Body-Attachable Triboelectric Generator With Spacer Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body-attachable triboelectric generating devices require external power sources, suffer from limited lifespan, environmental pollution issues, and have issues with mechanical flexibility and durability due to dehydration of hydrogel electrodes and varying electric conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A body-attachable triboelectric generating device with a negatively electrified elastomer body and a metal composite embroidery yarn electrode layer, featuring engraved patterns as spacers, which eliminates the need for additional spacers and allows for flexible attachment to curved body parts, generating stable electrical output without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydrogel-based electrodes are used in triboelectric generating devices, then transparency and flexibility are improved, but mechanical flexibility and ionic conductivity deteriorate over time due to dehydration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydrogel electrode with a disposable-like structure where the electrified body is periodically recharged by contact with the human body. The electrode is designed as a thin film that can be easily replaced or recharged, avoiding the long-term degradation issues of hydrogel electrodes while maintaining flexibility during the operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from hydrogel (aqueous electrolyte) to a solid electrified body that can be recharged. This parameter change eliminates dehydration issues while maintaining the flexible thin-film structure, resolving the contradiction between initial flexibility and long-term reliability.
2Reliability
If additional metal connections are added to electrodes to connect external loads, then electrical connectivity is improved, but device complexity and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode connection function directly into the thin-film electrode structure itself. The electrode pattern is designed to provide both electrical connectivity and structural integration, eliminating the need for separate metal connection components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin-film electrode serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connectivity, maintains flexibility, and integrates with the electrified body structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional specialized connection components, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable electrical performance.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrochemical batteries are used as external power supplies, then energy storage capacity is improved, but lifespan is limited and environmental pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-charging mechanism where the triboelectric generating device harvests energy directly from contact with the human body. The electrified body is automatically recharged through normal body contact, eliminating the need for external electrochemical batteries and their associated lifespan and environmental issues while maintaining adequate energy storage capacity for sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrochemical battery system (chemical energy storage) with a triboelectric energy harvesting system (mechanical contact-based energy generation). This substitution eliminates the limited lifespan and pollution issues of batteries while providing continuous energy supply through everyday body movements and contact.
4Ease of manufacture
If silk or sandpaper molds are used for casting elastomer, then micropatterning cost and simplicity are improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to mold absorption and peeling difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a release agent or coating as an intermediary between the mold and the elastomer. This intermediary layer prevents the mold from absorbing the elastomeric solution and facilitates easy peeling of the cured elastomer, maintaining both the simplicity of using simple molds and the precision of the resulting micropatterned surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin-film elastomer structure that can be easily released from simple molds without requiring complex mold materials. The thin-film nature allows for easy peeling while maintaining the micropattern integrity, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and surface precision.
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 device achieves stable energy harvesting and sensing of micropressures like arterial pulses with enhanced durability and flexibility, maintaining electrical output over long cycles without additional connections or external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A triboelectric generating device is based on the principle that electric energy is generated by contact potential and electrostatic induction
Implementation Method 2
A triboelectric generating device is based on the principle that electric energy is generated by contact potential and electrostatic induction
Data Source
AI summary
A body-attachable triboelectric generating device includes a negatively electrified body including an upper electrified layer and a lower electrified layer adhered to the upper electrified layer; and an electrode layer provided between the upper electrified layer and the lower electrified layer. An engraved pattern, serving as a spacer, is formed on one surface of each of the upper and lower electrified layer in contact with the electrode layer.