Variable Inductance Magnetic Flux Switch for Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion technologies are inefficient in harnessing high-power environmental mechanical energy sources due to the need for bulky and expensive transducers, limiting their application in portable electronics and devices that require high mobility and power, such as prosthetics and IoT devices.
Innovation Solution
A variable inductance magnetic flux switch is used, comprising a movable coil and a stationary magnetic core, where mechanical energy from a spring is converted into a change in magnetic flux and inductance, inducing electrical current pulses, allowing effective coupling to a broad range of forces and displacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electromagnetic, piezoelectric, or electrostatic methods are used for mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, then energy conversion can be achieved, but bulky and expensive mechanical or hydraulic transducers are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical or hydraulic transducers with a magnetic flux switch system consisting of a coil, magnetic core, and spring mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical intermediaries while maintaining effective coupling to high-power environmental mechanical energy sources, directly resolving the contradiction between energy conversion capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes variable inductance by changing the magnetic flux linkage through relative motion between the coil and magnetic core. By controlling the spring compression and release, the system dynamically adjusts magnetic flux parameters to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy pulses, achieving high-power conversion without bulky transducers
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing mechanical-to-electrical conversion methods are used, then energy harvesting can be implemented, but they cannot effectively couple to a broad range of aperiodic forces and displacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spring-loaded mechanism that allows the coil to move relative to the magnetic core in response to varying mechanical forces. This dynamic configuration enables effective coupling to a broad range of aperiodic forces and displacements by adapting to different input conditions, while maintaining reliable energy conversion through the magnetic flux switching mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic flux switch system serves multiple functions: it couples to various mechanical energy sources, converts different types of motion (aperiodic forces and displacements) into electrical energy, and can be applied across diverse environments including prosthetics, human motion harvesting, and IoT devices, thereby achieving both versatility and reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrochemical batteries are used to power portable electronic devices, then power supply is provided, but weight, cost, and limited service time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-powered devices through energy harvesting that converts mechanical energy from the environment into electrical energy. The spring-loaded magnetic flux switch system automatically captures and converts mechanical energy without requiring external power sources or heavy batteries, enabling portable devices to generate their own power and eliminate battery replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts power supply functionality from electrochemical batteries by implementing an autonomous energy harvesting system. By removing the battery dependency and using environmental mechanical energy converted through the magnetic flux switch, the system eliminates the weight and cost associated with electrochemical batteries while providing continuous power
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 solution enables efficient energy harvesting from previously inaccessible mechanical sources, particularly suitable for slow aperiodic motions with high forces, like human locomotion, and powers prosthetic devices by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a rapid-action variable inductance magnetic flux switch to convert a spring-loaded mechanical energy into a change in magnetic flux that is converted into a pulse of electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion utilizes a mechanical spring (22) in combination with a rapid-action variable inductance magnetic flux switch to convert a spring-loaded mechanical energy into a change in magnetic flux captured by an electrical coil element (32) within the magnetic flux switch. The change in coil inductance and magnetic flux induces a current to flow through the electrical coil in the form of a a pulse of electrical energy that may be stored. The electrical coil (32) is coupled to the mechanical spring (22) so that each time the spring is released, the coil moves with respect to a magnetic core (28) and a change in flux is created. The application of an external mechanical force (such as human locomotion) functions to compress and subsequently "unlock" the mechanical switch, allowing for the electrical energy associated with the application of aperiodic forces to be harvested.