Triboelectric Energy Harvester Coating Electrification Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current triboelectric energy harvesters face limitations in extending the surface area of the contact interface and improving triboelectric characteristics due to the constraints of material adaptability in micro-nano patterning processes, particularly in forming a coating electrification layer that enhances charge density.

Innovation Solution

A triboelectric energy harvester is developed with a coating electrification layer formed on the surface of an electrification material using materials with higher triboelectric charge density, such as polymers or dielectric materials, via methods like ICVD or SAM, to support and maintain micro-nano patterns, thereby improving the contact interface's surface area and characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coating electrification layer is formed to improve triboelectric charge density, then the triboelectric characteristics are improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetriboelectric characteristicsVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming the micro-nano patterned electrification material layer before depositing the coating electrification layer. This sequence allows the coating process to follow a pre-established pattern structure, reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple simultaneous processes while achieving enhanced triboelectric characteristics through the layered approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the electrification material layer with a coating electrification layer made of different materials (such as polymers, metals, or metal oxides) with higher triboelectric charge density. This composite structure leverages the complementary properties of each material to achieve superior overall triboelectric performance while managing manufacturing complexity through established deposition techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Area of stationary object

If the contact interface surface area is extended through micro-nano patterning, then the triboelectric output is improved, but the material adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact interface surface areaVSAvoidmaterial adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the contact interface into micro-nano scaled patterns on the electrification material layer. This segmentation increases the effective contact surface area at the micro-scale while maintaining compatibility with various coating materials that can be deposited over these patterns, thus extending surface area without severely limiting material choices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves universality by creating a micro-nano patterned electrification material layer that serves as a universal substrate for multiple types of coating materials. The patterned structure itself is material-agnostic, allowing different electrification materials and coating materials to be combined, thereby extending surface area while maintaining broad material adaptability across different material systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively enhances the triboelectric characteristics of the contact interface by forming a coating electrification layer with higher triboelectric charge density, extending the surface area and improving energy harvesting capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The step of forming the coating electrification layer may include the step of forming the coating electrification layer on the surface of the electrification material by using at least one of ICVD or SAM

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Vapour Deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-Assembly: Self-Assembly

Implementation Method 3

A triboelectric energy harvester includes two different electrification materials and generates an inductive current by using surface charges (static electricity) electrified to electrically positive or negative polarity on respective surfaces when the two different electrification materials physically contact with each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectric Effect: Triboelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9906170B2Triboelectric energy harvester including coating electrification layer and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 KOREA ADVANCED INST OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

A manufacturing method of a triboelectric energy harvester, including the steps of generating an electrification material with a surface of a micro-nano pattern on an electrode and forming a coating electrification layer to support the micro-nano pattern on a surface of the electrification material, is provided.