Wireless Sensing Node With Kinetic Energy Harvesting for Mobile Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless sensor systems face challenges in powering mobile applications due to the impracticality of wired and battery-powered solutions, particularly in embedded sensing scenarios where energy harvesting from ambient sources is limited.
Innovation Solution
A flexible adhesive tape node integrated with an energy harvester, processor, memory, and wireless transmitter, where rotation of a rotatable component generates electric current to power a rechargeable energy source, enabling continuous operation and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired power sources are used for sensor systems, then power supply reliability is improved, but mobility and ease of installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system harvests energy from the ambient vibrations of the vehicle itself to power its operation. The piezoelectric energy harvester converts mechanical vibration energy from the vehicle into electrical energy, allowing the system to be self-powered without external wiring or battery replacement, thus achieving both reliability and mobility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical battery system with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system that converts mechanical vibrations directly into electrical energy. This substitution eliminates the need for wired power sources while maintaining continuous power supply for the sensor system
2Ease of operation
If batteries are used for mobile sensor applications, then ease of installation is improved, but maintenance requirements and operational duration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously harvests energy from vehicle vibrations to recharge its internal energy storage component, eliminating the need for battery replacement. The system serves itself by converting ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy to maintain continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding depleted batteries, the system recovers energy continuously from the ambient vibrations of the vehicle through piezoelectric harvesting. This energy recovery mechanism extends operational duration indefinitely without requiring battery replacement
3Ease of operation
If energy harvesting from ambient sources is used, then mobility and ease of installation are improved, but energy availability and power supply reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy harvesting approaches (piezoelectric vibration harvesting and thermoelectric temperature differential harvesting) with an rechargeable energy storage component. This merging of energy sources and storage ensures continuous power availability while maintaining mobility and ease of installation
4Ease of operation
If flexible adhesive tape nodes are used, then ease of installation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible adhesive tape node integrates multiple functions into a single component: sensing (pressure, temperature), energy harvesting (piezoelectric, thermoelectric), energy storage, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining ease of installation through adhesive attachment
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 solution provides a cost-effective, flexible, and unobtrusive means for continuous monitoring and data transmission in various applications, overcoming the limitations of traditional power sources by harnessing kinetic energy from vehicle components.
Implementation Method 1
rotation of the rotatable component generates an electric current in the energy harvester component
Implementation Method 2
the energy harvester component of the flexible adhesive tape node comprises a vibration sensor that generates electrical energy in response to vibration
Implementation Method 3
the energy harvester component of the flexible adhesive tape node includes a thermoelectric energy generator
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally relates to wireless sensing nodes, energy harvesting, and energy charging. The disclosure also generally relates to reporting data gathered by the wireless sensing nodes to one or more network services.