Vibratable Mount Resonator for Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromechanical generators are inefficient in converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical energy due to the need for accurate prior knowledge of ambient vibration frequency, limiting their power output.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical generator design featuring a resonator with a vibratable mass, biasing device, power transduction device, and a vibratable mount incorporating a cantilever beam, which allows for increased amplitude of vibration and power output by selecting resonant frequencies to match ambient frequencies, thereby enhancing power generation without precise frequency tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple mass-spring resonator is used for energy harvesting, then the device structure is simple, but the power output is limited and requires accurate prior knowledge of ambient vibration frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two distinct resonant systems: a vibratable mount with its own resonant frequency and a resonator with a different resonant frequency. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the mount providing frequency adaptation and the resonator providing power generation, thereby increasing power output without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The vibratable mount is designed to be dynamically adjustable in resonant frequency, allowing it to adapt to varying ambient vibration frequencies. This dynamic characteristic enables the system to maintain optimal power output across a range of frequencies without requiring precise prior knowledge of the ambient frequency, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high power output
2Device complexity
If the resonator is mounted directly to the vibratable body, then the mounting structure is simple, but the amplitude of vibration and power generation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratable mount serves as an intermediary component between the vibratable body and the resonator. This intermediary element amplifies the vibration amplitude transmitted to the resonator by utilizing resonant amplification in the mount, thereby significantly increasing the power generation capability of the resonator while adding only moderate structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits mechanical vibration principles by designing the vibratable mount to resonate at a frequency that amplifies the ambient vibrations before they reach the resonator. This resonant amplification mechanism increases the vibration amplitude and consequently the power generation without requiring a complex mounting structure
3Power
If frequency tuning is implemented to match ambient vibration frequency, then power output is maximized, but the device requires accurate prior knowledge of frequency and becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratable mount performs multiple functions: it serves as a mounting structure, a frequency adapter, and a vibration amplifier. By making the mount universally functional with adjustable resonant frequency, the system achieves maximum power output across a range of ambient frequencies without requiring complex frequency tuning mechanisms or accurate prior knowledge of the ambient frequency
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 design achieves greater power output and amplitude of vibration, resulting in improved electrical energy harvesting capabilities across a range of ambient frequencies, enhancing the efficiency of energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a power transduction device for converting mechanical vibrational movement of the vibratable mass into electrical power
Implementation Method 2
a vibratable mount incorporating at least one spring
Implementation Method 3
the resonant frequency of the resonator and the vibratable mount are adapted to vibrate at different resonant frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
An electromechanical generator comprising a resonator comprising a vibratable mass, a biasing device connected to the vibratable mass, a power transduction device for converting mechanical vibrational movement of the vibratable mass into electrical power, and a resonator support for supporting the vibratable mass, biasing device and power transduction device, the electromechanical generator further comprising a vibratable mount incorporating at least one spring, the vibratable mount being connected to the resonator support for mounting the resonator to a vibratable body from which electrical energy is to be harvested.