Energy-harnessing chinstrap ‘can power electronic devices’

Engineers in Canada have been able to create a prototype chinstrap that could be used to generate power for electronic devices through everyday mouth movements.

The strap is made from piezoelectric fibre composites, a type of smart material that is able to produce an electric charge when it stretches and is subjected to mechanical stress. Early studies have shown it is able to generate a charge when the wearer chews or talks.

It is hoped that this technology can be used to power hearing aids, cochlear implants, electronic hearing protectors and communication devices, reducing the need for expensive and environmentally-unfriendly batteries.

However, the power level outputted by the current version of the strap would not be sufficient, meaning further work is necessary before the device fulfils its potential.

Aidin Delnavaz, co-author of the study, said: "We will now look at ways to increase the number of piezoelectric elements in the chinstrap … and also develop an appropriate power management circuit so that a tiny, rechargeable battery can be integrated."

The study has been featured in the scientific journal Smart Materials and Structures, which is published by the Institute of Physics, an international scientific society with more than 50,000 members.