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A Bio-Inspired Vibration Energy Harvesting System with Internal Resonance and Slapping Mechanism for Enhanced
Yi-Ren Wang1, Shian-Hsuan Chen1, Su-Sheng Ma1
1Department of Aerospace Engineering, Tamkang University, Tamsui District, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 11, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel bio-inspired vibration energy harvesting system that mimics plant swaying. The system effectively enhances energy conversion using internal resonance and a slapping mechanism for low-frequency vibrations.
Area of Science:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Biomimetics
Background:
- Vibration energy harvesting (VEH) is crucial for powering autonomous sensors.
- Existing VEH systems often struggle with low-frequency vibrations and efficient energy conversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a bio-inspired vibration energy harvesting system (BIS-VEHS) mimicking epiphytic plants.
- To investigate the role of internal resonance and a slapping mechanism in enhancing energy harvesting.
Main Methods:
- Developed a nonlinear beam model analyzed using the method of multiple scales.
- Identified a 1:3 internal resonance between the first and third bending modes.
- Conducted numerical simulations (Runge-Kutta) and experimental validation.
Main Results:
- The BIS-VEHS demonstrated significantly increased harvested voltage due to internal resonance and the slapping mechanism.
- Experimental results closely matched theoretical predictions, with discrepancies within 10%.
- The system showed effectiveness in enhancing energy transfer from higher to lower modes.
Conclusions:
- The bio-inspired system (BIS-VEHS) is a promising solution for sustainable low-frequency vibration energy harvesting.
- Internal resonance and the slapping mechanism are key to the system's enhanced performance.
- The BIS-VEHS is suitable for autonomous low-power sensor applications.
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