A Triboelectric Nanogenerator Consisting of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Pellet for Self‐Powered Detection of Mechanical Faults and Inclination in Dynamic Mechanics

A reliable mechanical fixation plays a pivotal role in guaranteeing normal operation for large‐scale equipment. The detection of screw loosening or breakage as well as susceptor tilting is of significance in mechanical dynamics, especially in those with large vibration amplitude during operation. Herein, a novel triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is reported that consists of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) pellets and a single electrode installed on the bottom of a cylinder. The basic electricity‐generating principle is the coupling of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction between the pellets and electrode. The dependence of the output voltage on the diameter/number of pellets is explored deeply, suggesting, by enlarging the diameter or increasing the number of pellets, the output voltage can be improved. By integrating the fabricated TENG on a vibration table, the capacity of self‐powered detection of screw loosening or breakage can be achieved based on TENGs, which can predict a potential mechanical failure in real time. More importantly, the TENG can be tuned to output eight‐channel data simultaneously, which enables recognizing the tiny inclining signs of equipment. This work provides a new method for the design and manufacture of intelligent sensors that can be used for failure inspection and diagnosis in future intelligent mechanics.