ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE MANUFACTURED BY PRINT FORMING PROCESSES

摘要

Embodiments of making an energy harvesting device (300) are described. In one embodiment, a case (310, 308, 306) and integrated piezoelectric cantilever (302) to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic.