Vibration Energy Detection Using Periodic Discharge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vibration power generators used as sensors face challenges in accurately detecting vibration energy due to leakage current characteristics in power storage devices, especially when vibration frequencies are low, leading to incorrect calculations of stored energy.

Innovation Solution

A vibration energy detection system that calculates energy based on the number of formation times of electric storage states, using a vibration power generator, an electric storage unit, a voltage monitor, a discharge controller, and a vibration energy calculator to account for leakage current and accurately determine vibration energy by monitoring and managing storage voltage and discharge frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the vibration power generator is used to store generated power in a power storage device such as a capacitor, then the vibration energy can be calculated from electric storage energy, but the leakage current of the power storage device causes the accumulated energy to decrease, making it difficult to correctly understand the vibration energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration energy detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy loss due to leakage current
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic discharge control of the capacitor based on voltage threshold monitoring. The discharge controller periodically discharges the capacitor when the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold, creating a cyclic charge-discharge pattern that prevents energy accumulation and leakage current effects from distorting the vibration energy measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the voltage monitor continuously monitors the capacitor voltage and provides feedback to the discharge controller. This closed-loop control ensures that the capacitor is discharged at the appropriate moments based on actual voltage levels, optimizing the balance between energy storage and leakage current mitigation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If the power storage device stores power generated by the vibration power generator, then the electric storage energy can be used to calculate vibration energy, but the leakage current characteristic causes the stored energy to decrease over time, especially at low vibration frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric storage energyVSAvoidreliability of vibration energy calculation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs periodic discharge operations based on voltage threshold monitoring, creating regular intervals where energy is reset. This periodic action prevents the capacitor from storing excessive energy that would be subject to prolonged leakage current effects, thereby maintaining reliability of vibration energy calculations even at low frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The discharge controller proactively discharges the capacitor before excessive energy accumulation occurs by monitoring voltage levels. This preliminary action prevents the situation where leakage current would significantly degrade the stored energy, ensuring that energy measurements remain reliable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vibration power generator converts vibration energy into power for storage, then the system can operate independently, but the leakage current of the power storage device creates a high ratio of discharge amount to charge amount at low frequencies, preventing correct vibration energy understanding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidvibration energy measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The periodic discharge mechanism operates independently of external control systems, allowing the vibration power generator to function autonomously. The voltage monitor and discharge controller work together to periodically reset the capacitor, ensuring that independent operation does not compromise measurement accuracy even at low vibration frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-correction through the voltage monitor and discharge controller that automatically manage capacitor discharge based on voltage thresholds. This self-service capability maintains measurement precision without requiring external intervention, enabling independent operation while preserving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach allows for accurate detection of vibration energy by minimizing the influence of leakage current, ensuring precise calculations even at low vibration frequencies, thereby improving the reliability of vibration energy assessment.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration power generator that is installed in an inspection object and is configured to convert vibration energy generated in the inspection object into power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electric storage unit configured to store generated power of the vibration power generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2837920B1Vibration energy detection apparatus and vibration energy detection system
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 OMRON CORP
  • EP2837920B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2837920B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2837920B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vibration energy detection apparatus includes: a vibration power generator that is installed in an inspection object to convert vibration energy generated in the inspection object into power; an electric storage unit in which generated power of the vibration power generator is stored; a voltage monitor that monitors a storage voltage of the electric storage unit; a discharge controller that discharges electric storage energy of the electric storage unit when the storage voltage of the electric storage unit exceeds a predetermined storage voltage; and a vibration energy calculator that calculates the vibration energy generated in the inspection object based on the number of formation times of an electric storage state of the electric storage unit, the electric storage state being continuously or intermittently formed by the discharge by the discharge controller. Therefore, the vibration energy detection apparatus or system that correctly detects the vibration energy generated in the inspection object using the vibration power generator can be provided.