Textile-Based Energy Generator for Wearable Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for flexible and stretchable energy generators that can efficiently convert ambient wind, vibrations, or human motion into electrical energy, as existing devices are not adequately suited for wearable and portable applications.

Innovation Solution

A textile-based energy generator is developed, comprising first and second electrode substrates with a flexible textile structure and an energy generation layer that utilizes triboelectricity to generate electrical energy through friction or periodic contact and separation between different materials, including dielectric substances and metals, with the ability to induce periodic vibrations in fluid flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If film-based generators are used for energy harvesting, then device structure is simple, but flexibility and stretchability are insufficient for wearable applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and stretchabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible textile substrates with woven fiber structures instead of rigid film-based generators. The textile architecture inherently provides flexibility and stretchability while maintaining structural integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The energy generator integrates multiple materials including conductive polymers, dielectric layers, and textile fibers into a composite structure. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of flexibility, electrical conductivity, and mechanical strength without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If textile-based structure with multiple layers is used, then flexibility and energy generation efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional layers (conductive layer, dielectric layer, triboelectric layer) into an integrated textile-based energy generation system. The layers are merged through coating and lamination processes that maintain flexibility while achieving high energy generation efficiency through synergistic material interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The textile structure incorporates dynamic elements that allow the device to adapt its configuration during operation. The woven fiber structure and flexible layer arrangement enable dynamic response to mechanical deformation, improving energy generation efficiency without requiring excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If triboelectric layers with protrusions are used, then electrical energy generation is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoidprotrusion structure precision

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes porous and textured dielectric materials with surface protrusions that enhance triboelectric charge generation. These structural features are achieved through standard textile and coating manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for high-precision manufacturing while maintaining enhanced electrical energy generation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of surface protrusions (height, density, distribution) within ranges that can be achieved by conventional manufacturing methods. By carefully selecting parameters that balance performance enhancement with manufacturability, the system achieves high power output without excessive precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 textile-based energy generator efficiently generates electrical energy by conforming to external environments, such as wind, sound, or human motion, outperforming film-based generators in energy production due to higher amplitude of flutter and adaptability, making it suitable for integration into wearable devices and various applications.

Implementation Method 1

the energy generation layer configured to generate electrical energy by at least one of generating friction between different materials and contacting and separating the different materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Each of the first and second electrode substrates may include a material capable of inducing periodic vibrations in the flow of fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeriodic vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11101747B2Textile-based energy generator

Publication Date: 2021.08.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

In an example embodiment, a textile-based energy generator includes first and second electrode substrates, each of the first and second electrode substrates including a textile structure and an energy generation layer between the first and second electrode substrates, the energy generation layer on at least one of the first and second electrode substrates, the energy generation layer configured to generate electrical energy by at least one of generating friction between different materials and contacting and separating the different materials.