Energy Collection Road

Abstract

1. An energy harvesting device comprising: a movable road element configured to move from a raised position due to the weight of one or more vehicles on the movable road element; and a link coupled to the movable road element and transitionable between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration, wherein in the rigid configuration, the link transmits forces from the movable road element and acts as a work input, and in the flexible configuration, the link is substantially isolated from movement of the movable road element, preventing the link from acting as a work input.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy harvesting device and a method for operating an energy harvesting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles have been on the road since the early 20th century. Since then, most developed countries have developed significant road infrastructure. According to the RAC, there were 39.2 million registered vehicles in the UK at the end of June 2021.

[0003] The UK government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Furthermore, the UK has set a goal of providing all of the UK's electricity from clean energy sources by 2035. As a result, there has been a significant push to obtain energy from alternative sources to traditional fossil fuels.

[0004] The number of vehicles on the UK's roads contributes to the UK's greenhouse gas emissions, however the aim of the present invention is to reduce some of the emissions emitted by vehicles on the roads. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present disclosure there is provided an energy harvesting device as set out in the accompanying claims. Other features of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided an energy harvesting device comprising: a movable road element configured to be moved from a raised position by the weight of one or more vehicles on the movable road element; and a link coupled to the movable road element and capable of transitioning between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration, wherein in the rigid configuration the link transmits forces from the movable road element and acts as a work input, and in the flexible configuration the link is substantially isolated from movement of the movable road element, preventing the link from acting as a work input.

[0007] The energy harvesting device is configured to collect energy from vehicles traveling on a road and store it or use it elsewhere. Furthermore, because the link is movable between a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration, the device can operate in either a harvesting mode in which it harvests energy or a non-harvesting mode, which means that the energy harvesting device can operate efficiently. In other words, during quiet times when there are no vehicles on the road, the device can be in non-harvesting mode, and then switch to harvesting mode as needed.

[0008] In a rigid configuration, the link may be configured to move in a first direction and fixed relative to the moveable road element.

[0009] The link comprises a first member and a second member coupled to one another at a first fixed point, and in a rigid configuration, the first member and the second member are fixed to one another at the fixed point, and in a flexible configuration, the first member and the second member are movable relative to one another about the fixed point.

[0010] By adjusting the link between flexible and rigid configurations, the device can be switched between acquisition and non-acquisition modes as needed.

[0011] The link includes an actuator coupled to a fixed point for selectively changing the link between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration, the actuator being controllable to change modes of the device as required.

[0012] In one example, the apparatus includes a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the vehicle, and a controller configured to control the actuator to selectively change the link from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration before the vehicle passes over the movable road element, the link being capable of transitioning to the rigid configuration when a vehicle passes over the road element and returning to the flexible configuration in the absence of a vehicle.

[0013] In one example, the moveable road element has a head configured to protrude from a substantially horizontal road surface and a leg configured to penetrate the road surface and couple to the link, The head may take the form of a standard element that protrudes from the road surface (e.g., a cat's eye or a speed bump).

[0014] In one example, the legs are configured to be constrained to move in a first direction by one or more leg guides.

[0015] In one example, the movable road element comprises a first road section and a second road section that form a road surface on which vehicles can travel, the first road section being movable relative to the second road section. For example, the road itself may be a movable road element configured to move as vehicles pass over it. In one example, the movable road element includes a pivot, a rear region of the first road section coupled to a front region of the second road section at the pivot, the first road section and the second road section being partially rotatable relative to one another about the pivot, and one or more guide rails configured to receive the pivot and constrain movement of the pivot in a first direction as a vehicle passes over a road surface. The pivot is configured to move away from a raised position when the weight of the vehicle is supported by one or more of the first road section and the second road section. In one example, movement of the pivot depends on the weight of the vehicle and a bias provided by a biasing element. The pivot and biasing element provide a mechanism by which the movable road element can move as needed.

[0016] In one example, the rear end of the first road section includes a plurality of slots and teeth configured to mate with a plurality of correspondingly shaped slots and teeth on the front end of the second road section.

[0017] In one example, the movable road element includes a first sliding plate with an opening configured to allow the pivot to extend through the opening. The first sliding plate is configured to be received on one or more guide rails to constrain movement of the first sliding plate and the pivot along the one or more guide rails in a first direction. The sliding plate can be used to constrain movement of the movable road element in a first direction (e.g., vertically).

[0018] In one example, the movable road element includes a biasing element configured to bias the movable road element to a raised position. The biasing element can be used to move the movable road element to a raised position when a vehicle is to pass and to move the movable road element to a lowered position when a vehicle is not to pass. That is, the controller can be used to adjust the position or biasing force of the biasing element when the weight / speed of the vehicle is detected by one or more sensors.

[0019] In one example, the biasing element includes a counterweight.

[0020] The apparatus includes a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of a vehicle passing through the deformable roadway, and the amount of bias provided by the biasing element is dependent on the weight of the vehicle. Data from the weight sensor can be used to adjust the position of the moveable roadway element.

[0021] In one example, the device includes an energy-driven mechanism, and the link is coupled to the energy-driven mechanism and configured to provide a work input to the energy-driven mechanism.

[0022] In one example, the energy drive mechanism includes one or more of a rack and pinion, a piston gear, one or more direct drive gears, and / or any mechanical drive such as a piston drive.

[0023] In one example, the energy driven mechanism includes one or more of a single acting pump, a double acting pump, a peristaltic pump, a bellows pump, a peristaltic pipe for transporting fluids, and / or an air / gas compressor and / or pump.

[0024] In one example, the energy driven mechanism is configured to transport the fluid from a first location to a second location having a higher head of water.

[0025] In one example, the fluid includes one or more of air, compressed air, aqueous oil, hydraulic fluid, or other suitable fluid. In one example, the energy-driven mechanism is configured to generate electrical energy.

[0026] In one example, the device comprises a structure configured to extend over a roadway, a structure configured to hold a fluid therein, and an energy-driven mechanism configured to move the fluid within the structure in use.

[0027] The features disclosed above can be combined in various ways. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an example of a side view of a vehicle traveling on a conventional road. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of a side view of a vehicle on a road including a schematic diagram of an energy harvesting device. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows a schematic diagram of a flexible energy harvesting device. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a schematic diagram of the energy harvester in a rigid configuration. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A shows a schematic example of a cross section of the device in an unloaded state. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B shows a schematic example of a cross section of the device under load. [Figure 5A]FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example device in an unloaded state. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example device under load. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows an example of the pump in an uncompressed state. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows an example of a pump in a compressed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present invention relates to an energy harvesting device. The energy harvesting device includes a movable or deformable road element configured to move or deform when a vehicle travels over the road element. The movement of the road element can serve as an energy and / or work input to a generator, motor, or the like. In other words, a portion of the energy from vehicles passing over the road can be effectively harvested and stored / used as energy input to an additional device.

[0030] Figure 1 shows an example of a vehicle 102 in the form of a car traveling on a roadway 104. Arrow A indicates the direction of travel of the vehicle. Two arrows B represent the weight of the vehicle 102 being transferred to the roadway surface via the wheels of the vehicle 102. Typically, on a conventional roadway, the roadway surface is directly supported by the ground or other support and is spread out to minimize movement of the roadway surface as the vehicle 102 passes over it.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an energy harvesting device 100 according to the present invention. The energy harvesting device 100 includes a movable road element 106 configured to move under the weight of a vehicle 102 supported thereon. The movable road element 106 can take the form of any part movable within or on a roadway. In one example, the movable road element 106 takes the form of a deformable speed bump configured to compress and move when the weight of the vehicle 102 is supported (e.g., when the vehicle drives over the movable road element). In a similar example, the movable road element can take the form of a protrusion elevated above the normal (substantially horizontal) surface of the roadway 104. A vehicle 102 traveling on the roadway contacts the movable road element 106 and exerts a weight load on it, causing the movable road element 106 to move. In one example, the movable road element 106 takes the form of a cat's eye located in the normal path of travel of the vehicle 102 on the roadway. In this example, the cat's eye deforms under the weight of the vehicle.

[0032] In one example, the movable roadway element 106 is configured to move from a substantially horizontal position to a submerged position due to the weight of the vehicle 102 supported thereon.

[0033] In another example, the movable road element 106 comprises a section of the road itself, configured to move as the vehicle 102 travels over the road, an example of which is described in more detail below.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the energy harvesting device 100 also includes a link 108. The link 108 is coupled to the movable road element 106 and is selectively configured to transfer energy generated by movement of the movable road element 106 to serve as work input. The link 108 is movable between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration. In the rigid configuration, the link 108 is configured to transfer energy from the movable road element 106 and serve as work input. In the flexible configuration, the link is configured to substantially isolate the movement of the movable road element 106, preventing the link from serving as work input.

[0035] Link 108 is shown in more detail in Figures 3A and 3B. In the example of Figures 3A and 3B, link 108 is shown to be formed of a first member 110 and a second member 112 joined together about a first fixed point 114.

[0036] The relative positions of the first member 110 and the second member 112 determine whether the link 108 is in a rigid or flexible configuration. In a flexible configuration, the first fixed point 114 is not fixed, and the first member 110 and the second member 112 can rotate relative to each other about this fixed point. That is, the first member 110 can rotate about the first fixed point 114, and the second member 112 can also rotate about the fixed point 114. In a flexible configuration, the first member 110 and the second member 112 are not fixed to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the link 108 is in a flexible configuration.

[0037] In some examples, the moveable road element 106 includes legs 116 configured to couple the moveable road element 106 to the link 108. In other examples, the legs 116 are not part of the moveable road element 106, but are part of the link 108 itself. The function of the legs 116 is to couple the moveable road element 106 to the link 108, such that the moveable road element 106 is directly or indirectly coupled to the link 108.

[0038] In one example, leg 116 is configured to be coupled to a first end of first member 110 at second fixed point 118. Similar to first fixed point 114, second fixed point 116 is changeable between a locked configuration in which leg 116 and first member 110 are fixed to one another and an unlocked configuration in which leg 116 and first member 110 can rotate relative to one another about second fixed point 118.

[0039] In one example, link 108 includes a third member 120 configured to be coupled to second member 112 at a third fixed point 122. Similar to first fixed point 114 and second fixed point 116, third fixed point 122 is changeable between a locked configuration in which third member 120 and second member 112 are fixed to one another and an unlocked configuration in which third member 120 and second member 112 are rotatable relative to one another about third fixed point 122. In some examples, third member 120 and third fixed point 122 are not part of link 108, but rather are part of an external device that may be coupled to link 108.

[0040] In one example, the link includes a guide member 124. The guide member 124 is configured to be coupled to the first fixed point 114. The guide member 124 is not configured to rotate about the first fixed point 114. In one example, the guide member 124 is positioned to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the legs 116 and the third member 120. The guide member 124 may be constrained to move in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis of the guide member 124. The link 108 may include a first constraint 126 configured to limit movement of the guide member 124 and the actuator 132 in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis of the guide member 124. In one example, the guide member 124 includes a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder may be telescopic. In one example, the actuator 132 may be attached to a trunnion. In one example, the actuator 132 comprises a cylinder with a trunnion mount that forms an unenergized in-line link 108, allowing the same movement as any energized mechanism.

[0041] The link 108 may also include a second restraint (or leg restraint) 128 configured to restrict movement of the leg 116 in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis of the leg 116 .

[0042] The link 108 may also include a third restraint 130 configured to limit movement of the third member 120 in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis of the third member 120 .

[0043] In the flexible configuration, the moveable road element 106 is configured to move in a first direction C due to the weight of the vehicle 102. The movement of the moveable road element 106 causes the first end of the first member 110 to move in the same direction as the movement of the moveable road element 106 (i.e., direction C shown in FIG. 3A ). In some examples, the legs 116 transfer the movement of the moveable road element 106 to the first member 110, as described above.

[0044] In the flexible configuration, the first fixed point 114 is in an unlocked configuration, and the first member 110 and the second member 112 are rotatable about the first fixed point 114. In this case, when the first end of the first member 110 moves in a first direction, the first member 110 and the second member 112 rotate relative to each other about the first fixed point 114, and the guide member 124 moves in direction D, as shown in FIG.

[0045] 3A, the link 108 is shown in a flexible configuration, meaning that the third fixed point 122 is substantially isolated from the movement of the moveable road element 106.

[0046] FIG. 3B illustrates an example of the energy harvesting device 100 in a rigid configuration. In this example, the first fixed member 114 is fixed such that the first member 110 and the second member 112 are in a fixed relationship relative to one another (i.e., the first member 110 and the second member 112 cannot rotate about the first fixed member 114). As an example, in this configuration, the first member 110 and the second member 112 are aligned along a single longitudinal axis. The link 108 simply locks the first fixed member 114. In another example, after the first member 110 and the second member 112 are aligned along the single longitudinal axis, the link 108 can be transitioned from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration by locking the first fixed member 114, the second fixed member 118, and the third fixed member 122. The first member 110 and the second member 112 are aligned by the action of an actuator 132 connected to the guide member 124. In other words, the actuator can selectively change the link 108 between a flexible and a rigid configuration as needed. The first fixed member 114, the second fixed member 118, and the third fixed member 122 can be any member, such as a hinge, that connects various combinations of the first member 110, the second member 112, and the third member 120 and can be transitioned between a flexible state in which all members move relative to one another, and a locked state in which the members are prevented from moving relative to one another.

[0047] In the rigid configuration, the second end of the second member 112 is configured to move the same amount as the moveable road element 106. In other words, in the rigid configuration, the energy harvesting device 100 is configured to be able to transfer energy from vehicles moving on the roadway for use as work input elsewhere. In this case, the link 108 can be configured to be in a fixed relationship relative to the moveable road element 106.

[0048] In one example, the length of one or more of the first member 110, the second member 112, and the third member 120 is adjustable. For example, one or more of the first member 110, the second member 112, and the third member 120 is telescopic. In another example, the first member 110, the second member 112, and the third member 120 are formed from rigid parts such as bars, tubes, etc.

[0049] 2, the energy harvesting apparatus 100 may include one or more sensors 134A, 134B. In one example, the one or more sensors 134A, 134B comprise weight sensors configured to measure the weight of the vehicle via the vehicle's axles. In another example, the one or more sensors include a speed sensor configured to measure the speed of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 134A, 134B include a weight sensor and a speed sensor.

[0050] The speed sensor is shown in FIG. 2 as part of the road 104, but in practice may take the form of a speed camera or the like.

[0051] The sensor data from the one or more sensors 134A, 134B can be used as input to determine whether the links 108 are in a rigid or flexible configuration. For example, the apparatus 100 may include a controller 136 configured to receive data from the one or more sensors 134A, 134B and operate the actuators 132 to adjust the links 108 to the correct orientation (e.g., rigid or flexible as needed). In one example, the sensor data from the one or more sensors 134A, 134B may be used as input to determine how many of the links 108 of the energy harvesting apparatus 100 are configured to be rigid.

[0052] 4A shows a variation of the energy harvesting device 100. In this example, the road 104 has multiple movable sections. For example, the road 104 includes a first road section 138 and a second road section 140. In this example, one or more of the first road section 138 and the second road section 140 are movable road elements 106.

[0053] The first road section 138 and the second road section 140 are adjacent to each other along a common boundary 142. In one example, the rear region of the first road section 138 is disposed adjacent to the front region of the second road section 140.

[0054] The rear region of the first road section 138 may have a series of slots or teeth that correspond to the plurality of slots or teeth in the front end of the second road section 140 and are configured to be castellated along a common boundary 142. In one example, there is a gap between the series of slots or teeth in the first road section 138 and the slots or teeth in the second road section 140.

[0055] 4A also shows a third road section 144 and a fourth road section 146, although some embodiments include only the first road section 138 and the second road section 140. In some embodiments, the device 100 includes four or more road sections. In this example, at least the first road section 138 and the second road section 140 are movable by the weight of one or more vehicles 102 supported on the road sections or adjacent road sections.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4A , the apparatus 100 includes one or more links 108 that operate as described in FIGS. 3A and 3B . The links 108 can be positioned directly beneath a moveable road section (e.g., the first moveable road section 138 or the second moveable road section 140). In other examples, the links 108 may be positioned at a junction or boundary between adjacent road sections. For example, the link 108 may be positioned between the first road section 138 and the second road section 140. In some examples, a leg 116 (which may be part of the road 104 or the link 108) may extend downward from the road 106 and couple with the first member 110 of the link 108 as described above. In other examples, the first member 110 of the link is configured to directly abut or connect to the road 106.

[0057] 4B shows an example of road 104 under load, i.e., vehicle 102 is supported on one or more of first road section 138 and second road section 140. In this example, first road section 138 and second road section 140 move due to the weight of vehicle 102, and that movement can be transferred to link 108 in a similar manner as described above in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0058] As will be explained in more detail below, adjacent road sections are joined together so that the rear region of one road section and the front region of the adjacent road section (i.e., the abutment between adjacent road sections) move in position together, i.e., the joining edges of adjacent roads move by the same amount.

[0059] 4B, the links 108 are shown in a rigid configuration. In some examples, each road section has multiple links 108 that can be selectively arranged in a rigid / flexible configuration, as described in more detail below.

[0060] A more detailed cross-section of a portion of the device 100 is shown in FIG. 5A. In the example of FIG. 5A, the cross-section is taken at boundary 142 (between the first road section 138 and the second road section 140, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B). In this example, the road section is shown as the first road section 138, but may actually be another road section. The device 100 may include a pivot 148. In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the pivot 148 comprises a rod or spindle, although other means for providing a pivot are envisioned. The first road section 138 and the second road section 140 may be coupled to the pivot 148 such that they can rotate about the pivot 148 relative to each other in use. In one example, a front plate 150 is fixed to the second road section 140, and a rear plate 152 is fixed to the first road section 138.

[0061] The plates may be arranged such that in use the front plate 150 and the rear plate 152 at least partially overlap, i.e. the front plate 150 is adjacent the second road section 140 and the rear plate 152 is positioned away from the first road section 138, such that the rear plate 152 and the front plate 150 are adjacent each other in use.

[0062] Both the front plate 150 and the rear plate 152 include openings configured to be aligned in use, and the pivot 148 is configured to pass through both the opening in the front plate 150 and the opening in the rear plate 152.

[0063] In one example, the openings in the front plate 150 are slot openings and the openings in the back plate 152 are slot openings.

[0064] Also shown in FIG. 5A is a guide rail 154 configured to receive and support the pivot 148. In one example, the pivot 148 is configured to be attached to a sliding mechanism, such as a sliding plate 156 configured to slide in a first direction within the guide rail 154 when a force is applied in the first direction. The first direction is represented by the arrow shown in FIG. 5A. The guide rail 154 may include one or more slots (or rails / guides) that are complementary in shape to the sliding plate 156 so that the sliding plate 156 can move in the first direction when a force is applied. In one example, the sliding plate 156 includes an opening in which the pivot 148 is received. In another example, the pivot 148 is attached to a surface of the sliding plate 156.

[0065] In one example, the apparatus 100 includes a biasing element / bias 158 configured to bias the pivot 148 to the raised position (see FIG. 5A). In one example, this is done by biasing a slide plate 156 to which the pivot 148 is coupled to the raised position. The biasing element 158 may be in the form of a pivot beam 160 configured to rotate about a fulcrum 162. The pivot beam 160 is configured to be coupled to the slide plate 156 on a first side of the fulcrum 162, and a counterweight 164 is disposed on a second side of the fulcrum 162. That is, the counterweight 164 functions to bias the pivot 148 to the raised position in an unloaded state in the absence of an external force. The pivot beam 160 may be coupled to the slide plate via an intermediate connection 166.

[0066] In another example, the biasing element 158 can take the form of one or more springs configured to exert a force on the sliding plate 156 to place the sliding plate 156 in the raised position in the absence of other forces.

[0067] The pivot 148 may be positioned relative to one or more road sections 138, 140 so as to be aligned with the top surface of one or more adjacent connected road sections 138, 140. The first road section 138 is rotatable relative to the second road section about the pivot 148, and thus aligning the pivot 148 with the adjacent top surfaces of the first section 138 and the second road section 140 means that the top surface of the road 136 is substantially continuous, i.e., free of bumps that may cause problems for vehicles traveling thereon.

[0068] The apparatus 100 may include a plurality of buffers 168, 170, 172, 174 configured to limit the range of movement of the roadway 104 from an unloaded state to a loaded state. The first set of buffers 168, 170 may form part of the guide rail 154, and the second set of buffers may form part of the roadway section. In FIG. 5A, the roadway 104 is positioned in a raised position; that is, the pivot 148 is biased to a raised position. In this raised position, the first set of buffers 168, 170 may be configured to abut one another to prevent further elevation of the pivot. In the unloaded state, the second set of buffers 172, 174 are configured to be spaced apart from one another.

[0069] In FIG. 5A, the weight of the deformable roadway 104 is transferred through the pivot 148 to the biasing element 158, which has sufficient strength (bias) to maintain the pivot 148 in the raised position.

[0070] In FIG. 5A, the link 108 is shown coupled to the underside of the first road section 148 in a flexible configuration.

[0071] 5B illustrates the device 100 under load. That is, as the vehicle 102 traverses the first road section 138 and / or the second road section 140, the weight of the vehicle 102 is transferred to the pivot 118 via the first road section 138 and / or the second road section 140. The weight of the vehicle 102 added to the dead weight of the first road section 138 and the second road section 140 is sufficient to overcome the biasing force provided by the biasing element 158 and move the pivot 148 in a first direction. In some examples, the first direction is substantially vertical.

[0072] In other words, the pivot 148 is configured to move away from the raised position when the vehicle 102 traverses the first road section 138 and / or the second road section 140. The movement of the pivot 148 depends on the weight of the vehicle 102 being transmitted to the pivot 148 via one or more of the first road section 138 and the second road section 140 overcoming the biasing force provided by the biasing element 158.

[0073] In the example shown in Figure 5B, link 108 transitions to a rigid configuration in which road motion is transferred to link 108 and can be used as work input for additional equipment.

[0074] In one example, the unloaded position of pivot 148 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of biasing force provided by biasing element 158. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, this can be achieved by adjusting the position of counterweight 164 relative to fulcrum 162. In other words, adjusting the lever arm of counterweight 164 can change the moment generated by the counterweight about fulcrum 162. The position of the counterweight can be adjusted by an actuator (not shown) configured to move the counterweight on pivot beam 160. In another example, the position of the fulcrum itself is adjusted by an actuator. That is, pivot beam 160 can be moved horizontally to change the lever arm of biasing element 158. The combination of bias and weight achieves the required amount of movement depending on the weight of the vehicle.

[0075] In an example where the one or more sensors 134A, 134B include a speed sensor, the position of the pivot 148 between the first road section 108 and the second road section 140 can be moved to a selected position at the appropriate time as the vehicle 102 passes through the first road section 138 and the second road section 140. The position of the pivot 146 can be adjusted by moving the position of the counterweight 164 relative to the fulcrum 162 based on data from the one or more sensors 134A, 134B, as described above. The movement of the moveable road element 106 can be utilized as a work input. In one example, the apparatus 100 includes an energy-driven mechanism 180 configured to receive work input from the link 108 in a rigid configuration. In other words, movement of the moveable road element 106 causes the link 108 (in the rigid configuration) to provide work input to the energy-driven mechanism 180. When the link 108 is in the flexible configuration, the movement of the moveable road element 106 is substantially decoupled from the energy-driven mechanism 180.

[0076] In other examples, the device 100 does not include the energy drive mechanism 180 but is configured to transfer energy to the energy drive mechanism 180 .

[0077] 6A and 6B, the energy-driven mechanism 180 includes a pipe 182 for transporting the fluid. The pipe 182 may be disposed below the link 108 and configured to transport the fluid in response to the movement of the movable road element 106 (and thus the link 108) as the vehicle 102 passes over the roadway 104.

[0078] In Figure 6A, the pipe is shown in a substantially uncompressed state, ie, the links 108 are not exerting any significant force on the pipe, and the pipe is in an open configuration.

[0079] 6B, the pipe 182 is deformed or crushed due to the movement of the moveable road element 106. The moveable road element 106 moves due to the weight of the vehicle 102, and the link 108 is rigid to transfer the load from the vehicle 102 to the pipe 182.

[0080] 6A and 6B, the pipe 146 can be placed on a pedestal 152 or raised support. Compression of the pipe forces the fluid along the pipe 182. In some examples, the pipe 182 includes one or more valves that allow fluid to pass through the pipe in one direction.

[0081] When the vehicle 102 moves away from the moveable road element 106, the moveable road element 106 returns to its original position and the pipe 182 is no longer crushed.

[0082] The fluid may take the form of a water-soluble oil, hydraulic fluid, or other suitable fluid.

[0083] In some examples, the energy drive mechanism 180 is a pump or generator configured to use motion from the moveable road element 106 as a work input. In one example, the link 108 is configured to drive a single-acting or double-acting cylinder pump.

[0084] In one example, the energy drive mechanism 180 includes a bellows-type cylinder below the road surface to drive the fluid.

[0085] In one example, the energy drive mechanism 180 comprises a mechanical rack and pinion. In another example, the energy drive mechanism includes a mechanical piston (e.g., a gear in a train wheel).

[0086] In one example, the energy driven mechanism 180 includes one or more of a peristaltic pump, a compressor, a piston mechanism, a gear mechanism, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, and / or an electrical device.

[0087] The link 108, as described above, can be used with a variety of different types of energy drive mechanisms 180. These different energy drive mechanisms can have different capacities.

[0088] In some examples, movement of the movable roadway element 104 is used to direct fluid from a first reservoir to a second reservoir that has a higher head compared to the first reservoir, i.e., the device can be used to transport fluid to a location with higher potential energy that can then be used for energy generation.

[0089] In one example, the device comprises a structure configured to extend over a roadway, a structure configured to hold a fluid therein, and an energy-driven mechanism configured to move the fluid within the structure in use.

[0090] In other examples, the device 100 may be used to provide a work input to charge a battery, provide energy to a grid, etc. In other examples, the work input may be used as an actuator to drive the movement of additional elements.

[0091] The energy harvesting device 100 described above can be used in a variety of scenarios, such as creating generator roads, roundabouts, near existing water reservoirs, as a traffic calming measure near urban areas, and to help vehicles slow down near yield and stop signs.

[0092] Attention is directed to all papers and documents filed contemporaneously or previously hereto in connection with this application and published herewith, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and / or all steps of any disclosed method or process, may be combined in any combination, except combinations in which at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0094] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each disclosed feature is only an example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0095] The invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing embodiments, and extends to any novel or novel combination of features or steps of the disclosed methods or processes disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract and drawings).

Claims

1. a movable road element configured to move from a raised position due to the weight of one or more vehicles on the movable road element; a link coupled to the movable roadway element and capable of transitioning between a rigid configuration and a flexible configuration; In the rigid configuration, the link transmits forces from the movable road element to act as a work input; In the flexible configuration, the link is substantially isolated from the movement of the movable road element, preventing the link from acting as a work input. Energy harvesting device.

2. In the rigid configuration, the link is configured to move in a first direction fixed relative to the moveable road element. The energy harvesting device of claim 1 .

3. the link comprises a first member and a second member coupled together at a first fixed point; In the rigid configuration, the first member and the second member are fixed to one another at the fixed point; In the flexible configuration, the first and second members are movable relative to one another at the fixed point. The energy harvesting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the link includes an actuator coupled to the fixed point and configured to selectively change the link between the rigid configuration and the flexible configuration. The energy harvesting device of claim 3 .

5. a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the vehicle; a controller configured to control the actuators to selectively change the link from the flexible configuration to the rigid configuration before the vehicle passes over the moveable road element. The energy harvesting device of claim 4.

6. The movable road element comprises: a head configured to protrude from a substantially horizontal road surface; a leg configured to penetrate the road surface and couple to the link; 6. An energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the legs are configured to be constrained to movement in a first direction by one or more leg guides; The energy harvesting device of claim 6.

8. the movable road element comprises a first road section and a second road section that define a road surface on which vehicles can travel; the first road section is movable relative to the second road section; 8. An energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The movable road element comprises: a pivot connecting a rear region of the first road section and a front region of the second road section, connecting the first road section and the second road section so that they can partially rotate relative to each other about the pivot; one or more guide rails configured to receive the pivot and constrain movement of the pivot in a first direction as the vehicle passes over the road surface; the pivot is configured to move away from the raised position when the weight of the vehicle is supported on one or more of the first road section and the second road section.

9. The energy harvesting device of claim 8.

10. a rear end of the first road section having a plurality of slots and teeth configured to mate with a correspondingly shaped plurality of slots and teeth on a front end of the second road section; 10. The energy harvesting device of claim 9.

11. a first slide plate having an opening configured to allow the pivot to extend therethrough; the first slide plate is configured to be received within the one or more guide rails to constrain the first slide plate and the pivot for movement along the one or more guide rails in the first direction; 11. An energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 9 to 10.

12. a biasing element configured to bias the movable roadway element to the raised position; 12. An energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The biasing element has a counterweight.

13. The energy harvesting device of claim 12.

14. a weight sensor configured to sense a weight of the vehicle passing through the deformable road; The magnitude of the biasing force generated by the biasing element is adjusted according to the weight of the vehicle.

14. An energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. the device comprises an energy-driven mechanism; the link is coupled to the energy-driven mechanism and configured to provide a work input to the energy-driven mechanism; 15. An energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The energy-driven mechanism includes: rack and pinion, Piston gear, one or more direct drive gears, and / or Any mechanical drive, such as a piston drive, including one or more of:

16. The energy harvesting device of claim 15.

17. The energy-driven mechanism includes: Single-acting pump, double-acting pump, peristaltic pump, Bellows pump, peristaltic pipes for transporting fluids; and / or air / gas fluid compressors and / or pumps; including one or more of:

16. The energy harvesting device of claim 15.

18. the energy driven mechanism is configured to transport fluid from a first location to a second location having a higher head of fluid; 18. An energy harvesting device according to claim 16 or 17.

19. The fluid may include one or more of water, soluble oil, hydraulic fluid, seawater, desalination plant or other suitable fluid; 20. The energy harvesting device of claim 18.

20. the energy-driven mechanism is configured to generate electrical energy; 18. An energy harvesting device according to claim 16 or 17.

21. a structure configured to extend over the roadway; the structure is configured to hold a fluid therein; the energy-driven mechanism is configured to, in use, move a fluid within the structure.

18. An energy harvesting device according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

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