A Range of Switches for Different Applications
Energy harvesting technology, which takes light, heat, vibration, and other forms of energy from the surrounding environment and converts it into electricity, is increasingly seen as an eco-friendly alternative to batteries. At Yamauchi, we are leveraging existing magnet technology to develop radical devices that can, for instance, harness the energy released in activating a switch or the vibrations of operating equipment to generate electricity. As of December 2023, we have already obtained six patents for switches with power generating capability and eight for vibration power generation devices, and we are making steady progress toward commercial applications.
What Makes Our Switches Special?
Three Creative New Modes of Power Generation
There are many possible ways of harvesting energy; we focus on three potent methods to design solutions tailored to your specific applications and output requirements.
Why Choose Button Switches with Power Generating Capability?
- Large output: 600–2000μJ (AC)
- Quiet
- Easy operation: Only mild pressing force required
Why Choose Slimline Switches with Power Generating Capability?
- Slim profile: 6.6mm
- Choose from rocker switch or lever (raises/lowers plate spring)
- High output: 120–200 µJ (+/- unipolar); EnOcean wireless switch
- Can be used with EnOcean wireless switch
Why Choose Vibration-powered Generation Devices?
- Easily attachable with magnets
- Capable of low-frequency-side generation from just a few hertz to a few dozen
- Can also drive EnOcean multisensors, etc.
- Use our original high-durability rubber sheet to ensure exact matching of vibration frequency
Tailoring Power Generation Devices to Suit Applications
We have the flexibility and expertise to design devices to meet your exact requirements.
For instance, slimline switches come in rocker switch and lever configurations. Prototype switches tested include those for parking facility sensors that determine whether a vehicle has entered or left, and those for bathroom stall lock sensors to determine if a stall is occupied or vacant.
We also offer a larger output AC switch with a push button configuration. Adjustment is required before it can be used, but it can generate between 600 and 2000μJ of power, making it ideal for applications requiring substantial power generation, such as remote controls for public restrooms.
Vibration-powered generation devices excel at low-frequency-side generation, and can harness the kinetic energy of vibrations to generate anything from just a few hertz to a few dozen. These products are designed for use in low-frequency equipment, bridges, and the like.
For instance, slimline switches come in rocker switch and lever configurations. Prototype switches tested include those for parking facility sensors that determine whether a vehicle has entered or left, and those for bathroom stall lock sensors to determine if a stall is occupied or vacant.
We also offer a larger output AC switch with a push button configuration. Adjustment is required before it can be used, but it can generate between 600 and 2000μJ of power, making it ideal for applications requiring substantial power generation, such as remote controls for public restrooms.
Vibration-powered generation devices excel at low-frequency-side generation, and can harness the kinetic energy of vibrations to generate anything from just a few hertz to a few dozen. These products are designed for use in low-frequency equipment, bridges, and the like.
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