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Systems and Methods for Powering Devices with a Thermoelectric System

a technology of thermoelectric system and power supply, applied in the field of thermoelectric generators, can solve the problem of extremely limited use of micro-robots

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-05-17
SUMRALL THEODORE S
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a system and method for powering micro-devices, such as micro-robots, using thermoelectric generators. The invention solves the problem of traditional battery power sources having limited operational time, as the thermoelectric generators can provide extended power to micro-devices through the use of heat energy sources. The invention uses a combination of thermal and electrical effects to convert heat energy into electrical energy or vice versa. The invention also includes a thermopile, which is a device that generates electrical current when heated, and a thermoelectric generator, which can be used as a power generator. The invention provides a more efficient and reliable power source for micro-devices, allowing them to operate over a longer period of time."

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, without an improved system or method for providing extended power to the micro-robots, the use of micro-robots becomes extremely limited.

Method used

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  • Systems and Methods for Powering Devices with a Thermoelectric System
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Embodiment Construction

[0016] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, this embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 1, continuously flowing electrical current may be created when a first wire 12 of a first material is joined with a second wire 14 of a second material and then heated at one of the junction ends 16. This is known as the Seebeck Effect. The Seebeck effect has two main applications: Temperature Measurement (thermocouple) and Power Generation. A thermoelectric system is one that operates on a circuit that incorporates both thermal and electric...

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Abstract

A system for powering a micro-robot including a thermoelectric system integrated with the micro-robot wherein the thermoelectric system includes a thermopile. A rechargeable battery operatively connected to the thermoelectric system to recharges the rechargeable battery using electricity generated by the thermopile from an environmental temperature gradient.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 704,838 entitled “Systems and Methods for Powering Devices with a Thermoelectric System,” filed on Aug. 2, 2005.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT [0002] The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms of Contract No. OF8630-03-C-0133 awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense.TECHNICAL FIELD [0003] This invention relates generally to the field of thermoelectric generators and more particularly to the use of thermoelectric generators to power micro-robots and other micro-devices. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Miniaturized robots, also mown as micro-robots, may be used in numerous situations and locations to receive and transmit data communications and perform various other requirements. Micro-robo...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06F19/00
CPCB25J7/00B25J19/005B65D5/0227B65D5/5425B65D71/36B65D2571/00141B65D2571/0058B65D2571/00604
Inventor SUMRALL, THEODORE S.
Owner SUMRALL THEODORE S