Non-linear piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical generator system and method
First Claim
1. A non-linear power generator system comprising:
- a flexible beam for receiving a mechanical input, the flexible beam being supported in a bowed configuration;
an electrically responsive member supported against one end of the flexible beam so as to be under a compressive force exerted by said flexible beam; and
said flexible beam being adapted to move towards a flattened shape from said bowed shape in response to said mechanical input, to transmit said mechanical input to said electrically responsive member, to cause a compression of said electrically responsive member that results in an electrical output signal being generated by said electrically responsive member.
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Abstract
A non-linear, piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical generator especially well adapted for use with a Stirling engine, to thus form an electrical power generation system. In one form the generator includes a flexible beam that is configured in a bowed orientation to exert a compressive stress on a piezoceramic stack. A mechanical, linearly reciprocating member is positioned against the flexible beam at a midpoint of the beam. The mechanical member applies a force to the flexible beam that initially tends to flatten the flexible beam, which increases the compressive stress applied to the piezoceramic stack, thus compressing the stack and causing it to generate an electrical output signal. When the mechanical member removes the force, the flexible beam reverts to its initial, bowed configuration. This allows the piezoceramic stack to decompress, and it generates another electrical signal. This alternating compressing and decompressing of the piezoceramic stack causes a series of electrical signals to be generated from the stack. The apparatus forms a lightweight, compact means for converting a linear, reciprocating mechanical output signal into electrical power.
22 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A non-linear power generator system comprising:
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a flexible beam for receiving a mechanical input, the flexible beam being supported in a bowed configuration; an electrically responsive member supported against one end of the flexible beam so as to be under a compressive force exerted by said flexible beam; and said flexible beam being adapted to move towards a flattened shape from said bowed shape in response to said mechanical input, to transmit said mechanical input to said electrically responsive member, to cause a compression of said electrically responsive member that results in an electrical output signal being generated by said electrically responsive member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for generating electrical power from a mechaniical signal, comprising:
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using a flexible beam secured under compression to assume a bowed orientation, to receive said mechanical signal; using said flexible beam to transmit said mechanical signal to an electrically responsive member; supporting said electrically responsive member such that said member experiences a compressive stress from said flexible beam; and using said flexible beam to alternatively compress and decompress said electrically responsponsive member, in response to said mechanical signal, to generate electrical output signals from said electrically responsive member. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification