Multifunctional Sensor Based on Translational-Rotary Triboelectric Nanogenerator

Triboelectric nanogenerators with a large number of desirable advantages, such as flexibility, light weight, and easy integration, are unique for sensor design. In this paper, based on the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a cylindrical self-powered multifunctional sensor (MS) with a translational-rotary magnetic mechanism is proposed, which has the capacity to detect acceleration, force, and rotational parameters. The MS can transform a translational motion into a swing motion or a multicircle rotational motion of a low damping magnetic cylinder around a friction layer and hence drives the TENG to generate voltages output. For enhancing the output performance of the TENG, an electrode material with small work function, low resistance, and suitable surface topography is the best choice. According to the structure characteristic of the translational-rotary magnetic mechanism, the MS can easily respond to a weak striking and can be used to measure the rotational parameters without the need of coaxial installation. Based on the MS, some applications are established, for example measuring the punch acceleration of a boxer, the hitting force and swing angle of golf club, which demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of the MS and exhibit that the MS could find applications in sports.