Novel motion-doubling mechanism for improved piezoelectric energy-harvesting performance

A novel technique is presented for transmitting forces to piezoelectric elements in electrical energy harvesting applications. The approach results in amplifying any force transmitted to the piezoelectric element. Additionally, the frequency of any cyclical input force is doubled. The increased performance and scalability of the technique make possible its employment in a wide variety of energy harvesting applications. The methods and designs may be mated to a number of intermediate energy harvesting techniques, which are discussed in detail with analysis of complete energy harvesting devices including specific applications in munitions.