Proof-of-Concept Simulation of Trampoline-Based Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Using Tinkercad Simulation and Electromechanical Modeling
Houssam Eddine EL MANSOUR
Abstract. This paper provides a proof-of-concept study on the feasibility of integrating a distributed network of piezoelectric arrays into trampoline devices, which are widely used in recreational areas. Trampolines are devices that endure high mechanical strains in low- to medium-frequency patterns. Naturally, it presents a compelling case study for developing an electromechanical transduction-based system that harnesses biomechanical energy from the user’s jumps, for later use in various smart applications. This research develops a simulation in Tinkercad to emulate piezoelectric energy harvesting from trampoline jumps using a coupled software and hardware approach. Simulation results demonstrate that a 304-element array of 150 cm2 piezoelectric sensors in a 3 m diameter circular trampoline can achieve a maximum instantaneous power output of 751.48 mW and store up to 0.23 J in a 0.3s jump. The stored energy could be used to power low-power applications, such as LED lights within the same recreational area or the potential integration of smart health sensors embedded within the trampoline.
Keywords
Piezoelectric Sensor, Trampoline, Electromechanical Model, Energy Harvesting, Tinkercad Simulation
Published online 4/25/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Houssam Eddine EL MANSOUR, Proof-of-Concept Simulation of Trampoline-Based Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Using Tinkercad Simulation and Electromechanical Modeling, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 64, pp 502-509, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904091-63
The article was published as article 63 of the book Energy Futures
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
References
[1] M.M. Rahman, S. Li, H. Zhou, Optimal topology control of monitoring sensor network based on secure rate and energy efficiency, Frontiers Comput. Sci. 5 (2023) 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcomp.2023.1157629
[2] J. Liang, W.H. Liao, Analysis of piezoelectric harvester with multi-array configuration for enhanced efficiency, Results Eng. 21 (2025) 106728. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.106728
[3] E. Brusa, A. Carrera, C. Delprete, A review of piezoelectric energy harvesting: materials, design, and read-out circuits, Actuators 12 (12) (2023) 457. https://doi.org/10.3390/act12120457
[4] M. Khazaee, J.E. Huber, L. Rosendahl, A. Rezania, Four-point bending piezoelectric energy harvester with uniform surface strain toward better energy conversion performance, Appl. Phys. Lett. 121 (2022) 053901. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4220755
[5] K.K. Selim, I.H. Smaili, H.M. Yehia, M.M.R. Ahmed, D.A. Saleeb, Piezoelectric Sensors Pressed by Human Footsteps for Energy Harvesting, Energies 17(10) (2024) 2297. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17102297
[6] R. Mishra, S. Jain, C.D. Prasad, A review on piezoelectric material as a source of generating electricity and its possibility to fabricate devices for daily use of army personnel, Int. J. Systems, Control and Communications 6 (3) (2015) 212-221. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSCC.2015.068908
[7] H. Bamoumen, H. El Hafdaoui, A. Khallaayoun, Feasibility Study of a Piezoelectric Footstep Power Generator for Smart University Campus, 2024 Mediterranean Smart Cities Conference (MSCC), 2024, pp. 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/MSCC62288.2024.10697059
[8] S. Roundy, P.K. Wright, J. Rabaey, Energy Scavenging for Wireless Sensor Networks: With Special Focus on Vibrations, Springer, 2003. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-0485-6
[9] E. Lefeuvre, A. Badel, C. Richard, D. Guyomar, A comparison between several vibration-powered piezoelectric generators for standalone systems, Sensors and Actuators A: Physical 126 (2007) 405-416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sna.2005.10.043
[10] N. Kong, D.S. Ha, Low-Power Design of a Self-Sustaining Energy Harvesting System Using Piezoelectric Transducer, IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics 27 (5) (2012) 2298-2308. https://doi.org/10.1109/TPEL.2011.2172960
