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Batteryless BLE Module with a Piezoelectric Element Mounted on a Shoe Sole
Shusei Dan1, Yusuke Yano1, Jianqing Wang1
1Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 11, 2024
Summary
This study developed a batteryless Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) system for locating wandering elderly individuals. Piezoelectric elements in shoes harvest energy from walking to power the BLE module, enabling continuous tracking.
Area of Science:
- Energy Harvesting
- Wearable Technology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Elderly wandering poses significant safety risks.
- Existing tracking systems often rely on batteries that require frequent replacement.
- Need for sustainable, low-maintenance solutions for personal identification and tracking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a batteryless power source for a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module.
- To utilize piezoelectric elements integrated into shoe soles for energy generation.
- To enable continuous position identification for wandering elderly individuals.
Main Methods:
- Designed and integrated piezoelectric elements onto shoe soles.
- Developed an equivalent circuit model for piezoelectric energy generation during walking.
- Performed circuit simulations and experimental measurements to determine charging times.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated voltage generation from piezoelectric elements under walking pressure.
- Quantified the time required to accumulate sufficient charge to operate a BLE module.
- Validated the feasibility of a batteryless BLE system for real-world application.
Conclusions:
- A batteryless BLE system powered by piezoelectric shoe inserts is achievable.
- This technology offers a sustainable solution for tracking vulnerable populations.
- Potential to enhance the safety and security of wandering elderly individuals.
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