Triboelectric smart machine elements and self-powered encoder

• Recovering a part of energy wasted by friction in movable machine elements is presented.
• Three components, including bearing, gears, and belt–pulleys system are investigated.
• The function mechanisms of characterized elements are studied by the finite elements method.
• The first self-powered triboelectric encoder is designed and developed.

A new concept for recovering a part of wasted energy caused by friction in typical mechanical components is introduced. Triboelectric charge generation on movable surfaces is the principle used for conducting electrons through external loads. The concept is evaluated by development and study of three versatile elements, including a bearing, gears and belt–pulley systems. Moreover, the first self-sufficient encoder, which is entirely powered by the energy captured by triboelectricity, is presented. Indeed, the capability of using introduced ad hoc modifications on the structure of machine elements is illustrated for measuring and displaying the rotational speed of a belt–pulley system.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide