Affiliations: [a] Institute of precision machinery and instrument,
Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China | [b] College of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Jilin
University, Changchun 130022, China
Abstract: This paper introduced a novel constant-stress piezoelectric
cantilever generator (CSPCG) for human-powered battery-less remote controls
(switches). The CSPCG consists of a piezoelectric monomorph cantilever and a
deflection-limiting device (DLD). The DLD was designed to be a circular arc to
shape the bended cantilever and yield constant strain through length.
Considering the energy converting ability and reliability, the DLD's radius was
figured out as a function of working stress and thickness of the piezoelectric
plate and substrate plate. Contrasted with a deflection-free piezoelectric
cantilever generator (DFPCG), the energy performance of the CSPCG was
evaluated. Research results show that the two generators share the same optimal
thickness ratio for them to achieve the maximal electric energy output. When
the same stress and end-deflection were provided, the electric-energy
generation of the CSPCG is above 4 and 1.5 times that of the DFPCG,
respectively. While, the stress and end-deflection of the CSPCG is only 0.49
and 0.77 times that of the DFCPG when equal electric energy is generated. This
suggests that a CSPCG with a DLD can enhance energy-generating capability and
reliability, or decrease end-displacement of piezoelectric cantilever. A CSPCG
was fabricated and used to power a low-power remote-control circuit at one-push excitation.
