A mechanical manipulated electromechanical coupling design with stretchable electret film: mechanical sensing, energy harvesting, and actuation

Abstract Electrical and mechanical energy converts around the nature, and electromechanical coupling effect is applied in various conditions such as mechanical sensing, electrical actuation, and self-powering. During the energy type conversion, electromechanical parameters are among the key issues, such as enlarging the sensitivity and range of mechanical sensing, and energy harvesting efficiency. In this work, a mechanical manipulated approach with stretchable electret is proposed to continuously manipulate the electromechanical parameters. An electromechanical coupling demonstration with pre-stretched electret films and non-contact electrodes are applied, verifying high and regulable electromechanical coupling parameters, and it is advantaged from large deformable and overload permissible capability. This mechanical manipulation approach proposes a new possibility on simplifying the structural and mechanical design of various electromechanical devices, and further enhancing the general applicability with certain geometry and material with ultra-high and tunable electromechanical coupling parameters.