Forced vibration piezo generator and piezo actuator
US8040022B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2008 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N30/2047
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Piezoelectric elements for power generation and/or actuation are described. An aspect is directed to generators utilizing piezoelectric elements for electrical power generation. Such a generator can use one or more arrays of piezoelectric cantilevers for electrical power generation in conjunction with modulated air pressure used for exciting the cantilevers. The pressure level/modulation and cantilever area can be controlled variables for maximizing the bending, and hence energy generation, of the cantilevers. A further aspect is directed to hydraulic fluid actuators utilizing a pumping mechanism that includes a piezoelectric element. The linear actuators can advantageously utilize the high force and high frequency characteristics of a piezoelectric membrane in conjunction with a large stroke and actuation direction conversion afforded by hydraulic transmission.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.