JP2021010243A - Micro machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a micro machine which is operated utilizing Brownian motion to solve the problem that, in a conventional Brownian ratchet, rotation of an impeller cannot be limited in one direction, and desired operation cannot be achieved.SOLUTION: A micro machine 1 includes a magnet 10 and a coil 20. The relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 is changed by Brownian motion. Electromagnetic induction according to the change of the relative positional relationship by Brownian motion generates voltage in the coil 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a micromachine that utilizes Brownian motion.

There is energy harvesting technology that collects and uses the weak energy obtained from the environment. Energy harvesting techniques convert various forms of energy into electricity, such as vibrations, heat and electromagnetic waves in the environment.

Non-Patent Document 1 proposes a device (Brownian ratchet) for obtaining available energy from the thermal motion of a molecule. The Brownian ratchet is also referred to as Feynman's ratchet, Feynman's thermal ratchet, and the like.

Feynman Physics II Light / Heat / Wave Iwanami Shoten Published in 1986

In the Brownian ratchet model, the ratchet mechanism is connected to a minute impeller. A string with a weight is attached to the rotating shaft of the impeller. There is a gaseous or liquid fluid around the impeller. Many molecules in the fluid randomly collide with the impeller, causing the impeller to swing. The motion generated in an object by randomly colliding the thermally moving molecules with the object is called Brownian motion. The direction in which the impeller rotates due to Brownian motion changes randomly. The ratchet mechanism is connected to the impeller to rotate the impeller with which the molecules collide in approximately one direction. The Brownian ratchet model is a mechanism that attempts to lift the weight by rotating the impeller in one direction and winding the string around the axis of rotation. That is, the Brownian ratchet model is a mechanism that attempts to work on the weight using Brownian motion.

However, in Non-Patent Document 1, the author Richard Feynman considers that the above Brownian Ratchet model cannot be physically realized. Specifically, Feynman considers that the rotation of the impeller cannot be restricted in one direction because the ratchet mechanism's pawl (claw) itself swings due to Brownian motion and the pawl separates from the gear. If the ratchet mechanism does not work and the direction of rotation of the impeller changes randomly, the weight cannot be continuously raised.

The present invention provides a micromachine that utilizes Brownian motion.

The micromachine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a magnet and a coil, and the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil changes due to Brownian motion, and the relative positional relationship due to the Brownian motion. A voltage is generated in the coil by electromagnetic induction according to the change of.

Brownian motion is used to change the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil. Due to Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil changes randomly. In the process of randomly changing the positional relationship, the magnet moves relatively close to and away from the coil, and a voltage is generated in the coil by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the magnet may move relative to the coil by the Brownian motion.

In the process of randomly moving the magnet due to Brownian motion, the magnet approaches and moves away from the coil, and electromagnetic induction generates a voltage in the coil. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine may further include a load connected to the coil, and the current flowing through the coil by the electromagnetic induction may be supplied to the load.

As a result, the electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used as a load.

In certain embodiments, the load to which the current is supplied may generate heat.

This allows heat to be generated in a specific area from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the magnet and the coil are located in a first area, the load is located in a second area different from the first area, and the load generates heat to generate heat in the second area. The temperature of the first area may be higher than the temperature of the first area.

Heat can be generated in the second area from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first area and the second area are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first area and the second area. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

In certain embodiments, a wall may be provided between the first area and the second area.

The wall suppresses the transfer of heat between the first area and the second area, so that the temperature difference between the first area and the second area can be increased. That is, the entropy can be reduced more significantly. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine may further include a thermoelectric element, and the thermoelectric element may be supplied with the heat generated by the load.

By supplying heat to the thermoelectric element, electric power can be generated in the thermoelectric element.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine comprises a plurality of the magnets, a plurality of the coils, a plurality of the loads, a plurality of first areas, and a second area different from the plurality of first areas. The plurality of magnets are located in different first areas of the plurality of first areas, and the plurality of coils are located in different first areas of the plurality of first areas. The plurality of loads may be located in the second area, and the load to which the current flows among the plurality of loads may generate heat.

Heat can be generated in the second area from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first area and the second area are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first area and the second area. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

In one embodiment, the plurality of the coils are provided, and the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the plurality of coils is changed by Brownian motion, and the relative positional relationship is changed by the Brownian motion. A voltage may be generated in at least one of the plurality of coils by electromagnetic induction.

By arranging a plurality of coils for one magnet, it is possible to increase the chance that the magnet approaches one of the coils. This can increase opportunities for power generation by the Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine further comprises a plurality of loads connected to the plurality of coils, and the current flowing through the at least one coil due to the electromagnetic induction is at least one connected to the at least one coil. It may be supplied to one of the above loads.

The electric power generated by Brownian motion can be used as a load.

In certain embodiments, the magnet and the plurality of coils are located in a first area, the plurality of loads are located in a second area different from the first area, and the current of the plurality of loads is generated. The flowed load may generate heat.

Heat can be generated in the second area from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first area and the second area are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first area and the second area. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine may further include a thermoelectric element, to which the thermoelectric element may be supplied with heat generated by the plurality of loads.

Electric power can be generated by supplying heat to the thermoelectric element. By supplying the heat generated by a plurality of loads to the thermoelectric element, it is possible to generate a larger electric power.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine may further include a rectifier to which the voltage generated in the coil is supplied and a capacitor to which the output signal of the rectifier is supplied.

The voltage signal generated in the coil is rectified, and the rectified output signal is supplied to the capacitor. This allows charge to be stored in the capacitor. By outputting the electric power stored in the capacitor, a large amount of electric power can be output to the outside.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine is supplied with a plurality of the magnets, the plurality of coils, a plurality of rectifiers to which the voltage generated in the plurality of coils is supplied, and output signals of the plurality of rectifiers. It may further include a capacitor.

The voltage signals generated in a plurality of coils are rectified, and the rectified output signals are supplied to the capacitor. This allows more charge to be stored in the capacitor. By outputting the electric power stored in the capacitor, it is possible to output a larger electric power to the outside.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the magnet and the coil may be coated with a coating film.

It is possible to prevent the magnet from being attracted to the coil. Alternatively, it is possible to suppress the coil from being attracted to the magnet.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the magnet and the coil may be coated with a dispersant.

It is possible to prevent the magnet from being attracted to the coil. Alternatively, it is possible to suppress the coil from being attracted to the magnet.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the magnet and the coil may be coated with a surfactant.

It is possible to prevent the magnet from being attracted to the coil. Alternatively, it is possible to suppress the coil from being attracted to the magnet.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine further comprises a rotating shaft provided on the magnet, which may be rotated by Brownian motion.

By rotating the magnet by Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil can be changed. Rotation includes both rotations of one or more rotations and less than one rotation. Rotation also includes rocking. For example, the rotation of a magnet due to Brownian motion changes the polarity of the magnet facing the coil of the north and south poles. By changing the polarity of the magnet facing the coil, a voltage is generated in the coil by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine further comprises a rotatable rotating member, the magnet may be provided on the rotating member, and the magnet may rotate with the rotating member by Brownian motion.

By rotating the magnet together with the rotating member by Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil can be changed. For example, when a magnet rotates together with a rotating member due to Brownian motion, the polarity of the magnet facing the coil of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet facing the coil, a voltage is generated in the coil by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine further comprises an impeller that is rotatable by Brownian motion, and the magnet may rotate with the impeller.

The Brownian motion causes the impeller to rotate. By rotating the magnet together with the impeller, the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil can be changed. For example, when a magnet rotates together with an impeller due to Brownian motion, the polarity of the magnet facing the coil of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet facing the coil, a voltage is generated in the coil by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the magnet may rotate about the same axis of rotation as the impeller.

An impeller and a magnet are attached to the same rotating shaft. As a result, the magnet can be rotated together with the impeller.

The micromachine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an electret, a first electrode, and a second electrode connected to the electret, and the relative positional relationship between the electret and the first electrode is Brown. It changes due to the movement, and electric power is generated according to the change in the relative positional relationship due to the Brownian motion.

Brownian motion is used to change the relative positional relationship between the electret and the first electrode. Due to Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the electret and the first electrode changes randomly. In the process of randomly changing the positional relationship, the electret moves relatively close to or away from the first electrode, and can generate electricity by electrostatic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the electret may be moved relative to the first electrode by the Brownian motion.

In the process of randomly moving the electret due to Brownian motion, the electret approaches and moves away from the first electrode, and electrostatic induction generates a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine further comprises a load connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, and a current generated by electrostatic induction may flow through the load.

The electric power generated by Brownian motion can be used as a load.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine further comprises an impeller that is rotatable by Brownian motion, and the electret may rotate with the impeller.

The Brownian motion causes the impeller to rotate. By rotating the electret together with the impeller, the relative positional relationship between the electret and the first electrode can be changed. For example, the Brownian motion causes the electret to rotate with the impeller, which changes the distance between the electret and the first electrode. By changing the distance between the electret and the first electrode, it is possible to generate electricity by electrostatic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the electret may rotate about the same axis of rotation as the impeller.

An impeller and an electret are attached to the same rotating shaft. As a result, the electret can be rotated together with the impeller.

In certain embodiments, the electret may be provided asymmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation.

By rotating the electret together with the impeller due to Brownian motion, the distance between the electret and the first electrode can be changed. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

The micromachine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an impeller that can rotate by Brownian motion, a rotating member that can rotate with the impeller, and a contact member that comes into contact with the rotating member, and comes into contact with the contact member. Friction heat may be generated according to the rotation of the rotating member.

Friction heat is generated using Brownian motion. Due to Brownian motion, the rotating member rotates with the impeller. Friction heat is generated in the rotating member and the contact member due to the rotation of the rotating member in contact with the contact member. This allows heat to be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the rotating member may rotate about the same axis of rotation as the impeller.

An impeller and a rotating member are attached to the same rotating shaft. As a result, the rotating member can be rotated together with the impeller.

In certain embodiments, the rotating member may be a rotating shaft provided on the impeller.

Due to Brownian motion, the axis of rotation rotates with the impeller. Friction heat is generated in the rotating shaft and the contact member due to the rotation of the rotating shaft in contact with the contact member. This allows heat to be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the contact member may be a bearing that supports the rotating shaft.

The bearing that supports the rotating shaft comes into contact with the rotating shaft. Friction heat is generated in the rotating member and the bearing due to the rotation of the rotating member. This allows heat to be generated from Brownian motion.

A micromachine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a magnet and a coil. The relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil changes due to Brownian motion, and a voltage is generated in the coil by electromagnetic induction according to the change in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion.

According to one embodiment of the invention, Brownian motion is used to change the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil. Due to Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil changes randomly. In the process of randomly changing the positional relationship, the magnet moves relatively close to and away from the coil, and a voltage is generated in the coil by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

A micromachine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electret, a first electrode, and a second electrode connected to the electret. The relative positional relationship between the electret and the first electrode changes due to Brownian motion, and electric power is generated according to the change in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, Brownian motion is used to change the relative positional relationship between the electret and the electrodes. Brownian motion randomly changes the relative positional relationship between the electret and the electrodes. In the process of randomly changing the positional relationship, the electret moves relatively close to and away from the electrodes, and can generate electricity by electrostatic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

A micromachine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an impeller that can rotate by Brownian motion, a rotating member that can rotate with the impeller, and a contact member that comes into contact with the rotating member. Friction heat is generated according to the rotation of the rotating member that comes into contact with the contact member.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, Brownian motion is used to generate frictional heat. Due to Brownian motion, the rotating member rotates with the impeller. Friction heat is generated in the rotating member and the contact member due to the rotation of the rotating member in contact with the contact member. This allows heat to be generated from Brownian motion.

It is a figure which shows the micromachine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) to (f) are diagrams showing magnets randomly moving in a first room by Brownian motion according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which expands and shows a part of the inside of the micromachine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the shape of the magnet and the coil which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which comprises a plurality of coils which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which comprises a plurality of first chambers which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which comprises a plurality of first chambers which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine provided with the thermoelectric element which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine provided with the rotating shaft which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine provided with the rotatable base which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine provided with the capacitor which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which comprises a plurality of first chambers which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine provided with the impeller which can rotate by Brownian motion which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) to (c) are diagrams showing magnets and impellers that rotate by Brownian motion according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which comprises a plurality of coils which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine in which the magnet and the impeller according to the embodiment of this invention are integrally formed. It is a figure which shows the micromachine in which the magnet and the coil are arranged in the 2nd room which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which does not have the 1st room which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine provided with the electret which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) to (c) are diagrams showing an electret, a second electrode, and an impeller that rotate by Brownian motion according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which generates heat by friction between objects which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the micromachine which the rotating shaft which concerns on embodiment of this invention generate frictional heat.

Hereinafter, the micromachine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the repetition of detailed description is omitted. Moreover, the embodiment described below is an example, and does not limit the present invention.

The material of each member of the micromachine illustrated in the description of the embodiment is an example, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

In order to explain the embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner, the shape of each member and the positional relationship between the members may be described with the x direction in the drawing as the left-right direction, the y direction as the depth direction, and the z-axis direction as the vertical direction. .. However, this uses those directions in order to explain the embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner, and does not limit the orientation of the micromachine during operation.

Further, in order to explain the embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner, the inside of the micromachine and the inside of various components may be shown through the drawings.

The device according to the embodiment of the present invention is referred to as a micromachine in the present specification, but this expression does not limit the size of the device. Micromachines according to embodiments also include nanomachines and molecular machines. The micromachine according to the embodiment is set to a size that allows movement of a desired object by Brownian motion. The micromachine according to the embodiment can also be referred to as a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems), a NEMS (Nano Electro Mechanical Systems) or a molecular machine.

The micromachine according to the embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by using a microfabrication technique. The micromachine according to the embodiment is manufactured using, for example, a method for manufacturing a micromachine, a nanomachine, and a molecular machine. The method for manufacturing a molecular machine is also called a synthetic method. The micromachine according to the embodiment can be manufactured by using, for example, a semiconductor manufacturing technique. The micromachine according to the embodiment can be manufactured using, for example, photolithography. The micromachine according to the embodiment can be manufactured using, for example, lithography techniques such as optical lithography, X-ray lithography, and extreme ultraviolet lithography. The micromachine according to the embodiment can be manufactured by combining any microfabrication technique.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a micromachine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In order to explain the features in an easy-to-understand manner, FIG. 1 shows the inside of the micromachine 1 through. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the inside of the micromachine 1.

The micromachine 1 includes a first room 51 and a second room 52. In the present specification, the first room 51 may be referred to as a first area, and the second room 52 may be referred to as a second area. The micromachine 1 includes walls 53 and 54. The area surrounded by the wall 53 is the first room 51. The area surrounded by the wall 54 is the second room 52. A partition wall 60 that separates the first room 51 and the second room 52 is provided between the first room 51 and the second room 52. The ceiling portion above the first room 51 may also be part of the wall 53. The bottom portion of the lower part of the second room 52 can also be part of the wall 54. The partition wall 60 may be part of the wall 53. The partition wall 60 may be part of the wall 54. The materials for the walls 53, 54 and the bulkhead 60 are arbitrary. The walls 53, 54 and the partition wall 60 include, for example, silicon as their material. As a material for the walls 53, 54 and the partition wall 60, semiconductor materials such as compound semiconductors and impurity semiconductors may be used. As the material of the walls 53, 54 and the partition wall 60, for example, a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity can be used.

A plurality of fluid molecules 2 are contained in the first chamber 51. The molecule 2 may or may not be contained inside the second room 52. As the molecule 2, any molecule capable of generating Brownian motion can be used. The molecule 2 may be a monatomic molecule. In the present specification, the fluid can also be referred to as a medium. The fluid is, for example, a gas, a liquid, or a mixture of a gas and a liquid. The fluid is, for example, a gas such as a rare gas or a nitrogen gas. The fluid is, for example, a liquid such as water, oil, alcohol. The fluid is, for example, a liquid such as an organic solvent and an inorganic solvent. The fluids and fluid molecules listed here are examples, and embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. The molecule 2 may be incorporated in the first room 51, or may be supplied to the first room 51 from the environment surrounding the micromachine 1.

A magnet 10 is located inside the first room 51. The magnet 10 is, for example, a permanent magnet.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-145567 discloses a submicron-sized permanent magnet developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan. The permanent magnet contains an epsilon-type iron oxide-based compound. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-145567 discloses a method for producing a rod-shaped permanent magnet having a thickness of about 10 to 100 nm and a length of about 100 to 2000 nm. The coercive force of the permanent magnet manufactured by this manufacturing method is as large as about 20 kOe, for example. In this embodiment, for example, a permanent magnet manufactured by the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-145567 can be used as the magnet 10. In this specification, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-145567 is incorporated for reference.

The manufacturing method of JP2012-145567A is given as an example of a manufacturing method of a submicron size permanent magnet, and the magnet 10 of the present embodiment is not limited to the magnet manufactured by this manufacturing method. .. Permanent magnets manufactured by other methods may be used as the magnet 10. Further, the composition of the magnet 10 may be different from the composition disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-145567.

The size of the magnet 10 is, for example, about 10 to 100 nm in thickness and about 100 to 2000 nm in length, but is not limited thereto. The magnet 10 may be larger or smaller than that. The magnet 10 is set to a size that allows the desired Brownian motion to be obtained in the micromachine 1.

The size of the first room 51 may be such that the random movement of the magnet 10 can be obtained. For example, the length of each of width, depth, and height is 0.5 μm to 10 μm, but is not limited thereto. The first room 51 is sized to obtain the desired Brownian motion in the micromachine 1.

The fluid molecule 2 randomly moves around in the first chamber 51 as a thermal motion. The plurality of moving molecules 2 randomly collide with the magnet 10. As used herein, collision is not limited to contact between objects, but also includes approaching objects to a distance that is considered to be substantially in contact with each other. For example, a collision also includes approaching one object to the extent that it provides kinetic energy to another. The "object" referred to here also includes one molecule and one atom.

The magnet 10 in which a plurality of molecules 2 collide randomly moves randomly. The motion generated in an object by randomly colliding the thermally moving molecules with the object is called Brownian motion. The magnet 10 moves around randomly due to Brownian motion.

A coil 20 is provided in the first room 51. In this example, the coil 20 is provided on the surface of the partition wall 60 on the first chamber 51 side. The arrangement position of the coil 20 is arbitrary. For example, the coil 20 may be provided on the wall 53.

The coil 20 is, for example, an air-core coil. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the coil 20 is a spiral flat coil. The coil 20 may be another type of coil such as a solenoid coil. The shape of the coil 20 may be any shape capable of generating a voltage by electromagnetic induction. The coil 20 contains a conductive material. The conductive material is, for example, a metallic material. Metallic materials include, but are not limited to, for example, copper, aluminum, gold, silver and the like. Any conductive material can be used as the material of the coil 20. The conductive material may be, for example, carbon. The size of the coil may be any size as long as electromagnetic induction is generated by the Brownian motion of the magnet 10. For example, the diameter of the coil is, but is not limited to, 0.1 μm to 10 μm.

Wiring 41 and 42 are electrically connected to the ends 21 and 22 of the coil 20. A load 30 is electrically connected to the wirings 41 and 42. The load 30 is located inside the second room 52. The load 30 is, for example, a resistor, but is not limited thereto. The load 30 includes, for example, a material having a larger electric resistance value than the material of the coil 20. The load 30 may have a shape such as a coil shape in which the electric resistance value tends to be large. By passing the wirings 41 and 42 through the partition wall 60, the coil 20 in the first room 51 and the load 30 in the second room 52 are electrically connected. The size of the second room 52 may be large enough to accommodate the load 30. The size of the second room 52 is arbitrary and may be the same as or different from that of the first room 51.

3 (a) to 3 (f) are views showing a magnet 10 that randomly moves in the first room 51 by Brownian motion.

Due to the Brownian motion of the magnet 10, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 changes randomly. A voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction in response to a change in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion.

In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the magnet 10 randomly moves in the first room 51 by Brownian motion. In the process of randomly moving the magnet 10, the magnet 10 approaches and moves away from the coil 20, and a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power (electrical energy) can be generated from Brownian motion. Further, in the process of randomly moving the magnet 10, the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 changes, so that a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. This also allows power to be generated from Brownian motion.

In this embodiment, the load 30 is connected to the coil 20. The current flowing through the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction is supplied to the load 30. In this way, the electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used by the load 30.

For example, the load 30 to which the current is supplied generates heat. As a result, heat can be generated from the Brownian motion in a specific area (second room 52).

As the load 30 generates heat, the temperature of the second room 52 becomes higher than the temperature of the first room 51. For example, even if the temperatures of the first room 51 and the second room 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first room 51 and the second room 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. Maxwell's demon in physics is the phenomenon that causes a temperature difference between two rooms that are originally uniform in temperature without doing physical work. Is called. In this embodiment, a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon can be realized.

In the present embodiment, a partition wall 60 is provided between the first room 51 and the second room 52. By suppressing the heat transfer between the first room 51 and the second room 52 by the partition wall 60, the temperature difference between the first room 51 and the second room 52 can be increased. .. That is, the entropy can be reduced more significantly.

The generated electric power may be output to the outside of the micromachine 1 and the electric power may be utilized by an external device.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a part of the inside of the micromachine 1.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the surface of the magnet 10 is coated with the coating film 15. The surfaces of the coil 20, the wall 53, and the partition wall 60 are coated with the coating film 16. The coating films 15 and 16 can prevent the magnet 10 from adsorbing to the coil 20, the wall 53 and the partition wall 60.

The coating films 15 and 16 may contain the same material as each other, or may contain different materials from each other. The coating films 15 and 16 contain, for example, a dispersant. The coating films 15 and 16 contain, for example, a surfactant. For example, in a magnetic fluid, agglomeration is prevented by covering the surface of the particles with a surfactant. Similar to the magnetic fluid, by covering at least a part of the constituent elements of the micromachine 1 with a coating film, it is possible to prevent the magnet 10 from being adsorbed on other members.

As the material of the coating films 15 and 16, any material capable of suppressing adsorption and aggregation can be used. Materials other than dispersants and surfactants may be used as the materials for the coating films 15 and 16.

If adsorption does not occur even without one of the coating films 15 and 16, one of the coating films 15 and 16 may be omitted. If adsorption does not occur without both the coating films 15 and 16, both the coating films 15 and 16 may be omitted.

The shape of the magnet 10 is arbitrary. The shape of the magnet 10 may be, for example, a rod shape as shown in FIG. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the magnet 10 may have a disk shape. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the shapes of the magnet 10 and the coil 20. As described above, the shape of the coil 20 is arbitrary. FIG. 5 shows a solenoid coil as an example of the coil 20. The solenoid coil may be, for example, a carbon nanocoil.

Next, an example of the micromachine 1 including a plurality of coils 20 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 having a plurality of coils 20. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of coils 20 are provided on the surface of the partition wall 60 on the first chamber 51 side. The arrangement positions of the plurality of coils 20 are arbitrary, and for example, they may be distributed and arranged on the partition wall 60 and the wall 53. Further, for example, the plurality of coils 20 may be arranged on the wall 53 instead of being arranged on the partition wall 60.

A plurality of loads 30 are located in the second room 52. Each of the plurality of coils 20 is electrically connected to the load 30 via the wirings 41 and 42.

The relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the plurality of coils 20 changes due to Brownian motion. A voltage is generated in at least one of the plurality of coils 20 by electromagnetic induction in response to a change in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion. By arranging a plurality of coils 20 for one magnet 10, the chance that the magnet 10 approaches any of the coils 20 can be increased. This can increase opportunities for power generation by the Brownian motion.

The current flowing through at least one coil 20 by electromagnetic induction is supplied to at least one load 30. As a result, the electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used by the load 30.

For example, of the plurality of loads 30, the load 30 through which the current flows generates heat. Heat can be generated in the second room 52 from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first room 51 and the second room 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first room 51 and the second room 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

Further, the micromachine 1 may include a plurality of first rooms 51. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 having a plurality of first rooms 51.

A magnet 10 and a fluid molecule 2 are contained in each of the plurality of first chambers 51. A coil 20 is provided in each of the plurality of first rooms 51. The distance between the rooms can be increased to the extent that the magnets 10 are not attracted to each other.

Here, "the magnets 10 are not attracted to each other" will be described. Although a force (attractive force) that attracts each other due to magnetic force is generated between the magnets 10, if the force that moves the magnets 10 due to Brownian motion is greater than the attractive force, the magnets 10 are separated from each other. Can be done. For example, if the force for moving the magnets 10 by Brownian motion is larger than the attractive force generated when the two magnets 10 are closest to each other across the wall of the room, the magnets 10 can be separated from each other. For example, such a state corresponds to "the magnets 10 are not attracted to each other".

The plurality of magnets 10 are located in different rooms of the plurality of first rooms 51. The plurality of coils 20 are located in different rooms of the plurality of first rooms 51. The plurality of loads 30 are located in the second room 52. Each of the plurality of coils 20 is electrically connected to the load 30 via the wirings 41 and 42.

For example, of the plurality of loads 30, the load 30 through which the current flows generates heat. Heat can be generated in the second room 52 from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first room 51 and the second room 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first room 51 and the second room 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

Further, the micromachine 1 may include a plurality of the first rooms 51 illustrated in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 having a plurality of first rooms 51.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of coils 20 are provided in one first room 51. Each of the plurality of coils 20 is electrically connected to the load 30 via the wirings 41 and 42.

The current flowing through at least one coil 20 by electromagnetic induction is supplied to at least one load 30. As a result, the electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used by the load 30.

For example, of the plurality of loads 30, the load 30 through which the current flows generates heat. Heat can be generated in the second room 52 from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first room 51 and the second room 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first room 51 and the second room 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

Next, a micromachine 1 including a thermoelectric element will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 including a thermoelectric element 33.

The thermoelectric element 33 is, for example, a Seebeck element. The thermoelectric element 33 is connected to the load 31 via the wirings 43 and 44. The thermoelectric element 33 is arranged so that at least a part thereof is located in the second room 52. The thermoelectric element 33 is supplied with heat generated by a plurality of loads 30 to the thermoelectric element 33. By supplying heat to the thermoelectric element 33, electric power can be generated in the thermoelectric element 33. A voltage is generated in the thermoelectric element 33 to which heat is supplied, and a current is supplied to the load 31. By supplying the heat generated by the plurality of loads 30 to the thermoelectric element 33, a larger electric power can be generated.

The thermoelectric element 33 may be provided in the micromachine 1 shown in FIG. 1 and the micromachine 1 shown in FIG. Also in these forms, the heat generated by at least one load 30 is supplied to the thermoelectric element 33. By supplying heat to the thermoelectric element 33, electric power can be generated in the thermoelectric element 33.

Next, a micromachine 1 provided with a rotating shaft (rotating shaft) used for rotating the magnet 10 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 including a rotating shaft 11.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the magnet 10 is provided with a rotating shaft 11. The magnet 10 is rotatable about a rotation shaft 11. The rotating shaft 11 is supported, for example, directly or indirectly by the wall 53. For example, the rotating shaft 11 is supported by a bearing (not shown) provided on the wall 53.

Molecules 2 randomly collide with the magnet 10. The magnet 10 is rotated by Brownian motion. As used herein, rotation includes both rotations of one or more rotations and less than one rotation. Rotation also includes rocking. By rotating the magnet 10, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 can be changed.

For example, when the magnet 10 is rotated by Brownian motion, the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20, a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

The magnet 10 may be provided on a rotatable base. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 provided with a rotatable base 12.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the rotating shaft 11 is provided on the base 12. The base 12 is a rotating member that can rotate around the rotating shaft 11. The magnet 10 is fixed to the base 12. Molecules 2 randomly collide with the magnet 10 and the base 12. Due to Brownian motion, the magnet 10 rotates together with the rotating member 12. By rotating the magnet 10 together with the rotating member 12 by Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 can be changed.

For example, when the magnet 10 rotates together with the rotating member 12 due to Brownian motion, the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20, a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In the modes shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, if the wirings 41 and 42 are long and the distance between the coil 20 and the load 30 is sufficiently long, the partition wall 60 may be omitted.

Next, the micromachine 1 that stores the electric power generated from the coil 20 in the capacitor will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 including a capacitor 36.

The micromachine 1 shown in FIG. 12 includes a rectifier 35 and a capacitor 36. The coil 20 is electrically connected to the input end of the rectifier 35 via the wires 41 and 42. The output end of the rectifier 35 is electrically connected to the capacitor 36. The capacitor 36 is electrically connected to the load 30. The voltage generated in the coil 20 is supplied to the rectifier 35. The output signal of the rectifier 35 is supplied to the capacitor 36, and the electric charge is accumulated in the capacitor 36.

The rectifier 35 rectifies the voltage signal generated in the coil 20. The rectified signal is output from the rectifier 35 and supplied to the capacitor 36. As a result, electric charges can be accumulated in the capacitor 36. By outputting the electric power stored in the capacitor 36, a large amount of electric power can be output to the outside.

The micromachine 1 may include a plurality of first rooms 51. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 having a plurality of first rooms 51.

A magnet 10 and a fluid molecule 2 are contained in each of the plurality of first chambers 51. A coil 20 is provided in each of the plurality of first rooms 51. The distance between the rooms can be increased to the extent that the magnets 10 are not attracted to each other.

The plurality of magnets 10 are located in different rooms of the plurality of first rooms 51. The plurality of coils 20 are located in different rooms of the plurality of first rooms 51. The plurality of rectifiers 35 are located in the second room 52. Each of the plurality of coils 20 is electrically connected to the rectifier 35 via the wires 41 and 42. The voltage generated in the electrically connected coil 20 of the plurality of coils 20 is supplied to the plurality of rectifiers 35. The output signals of the plurality of rectifiers 35 are supplied to the capacitor 36.

The voltage signals generated in the plurality of coils 20 are rectified, and the rectified output signals are supplied to the capacitor 36. This allows more charge to be stored in the capacitor 36. By outputting the electric power stored in the capacitor 36, a larger electric power can be output to the outside.

Next, the micromachine 1 provided with the impeller will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 provided with an impeller 70 that can be rotated by Brownian motion.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the impeller 70 is provided in the first room 51. The magnet 10 and the impeller 70 are fixed to the rotating shaft (rotating shaft) 71. The magnet 10 and the impeller 70 are rotatable about the same rotating shaft 71. The rotating shaft 71 is supported, for example, directly or indirectly by the wall 53. For example, the rotating shaft 71 is supported by a bearing 72 provided on the wall 53. The wall 53 and the bearing 72 may be integrally formed. The bearing 72 may be a hole formed in the wall 53.

15 (a) to 15 (c) are views showing a magnet 10 and an impeller 70 that rotate due to Brownian motion.

Molecules 2 randomly collide with the magnet 10 and the impeller 70. Due to Brownian motion, the impeller 70 and the magnet 10 rotate together. Both the magnet 10 and the impeller 70 are fixed to the rotating shaft 71. The rotation of the impeller 70 is transmitted to the magnet 10 via the rotation shaft 71, and the magnet 10 rotates together with the impeller 70.

As mentioned above, Feynman, the author of Non-Patent Document 1, considers that the rotation of the impeller cannot be restricted in one direction. However, in Non-Patent Document 1, Feynman admits that the impeller rotates while randomly changing the direction of rotation. Since Brownian motion is a random motion, the impeller naturally rotates randomly. As mentioned above, "rotation" in the embodiment includes both rotations of one or more rotations and less than one rotation. Rotation in the embodiment also includes the meaning of rocking.

By Brownian motion, the magnet 10 rotates together with the impeller 70 while randomly changing the rotation direction, so that the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 can be changed. In the present specification, the change in the relative positional relationship also includes the rotation of the other member when viewed from one member. For example, the change in the relative positional relationship also includes a change in the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 among the north and south poles.

For example, when the magnet 10 rotates together with the impeller 70, the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20, a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, the current flowing through the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction is supplied to the load 30. As a result, the electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used by the load 30.

For example, the load 30 generates heat. Heat can be generated in the second room 52 from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first room 51 and the second room 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first room 51 and the second room 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

The micromachine 1 may include a plurality of coils 20. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 including a plurality of coils 20. In the example shown in FIG. 16, two coils 20 are provided so as to face the magnet 10. The arrangement position of the plurality of coils 20 is arbitrary, and may be dispersedly arranged in the first room 51.

A plurality of loads 30 are located in the second room 52. Each of the plurality of coils 20 is electrically connected to the load 30 via the wirings 41 and 42.

The relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the plurality of coils 20 changes due to Brownian motion. A voltage is generated in the plurality of coils 20 by electromagnetic induction in response to a change in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion.

The current flowing through the plurality of coils 20 by electromagnetic induction is supplied to the plurality of loads 30. As a result, the electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used by the load 30.

For example, the plurality of loads 30 generate heat. Heat can be generated in the second room 52 from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first room 51 and the second room 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first room 51 and the second room 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

The magnet 10 and the impeller 70 may be integrally formed. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 in which a magnet 10 and an impeller 70 are integrally formed. The integrally formed magnet 10 and impeller 70 are arranged at positions facing the coil 20.

In the above example, the magnet 10 and the coil 20 are arranged in the first room 51, but may be arranged in the second room 52. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 in which a magnet 10 and a coil 20 are arranged in a second room 52. The impeller 70 is arranged in the first room 51.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, the magnet 10 and the impeller 70 are fixed to the same rotating shaft 71. The magnet 10 and the impeller 70 are rotatable about the same rotating shaft 71. The rotating shaft 71 is directly or indirectly supported by, for example, a wall 53 and a wall 54. For example, the rotating shaft 71 is supported by a wall 53 and a bearing 72 provided on the wall 54.

By rotating the magnet 10 together with the impeller 70 by Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 can be changed. For example, when the magnet 10 rotates together with the impeller 70, the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20, a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. The generated power may be supplied to the load 30. In this case, the load 30 may be arranged at a position different from that of the second room 52.

Further, when the electric power generated in the coil 20 is not output to the outside of the coil 20 such as the load 30, the generated electric power is converted into heat in the coil 20. As the coil 20 generates heat, the temperature of the second room 52 becomes higher than the temperature of the first room 51. For example, even if the temperatures of the first room 51 and the second room 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first room 51 and the second room 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

Further, the first room 51 may be omitted. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 in which the first room 51 is omitted. The impeller 70 is arranged outside the second room 52. Fluid molecules 2 are present in the external environment. These molecules 2 in the external environment collide with the impeller 70. Due to Brownian motion, the impeller 70 and the magnet 10 rotate together. A voltage can be generated in the coil 20 as the magnet 10 rotates.

The generated power may be output to an external device. When the generated electric power is converted into heat in the coil 20, the temperature inside the second room 52 can be higher than that outside the second room 52.

Next, the micromachine 1 that generates electricity using an electret will be described. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 provided with an electret 80.

The micromachine 1 shown in FIG. 20 includes an electret 80, a first electrode 81, and a second electrode 82 connected to the electret 80. Compared to the micromachine 1 shown in FIG. 14, the micromachine 1 shown in FIG. 20 includes an electret 80, a first electrode 81, and a second electrode 82 instead of the magnet 10 and the coil 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, the electret 80 and the second electrode 82 are fixed to the rotating shaft 71 like the impeller 70. The electret 80 and the second electrode 82 can rotate together with the impeller 70 about the same rotation shaft 71.

21 (a) to 21 (c) are views showing an electret 80, a second electrode 82, and an impeller 70 that rotate due to Brownian motion.

The electret 80 is provided asymmetrically with respect to the rotation shaft 71. By rotating the electret 80 together with the impeller 70 by Brownian motion, the distance between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81 can be changed. The relative positional relationship between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81 changes due to Brownian motion. Electric power can be generated according to changes in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion. In this example, the electret 80 moves with respect to the first electrode 81 by Brownian motion.

Due to Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81 changes randomly. In the process of randomly changing the positional relationship, the electret 80 moves relatively close to or away from the first electrode 81, and a voltage is generated between the first electrode 81 and the second electrode 82 by electrostatic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

The first electrode 81 and the second electrode 82 are electrically connected to the load 30 via the wirings 41 and 42. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the rotating shaft 71 and the bearing 72 have conductivity. The wiring 42 is electrically connected to the bearing 72. The second electrode 82 is electrically connected to the load 30 via the rotating shaft 71, the bearing 72, and the wiring 42.

The current generated by electrostatic induction flows through the load 30. The electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used at the load 30.

Next, the micromachine 1 that generates heat by friction between objects will be described. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 that generates heat by friction between objects.

The micromachine 1 shown in FIG. 22 includes an impeller 70, a rotating member 90 that can rotate with the impeller 70, and a contact member 91 that comes into contact with the rotating member 90. Compared to the micromachine 1 shown in FIG. 18, the micromachine 1 shown in FIG. 22 includes a rotating member 90 and a contact member 91 instead of the magnet 10 and the coil 20.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, the rotating member 90 is fixed to the rotating shaft 71 like the impeller 70. The rotating member 90 can rotate around the same rotating shaft 71 together with the impeller 70. A part of the contact member 91 is directly or indirectly fixed to the wall, ceiling, bottom, etc. of the second room 52. Another part of the contact member 91 is in contact with the rotating member 90. The contact member 91 has elasticity. The elastic force of the contact member 91 acts in the direction of pressing the contact member 91 against the rotating member 90.

The rotating member 90 has, for example, a disk shape, but is not limited to this, and may have another shape. The rotating member 90 has, for example, a shape in which the rotating member 90 that contacts the contact member 91 is not biased toward rotation in a specific direction. For example, the rotating member 90 does not have a shape like the ratchet mechanism described above. The rotating member 90 has, for example, a shape symmetrical with respect to the clockwise and counterclockwise rotation directions.

Due to the Brownian motion, the rotating member 90 rotates together with the impeller 70. When the rotating member 90 in contact with the contact member 91 rotates, frictional heat is generated in the rotating member 90 and the contact member 91. In this example, Brownian motion can be used to generate frictional heat. That is, heat can be generated from Brownian motion.

Due to the frictional heat generated in the second room 52, the temperature of the second room 52 becomes higher than the temperature of the first room 51. For example, even if the temperatures of the first room 51 and the second room 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first room 51 and the second room 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

The rotating member that generates frictional heat may be a rotating shaft 71 provided on the impeller 70.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a micromachine 1 in which the rotating shaft 71 generates frictional heat.

In the example shown in FIG. 23, the contact member that comes into contact with the rotating member is a bearing 73 that supports the rotating shaft 71. The bearing 73 is provided, for example, on the wall of the second room 52. The bearing 73 that supports the rotating shaft 71 is in contact with the rotating shaft 71.

Due to Brownian motion, the rotating shaft 71 rotates together with the impeller 70. Friction heat is generated in the rotating shaft 71 and the bearing 73 by rotating the rotating shaft 71 in contact with the bearing 73. This allows heat to be generated from Brownian motion.

The contact member 91 as shown in FIG. 22 may come into contact with the rotating shaft 71 to generate frictional heat.

In the above-described embodiment, the wirings 41 and 42 may be lengthened, and the distance between the coil 20 and the load 30 may be lengthened. Wiring 41 and 42 may be lengthened as long as the current output from the coil 20 can be supplied to the load 30.

The shape of the impeller described above is arbitrary. For example, the impeller may have a gear shape. Further, the magnet and the electret may have the shape of an impeller or the shape of a blade.

In the above-described embodiment, the magnet 10 may be fixed and the coil 20 may move by Brownian motion. Also by this, the relative movement between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 can be realized. In this case, a conductor that can contact the coil 20 is arranged around the coil 20, and when the coil in which the current is generated by electromagnetic induction is in contact with the conductor, the current is transmitted from the coil 20 through the conductor. It may be output.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

The micromachine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a magnet 10 and a coil 20. The relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 changes due to Brownian motion, and a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction according to the change in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion.

The Brownian motion is used to change the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20. Due to Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 changes randomly. In the process of randomly changing the positional relationship, the magnet 10 moves relatively close to or away from the coil 20, and a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the magnet 10 may move relative to the coil 20 by Brownian motion. In the process of randomly moving the magnet 10 by Brownian motion, the magnet 10 approaches and moves away from the coil 20, and a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 may further include a load 30 connected to the coil 20 and a current flowing through the coil 20 may be supplied to the load 30 by electromagnetic induction. The electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used at the load 30.

In certain embodiments, the current-supplied load 30 may generate heat. Heat can be generated in a specific area from Brownian motion.

In one embodiment, the magnet 10 and the coil 20 are located in the first area 51, the load 30 is located in the second area 52, which is different from the first area 51, and the load 30 generates heat. The temperature of the two areas 52 may be higher than the temperature of the first area 51.

Heat can be generated in the second area 52 from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first area 51 and the second area 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first area 51 and the second area 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

In certain embodiments, a partition wall 60 may be provided between the first area 51 and the second area 52. By suppressing the heat transfer between the first area 51 and the second area 52 by the partition wall 60, the temperature difference between the first area 51 and the second area 52 can be increased. That is, the entropy can be reduced more significantly. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 may further include a thermoelectric element 33, and the thermoelectric element 33 may be supplied with the heat generated by the load 30. By supplying heat to the thermoelectric element 33, electric power can be generated in the thermoelectric element 33.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 includes a plurality of magnets 10, a plurality of coils 20, a plurality of loads 30, a plurality of first areas 51, and a second area 52 different from the plurality of first areas 51. , Equipped with. The plurality of magnets 10 are located in different first areas 51 of the plurality of first areas 51, and the plurality of coils 20 are located in different first areas 51 of the plurality of first areas 51. The plurality of loads 30 are located in the second area 52, and the load 30 through which the current flows among the plurality of loads 30 may generate heat.

Heat can be generated in the second area 52 from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first area 51 and the second area 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first area 51 and the second area 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

In one embodiment, a plurality of coils 20 are provided, and the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the plurality of coils 20 is changed by Brownian motion, and electromagnetic induction is performed according to the change in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion. As a result, a voltage may be generated in at least one of the plurality of coils 20.

By arranging a plurality of coils 20 for one magnet 10, the chance that the magnet 10 approaches any of the coils 20 can be increased. This can increase opportunities for power generation by the Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 further comprises a plurality of loads 30 connected to the plurality of coils 20, and the current flowing through the at least one coil 20 by electromagnetic induction is at least one connected to the at least one coil 20. It may be supplied to one load 30. The electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used at the load 30.

In one embodiment, the magnet 10 and the plurality of coils 20 are located in the first area 51, and the plurality of loads 30 are located in the second area 52 different from the first area 51, and among the plurality of loads 30. The load 30 through which the current flows may generate heat.

Heat can be generated in the second area 52 from Brownian motion. For example, even if the temperatures of the first area 51 and the second area 52 are uniform, a temperature difference can be generated between the first area 51 and the second area 52. That is, the entropy can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a phenomenon called Maxwell's demon in physics.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 may further include a thermoelectric element 33, and the thermoelectric element 33 may be supplied with heat generated by a plurality of loads 30. Electric power can be generated by supplying heat to the thermoelectric element 33. By supplying the heat generated by the plurality of loads 30 to the thermoelectric element 33, a larger electric power can be generated.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 may further include a rectifier 35 to which the voltage generated in the coil 20 is supplied and a capacitor 36 to which the output signal of the rectifier 35 is supplied. The voltage signal generated in the coil 20 is rectified, and the rectified output signal is supplied to the capacitor 36. As a result, electric charges can be accumulated in the capacitor 36. By outputting the electric power stored in the capacitor 36, a large amount of electric power can be output to the outside.

In one embodiment, the micromachine 1 is supplied with a plurality of magnets 10, a plurality of coils 20, a plurality of rectifiers 35 to which the voltage generated in the plurality of coils 20 is supplied, and output signals of the plurality of rectifiers 35. The capacitor 36 may be further provided.

The voltage signals generated in the plurality of coils 20 are rectified, and the rectified output signals are supplied to the capacitor 36. This allows more charge to be stored in the capacitor 36. By outputting the electric power stored in the capacitor 36, a larger electric power can be output to the outside.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the magnet 10 and the coil 20 may be coated with coating films 15 and 16. It is possible to prevent the magnet 10 from being attracted to the coil 20. Alternatively, it is possible to prevent the coil 20 from being attracted to the magnet 10.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the magnet 10 and the coil 20 may be coated with a dispersant. It is possible to prevent the magnet 10 from being attracted to the coil 20. Alternatively, it is possible to prevent the coil 20 from being attracted to the magnet 10.

In certain embodiments, at least one of the magnet 10 and the coil 20 may be coated with a surfactant. It is possible to prevent the magnet 10 from being attracted to the coil 20. Alternatively, it is possible to prevent the coil 20 from being attracted to the magnet 10.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 further comprises a rotating shaft 11 provided on the magnet 10, which may rotate by Brownian motion. By rotating the magnet 10 by Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 can be changed. Rotation includes both rotations of one or more rotations and less than one rotation. Rotation also includes rocking. For example, when the magnet 10 is rotated by Brownian motion, the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20, a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 further comprises a rotatable rotating member (base) 12, a magnet 10 is provided on the rotating member 12, and the magnet 10 may rotate with the rotating member 12 by Brownian motion. Good.

By rotating the magnet 10 together with the rotating member 12 by Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 can be changed. For example, when the magnet 10 rotates together with the rotating member 12 due to Brownian motion, the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20, a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 further comprises an impeller 70 that is rotatable by Brownian motion, and the magnet 10 may rotate with the impeller 70. The Brownian motion causes the impeller 70 to rotate. By rotating the magnet 10 together with the impeller 70, the relative positional relationship between the magnet 10 and the coil 20 can be changed. For example, when the magnet 10 rotates together with the impeller 70 due to Brownian motion, the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20 of the north and south poles changes. By changing the polarity of the magnet 10 facing the coil 20, a voltage is generated in the coil 20 by electromagnetic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the magnet 10 may rotate about the same rotating shaft 71 as the impeller 70. The impeller 70 and the magnet 10 are attached to the same rotating shaft 71. As a result, the magnet 10 can be rotated together with the impeller 70.

The micromachine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an electret 80, a first electrode 81, and a second electrode 82 connected to the electret 80. The relative positional relationship between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81 changes due to Brownian motion, and electric power is generated according to the change in the relative positional relationship due to Brownian motion.

Brownian motion is used to change the relative positional relationship between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81. Due to Brownian motion, the relative positional relationship between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81 changes randomly. In the process of randomly changing the positional relationship, the electret 80 moves relatively close to or away from the first electrode 81, and can generate electricity by electrostatic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the electret 80 may move relative to the first electrode 81 by Brownian motion. In the process of randomly moving the electret 80 by Brownian motion, the electret 80 approaches or moves away from the first electrode 81, and a voltage is generated between the first electrode 81 and the second electrode 82 by electrostatic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 may further include a load 30 connected to the first electrode 81 and the second electrode 82, and a current generated by electrostatic induction may flow through the load 30. The electric power generated by the Brownian motion can be used at the load 30.

In certain embodiments, the micromachine 1 further comprises an impeller 70 that is rotatable by Brownian motion, and the electret 80 may rotate with the impeller 70. The Brownian motion causes the impeller 70 to rotate. By rotating the electret 80 together with the impeller 70, the relative positional relationship between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81 can be changed. For example, the Brownian motion causes the electret 80 to rotate together with the impeller 70, so that the distance between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81 changes. By changing the distance between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81, it is possible to generate electricity by electrostatic induction. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the electret 80 may rotate about the same rotating shaft 71 as the impeller 70. The impeller 70 and the electret 80 are attached to the same rotating shaft 71. As a result, the electret 80 can be rotated together with the impeller 70.

In certain embodiments, the electret 80 may be provided asymmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation 71. By rotating the electret 80 together with the impeller 70 by Brownian motion, the distance between the electret 80 and the first electrode 81 can be changed. As a result, electric power can be generated from Brownian motion.

The micromachine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an impeller 70 that can rotate by Brownian motion, a rotating member 90 that can rotate together with the impeller 70, and a contact member 91 that comes into contact with the rotating member 90. Friction heat is generated according to the rotation of the rotating member 90 in contact with the 91.

Friction heat is generated using Brownian motion. Due to Brownian motion, the rotating member 90 rotates together with the impeller 70. When the rotating member 90 in contact with the contact member 91 rotates, frictional heat is generated in the rotating member 90 and the contact member 91. This allows heat to be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the rotating member 90 may rotate about the same rotating shaft 71 as the impeller 70. The impeller 70 and the rotating member 90 are attached to the same rotating shaft 71. As a result, the rotating member 90 can be rotated together with the impeller 70.

In certain embodiments, the rotating member may be a rotating shaft 71 provided on the impeller 70. Due to Brownian motion, the rotating shaft 71 rotates together with the impeller 70. Friction heat is generated in the rotating shaft 71 and the contact member 91 by rotating the rotating shaft 71 in contact with the contact member 91. This allows heat to be generated from Brownian motion.

In certain embodiments, the contact member 91 may be a bearing that supports the rotating shaft 71. The bearing that supports the rotating shaft 71 comes into contact with the rotating shaft 71. Friction heat is generated in the rotating member and the bearing due to the rotation of the rotating member. This allows heat to be generated from Brownian motion.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. The above description of the embodiments is an example of the present invention and does not limit the present invention. The present invention also includes a form in which various embodiments described above are appropriately combined. The present invention can be modified, replaced, added, omitted, etc. within the scope of claims or equivalent.

The present invention is particularly useful in the technical field of generating energy such as thermal energy and electrical energy, for example.

1: Micromachine (micromachine)
2: Fluid molecule 10: Magnet 11: Rotating shaft 12: Base 15, 16: Coating film 20: Coil 21, 22: Coil end 30, 31: Load (resistor)
33: Thermoelectric element (Seebeck element, thermoelectric conversion element)
35: Rectifier 36: Capacitor (smoothing capacitor)
41, 42, 43, 44: Wiring 51, 52: Room (space)
53, 54: Wall 60: Partition (partition, partition)
70: Impeller 71: Rotating shaft (rotating shaft)
72, 73: Bearing 80: Electret 81: First electrode 82: Second electrode 90: Rotating member 91: Contact member

Claims (31)

With a magnet
With the coil
With
The relative positional relationship between the magnet and the coil changes due to Brownian motion.
A micromachine in which a voltage is generated in the coil by electromagnetic induction in response to a change in the relative positional relationship due to the Brownian motion. The micromachine according to claim 1, wherein the magnet moves with respect to the coil by the Brownian motion. Further equipped with a load connected to the coil
The micromachine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the current flowing through the coil is supplied to the load by the electromagnetic induction. The micromachine according to claim 3, wherein the load to which the electric current is supplied generates heat. The magnet and the coil are located in the first area and
The load is located in a second area different from the first area.
The micromachine according to claim 4, wherein the temperature of the second area becomes higher than the temperature of the first area because the load generates heat. The micromachine according to claim 5, wherein a wall is provided between the first area and the second area. With more thermoelectric elements
The micromachine according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the heat generated by the load is supplied to the thermoelectric element. With the plurality of magnets
With the plurality of the coils
With multiple said loads
Multiple first areas and
A second area different from the plurality of first areas,
With
The plurality of magnets are located in different first areas of the plurality of first areas.
The plurality of coils are located in different first areas of the plurality of first areas.
The plurality of loads are located in the second area.
The micromachine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the load to which an electric current flows among the plurality of loads generates heat. Equipped with a plurality of the coils
The relative positional relationship between the magnet and the plurality of coils changes due to Brownian motion.
The micromachine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a voltage is generated in at least one of the plurality of coils by electromagnetic induction in response to a change in the relative positional relationship due to the Brownian motion. Further equipped with a plurality of loads connected to the plurality of coils,
The micromachine according to claim 9, wherein the current flowing through the at least one coil by the electromagnetic induction is supplied to at least one of the loads connected to the at least one coil. The magnet and the plurality of coils are located in the first area.
The plurality of loads are located in a second area different from the first area.
The micromachine according to claim 10, wherein the load to which a current flows among the plurality of loads generates heat. With more thermoelectric elements
The micromachine according to any one of claims 8, 10 and 11, wherein heat generated by a plurality of the loads is supplied to the thermoelectric element. A rectifier to which the voltage generated in the coil is supplied, and
The capacitor to which the output signal of the rectifier is supplied and
The micromachine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising. With the plurality of magnets
With the plurality of the coils
A plurality of rectifiers to which the voltage generated in the plurality of coils is supplied, and
Capacitors to which the output signals of the plurality of rectifiers are supplied, and
The micromachine according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising. The micromachine according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the magnet and the coil is coated with a coating film. The micromachine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one of the magnet and the coil is coated with a dispersant. The micromachine according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one of the magnet and the coil is coated with a surfactant. Further provided with a rotation shaft provided on the magnet,
The micromachine according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the magnet is rotated by Brownian motion. Further equipped with a rotatable rotating member,
The magnet is provided on the rotating member and
The micromachine according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the magnet rotates together with the rotating member by Brownian motion. Further equipped with an impeller that can be rotated by Brownian motion,
The micromachine according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the magnet rotates together with the impeller. The micromachine according to claim 20, wherein the magnet rotates about the same rotation axis as the impeller. Electret and
With the first electrode
The second electrode connected to the electret and
With
The relative positional relationship between the electret and the first electrode changes due to Brownian motion.
A micromachine in which electric power is generated in response to a change in the relative positional relationship due to the Brownian motion. 22. The micromachine according to claim 22, wherein the electret moves with respect to the first electrode by the Brownian motion. Further equipped with a load connected to the first electrode and the second electrode,
The micromachine according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the current generated by electrostatic induction flows through the load. Further equipped with an impeller that can be rotated by Brownian motion,
The micromachine according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the electret rotates with the impeller. The micromachine according to claim 25, wherein the electret rotates about the same rotation axis as the impeller. The micromachine according to claim 26, wherein the electret is provided asymmetrically with respect to the rotation axis. An impeller that can rotate by Brownian motion and
A rotating member that can rotate with the impeller,
With the contact member in contact with the rotating member,
With
A micromachine that generates frictional heat in response to the rotation of the rotating member that comes into contact with the contact member. 28. The micromachine according to claim 28, wherein the rotating member rotates about the same rotation axis as the impeller. 28. The micromachine according to claim 28, wherein the rotating member is a rotating shaft provided on the impeller. The micromachine according to claim 30, wherein the contact member is a bearing that supports the rotating shaft.

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