# Tunable Plug‐and‐Play Meta‐Nanogenerator Materials for Multi‐Range Force Measurements

## TL;DR

A new self-powered force sensing system is developed using tunable materials that can measure forces across multiple ranges for various engineering applications.

## Contribution

The novel system integrates a triboelectric nanogenerator with a mechanical metamaterial for self-powered, tunable force sensing.

## Key findings

- The system enables multi-range force detection through geometrical tuning of metamaterials.
- Modular design allows for easy integration and replacement of components.
- AI models accurately predict forces using voltage signals from the system.

## Abstract

Accurate assessments of mechanical forces are crucial for the design, operation and maintenance of long‐lasting engineering systems. Conventional force sensors that are deployed in engineering applications suffer from multiple shortcomings including high power consumption, poor integrability, costly, limited force sensing ranges and lack multifunctionality. In this study, we present a fully integrated, tunable meta‐nanogenerator‐based sensory system in a plug‐and‐play manner for multi‐range force measurement. At the core of this system is a novel multifunctional meta‐triboelectric material capable of quantitative and multi‐range force detection. By integrating a triboelectric nanogenerator into the tunable mechanical metamaterial design, the proposed system actively performs self‐powered force sensing while serving as a load bearing component. By effectively tuning the geometrical parameters of the proposed system, the force sensing range can be tuned to perform application‐specific sensing. A modular design is employed for the proposed system, where the 3D printed mechanical and electrical components serve as individual parts that can be independently fabricated and replaced, thus enhancing integrability and system integration. Through theoretical models, numerical simulations and experiments, the mechanical and electrical performance of the proposed system is demonstrated for different operating deformations and frequencies. Artificial intelligence models are utilized to analyze the electrical signals and to accurately determine the forces solely using the voltage signals generated. The versatility of the proposed system is demonstrated through applications in civil engineering such as bearing pads, in mechanical engineering such as shock absorbers, and as neuromuscular rehabilitation equipment in biomedical engineering. Furthermore, the performance of hierarchical arrays of the proposed system is demonstrated for enhanced and simultaneous multi‐range force sensing. The proposed system offers a paradigm shift in force sensing for intelligent and smart engineering systems with self‐powered and multifunctional capabilities.

The multifunctional and tunable meta‐nanogenerator material system combines a mechanical metamaterial and a triboelectric nanogenerator enabling self‐powered, real‐time force sensing across application‐specific ranges. Geometrical tuning adjusts stiffness and the force sensing range, while modular integration streamlines assembly. The generated electrical signals support AI‐driven force predictions, enabling deployable, wide‐range force monitoring.