Triboelectric Generator Grounding Unit for Current Amplification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Triboelectric generators lack an effective mechanism for intermittently connecting the charging part to a charge reservoir, limiting their energy harvesting efficiency and output.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a grounding unit that intermittently connects the second charging part to a charge reservoir as it moves, allowing for efficient energy transfer and enhanced electric potential equalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a grounding unit is added to intermittently connect the charging part to a charge reservoir, then energy harvesting efficiency and output current are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding unit is divided into multiple conductive members and insulative members arranged alternately, creating segmented grounding paths that intermittently connect to the charge reservoir based on the sliding motion of the second charging part. This segmentation allows the system to achieve periodic grounding without requiring a complex continuous connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grounding unit utilizes the periodic sliding motion of the second charging part to create intermittent connections with the charge reservoir. As the second charging part slides back and forth, it periodically contacts different conductive members through the insulative members, generating periodic grounding actions that amplify output current and voltage without requiring continuous active control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Power

If the second charging part slides on both the first charging part and the second electrode, then charge transfer efficiency is improved, but friction and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge transfer efficiencyVSAvoidfriction and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding unit acts as an intermediary structure between the second charging part and the charge reservoir. The insulative members serve as mediators that allow the second charging part to slide over them while periodically making contact with conductive members, enabling charge transfer without direct continuous contact between the charging part and the electrode, thereby reducing friction and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the grounding unit is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, then electric potential equalization is improved, but the risk of short circuit increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric potential equalizationVSAvoidshort circuit risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulative members in the grounding unit serve as intermediaries that physically separate the conductive members from direct contact with the electrodes, preventing short circuits while still allowing electric potential equalization through the periodic grounding connections to the charge reservoir.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulative members function as thin film barriers that isolate conductive paths, enabling the grounding unit to safely mediate between different electrical potentials without creating direct conductive paths that could cause short circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 significantly amplifies the output current and voltage between the electrodes, increasing energy harvesting efficiency and stability.

Implementation Method 1

a first charging part (110) and a second charging part (140) configured to generate a charge through contact with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a grounding unit (130) configured to intermittently connect the second charging part (140) to a charge reservoir (133) according to movement of the second charging part (140)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11431265B2Triboelectric generator

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A triboelectric generator includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced apart from each other, a first charging part on the first electrode, a second charging part on the second electrode, and a grounding unit. The first charging part and the second charging part may be configured to contact each other through a sliding motion. The grounding unit may be configured to intermittently connect a charge reservoir to the second charging part. The grounding unit may be configured to vary the electric potential of the second charging part so as to amplify current flowing between electrodes of the triboelectric generator.