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Principles and Limitations of Converting Vibration to Electricity with Piezoelectric Devices The vibration energy we encounter in everyday life is often dissipated and lost. However, with piezoelectric elements , it is possible to convert such vibrations into electricity to power electronic devices. This article explores the working principles of piezoelectric devices, their applications, and their real-world limitations. Principle of Piezoelectric Devices Piezoelectric devices use the phenomenon called the piezoelectric effect , in which a voltage is generated when a material with a specific crystal structure is subjected to mechanical force (compression, bending, vibration, etc.). Conversely, when voltage is applied, the material deforms—this is known as the inverse piezoelectric effect . In energy harvesting, the direct effect is used to convert vibration into electrical energy. Electricity Conversion Process External vibration or pressure is applied to the piezoelectric d...

The Hidden Cost of Ice Cream Sales: When Supply Chains Collapse

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During peak summer heat, most people assume ice cream sales will soar. But in 2024, Korea’s ice cream market experienced a dramatic 35% drop in sales . This isn’t just a shift in consumer preferences — it’s a result of supply chain and distribution failures . This blog takes a closer look at how broken logistics and shelving strategies are keeping ice cream out of consumers' hands at the very moment it's most in demand. 1. Cold Chain Logistics: The Invisible Weakness Ice cream depends entirely on consistent freezing from factory to shelf . When summer heat intensifies, cold trucks are overbooked and store freezers exceed capacity . As a result, many retailers have reduced or suspended restocking ice cream products altogether. 2. Inflexible Distribution Systems Most ice cream supply chains operate on fixed delivery schedules, leaving little room to respond to temperature shifts, local demand, or real-time sales data . This leads to out-of-stock situations in some regi...

How to Start Your Car Without a Smart Key: Emergency Methods Explained

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When your smart key’s battery is dead or the key is lost, starting your vehicle can feel impossible. But don’t worry—most smart key-enabled vehicles are equipped with emergency start features . This post outlines how to start your car without a smart key and offers tips for staying calm in emergencies. 1. Common Reasons Your Smart Key May Not Work Dead battery: The internal CR2032 battery in the smart key has expired. Wireless interference: RF interference blocks the vehicle from receiving the key’s signal. Moisture or impact: Internal circuit damage inside the smart key. Loss or theft: You don’t have the physical key in possession. 2. Emergency Methods to Start Your Vehicle While exact steps vary by make and model, most vehicles support one of these emergency authentication methods . 1) Hold the Smart Key Against the Start Button Place the smart key directly against the engine Start/Stop button. With the key pressed to the button, step on th...

Jjamppong Doesn’t Exist in China? The Origins of Korean-Chinese Cuisine

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1. Where Does the Name Jjamppong Come From? The term “jjamppong” originated from the Japanese word “ちゃんぽん (Champon),” which means mixing various ingredients. After being introduced to Korea, it transformed into a unique spicy soup noodle dish that perfectly suits Korean tastes. 2. A Style Not Found in China While mainland China does offer seafood soup noodles and broth-based noodles, the spicy red version of jjamppong found in Korea doesn’t exist there. Korean jjamppong is made by stir-frying seafood and vegetables at high heat, then adding a spicy broth—completely different in flavor and technique from Chinese versions. 3. How Korean-Chinese Cuisine Was Born Starting in the late 19th century, Chinese immigrants settled in areas like Incheon and Busan. They began adapting their native dishes to suit Korean palates. Jjamppong is a prime example of this cultural fusion—combining Japanese champon, Chinese soup noodles, and the beloved Korean spiciness. 4. Other Dishes...

Ready in 3 Minutes! A Super Easy Morning Salad for Busy Days

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Mornings are always rushed—but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your health. What if you had a super simple salad that takes just 3 minutes to make? Here’s how to start your day with a quick, energizing salad even when you're short on time. 1. Prep the Night Before: The Key to Success Vegetables: Wash and dry romaine, spinach, cucumbers, etc., and store them sealed in the fridge Protein: Pre-cook chicken breast, boiled eggs, or chickpeas and refrigerate Dressing: Mix in advance and keep in a sealed jar (lasts 3–5 days) 2. Your 3-Minute Morning Routine Grab the ingredients, plate the veggies and protein, drizzle dressing, toss—and done. Truly just 3 minutes , no chopping, no cooking, no fuss. 3. Sample Salad Combos You Can Make in 3 Minutes ① Boiled Egg + Mixed Greens + Nuts Dressing: Olive oil + balsamic vinegar Highlights: Protein plus healthy fats in one bowl ② Chicken Breast + Romaine + Cherry Tomatoes Dressing: Plain yogu...

How to Choose Induction Cookware: Check with a Magnet!

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Can You Use Just Any Pot on an Induction Cooktop? Induction cooktops heat cookware directly through electromagnetic induction, which means not all pots are compatible . Only pots that respond to magnetic fields will work. Luckily, there’s a simple trick anyone can do: the magnet test . 1. Why Does Cookware Material Matter? Induction cooktops use the principle of electromagnetic induction . A coil underneath the surface generates a magnetic field that creates eddy currents in the cookware, which are then converted to heat through resistance. This means the cookware must be made of magnetic material to generate heat. 2. The Magnet Test: Easiest Way to Check Compatibility Place a magnet on the bottom of the pot. - If it sticks firmly → Compatible with induction - If it doesn’t stick → Not compatible Even stainless steel may not work depending on the type. Aluminum, copper, glass, and ceramic cookware are generally not compatible unless they have a special...

How Have Capacitors Evolved? The Historical Journey of Condensers

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Capacitors , commonly referred to as condensers , began in the 18th century through electrostatic experiments and have since become essential components in high-performance electronic devices . In this post, we will explore the origin, inventors, technological evolution, and modern applications of capacitors.     1. Origins and Early Experiments In 1745 , Ewald Georg von Kleist from Germany conducted a static electricity experiment using a glass jar filled with water and wrapped in metal. This device was the Leyden Jar , the prototype of the capacitor. A similar experiment was conducted by Pieter van Musschenbroek of the Netherlands, which helped formalize its function. 2. The Term “Condenser” Alessandro Volta expanded the principle of the Leyden Jar and described the device as one that "condenses electricity." This led to the term condenser being widely used in Europe. To this day, countries like Japan and South Korea commonly use this term. ...