Miniaturized piezoelectric based vibrational energy harvester
First Claim
1. An energy harvesting apparatus for harvesting and converting environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy into electrical energy comprising:
- a constant force flexure structure comprising at least one pair of constant force flexures;
at least one piezoelectric element secured to said constant force flexure structure;
a support structure securing at least one portion of said constant force flexure structure from relative motion along at least one axis;
at least one proof mass coupled to a second portion of said constant force flexure structure; and
at least one regenerative motion stop means wherein the motion stop means is configured to limit relative movement between the at least one proof mass and the support structure in at least one axial direction;
whereby environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy produces relative movement between the at least one proof mass and the support structure and consequent movement of the constant force flexure structure thereby producing electrical energy by said at least one piezoelectric element.
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Abstract
The present subject matter discloses apparatus and methodologies for fabricating apparatus for harvesting power from environmentally induced vibrations. Piezoelectric devices and structures (1600) are disclosed that employ constant force spring or flexure arrangements (1512) in balanced opposition configurations (1510, 1534) to enhance the power harvesting capabilities of the piezoelectric devices (1600). Power harvesting devices and systems in accordance with the subject technology may concurrently operate as sensors in motion sensitive applications thus providing self-powered monitoring capabilities.
53 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An energy harvesting apparatus for harvesting and converting environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy into electrical energy comprising:
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a constant force flexure structure comprising at least one pair of constant force flexures; at least one piezoelectric element secured to said constant force flexure structure; a support structure securing at least one portion of said constant force flexure structure from relative motion along at least one axis; at least one proof mass coupled to a second portion of said constant force flexure structure; and at least one regenerative motion stop means wherein the motion stop means is configured to limit relative movement between the at least one proof mass and the support structure in at least one axial direction; whereby environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy produces relative movement between the at least one proof mass and the support structure and consequent movement of the constant force flexure structure thereby producing electrical energy by said at least one piezoelectric element. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification