Mechanical Stopper Design and Fatigue Analysis for Vibrational Energy Harvesters: Analytical and Numerical Study of an Electromagnetic System

The design of mechanical stoppers is crucial for improving the efficiency and durability of Electromagnetic Vibrational Energy Harvesters (EMVEH), particularly in applications subjected to cyclic loading. This work presents an analytical and numerical study of a stopper mechanism tailored for an EMVEH operating at 60 Hz. An implicit analytical formulation is employed to describe the vertical displacement and estimate the harvested power. Additionally, a time-domain simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics is conducted to analyze the system's response in the presence of the stopper. The structural and electromagnetic interactions are explored to optimize energy output while minimizing mechanical stress. A fatigue analysis evaluates the long-term reliability of the harvester, considering material properties and operational conditions. The results highlight key design parameters that enhance energy conversion efficiency and structural robustness, providing valuable insights into the development of resilient vibrational energy harvesting systems. Future work will further refine the stopper's geometry and investigate alternative materials to improve performance and longevity.