Triboelectric Energy Harvester with Nested Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting apparatuses using triboelectrification are limited in maximizing triboelectrification efficiency as they typically generate only one output per input, such as vertical contact, separation, or sliding, rather than multiple outputs.
Innovation Solution
An energy harvesting apparatus with a cylindrical housing, an electrification sheet made of Teflon, and an electrode unit on the inner wall and rotary shaft, allowing for multiple outputs through vertical contact, separation, sliding, and overlapping schemes, enhancing triboelectrification efficiency by generating electric energy through friction and electrostatic induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single output scheme (vertical contact, separation, or sliding) is used per input, then the device structure is simple, but triboelectrification efficiency cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple triboelectrification schemes (vertical contact, separation, sliding, and overlapping) into a single integrated device structure. The first and second electrification sheets are arranged to simultaneously perform vertical contact/separation motions and sliding motions against respective electrode units, merging multiple power generation mechanisms into one unified system that maximizes triboelectrification efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the electrification sheets serve both as vertical contact/separation elements and as sliding elements. The housing accommodates multiple electrode units that can interact with the same electrification sheets through different motion modes, making the system multi-functional and highly efficient.
2Productivity
If multiple outputs are generated through vertical contact, separation, sliding, and overlapping schemes, then triboelectrification efficiency is maximized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the first and second electrification sheets are positioned within the housing to perform multiple motion schemes. The electrode units are nested within the housing structure, allowing the electrification sheets to simultaneously engage in vertical contact, separation, sliding, and overlapping motions within a compact nested arrangement, maximizing energy output without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multi-dimensional motion of the electrification sheets. The sheets move not only vertically for contact and separation but also horizontally for sliding motions. The overlapping scheme adds another dimensional aspect where sheets are positioned at different levels within the housing. This multi-dimensional approach enables multiple power generation schemes within a single device structure.
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 apparatus achieves enhanced triboelectrification efficiency by generating multiple outputs from a single input, maximizing energy harvesting capabilities through the combination of vertical contact, separation, sliding, and overlapping schemes, resulting in increased voltage and current outputs.
Implementation Method 1
an energy harvesting apparatus using triboelectrification... an electrode unit provided on the electrification sheet or on the periphery of the electrification sheet and electrificating the electrification sheet through friction while the electrification sheet is pulled or rolled
Implementation Method 2
an elastic body provided in the housing and providing elastic force so that the electrification sheet is rolled into the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy harvesting apparatus using triboelectrification. The energy harvesting apparatus of the present invention may include: a housing formed in an accommodation space in the energy harvesting apparatus; an electrification sheet accommodated to be rolled into the housing; an elastic body provided in the housing and providing elastic force so that the electrification sheet is rolled into the housing; and an electrode unit provided on the electrification sheet or on the periphery of the electrification sheet and electrificating the electrification sheet through friction while the electrification sheet is pulled or rolled.