CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the methodology of the study. It incorporates the various

materials needed, the production of the device, the data gathering, and the data analysis.

Research Design

This study aimed to create a portable charger in public vehicles through the use of

a cushion utilizing the piezoelectric effect. To achieve this objective, the researchers used

experimental design for it is incorporated in an experimental study and descriptive design

since it used the scientific method to observe and interpret the process and outcome of the

experiment. The experimental method of the research study was employed since the

researchers used a procedure where a set of variables is kept at constant while another set

was measured as the subject of the experiment. The procedure was to assess the results,

specifically the amperage and voltage output of the device and its percentage input to the

power bank. The study aimed to deliver precise and accurate findings and conclusions for

the study and the said method was most appropriate to prove whether or not the

piezoelectric cushion is an effective electricity generator for charging outlets in public

vehicles.

Independent, dependent, and controlled variables were defined to successfully

gather the data needed. The independent variables, namely the weight of users and the

time travel, were manipulated. The dependent variables were determined as the higher

voltage, the current output, and a higher percentage input in the power bank produced by

the piezoelectric transducers under the mechanical stress of the weights of the

participants caused by the moving vehicles. There were three (3) weights of passengers to

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be tested upon: 45 kilograms, 55 kilograms, and 65 kilograms. In each weight, three trials

proceeded with three (3) different times of travel, 10 minutes, 20 minutes and 30

minutes.

Research Samples

To perform the methodology, the researchers built a prototype cushion meant to

be used during travels on jeepneys. The said product was a seat made of metal,

specifically a flat bar, due to its durability and able to withstand heavy loads of pressure.

Inside were piezoelectric transducers with a diameter of 20 mm, wirings (solid wire),

round flat bar (10 mm), and springs which were obtained from different hardware and

electronics shops around Centro of Naga City and were utilized to produce electricity.

The piezoelectric transducers were bought from an online electronic shop and were made

into a circuit that is connected to a power bank that served as the capacitor. A digital

power bank was chosen to regulate the percentage input. The actual testing and the data

gathering were conducted on a jeepney routing to and from Cararayan, Naga City. The

road was chosen due to its texture and also because it has less traffic than any other road

in Naga City, which was needed for the testing. Stratified sampling was used in choosing

the proponents who will use the device.

Research Instruments

The following materials were used in creating the device:

Piezoelectric transducers converted the electricity from mechanical stress applied

by the participants. The flat bar served as a body of the device and a round flat bar to put

pressure on piezoelectric transducers to convert electrical energy. A foam made the seat

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more comfortable and covered the device from any damages. A soldering iron supplied

heat to melt and solder. Soldering lead was used to form a permanent connection between

electronic components. A multimeter was also used to measure the amperage and voltage

of the piezoelectric transducers. A power bank served as the capacitor which stored

energy. Rubbers protected the piezoelectric transducers from any form of damage while

gaining pressure. An electrical tape insulated the electrical wires that conduct electricity.

A Springs were used to pushing the metal cover back at its original position when the

applied force is removed. A cable tie was used to tighten the rubbers on each block. A

welding rod was also used to join two metals and form the seat. Epoxy steel is used in

sealing electrical components. A grinder was used to cut the metal bars. Lastly, a

carpenter measure tape was used for measuring the device.

Research Procedures

These are the following materials and processes which covered the methods of the

study.

A. Making the device

i. Making the upper part of the device

The following materials were used:

a. Carpenter Tape Measure

b. Flat Bar

c. Grinder

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 d. Welder

e. Welding Rod

f. Round Plane Bar

g. Rubber

h. Cable Ties

Procedure:

1. Measure the flat bar by carpenter tape measure with a measurement of

33cm x 35cm and 43 cm x 45 cm and two modules were produced.

2. Cut the flat bar with a grinder.

3. Assemble the flat bar to have the upper base part using the welding

machine.

4. Cut the round plane bar by 6 cm in length having forty-two pieces of the

round plane bar.

5. Put the round plane bars which will add pressure into the piezoelectric

transducers onto the flat bar of the upper par.

6. On the tip of the round plane bar, attach and tighten rubbers with the use of

cable ties onto to avoid damages in the piezoelectric transducers.

ii. Making of the base of the device

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The following materials were used:

a. Carpenter Tape Measure

b. Flat Bar

c. Grinder

d. Welder

e. Welding Rod

f. Bulb Spring

g. Piezoelectric Transducers

h. Epoxy Steel

Procedures:

1. Measure the flat bar by 30cm by 33cm through a carpenter tape measure

for each module

2. Cut the flat bar with a grinder.

3. Assemble the flat bar to have the base part using a welding machine.

4. Attach a spring to every corner to ensure that the upper part of the

device will be returned to its original position.

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 5. Place piezoelectric transducers using epoxy steel into the base directly

below the round plane bars to ensure that they hit the piezoelectric

transducers.

6. Fix the wirings of piezoelectric transducers in a series connection in

one module and attach the two modules into a series-parallel circuit

B. Making and testing of the Circuit

The materials were used:

a. Multimeter

b. Piezoelectric Transducers

c. Soldering Rod

d. Soldering led

e. Electrical Tape

f. Scissor

g. Cutter

h. Pliers

i. Wire

Procedure:

1. Use pliers to peel off some wire coatings from the piezoelectric

transducers in order to connect them to one another. The connection

should be from the positive wire of the transducer to the negative wire

of the other to make a unified series circuit connection in each

quadrant.

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 2. Solder the wires to each other so that they do not loosen easily and get

damaged. The device has a series circuit connection in each module,

which must be tested by each circuit using a multimeter to see if it is

functioning.

3. Connect the two modules with a series-parallel connection.

C. Connecting the power bank to circuit

The materials were used:

a. Wires

b. Electrical Tape

c. Powerbank

Procedure:

1. Cut the edge of the USB cable and peel its coating in order for its wires

to connect with the circuit connection.

2. Connect the positive wire and negative wire of the USB cable to the

circuit connection.

3. With the use of electrical tape, tape the wire to each other to prevent

short circuits.

4. Plug in the USB cable to the power bank allowing electricity to flow,

charging the power bank succeedingly.

5. Put the power bank at the side of the device, allowing the users to

charge their cellular phones.

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Statistical Treatment

The questions in the statement of the problem were answered through the use of

the following statistical method:

1. The mean value was utilized to find a significant difference in the time and

weight of each trial.

2. Two-way ANOVA was used on the two independent variables namely time and

weight.

T-test was used to verify whether the results were able to reach standards of the
researchers’ hypothesis.

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