Piezoelectric device employing elastomer material

• US 7,999,447 B2
• Filed: 10/31/2010
• Issued: 08/16/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joseph A. Micallef
• Original Assignee: Joseph A. Micallef
• Inventors: Micallef, Joseph Anthony
• Primary Examiner(s): SAN MARTIN, JAYDI A
• Application Number:
  US12/916,556
• Publication Number:
  US 20110085284A1
• Time in Patent Office: 289 Days
• Field of Search: 310/339
• US Class Current: 310/339
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/26 characterised by their structure, e.g. multi-layered, porosity or surface features
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/28 arranged or disposed on a current collector; Layers or phases between electrodes and current collectors, e.g. adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/30 characterised by their material
• CPC Class Codes: H01G 11/56 Solid electrolytes, e.g. gels; Additives therein
• CPC Class Codes: H02N 2/18 producing electrical output from mechanical input, e.g. generators for measurement devices G01
• CPC Class Codes: H02N 2/181 Circuits; Control arrangements or methods
• CPC Class Codes: H10N 30/30 with mechanical input and electrical output, e.g. functioning as generators or sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H10N 30/80 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/13 Energy storage using capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 310/80 Piezoelectric polymers, e.g. PVDF

Abstract

An elastomeric piezoelectric ultracapacitor embodiment is also disclosed. A dielectric elastomer is a polymer that may be configured to operate in a “generator mode.” In generator mode the dielectric elastomer operates like a variable capacitor, and amplifies the energy of charge placed on a pair of compliant electrodes, formed on opposite sides of the elastomer, when the elastomer is in a compressed state. An elastomeric piezoelectric ultracapacitor employs generator mode techniques to further increase the power generation capabilities of an piezoelectric ultracapacitor.

Claims

1. A device comprising a piezoelectric element coupled to an electrode coupled to an elastomer material, wherein said piezoelectric element includes a first face and a second face and said electrode is disposed opposite said second face and electrically coupled to said first face.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric element and said elastomer material are disposed between said electrode and an opposing electrode.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric element is coupled to a first accumulation of an electrolyte material.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said electrode comprises a compliant electrode.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein said compliant electrode is formed as part of said elastomer material.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising an output circuit.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second electrode and wherein either of said electrode or said second electrodes comprises a compliant electrode.

20. The device of claim 7 wherein either of said electrode or said second electrodes is formed as part of an elastomer material.

8. A device comprising a piezoelectric element coupled to an electrode coupled to an elastomer material, wherein said an accumulation of an electrolyte material is disposed between said electrode and said piezoelectric element.

9. A device comprising a piezoelectric element having a first face and a second face, wherein said second face is coupled to a first electrode opposite said first face and said first electrode is coupled to a first elastomer element and further comprising an electrolyte disposed between a face of said piezoelectric element and an electrode.

10. The device of claim 9 further comprising a second elastomer element coupled to a second electrode opposite said second face.

11. The device of claim 9 wherein said first electrode comprises a compliant electrode.

12. The device of claim 9 further comprising a second electrode and wherein either of said first or second electrodes comprises a compliant electrode.

13. The device of claim 9 wherein said first elastomer element is disposed between said first electrode and a second electrode.

14. The device of claim 9 further comprising an energy storage circuit.

15. A device comprising a piezoelectric core having a first surface and a second surface, wherein said second surface is electrically coupled to a first conductor means opposite said first surface, said device further including a first electrolyte elastomer element between said first conductor means and said first surface.

16. The device of claim 15 further including a second electrolyte elastomer element between said second conductor means and said second surface.

17. The device of claim 15 wherein said first conductor means comprises a compliant electrode.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein said compliant electrode is formed as part of said elastomer element.

19. The device of claim 15 further comprising an energy storage means.