Modeling and optimization of an inertial triboelectric motion sensor

This paper aims to provide a better understanding of how the triboelectric effect could be utilized in the context of an inertial motion sensor. The device consists of a base-excited fixed-fixed beam carrying a middle mass that is brought into cyclic contact/separation with a dielectric mounted on the base. A theoretical model was developed encompassing both the electrical and mechanical phenomena. A low-cost device was designed and fabricated to experimentally validate the model. A parametric study was performed to distinguish the effects of the various device parameters. A hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and direct search technique was utilized for device improvement on some of the physical device parameters. The device was experimentally tested at input accelerations ranging from 0.4 g to 1.2 g and an objective function was formulated in terms of the output voltage density, i.e. peak output voltage per unit volume at different excitation frequencies for various design parameters. The usefulness and validity of the optimization techniques utilized was proved highlighting their possible usage in other applications based on the triboelectric effect.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the application of the triboelectric effect in an inertial motion sensor, developing a theoretical model and experimental device. Through parametric studies and optimization techniques, the device performance was improved and the effectiveness of the optimization techniques was demonstrated.