Injection molded energy harvesting device
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- providing a lead frame comprising paired conductive members connected to rail elements;
attaching adhesive to one or more conductive members of the lead frame;
attaching a piezoelectric element at least one conductive member of the one or more conductive members of the lead frame;
attaching a proof mass to a first portion of piezoelectric element;
forming an injection molded plastic body around a second portion of the piezoelectric element; and
cutting the rail elements of the lead frame from the plastic body to form separate piezoelectric devices.
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Abstract
Embodiments of an injection molded energy harvesting device are described. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric cantilever is produced via an injection molding method to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member, and a leadframe for electrical connection. The piezoelectric member is electrically attached to the leadframe with a standard connecting material. The entire assembly is then injection molded with plastic. The plastic encased piezoelectric member forms a cantilever that generates electricity in response to vibration exerted on the proof mass.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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providing a lead frame comprising paired conductive members connected to rail elements; attaching adhesive to one or more conductive members of the lead frame; attaching a piezoelectric element at least one conductive member of the one or more conductive members of the lead frame; attaching a proof mass to a first portion of piezoelectric element; forming an injection molded plastic body around a second portion of the piezoelectric element; and cutting the rail elements of the lead frame from the plastic body to form separate piezoelectric devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification