Vibration Sensor Module Integrating Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for more reliable, easily manufactured, physically robust, and cost-sensitive apparatus for detecting and providing a wireless signal corresponding to low frequency vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A vibration transducer module comprising a base, a spring, a mass with a conductive element, and an energy harvester, such as a piezoelectric bimorph, that generates a voltage signal when flexed by vibrations, and an oscillator that converts this signal into a high frequency electromagnetic output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional energy harvesting apparatus are used to detect low frequency vibrations, then detection capability is achieved, but reliability and physical robustness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mass-spring mechanical system, piezoelectric energy harvesting elements, conductive element, and oscillator into a single integrated vibration sensor module. This merging of previously separate components into one robust unit improves reliability while maintaining detection capability for low frequency vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration sensor module performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects low frequency vibrations through the mass-spring system, harvests energy via piezoelectric elements, generates voltage signals, and produces high frequency electromagnetic output. This multi-functionality improves reliability by eliminating the need for separate batteries and components.
2Reliability
If complex energy harvesting apparatus are designed to improve reliability, then detection reliability improves, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple components (mass-spring system, piezoelectric elements, conductive element, oscillator) into a single vibration sensor module, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. The integrated design allows for standardized production while maintaining the reliability benefits of the combined system.
3Ease of operation
If battery-powered wireless signal generators are used, then wireless communication is achieved, but loss of energy increases due to battery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration sensor module harvests energy directly from the vibrations it detects using piezoelectric elements. This self-service energy harvesting eliminates the need for external batteries, reducing energy loss and enabling autonomous operation for wireless signal generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the battery-based electrical energy storage system with a mechanical vibration-to-electricity conversion system using piezoelectric elements. This substitution eliminates continuous energy loss associated with batteries while maintaining wireless signal generation capability.
4Strength
If low frequency vibration detection apparatus are designed to be physically robust, then robustness improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the mass-spring mechanical system, piezoelectric elements, conductive element, and oscillator into a single robust vibration sensor module. This merging creates a physically robust structure that can withstand various conditions while maintaining simple overall architecture.
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 module effectively detects low frequency vibrations and generates a reliable high frequency electromagnetic signal, enabling efficient energy harvesting and wireless communication without the need for batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric layer may comprise lead zirconate titanate
Implementation Method 2
an energy harvester (also referred to herein as an energy scavenger) to provide a first voltage signal
Implementation Method 3
an oscillator comprising a capacitive element coupled to receive and maintain a charge corresponding to the rectified first voltage signal from the rectifier, and the oscillator caused to oscillate when the vibratory signal flexes the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration transducer module for detecting a vibratory signal, comprising a base, a spring connected to the base at a first location, a mass mechanically coupled to the spring at a second location remote from the first location, and a wall configured to position a first wall electrode and a second wall electrode a selected distance from the first location, the conductive element positioned and sized to contact the first wall electrode and the second wall electrode. The mass comprises a conductive element, and an energy harvester to provide a first voltage signal. The energy harvester may comprise a piezoelectric material or be construct as a SAW device. The module may be combined with a rectifier and an oscillator to form a vibration sensor.