Injection molded energy harvesting device
US8225471B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49165
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.