Tunable, multi-modal, and multi-directional vibration energy harvester based on three-dimensional architected metastructures

Abstract Conventional vibration energy harvesters based on two-dimensional planar layouts have limited harvesting capacities due to narrow frequency bandwidth and because their vibratory motion is mainly restricted to one plane. Three-dimensional architected structures and advanced materials with multifunctional properties are being developed in a broad range of technological fields. Structural topologies exploiting compressive buckling deformation mechanisms however provide a versatile route to transform planar structures into sophisticated three-dimensional architectures and functional devices. Designed geometries and Kirigami cut patterns defined on planar precursors contribute to the controlled formation of diverse three-dimensional forms. In this work, we propose an energy harvesting system with tunable dynamic properties, where piezoelectric materials are integrated and strategically designed into three-dimensional compliant architected metastructures. This concept enables energy scavenging from vibrations not only in multiple directions but also across a broad frequency bandwidth, thus increasing the energy harvesting efficiency. The proposed system comprises a buckled ribbon with optional Kirigami cuts. This platform enables the induction of vibration modes across a wide range of resonance frequencies and in arbitrary directions, mechanically coupling with four cantilever piezoelectric beams to capture vibrations. The multi-modal and multi-directional harvesting performance of the proposed configurations has been demonstrated in comparison with planar systems. The results suggest this is a facile strategy for the realization of compliant and high-performance energy harvesting and advanced electronics systems based on mechanically assembled platforms.