Autonomous intracorporeal capsule with energy harvesting by piezoelectric transducer
US9847739B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2014 |
| Grant date | Dec 19, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH10N30/306
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An autonomous intracorporeal capsule comprises a body containing electronic circuits and an energy harvesting module. The energy harvesting module comprises a moveable surface on the body of the capsule, subjected to pressure variations and to produce a mechanical stress under the effect of the pressure variations, and a transducer comprising a deformable piezoelectric component configured as a beam adapted to be forced to bend. The piezoelectric component has a recessed end integral with the capsule and a free end. A mechanical connection couples the free end of the piezoelectric component to the actuator. The mechanical connection may provide a degree of freedom in rotation between a main direction of the beam and the direction of application of the mechanical stress.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.