Princeton Docket #
10-2585
Researchers at Princeton have developed a new design for highly flexible, high
output piezoelectric assemblies. Princeton is seeking an industrial
partner to commercialize this technology.
Current and past devices have relied on low output piezoelectric compounds and
mechanical linkages in an attempt to perform a similar function. This new
device uses lead zirconate titanate (PZT) crystals transferred onto a flexible
substrate, then encased in a polymeric sheath to isolate the lead
compound. This greatly increases the comfort factor in wearing such a
device, as well as the number of potential applications.
It is anticipated that this new device can
be used for applications for generating power from bodily functions such as
walking, breathing, and movement, as well as attached to any moving mechanical
part where on-the-spot generation of small amounts of electrical power would be
useful, such as powering or recharging phones, computers, camera systems, body
assist devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators, and for military
applications for maintaining weapons systems power from body motion or
recoil. These devices are superior to solar cells in that they can operate
in darkness, indoors, or in less-than-optimal lighting conditions.
Patent protection is
pending.