KR101658308B1

KR101658308B1 - self-powered wearable sensor integrated with woven piezoelectric energy harvester

Info

Publication number: KR101658308B1
Application number: KR1020150038586A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 윤광석; 안용호
Original assignee: 서강대학교산학협력단
Priority date: 2015-03-20
Filing date: 2015-03-20
Publication date: 2016-09-20

Abstract

A self-generating capacitive fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the self-generating electrostatic capacity fabric sensor comprises a fabric sensor structure formed by crossing the piezoelectric fibers with a first weft yarn and a first weft yarn, a hollow fiber to a second weft yarn and a second weft yarn, And a pressure sensor for sensing the deformation of the hollow fiber by the external force applied to the base structure and measuring the external force. The piezoelectric fiber includes a first electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric fiber and a second electrode disposed on the other side of the piezoelectric fiber. The sensor structure has at least one first intersection point where the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersect with each other. The base structure has at least one second intersection point where the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn intersect each other. The first weft yarn and the first warp yarn at the first intersection are formed to cross each other with at least one selected from the second weft yarn, the second warp yarn, and a combination thereof, Are connected to each other.
In another embodiment, the self-generating electrostatic capacity cloth sensor is a cloth-like sensor structure formed by crossing the piezoelectric fibers with a first weft yarn and a first warp yarn, a stretchable elastic material having a plurality of pores And a pressure sensor for sensing the deformation of the elastic structure by an external force applied to the structure and the elastic structure to measure the external force. The piezoelectric fiber includes a first electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric fiber and a second electrode disposed on the other side of the piezoelectric fiber. The sensor structure is formed by intersecting the piezoelectric fibers passing through at least one of the plurality of holes with a first weft and a first warp. The sensor structure has at least one first intersection point where the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersect with each other. The first weft yarn forming the first intersection point and the first warp yarn are woven to face each other across the stretchable structure at the first intersection point.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-powered wearable sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting device,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to fabric sensors, and more particularly to self-generating capacitive fabric sensors with integrated piezoelectric energy harvesting devices.

This research was carried out through the Korea Research Foundation with the support of the Korea Research Foundation with the future promising fusion technology Pioneer Project (Project Number: 2010-0019313) and Future Creation Science Department (Project Number: 2013R1A2A2A0301648).

In recent years, under the influence of ubiquitous environment, the slow development speed of the power supply medium driving the portable electronic device technology has been pointed out as a problem causing the necessity of continuous replacement of the power supply device and the increase of the maintenance cost accordingly have. Therefore, energy harvesting technology is required to supply permanent energy to portable electronic devices without using external power source or batteries requiring replacement.

With the development of portable electronic devices, there is an increasing demand and research for human clothing or wearable electronic devices such as wearable computers, smart wear, and the like. If power is supplied to electronic devices by energy capture technology using energy generated from human motion, it is possible to solve problems of existing power supply media and contribute to technological development of related fields as a sustainable energy supply source free from time and space limitation have. In addition, clothes or wearable energy harvesting devices have the advantage of being highly wearable and capable of unconscious energy harvesting.

An example of utilizing energy generated from the motion of a human body using piezoelectric fibers has been proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-2010-0014229, 'Piezoelectric fabric and micro power energy harvesting system using the same, A general structure of a piezoelectric element composed of a lower electrode layer formed under the piezoelectric layer and an upper electrode layer formed on the piezoelectric layer is simply applied to the fabric, which makes it difficult to collect energy efficiently. Further, the cited invention does not disclose the tactile sensor function of the capacitance fabric sensor disclosed in this specification.

A self-generating capacitive fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the self-generating electrostatic capacity fabric sensor comprises a fabric sensor structure formed by crossing the piezoelectric fibers with a first weft yarn and a first weft yarn, a hollow fiber to a second weft yarn and a second weft yarn, And a pressure sensor for sensing the deformation of the hollow fiber by the external force applied to the base structure and measuring the external force. The piezoelectric fiber includes a first electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric fiber and a second electrode disposed on the other side of the piezoelectric fiber. The sensor structure has at least one first intersection point where the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersect with each other. The base structure has at least one second intersection point where the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn intersect each other. The first weft yarn and the first warp yarn at the first intersection are formed to cross each other with at least one selected from the second weft yarn, the second warp yarn, and a combination thereof, Are connected to each other.

In another embodiment, the self-generating electrostatic capacity cloth sensor is a cloth-like sensor structure formed by crossing the piezoelectric fibers with a first weft yarn and a first warp yarn, a stretchable elastic material having a plurality of pores And a pressure sensor for sensing the deformation of the elastic structure by an external force applied to the structure and the elastic structure to measure the external force. The piezoelectric fiber includes a first electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric fiber and a second electrode disposed on the other side of the piezoelectric fiber. The sensor structure is formed by intersecting the piezoelectric fibers passing through at least one of the plurality of holes with a first weft and a first warp. The sensor structure has at least one first intersection point where the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersect with each other. The first weft yarn forming the first intersection point and the first warp yarn are woven to face each other across the stretchable structure at the first intersection point.

The foregoing provides only a selective concept in a simplified form as to what is described in more detail hereinafter. The present disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the claims or limit the scope of essential features or essential features of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the principle of self-power generation of a self-generating electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in the present specification;
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a basic structure to which the piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in this specification is applied to the integrated self-generating capacitive textile sensor.
3 is a conceptual diagram of a self-generating electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element disclosed in this specification according to an embodiment.
4 is a view for explaining the self-power generation of the self-generating type electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in this specification.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are views for explaining the capacitive sensor function of the self-generating type electrostatic capacity cloth sensor integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in this specification.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element disclosed in this specification according to another embodiment.
8 is a view showing an example of a human body of a self-generating type electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element disclosed in this specification.

Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The exemplary embodiments described above in the detailed description, the drawings, and the claims are not intended to be limiting, and other embodiments may be utilized, and other variations are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed technology. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the components of the present disclosure, that is, the components generally described herein and illustrated in the figures, may be arranged, arranged, combined, or arranged in a variety of different configurations, all of which are expressly contemplated, As shown in FIG. In the drawings, the width, length, thickness or shape of an element, etc. may be exaggerated in order to clearly illustrate the various layers (or films), regions and shapes.

When a component is referred to as being " deployed "to another component, it may include the case where the component is directly disposed on the other component, as well as the case where additional components are interposed therebetween.

The description of the disclosed technique is merely an example for structural or functional explanation and the scope of the disclosed technology should not be construed as being limited by the embodiments described in the text. That is, the embodiments are to be construed as being variously embodied and having various forms, so that the scope of the rights of the disclosed technology should be understood to include equivalents capable of realizing the technical ideas.

When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected to the other element, but it should be understood that other elements may be present in between. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that there are no other elements in between. On the other hand, other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as " between " and " between "

It is to be understood that the singular " include " or " have " are to be construed as including the stated feature, number, step, operation, It is to be understood that the combination is intended to specify that it is present and not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

All terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed technology belongs, unless otherwise defined. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to be consistent with meaning in the context of the relevant art and can not be construed as having ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in the present application.

1 is a view for explaining self-power generation of a self-generating type electrostatic capacity fabric sensor in which a piezoelectric energy harvesting element is integrated. 1 (a) is a view for explaining a piezoelectric phenomenon. 1 (b) and 1 (c) are views for explaining the function of the support layer.

Fig. 1 (a) shows a piezoelectric fiber 110 that generates electrical energy by deformation due to an external force. As the piezoelectric fibers 110, various kinds of fibers can be used. The piezoelectric fibers 110 may include at least one selected from among piezoelectric fibers obtained from a piezoelectric material alone, fibers coated with a piezoelectric material, and combinations thereof. In the figure, a piezoelectric fiber obtained from a piezoelectric material alone is used as the piezoelectric fiber 110, for example. As another embodiment, unlike the drawing, it is also possible to use a general fiber coated with a piezoelectric material as the piezoelectric fiber 110 or a combination of a piezoelectric fiber obtained from a piezoelectric material alone and a general fiber coated with a piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material may be PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), lead zirconate titanate (PZT), or the like. The fibers coated with the piezoelectric material may be various fibers generally used. As an example for the understanding of the above example, various materials other than the above-mentioned examples can be used.

Piezoelectric material refers to a material in which the polarization of electric charge is generated by mechanical deformation or, on the other hand, mechanical deformation is caused by an electric field. Piezoelectric effect is the phenomenon that the polarization of charge is generated by mechanical deformation or, conversely, the mechanical deformation occurs by electric field. For example, as shown in the figure, when a piezoelectric material having a polarization in the Z-axis direction (or upward in the drawing) is elongated by an external force, a negative charge and a positive charge A polarization phenomenon of a charge induced by a magnetic field is induced. Also, when the piezoelectric material is compressed in length by an external force, a polarization phenomenon of positive and negative charges induced in the upper and lower portions of the piezoelectric material appears. That is, when tensile and compressive are repeatedly applied to the piezoelectric material, the polarization of the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric material is repeatedly changed in polarity. With repeated tension and compression, the piezoelectric material can generate alternating electrical signals.

The piezoelectric material disposed on the surface of the object according to the change of the length may undergo mechanical deformation when the piezoelectric material is disposed on the surface of the object whose elongation and compression are repeated. Due to the mechanical deformation, polarization of electric charges may occur in the piezoelectric material. In other words, when the piezoelectric material is disposed on the surface of the object and the object is repeatedly stretched or compressed, the piezoelectric material disposed on the surface of the object repeatedly experiences tension and compression. When the piezoelectric material is repeatedly subjected to tension and compression, the polarity of the charge generated in the piezoelectric material is changed repeatedly. With repeated tension and compression, the piezoelectric material can generate alternating electrical signals.

2. Description of the Related Art [0002] Recently, various researches on energy harvesting technology for supplying permanent energy to portable electronic devices using energy generated from human motion have been actively conducted. In this specification, a technique is described in which a fabric is woven by using a piezoelectric material to collect energy generated from the movement of the human body. In the present specification, a sensor technology for measuring an external force by using a hollow fiber is also disclosed.

Referring to FIG. 1 (b), when the fabric is woven using the piezoelectric fibers 110, the piezoelectric fibers 110 may intersect with each other to form a curved surface. As shown in the figure, the piezoelectric fiber 110 can divide the area of the piezoelectric fiber 110 into the upper portion 114 and the lower portion 116 about the center line 112 or the center line 112 whose length is not deformed. In this case, when a tensile force is applied to the piezoelectric fiber 110 as an external force, the length of the upper portion 114 is increased and the length of the lower portion 116 is contracted. As another example, when compressive force is applied to the piezoelectric fiber 110 as an external force, the upper portion 114 is contracted in length and the lower portion 116 is increased in length, unlike the case shown in the drawings. This is because the volume of the piezoelectric fibers 110 is kept constant even if the piezoelectric fibers 110 are deformed by the external force. Polarization of charges generated in the upper part 114 and the lower part 116 by the tensile force or the compressive force has opposite polarities. Polarization phenomena of charges of opposite polarities generated on the curved surface due to the tensile force or the compressive force may cancel each other out, or the strength may be weakened. Therefore, when the fabric is woven with only the piezoelectric fibers 110, it is difficult to effectively generate electric energy. In this case, when the supporting layer 120 having a thickness on the curved surface is disposed, the central surface 112, which is not deformed in length, is moved in the direction of the supporting layer 120 from the center of the piezoelectric fiber 110 . The support layer 120 may be disposed over the entire area of the curved surface or may be disposed on at least a part of the surface of the curved surface.

In one embodiment, as shown in the figure, the supporting layer 120 having a thickness can be disposed on the convex portion of the curved surface of the piezoelectric fiber 110. [ In this case, when a tensile force is applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110 as an external force, the center plane 112 moves in the direction of the support layer 120, so that the average deformation of the piezoelectric fibers 110 is compression. Polarization of charge induced by charge and negative charge appears. As another example, when a compressive force is applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110 as an external force, the center plane 112 moves in the direction of the supporting layer 120, and the average deformation of the piezoelectric fibers 110 is tensile At the top and bottom, negative charge and positive charge are induced, respectively. That is, when a tensile force and a compressive force are repeatedly applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110, the polarization of the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric material is repeatedly changed in polarity. With repeated tension and compression, the piezoelectric material can generate alternating electrical signals.

In another embodiment, the support layer 120 may be disposed on a concave portion of the curved surface of the piezoelectric fiber 110, unlike the one shown in the drawings. In this case, when a tensile force is applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110 as an external force, the center plane 112 moves in the direction of the support layer 120, so that the average deformation of the piezoelectric fibers 110 is tensile, Charge and polarization of charge induced by positive charge appear. As another example, unlike the drawing, when the compressive force is applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110 as the external force, the center plane 112 moves in the direction of the supporting layer 120, and the average deformation of the piezoelectric fibers 110 is compression The polarization of the positive and negative charge-induced charges appears at the top and bottom, respectively. That is, when a tensile force and a compressive force are repeatedly applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110, the polarization of the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric material is repeatedly changed in polarity. With repeated tension and compression, the piezoelectric material can generate alternating electrical signals.

As the support layer 120, various kinds of materials can be used. The material of the support layer 120 may be, for example, a polymer. The support layer 120 may be, for example, a polyester film. As an example for the understanding of the above example, various materials other than the above-mentioned examples can be used. There is no limitation on the material of the support layer 120 as long as the center face 112 of the piezoelectric fibers 110 can be moved toward the support layer 120.

FIG. 1 (c) is a view showing a curved surface on which the piezoelectric fibers 110 may cross each other when the fabric is woven using the piezoelectric fibers 110. As shown in the figure, when a tensile force is applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110, the piezoelectric fibers 110 are wound on the upper and lower surfaces 114 and 116 around the center surface 112, Regions can be distinguished. The upper portion 114 of the piezoelectric fiber 110 is elongated and the lower portion 116 is contracted in the bent surface bent in the Z-axis direction (or upward in the drawing). The upper portion 114 of the piezoelectric fiber 110 is contracted in length and the lower portion 116 is increased in length in the curved surface bent in the Z-axis direction (or downward in the drawing). As another example, unlike the drawing, the upper portion 114 of the piezoelectric fiber 110 on the curved surface bent in the Z-axis direction (or upward in the drawing) when a compressive force is applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110, And the lower portion 116 becomes longer in length. The upper portion 114 of the piezoelectric fiber 110 is extended in length and the lower portion 116 is contracted in the bent surface bent in the Z-axis direction (or downward in the drawing). Polarization of charges generated in the upper part 114 and the lower part 116 by the tensile force or the compressive force has opposite polarities. Therefore, when the fabric is woven with only the piezoelectric fibers 110, it is difficult to effectively generate electric energy. In this case, when the supporting layer 120 having a thickness on the curved surface is disposed, the central surface 112, which is not deformed in length, is moved in the direction of the supporting layer 120 from the center of the piezoelectric fiber 110 .

In one embodiment, the support layer 120 may be disposed on the convex portion of the curved surface of the piezoelectric fibers 110, as shown in the figure. In this case, when a tensile force is applied to the piezoelectric fiber 110 as an external force, the curvature of the supporting layer 120 and the piezoelectric fiber 110 is reduced. Therefore, the piezoelectric fiber 110 has an average deformation, Polarization of positive and negative charge-induced charges appears. This phenomenon occurs simultaneously on both the curved surface bent in the Z-axis direction (or upward in the drawing) and the curved surface bent in the -Z-axis direction (or downward in the drawing). On the other hand, when a compressive force is applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110 as an external force, the curvatures of the supporting layer 120 and the piezoelectric fibers 110 are increased. Therefore, And the polarization of the charge induced by the positive charge appears. This phenomenon occurs simultaneously on both the curved surface bent in the Z-axis direction (or upward in the drawing) and the curved surface bent in the -Z-axis direction (or downward in the drawing). That is, when a tensile force and a compressive force are repeatedly applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110, the polarization of the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric material is repeatedly changed in polarity. With repeated tension and compression, the piezoelectric material can generate alternating electrical signals.

In another embodiment, the support layer 120 may be disposed on a concave portion of the curved surface of the piezoelectric fiber 110, unlike the one shown in the drawings. In this case, when a tensile force is applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110 as an external force, the curvature of the supporting layer 120 and the piezoelectric fibers 110 is reduced. Therefore, the piezoelectric fibers 110 are tensile on the average, Negative charge and polarization of charge induced by positive charge appear. This phenomenon occurs simultaneously on both the curved surface bent in the Z-axis direction (or upward in the drawing) and the curved surface bent in the -Z-axis direction (or downward in the drawing). On the other hand, when a compressive force is applied to the piezoelectric fiber 110 as an external force, the curvature of the supporting layer 120 and the piezoelectric fiber 110 increases. Therefore, the average deformation of the piezoelectric fiber 110 is compression, And the polarization of the charge induced by the negative charge appears. This phenomenon occurs simultaneously on both the curved surface bent in the Z-axis direction (or upward in the drawing) and the curved surface bent in the -Z-axis direction (or downward in the drawing). That is, when a tensile force and a compressive force are repeatedly applied to the piezoelectric fibers 110, the polarization of the electric charge generated in the piezoelectric material is repeatedly changed in polarity. With repeated tension and compression, the piezoelectric material can generate alternating electrical signals.

For the sake of brevity, the following description will be made using the piezoelectric fibers obtained from the piezoelectric material alone as the piezoelectric fibers 110. [ In this case, description will be made using PVDF as the piezoelectric material. The support layer 120 disposed on the convex portion of the curved surface of the piezoelectric fiber 110 will be described as the support layer 120. [ However, this description does not limit the piezoelectric fibers 110, the piezoelectric material or the support layer 120 to specific types or specific fibers.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a basic structure applied to a self-generating type electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in the present specification. FIG. 3 (a) is a view showing a conceptual diagram of a self-generating type electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element disclosed in this specification. FIG. 3 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A '. Fig. 4 (a) is a view for explaining the self-power generation of the self-generating type electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in this specification. 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A '.

Referring to the drawings, a self-generating electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100 in which a piezoelectric energy harvesting device is integrated includes a basic structure 10, a sensor structure 20, a first electrode 130, a second electrode 140, And a sensor (not shown). In some other embodiments, the self-generating electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100 may optionally further include a support layer 120. In some other embodiments, the self-generating capacitive fabric sensor 100 may optionally further include a storage circuit (not shown).

The basic structure 10 has a fabric-like structure formed by crossing hollow fibers 1 and 2 as a second weft yarn and a second weft yarn. The hollow fiber (1) refers to hollow fiber, and there is no limitation on the material. On the other hand, the hollow fiber 1 can be made of an elastic material. The hollow fiber 1 made of an elastic material is deformed by an external pressure and can be restored to its original shape when the external pressure disappears. FIG. 2 shows an example of a basic structure 10 having a fabric-like structure in which hollow fibers 1 are repeatedly cross-woven with the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn. As another example, the basic structure 10 may be formed by crossing the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn by a predetermined number of times, as shown in FIG.

The sensor structure 20 has a fabric-like structure formed by crossing the piezoelectric fibers 110 with a first weft yarn and a first warp yarn. The sensor structure 20 has at least one first intersection point where the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersect with each other. In forming the base structure 10 having a fabric-like structure, the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn may intersect with each other to form at least one second intersection point. The first weft yarn and the first warp yarn are crossed with each other with at least one selected from the second weft yarn, the second weft yarn, and a combination thereof, at the first intersection, The structures 10 may be connected to each other. For example, the sensor structure 20 may be configured such that the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersect each other via one side of the second intersection point of the basic structure 10 and the other side corresponding to the one side of the second intersection point And the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersecting with each other with the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn interposed therebetween at the second cross point. Alternatively, the sensor structure 20 may be formed by intersecting the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn with the second weft yarn or the second warp yarn of the basic structure 10 interposed therebetween.

In other words, the self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100 can be formed through the following process. First, the hollow fiber 1 is crossed with each other in the form of the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn to form a fabric-like basic structure 10. Next, the piezoelectric fiber 110 is crossed while passing between the first basic body 10 and the first basic body 10 in the form of the first warp yarn, thereby forming a fabric-like sensor structure 20. In this process, the basic structure 10 and the sensor structure 20 form a single fabric-like structure through which the self-generating electrostatic-capacity fabric sensor 100 can be formed.

In the figure, the self-generating electrostatic capacity fabric sensor 100 in which the hollow fibers 1 and the piezoelectric fibers 110 are cross-woven at an angle of about 45 degrees is shown as an example. As another example, unlike the case shown in the drawings, the piezoelectric fibers 110 pass through the second intersection formed by the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn, or between the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn, There is no limitation on the angle formed by the hollow fiber 1 and the piezoelectric fiber 110 as long as they can form a cloth-like structure.

The first electrode 130 is disposed on one side of the piezoelectric fiber 110 and the second electrode 140 is disposed on the other side of the piezoelectric fiber 110. As the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140, various conductive materials may be used. The conductive material may be, for example, a metal, a conductive polymer, or the like. The first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 may be disposed on the surface of the piezoelectric fiber 110 in various forms as long as they can provide the electric energy generated by the piezoelectric fibers 110 to an external circuit.

The pressure sensor (not shown) detects the deformation of the hollow fiber 1 by an external force applied to the base structure 10 and can measure the external force. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor may include an electrode disposed opposite the first warp at the first intersection of the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 of the first weft, Quot; - " Further, an electrode disposed opposite to the first weft yarn at the first intersection point among the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 of the first warp yarn, hereinafter referred to as a second sensor electrode). Through this, the pressure sensor senses a change in capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode due to the deformation of the hollow fiber 1 at the first intersection by the external force The external force can be measured.

In another embodiment, the pressure sensor is an electrode disposed opposite to the one of the first and second electrodes 130 and 140 of the first weft, hereinafter referred to as a third sensor electrode. - < / RTI > Further, an electrode disposed opposite to the other of the first and second electrodes 130 and 140 of the first warp yarn may be connected to a fourth sensor electrode. Accordingly, the pressure sensor senses a change in capacitance between the third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode due to the deformation of the hollow fiber 1 at the second intersection by the external force The external force can be measured.

The process of measuring the external force by the pressure sensor will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG.

The support layer 120 may be disposed in the sensor structure 20. As described above, the sensor structure 20 is configured such that the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn are respectively disposed on the one side of the second intersection and on the other side of the second intersection, As shown in FIG. Alternatively, the sensor structure 20 may be formed by intersecting the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn with the second weft yarn or the second warp yarn of the basic structure 10 interposed therebetween. In this case, the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersecting at the first intersection point may have a bent shape at the first intersection point.

The support layer 120 may be disposed on at least one of the bent surfaces of at least one selected from the first weft yarn, the first weft yarn, and a combination thereof, which is referred to as a sub-generation piezoelectric fiber. 1, the support layer 120 may change the curvature of the power generation piezoelectric fiber that is deformed by the external force when an external force is applied to the power generation piezoelectric fiber, or when the external force is applied, The central plane 112 or the center line 112 in which the length of the power generation piezoelectric fiber is not deformed is moved in the direction of the support layer 120 by the external force so that the polarization of the electric charge generated in the power generation piezoelectric fiber is deformed by the external force Can be performed. Therefore, when the external force is applied to the sensor structure 20, the movement of the center plane 112 or the center line 112, in which the length of the power generation piezoelectric fiber by the support layer 120 is not deformed, Due to the change of the curvature of the fiber, polarization of electric charge occurs in the power generation piezoelectric fiber in which the support layer 120 is disposed, and electric energy can be generated. For example, in the case where the lateral tensile force and the compressive force are repeatedly applied to the power generation piezoelectric fiber as described above with reference to FIG. 1, the polarization of the electric charge generated in the power generation piezoelectric fiber is repeated . Through repeated tensile and compression, the developed piezoelectric fibers can generate alternating electrical energy. The generated electric energy may be supplied to the outside through the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140. As another example, a longitudinal compressive force can be intermittently applied to the power generation piezoelectric fiber as the external force. When the compression force is removed, the shape of the power generation piezoelectric fiber is restored by the restoring force due to the bent shape of the power generation piezoelectric fiber or the restoring force of the hollow fiber 1 . Whereby the power generation piezoelectric fiber can generate alternating electrical energy. The generated electric energy may be supplied to the outside through the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140. As shown in FIG. 4, the external force applied to the power generation piezoelectric fibers can be attributed to an external force (F1 (tensile force), F2 (compressive force)) applied to the self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100.

The storage circuit (not shown) is electrically connected to the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 of the piezoelectric fiber 110 and can store the electric energy generated by the generated piezoelectric fiber by the external force . The storage circuit may comprise, for example, at least one diode (not shown) for receiving the current generated by the power generation piezoelectric fibers and at least one capacitor (not shown) for storing the current output from the diode. The diode rectifies the AC electrical signal generated by the power generation piezoelectric fiber and supplies the AC electrical signal to the capacitor, and the capacitor can store electric energy from the rectified electric signal. In some other embodiments, the charger may be omitted if the AC electrical signal is directly used in a circuit such as a wireless sensor network using electrical energy.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views for explaining the capacitive sensor function of the self-generating type electrostatic capacity cloth sensor integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in this specification. 5 (a) is a plan view, and FIG. 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A '. 6 (a) is a view showing the hollow fiber 1 and the electrodes 130 and 140 at an intersection, and FIG. 6 (b) is a view showing an equivalent circuit.

Referring to FIG. 5, the external force may be applied to a predetermined portion of the self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100. The external force causes deformation of the hollow fiber 1. The pressure sensor may be applied to the basic structure 10 to sense the deformation of the hollow fiber 1 by the external force causing the deformation of the hollow fiber 1 to measure the external force.

In one embodiment, the second weft yarns and the second warp yarns may form at least one second intersection point in a process of forming the basic structure 10 having a fabric-like structure. The sensor structure 20 may be formed such that the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn cross each other via one side of the second intersection point and the other side corresponding to the one side of the second intersection point. Alternatively, the sensor structure 20 may be formed by intersecting the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn with the second weft yarn or the second warp yarn of the basic structure 10 interposed therebetween. The pressure sensor may be connected to an electrode disposed at a first intersection of the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 opposite to the first electrode, have. Further, an electrode disposed opposite to the first weft yarn at the first intersection point among the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 of the first warp yarn, hereinafter referred to as a second sensor electrode). The pressure sensor senses a change in capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode due to the deformation of the hollow fiber 1 at the first intersection by the external force, have.

Alternatively, the pressure sensor may be connected to an electrode (hereinafter referred to as a third sensor electrode) which is disposed opposite to the one of the first and second electrodes 130 and 140 of the first weft . Further, an electrode disposed opposite to the other of the first and second electrodes 130 and 140 of the first warp yarn may be connected to a fourth sensor electrode. Accordingly, the pressure sensor senses a change in electrostatic capacitance between the third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode due to the deformation of the hollow fiber 1 at the second intersection by the external force, Can be measured.

In other words, the first sensor electrode, the second sensor electrode, the third sensor electrode, and the fourth sensor electrode are respectively connected to the second electrode 140 and the second electrode 140 of the first weft, And may correspond to the first electrodes 130 of the first warp yarns or to the first electrodes 130 of the first weft yarns and the second electrodes 140 of the first warp yarns. The pressure sensor may be arranged between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode or between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode according to the deformation of the hollow fiber 1 at the first intersection or the second intersection by the external force, And sensing the change in capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode to measure the external force. Referring to Fig. 5, the finger force of a person applied to the second intersection as the external force is shown as an example. When the external force is applied to the second intersection, the second and the second warps of the basic structure 10 forming the second intersection are deformed. In other words, the distance between the first weft and the first warp of the sensor structure 20 via the second intersection to which the external force is applied changes. That is, the distance between the third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode changes. The change in the distance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode can also be understood as the same process.

6 (a) shows an example of the shape of a second intersection point to which the external force is applied, and FIG. 6 (b) shows an equivalent circuit of the second intersection point to which the external force is applied. The elasticity of the hollow fiber 1 can be modeled by a spring, and the third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode can be modeled as electrodes disposed at both ends of the spring. 6 (b), the change in capacitance will be described as follows.

When the external force is applied to the second intersection, the distance between the third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode changes from d0 to d0-? D. Accordingly, the capacitance changes, and the pressure sensor can detect whether the external force is applied by comparing the capacitance measured before the external force is applied and the capacitance measured after the external force is applied. In addition, when data on the capacitance value according to the external force is stored through a separate database, the pressure sensor refers to the data stored in the database and applies the capacitance to the second intersection point from the measured capacitance The magnitude of the external force may be known. On the other hand, the pressure sensor can measure the external force using the electric energy generated from the polarization of the electric charge generated in the power generation piezoelectric fiber. Therefore, the pressure sensor can utilize the electric energy that is self-generated in the self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100 integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in this specification as an energy source without a separate power source.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element disclosed in this specification according to another embodiment. FIG. 7A is a view showing a flexible structure, FIG. 7B is a view showing a sensor structure and a stretchable structure woven together, and FIG. 7C is a sectional view taken along a line B-B '.

The self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100a on which the piezoelectric energy harvesting element is integrated includes a flexible structure 11, a sensor structure 20a and a pressure sensor (not shown). In some other embodiments, the self-generating electrostatic fabric sensor 100a may optionally further include a support layer 120. [ In some other embodiments, the self-generating capacitive fabric sensor 100a may optionally further include a storage circuit (not shown).

The sensor structure 20a is formed into a fabric shape by intersecting the piezoelectric fibers 110 with a first weft yarn and a first warp yarn. The stretchable structure 11 is stretchable and has a plurality of holes 11a therein. The pressure sensor senses the deformation of the elastic structure 11 due to an external force applied to the elastic structure 11 and measures the external force. The piezoelectric fiber 110 includes a first electrode 130 disposed on one side of the piezoelectric fiber 110 and a second electrode 140 disposed on the other side of the piezoelectric fiber 110. The sensor structure 20a is formed by intersecting the piezoelectric fibers 110 passing through at least one hole of the plurality of holes 11a with a first weft and a first warp. The sensor structure 20a has at least one first intersection point where the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersect with each other and wherein the first weft yarn forming the first intersection point and the first warp yarn are arranged at the first intersection point And are woven so as to face each other with the elastic structure 11 therebetween.

The pressure sensor is connected to an electrode disposed at a first intersection of the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 facing the first warp yarn, And an electrode disposed opposite to the first weft at the first intersection, among the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 of the first warp yarn, hereinafter referred to as a sixth sensor electrode. The pressure sensor senses a change in capacitance between the fifth sensor electrode and the sixth sensor electrode due to the deformation of the elastic structure 11 at the first intersection by the external force to measure the external force have.

The self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100a on which the piezoelectric energy harvesting device is integrated may further include a supporting layer 120 disposed on the sensor structure 20a. The first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersecting at the first intersection point may have a bent shape at the first intersection point. The support layer 120 may be disposed on at least one of the bent surfaces of at least one selected from the first weft yarn, the first weft yarn, and a combination thereof, which is referred to as a sub-generation piezoelectric fiber. The support layer 120 may be formed by changing the curvature of the power generation piezoelectric fiber that is deformed by the external force when the external force is applied to the power generation piezoelectric fiber or by changing the length of the power generation piezoelectric fiber by the external force when the external force is applied The center plane 112 or the center line 112 which is not deformed is moved in the direction of the support layer 120 to improve the polarization of the electric charge generated in the power generation piezoelectric fiber which is deformed by the external force. When the external force is applied to the power generation piezoelectric fiber periodically or intermittently, the power generation piezoelectric fiber is deformed by the external force, and when the external force is removed, the power generation piezoelectric fiber Can be restored. Whereby the power generation piezoelectric fiber can generate alternating electrical energy. The generated electric energy may be supplied to the outside through the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140.

The self-generating electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100a integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting element is electrically connected to the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 of the piezoelectric fiber 110, And a storage circuit (not shown) for storing electrical energy generated by the fiber. The pressure sensor can measure the external force using the electric energy generated from the polarization of the electric charge generated in the power generation piezoelectric fiber.

The sensing of the external force through the self-generating electrostatic-capacity fabric sensor 100a integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting element and the generation and storage of the electric energy through the external force are performed before the self-generating electrostatic- The detailed description of the sensor 100 will be omitted for the sake of convenience. There is no limitation on the material of the stretchable structure 11 as long as it has elasticity and does not interfere with the progress of the above-described process.

As described above, the self-generating electrostatic capacity fabric sensor 100 integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in the present specification can sense pressure through the basic structure 10 using the hollow fiber 1, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 120 < / RTI > In addition, the self-generating type electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100a integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting device disclosed in this specification can detect the pressure through the elastic structure 11 and the sensor structure 20a woven together and harvest the electric energy . As shown in FIG. 8, when the self-generating electrostatic capacitance fabric sensor 100 or 100a integrated with the piezoelectric energy harvesting device described herein is attached to a body such as an elbow or a knee and the joint is bent, The energy can be harvested by losing stress and this energy can be used to drive a sensor that senses the pressure exerted on the body. If the sensor is manufactured in a large area, it can be used as a real-time diagnosis, sports motion monitoring, and entertainment by wearing like a real wearable sensor.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described for purposes of illustration and that there are many possible variations without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. And that the various embodiments disclosed are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed subject matter, but true ideas and scope will be set forth in the following claims.

1: Hollow fiber
10: Basic structure
11: Stretch structure having a plurality of holes
11a: a plurality of holes
20, 20a: sensor structure
100, 100a: Self-generating type electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with piezoelectric energy harvesting device
110: Piezoelectric fiber
112: center line or center plane
114:
116: Lower
120: support layer
130: first electrode
140: Second electrode

Claims

A cloth-like sensor structure formed by crossing the piezoelectric fibers with a first weft yarn and a first warp yarn;
A basic structure in the form of a fabric which is formed by crossing hollow fibers with a second weft yarn and a second warp yarn; And
And a pressure sensor for measuring the external force by sensing deformation of the hollow fiber by an external force applied to the base structure,
The piezoelectric fiber
A first electrode disposed on one surface of the piezoelectric fiber; And
And a second electrode disposed on the other surface of the piezoelectric fiber,
The sensor structure having at least one first intersection point where the first weft and the first warp intersect each other,
Wherein the base structure has at least one second intersection point where the second weft yarn and the second warp yarn intersect each other,
The first weft yarn and the first warp yarn at the first intersection are formed to cross each other with at least one selected from the second weft yarn, the second warp yarn, and a combination thereof, Wherein the piezoelectric energy harvesting elements are connected to each other.

The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the pressure sensor is connected to an electrode disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode of the first weft yarn at the first intersection point so as to face the first warp yarn and hereinafter referred to as a first sensor electrode, And an electrode disposed opposite to the first weft at the first intersection of the first electrode and the second electrode of the warp yarn, hereinafter referred to as a second sensor electrode,
Wherein the pressure sensor detects a change in a capacitance between the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode in accordance with the deformation of the hollow fiber at the first intersection by the external force, Self - powered electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with energy harvesting device.

The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the sensor structure intersects each other via one side of the second intersection point of the basic structure and the other side corresponding to the one side of the second intersection point of the first weft yarn and the first warp yarn, A first weft yarn, and a first warp yarn are crossed with each other with the second weft yarn and the second weft yarn interposed therebetween, and the piezoelectric energy harvesting device is integrated.

The method of claim 3,
The pressure sensor is connected to an electrode disposed on the one side of the second intersection of the first electrode and the second electrode of the first weft, which is referred to as a third sensor electrode, An electrode disposed opposite to the other of the first electrode and the second electrode at the second intersection, and a fourth sensor electrode,
Wherein the pressure sensor detects a change in capacitance between the third sensor electrode and the fourth sensor electrode due to the deformation of the hollow fiber at the second intersection by the external force, Self - powered electrostatic capacity fabric sensor integrated with energy harvesting device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Further comprising a support layer disposed in the sensor structure,
The first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersecting at the first intersection point have a shape bent at the first intersection point,
Wherein the support layer is disposed on at least a part of the bent surface of at least one of the first weft yarn, the first weft yarn and a combination thereof,
The supporting layer may change the curvature of the power generation piezoelectric fiber that is deformed by the external force when the external force is applied to the power generation piezoelectric fiber or may change the length of the power generation piezoelectric fiber by the external force when the external force is applied Wherein the piezoelectric energy harvesting element is integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element for improving the polarization of electric charges generated in the power generation piezoelectric fiber by being deformed by the external force by moving a center plane or a center line in the direction of the support layer.

6. The method of claim 5,
And a storage circuit that is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode of the piezoelectric fiber and stores electrical energy generated by the power generation piezoelectric fiber by the external force, Type capacitive fabric sensor.

6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the pressure sensor is integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element for measuring the external force using electric energy generated from the polarization of the electric charge generated in the electric generation piezoelectric fiber.

A cloth-like sensor structure formed by crossing the piezoelectric fibers with a first weft yarn and a first warp yarn;
A stretchable structure having elasticity and having a plurality of holes therein; And
And a pressure sensor for sensing the deformation of the flexible structure due to an external force applied to the flexible structure to measure the external force,
The piezoelectric fiber
A first electrode disposed on one surface of the piezoelectric fiber; And
And a second electrode disposed on the other surface of the piezoelectric fiber,
Wherein the sensor structure is formed by intersecting the piezoelectric fibers passing through at least one of the plurality of holes with a first weft yarn and a first warp yarn,
The sensor structure having at least one first intersection point where the first weft and the first warp intersect each other,
Wherein the first weft yarn forming the first intersection point and the first warp yarn are woven so as to face each other across the stretchable structure at the first intersection point.

9. The method of claim 8,
Wherein the pressure sensor is connected to an electrode disposed at a first intersection of the first electrode and the second electrode of the first weft cell at the first intersection, the fifth electrode being hereinafter referred to as a fifth sensor electrode, An electrode disposed opposite to the first weft at the first intersection of the first electrode and the second electrode of the warp, hereinafter referred to as a sixth sensor electrode,
Wherein the pressure sensor detects a change in capacitance between the fifth sensor electrode and the sixth sensor electrode due to the deformation of the flexible structure at the first intersection by the external force, A self - generating electrostatic capacitive fabric sensor integrated with a device.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
Further comprising a support layer disposed in the sensor structure,
The first weft yarn and the first warp yarn intersecting at the first intersection point have a shape bent at the first intersection point,
Wherein the support layer is disposed on at least a part of the bent surface of at least one of the first weft yarn, the first weft yarn and a combination thereof,
The supporting layer may change the curvature of the power generation piezoelectric fiber that is deformed by the external force when the external force is applied to the power generation piezoelectric fiber or may change the length of the power generation piezoelectric fiber by the external force when the external force is applied Wherein the piezoelectric energy harvesting element is integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element for improving the polarization of electric charges generated in the power generation piezoelectric fiber by being deformed by the external force by moving a center plane or a center line in the direction of the support layer.

11. The method of claim 10,
And a storage circuit that is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode of the piezoelectric fiber and stores electrical energy generated by the power generation piezoelectric fiber by the external force, Type capacitive fabric sensor.

11. The method of claim 10,
Wherein the pressure sensor is integrated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting element for measuring the external force using electric energy generated from the polarization of the electric charge generated in the electric generation piezoelectric fiber.