary functions in a simple, cost-effective manner.
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 enables efficient deformation of multiple piezoelectric elements, increasing power generation capacity while simplifying the support structure and reducing manufacturing costs by ensuring effective force transmission and preventing element interference.
Implementation Method 1
a power generation unit that converts an externally applied force into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation unit (1A) for converting an externally applied force into electricity comprises piezoelectric elements (22, 23), and a central spacer (24) and a peripheral spacer (25) provided, respectively, between a plurality of stacked piezoelectric elements (22, 23) or provided, respectively, between a plane for pressing the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) and the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) in order to form the deformation space of the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) and to transmit a deformation force to the piezoelectric elements. For example, the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) are fixed, respectively, to the both sides of a flexible diaphragm (21), columnar central spacers (24) are arranged on the piezoelectric elements (22, 23) and an annular peripheral spacer (25) is arranged on the diaphragm (21).