Monolithic energy harvesting system, apparatus, and method

摘要

An energy harvesting device utilizing a monolithic, mesoscale, single-degree-of-freedom inertial based resonator in which the support structure, beam-spring, and proof mass are a single component without joints, bonds, or fasteners. Frequency tuning features include holes in the proof mass in which mass can be added to change the devices resonance frequency as well as levers which add curvature to the beam-spring system and adjust system stiffness. Robustness is increase by designing the resonator to exhibit nonlinear behavior such that its power density is maximized for low vibration amplitudes and minimized for high amplitudes. The device structural resonance modes are designed to be much higher than the resonators proof mass-spring resonance frequency. Electromechanical transducers are used to convert the resonators mechanical energy to electrical energy. Electrical circuitry is included to extract and condition the electrical charge.

主权项

1. An apparatus for harvesting energy from vibratory motion of a host structure, the apparatus comprising:
a vibration resonator, the resonator having a monolithic construction including
a rigid structure;at least one spring member connected with the rigid structure, the spring member including a beam member having a first portion connected with the rigid structure; anda proof mass, the proof mass being connected with the beam member such that the proof mass is coupled with the rigid structure, wherein a portion of the proof mass, the at least one spring member, and the rigid structure are fabricated from a single piece of material.