Proximity sensing of electrostatic induction electret nanoparticles device using separation electrode

Abstract

We reported a two dimensional self-powered proximity sensor based on nanoparticles polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) electrostatic induction electret using separation electrode. The structural pattern was carefully designed for identifying the specific position on the horizontal plane. When the separation electrode is motioned above the sensor, the induced charges on electrodes will change based on the coupling effect of the electret film. Experiment results showed that the proximity sensor works well with the velocity 0.05 m/s. We also found that the prototype have a good stability even with a huge uncontrolled perturbation on the Y direction. Our work could be a significant step forward in self-powered proximity sensing technology, with a wide range of potential applications in touchpad, robotics, and safety-monitoring device.

Progress inTENGtechnology—A journey from energy harvesting to nanoenergy and nanosystem

“…To boost the efficiency of energy harvesting, the surface micro/nanostructures is not the only solution to increase the effective contact surface area, the other possible solutions, such as the use of composite materials, the external electrical circuit system, and even the mechanical structure design with a proper time sequence operation 356‐361 . Due to characteristics like simple and innovative design, easy working mechanism, lightweight, and compact in size, TENG has the potential to be used in conjunction with every electronic device, from small to large scale, which specifically suits the needs of the coming 5G and IoT regarding the aspect of self‐powered sensors 362‐367 . To increase the efficiency of energy harvesting from TENG, plenty of approaches (the materials composite, the external “charge pump”, and the electrical circuit system) have been investigated 368‐373 .…”

“…[356][357][358][359][360][361] Due to characteristics like simple and innovative design, easy working mechanism, lightweight, and compact in size, TENG has the potential to be used in conjunction with every electronic device, from small to large scale, which specifically suits the needs of the coming 5G and IoT regarding the aspect of self-powered sensors. [362][363][364][365][366][367] To increase the efficiency of energy harvesting from TENG, plenty of approaches (the materials composite, the external "charge pump", and the electrical circuit system) have been investigated. [368][369][370][371][372][373] Furthermore, the novel mechanism for DC output generation has been investigated to directly power electronic devices.…”

More Than Energy Harvesting in Electret Electronics‐Moving toward Next‐Generation Functional System

“…Due to the action of the electret film, the sensory information contained the output signals, which can be adopted as an ideal indicator to reflect external physical parameters. [76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93] Herein, several typical electret-based self-powered physical sensors were further summarized. [71] Copyright 2021, Elsevier.…”

“…d) Electret proximity sensor. Reproduced with permission [79]. Copyright 2017, American Institute of Physics.…”

Electrostatic sensors – Their principles and applications

“…In addition to further developments of current applications, new applications are likely to emerge over the next few years. A self-powered proximity sensor through electrostatic induction has been developed with potential applications in touchpads, robotics and safety-monitoring devices [165]. In the military field, an array of electrostatic field sensor has been used for the detection of a charged bullet [166].…”