Vibration Energy Harvester Electrode Layout for Higher Charge Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration-driven energy harvesting elements face challenges in efficiently generating power due to the inefficiencies in charge induction and potential difference between fixed and movable electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The energy harvesting element incorporates a configuration with a first and second electrode, a member having a third and fourth electrode, and an electret, where the third and fourth electrodes are relatively fixed and connected to the first and second electrodes, respectively, allowing for efficient power generation through electrostatic capacitance changes during vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid polymer electrolyte is used in a power generating element, then safety is improved by preventing electrolyte leakage and drying out, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise control of sintered body density and porosity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls the density and porosity parameters of the sintered body within specific ranges (density: 2.0-3.5 g/cm³, porosity: 30-70%) to achieve both safety and manufacturing feasibility. By optimizing these physical parameters, the solid polymer electrolyte maintains structural integrity while allowing necessary ion transport, thus preventing leakage and drying out without requiring overly complex manufacturing controls
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes a porous sintered body structure with controlled porosity (30-70%) to accommodate the solid polymer electrolyte. The porous structure provides pathways for ion transport while the sintered framework prevents electrolyte leakage and maintains structural stability, achieving safety without excessive manufacturing complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the anode and cathode are positioned close to each other to reduce device size, then compactness is improved, but the risk of short circuit between electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a porous sintered body as an intermediary structure between the anode and cathode. This sintered body contains the solid polymer electrolyte and provides physical separation between electrodes, preventing direct contact and short circuits while maintaining compact device dimensions. The intermediary structure enables close electrode positioning without compromising safety
3Power
If the cathode potential is increased to improve power generation efficiency, then energy output is improved, but the stability of the solid polymer electrolyte and sintered body deteriorates due to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the potential of the cathode within a specific range (0.8-1.2 V vs. RHE) to balance power generation efficiency and material stability. By controlling the electrochemical potential parameter, the system achieves improved energy output while preventing excessive oxidation that would degrade the solid polymer electrolyte and sintered body structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite structure combining a porous sintered body with a solid polymer electrolyte. This composite material system enhances overall stability and resistance to oxidation compared to using either material alone, allowing for higher cathode potentials without compromising the integrity of the electrolyte or sintered body
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 configuration enables efficient power generation by increasing the electrostatic capacitance and charge transfer, reducing output impedance, and minimizing component selection difficulties and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a power generating element comprising: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; an anode positioned at a first location in respect to a direction of thickness of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane; and a cathode positioned at a second location in respect to the direction of thickness of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane
Implementation Method 2
a porous sintered body comprising sintered particles of a conductive oxide, wherein the porous sintered body has a bulk density of 2.0 g/cm³ to 3.5 g/cm³ and a porosity of 30% to 70%
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
An energy harvesting element (10) capable of efficiently generating power is provided. The energy harvesting element generates power by vibration, and includes a first electrode (16a) and a second electrode (16b), a member (12) having a third electrode (13a) electrically connected to the second electrode, and facing the first electrode, and a fourth electrode (13b) relatively fixed to the third electrode without being electrically connected to the third electrode, and electrically connected to the first electrode and facing the second electrode, the member being provided between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an electret provided in one of the first electrode and the third electrode, and one of the second electrode and the fourth electrode.