When we think about loading a device, the first thing that comes to mind is a mobile, a laptop or even an electric car. But there are every time More types of electronic devices to feedthey operate in very different environments and doing so is not as simple as connecting a cable. For example, those used within the human bodylike a pacemaker, or sensors In submarine environments. The usual wireless load methods -like the Electromagnetic induction or the radiofrequency waves (RF)- They don’t work well in these environments. They only transfer small amounts of energy, have a limited range and can interfere with other nearby devices.
That is why alternatives, and researchers of the Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and of the University of Korea have found one in the ultrasound. Unlike RF waves, ultrasound is absorbed less in human tissues and causes less interference, which makes it a more appropriate option for Load medical implants and devices that are carried on the skin.
A team led by Dr. Sunghoon Hur and the teacher Hyun-Cheol Song has built a flexible ultrasonic receiver using piezoelectric materials -Chaps to convert mechanical energy into electricity and vice versa- advanced. Thus, this receiver continues to work even when bent and can adhere to curved surfaces such as the skin. The tests showed that it can transmit wirelessly 20 million power through 3 cm of water and 7 millivatians through 3 cm leatherenough to feed small devices such as portable sensors or implants.
The team also showed that the receiver can be used to Load batterieswhich opens the door to larger implants than They do not require frequent surgeries to replace the battery. Dr. Hur declared: ‘With this research we have shown that wireless energy transmission technology through ultrasound can be applied in a practical way. We plan Continue to investigate to miniaturize and market it and thus accelerate its real application‘.
It is not the only effort that is being developed in this regard. Another team of researchers from Kistwhich includes Hur and Song with scientists from the universities of Korea, Sungkyunkwan, Yosei and Californiahe is studying nanogeneradores triboelectric promoted by ultrasound (US-TENG). These devices can transmit energy through the skin without surgerybut have presented problems such as low power and rigidity. To improve them, they have developed a new version called US-Hengdf-B (Ultrasound triboelectric nanogenerator with dielectric -cherroelectric reinforcement), which uses a special design for generate more energy with softer ultrasound and from greater distances.
This improved device reached some 26 volts and delivered 6.7 millivatians When loading a battery from a distance from 35 mm. He maintained his stability even when he folded, which makes it useful for curved areas of the body or implants as artificial hearts. Researchers say it is effective for Short -term wireless load in deep body areas.
Together, these technologies show a real potential to safely feed low consumption electronic devices, both in water and within the human body. Could extend the life of pacemaker, neurostimulators, submarine sensors and dronesavoiding frequent recharges or replacements.