Energy capture device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy capture device comprising: a housing; a transfer plate pivotally mounted within the housing and having a bearing surface for receiving a load and an opposed surface comprising at least one output actuator proximal to a periphery of the transfer plate; a load member adapted to receive a source load and comprising a head which abuts and is supported by the bearing surface of the transfer plate, wherein the head of the load member is transversely moveable along a plane of the transfer plate bearing surface; at least one linear to rotating conversion mechanism for receiving a linear input from the at least one output actuator of the transfer plate and providing a rotational movement to a drive shaft; and a one-way clutch for receiving bi-directional rotational input from the conversion mechanism and outputting unidirectional rotation to an output shaft. Transverse movement of the load member relative to the transfer plate causes eccentric loading of the transfer plate which pivots relative to the housing and resulting relative linear movement of the at least one output actuator provides an input to the linear to rotating conversion mechanism and the one-way clutch converts the movement into an output torque at the output shaft.

Description

[0001] P2824GB00

[0002] Energy Capture Device

[0003] Field of Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an energy capture device. In particular, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an energy capture device suitable for use in energy conversion.

[0005] Background

[0006] There is an ever-increasing need for renewable energy sources. One potential renewable energy source is the use of energy capture devices to capture or "harvest" energy by conversion of kinetic energy. One potentially large source of energy for such energy capture systems is wave energy from bodies of water where an energy capture device is integral within a floatation body or means such as a buoy or floatation device of any reasonable scale. Wave energy is used herein as a broad term for water wave propagation and is not intended to be strictly limited to windgenerated swell (and may also, for example, include movement as a result of tides or dynamic flows through rivers and other outlets). Another large source of energy for such an energy capture system is where they are fitted to or integral within any vehicle type, wheel or track which experiences motion during operation, trains and any type of industrial equipment and machinery which causes or induces motion as a result of its operation. Other forms of energy capture device have also been proposed such as harvesting energy from the movement of vehicles, pedestrians or animals across the surface of a walkway platform, or a road or pavement where their weights cause a deflection of an element in contact and subsequent rotation of a shaft provide a motive source to a device such as a generator to produce energy. P2824GB00

[0007] An example of an energy capture device is shown in UK Patent Application GB2487680B in which deflectable elements are used to transfer motion from a road vehicle to a generation system via an endless belt or chain. Another energy capture system is shown in UK Patent Application GB2580870B in which a deflectable surface acts upon supporting elements which are then used to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy through a generator. Embodiments of GB2580870B include a wave energy conversion arrangement in which a floatable means carries a rolling mass which moves across the deflectable surface in response to movement of the floating body. Embodiments of the invention seek to provide an improved energy capture device.

[0008] Summary of Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an energy capture device comprising a housing and a transfer plate pivotally mounted within the housing and having a bearing surface for receiving a load and an opposed surface comprising at least one output actuator proximal to a periphery of the transfer plate. A load member is adapted to receive a (dynamic) source load. The load member comprises a head which abuts, and is supported by, the bearing surface of the transfer plate. The head of the load member is transversely moveable along a plane of the transfer plate bearing surface. The device further comprises at least one linear to rotating conversion mechanism for receiving a linear input from the at least output actuator of the transfer plate and providing a rotational movement to a drive shaft. A one-way clutch is provided for receiving bi-directional rotational input from the conversion mechanism and outputting unidirectional rotation to an output shaft. Transverse movement of the load member relative to the transfer plate causes eccentric loading of the transfer plate. As a result, the transfer plate is pivoted relative to the housing. The resulting relative linear movement of the at least one output actuator provides an input to the linear to rotating conversion mechanism. The one-way clutch converts the rotational movement into an output torque at the output shaft.

[0010] In embodiments the housing may define a volume around the transfer plate. The volume around the transfer plate may set the envelope of movement of the transfer P2824GB00 plate. As such, the transfer plate may have a defined freedom of movement relative to the housing as defined bythe volume. Forexample, movement ofthe transfer plate may be limited by coming into abutment with a portion ofthe housing at the periphery of the volume. The housing may further provide a protective enclosure for the energy capture device and may for example include environmental sealing. The housing may further comprise the support structure for the energy capture device components (for example the drive shaft and output shaft may be rotationally fixed to the housing such as being supported by the housing via bearings or bushes).

[0011] The housing may comprise an aperture through which the load member extends. The aperture may delimit the transverse movement of the load member. The aperture may, for example, be provided in an upper surface of the housing. The aperture may be in a panel which is in parallel alignment to the undeflected position of the transfer plate (and to the plane of the transfer plate bearing surface).

[0012] The, or each of the, at least one output actuator may comprise projection, which may extend outwardly from the opposed surface (i.e. the reverse surface) of the transfer plate. The projection may contain a spherical hardened ball as part of a bearing unit or may be a pad, both of which may extend generally perpendicular to the plane of the transfer plate. The projection may extend to a profiled (for example domed or part-spherical) engagement head at its distal end. In other embodiments the at least the, or each of the, at least one output actuator may comprise a linkage. The linkage may be coupled to the opposed surface of the transfer plate. The linkage may be connected by a pin to provide a pivotable connection between the linkage and the transfer plate.

[0013] The transfer plate may comprise a plurality of actuators. The plurality of actuators may be disposed at spaced apart locations. Each location may be proximal to a periphery of the transfer plate. In an embodiment the transfer plate may comprise three actuators disposed at equidistant locations around the transfer plate. Such an P2824GB00 arrangement is advantageously effective in converting movement of the transfer plate about a variety of pivot axis.

[0014] The linear to rotating conversion mechanism may be a reciprocating to rotating conversion mechanism. In embodiments the energy capture device comprises a conversion mechanism for each actuator. Each linear to rotating conversion mechanism may engage a drive shaft and clutch mechanism. In some embodiments a single drive shaft and clutch may be associated with a plurality of linear to rotating conversion mechanisms. The linear to rotating conversion mechanism may comprise a mechanical linkage. For example, in an embodiment the conversion mechanism comprises a lever arm defining a crank extending from the drive shaft, and in which the lever arm receives a linear force from one of the plurality of actuators. Various forms of reciprocating motion mechanisms are known and, as such, embodiments may additionally or alternatively include a reciprocating to rotating conversion mechanism selected from one of: a crank and slider mechanism; a cam and follower; a wobble plate; a swashplate or a scotch yoke.

[0015] The transfer mechanism may be pivotable relative to the housing about a plurality of rotational axis. The plurality of rotational axis may for example include two orthogonal axes. The device may further comprise a transfer plate mount. The transfer plate mount may secure the transfer plate relative to the housing. The transfer plate mount may be configured to provide multiple rotational degrees of freedom between the transfer plate and the housing. In some embodiments the mount may comprise a ball mount (which may for example be a hardened steel spherical ball). It will be appreciated that a ball mount defines a generally spherical bearing interface between the transfer plate and housing and retains the transfer plate axially whilst allowing free rotation in at least two axes. Alternatively, the transfer plate mount may comprise a linkage system defining a pivotal support. The transfer plate mount may for example comprise a gimbal arrangement. In embodiments, the mount may be configured to allow pivoting of the transfer plate about a centre point of the transfer plate. The mount may for example define a centre P2824GB00 of rotation at or aligned with a centre point on the bearing surface of the transfer plate (for example the centre point of a plane extending through the bearing surface).

[0016] The bearing surface of the transfer plate may have a concave profile. The concave profile may be defined by a recess, for example the bearing surface may include a recess in the form of an inverted spherical dome. The concave profile may have a centre of curvature coinciding with the centre point of the transfer plate. The concave profile may be configured to bias the head of the load member to the centre of the transfer plate. The centre of curvature of the concave profile may be aligned with the centre of rotation of the transfer plate and may, therefore, ensure that the load member and transfer plate have a tendency to self-centre under load. The selfcentring may be further assisted by spring members connected to the transfer plate.

[0017] The, or each, linear to rotating conversion mechanism may comprises a spring return mechanism. The spring return mechanism may bias the (or each) linear to rotating conversion mechanism to a non-activated position. Thus, the actuator of the transfer plate may act against the bias of the linear to rotating conversion mechanism during use. It will be appreciated that the spring return mechanism of embodiments may act directly on the linear to rotating conversion mechanism or may act indirectly, for example via the drive shaft.

[0018] The energy capture device may further comprise a generator coupled with the output shaft.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention there may be provided a wave energy converter comprising an energy capture device according to embodiments, a float and a deflection element which transfers wave energy as a source load to the load member.

[0020] The deflection element could for example be directly acted upon by wave movement or could alternatively be indirectly acted upon, for example as a result of relative movement of the float and inertia of the deflection element. The float may support P2824GB00 the housing of the energy capture device and may, in some embodiments, be integral with the housing. The wave energy converter containing at least one energy capture device may also be mounted within a float of any reasonable size and scale and carry a defined mass to cause energy capture as the entire system is displaced by the wave motion or may be

[0021] In some embodiments a plurality of wave energy converter may comprise an energy capture device according to embodiments. For example, a single deflection element structure, mounting or platform with a mass sat upon or attached and connected to provide an input to a plurality of load members each acting on a separate energy capture device and can be at least one or a plurality to uniformly distribute the desired mass across the surface of the structure, mounting or platform to the energy capture device or devices .

[0022] Another embodiment is to mount the energy converter system comprising energy capture device or multiples of, to a chassis structure, mount or platform which forms an intermediate mounting for any item or substance of mass to sit upon or attach to such as for example, all types of products typically packed for shipping on pallets or such food and beverage for supplies , equipment, machinery, devices such as fridges, containers and tanks and this type of energy converter may be installed on any type of maritime vessel for example ships or boats or any type of transport vehicles or systems such as cars, vans, trucks, trains, where the energy converter system forms an intermediate between the existing mounting or carrying surface of the transport vehicles, vessels or systems and any item of mass that would be normally carried by them in their normal operations and the energy converter system can be installed in singular multiples.

[0023] Embodiments of the invention can be utilised in a number of applications to include but not limited to any type of body, equipment or transport medium which is caused to displace in any random manner and axis of displacement by the natural reactive movement due to the action of the transport medium itself or by the motion of the P2824GB00 body on the waves of oceans or water disruption or tides or any type of body or system or equipment which experiences vibratory displacement during operation and can be for example

[0024] In embodiments the wherein the output actuator or actuators, mounted to the lower opposed bearing surface of the transfer plate may be spherical hardened ball bearings or pads. The balls bearings or pads may be both wear resistant and resilient and capable of carrying a desired or designed load in dynamic operational conditions.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention comprises an energy harvesting system for a vehicle. The system comprises a support for receiving a load and defining an intermediate support between the load and the vehicle; and at least one energy capture device according to an embodiment. One of the housing and support member of the device is coupled to the vehicle. The other of the housing and support member of the device is coupled to the intermediate support. As such, relative movement between the load and the vehicle provides an input load to the device.

[0026] In embodiments at least one / multiplies of the device may be utilised in an energy capture system. The devices may be connected via the load member of the energy capture device to a suitable structure, mounting or platform made capable to support and carry mass sat upon or attached and connected to provide an input to a singular or plurality of load members each acting on a separate energy capture device and can be at least one or a plurality to uniformly distribute the desired mass across the surface of the structure, mounting or platform to the energy capture device or devices.

[0027] In embodiments the energy capture device or multiples of, may be attached to a chassis structure, mount or platform which forms an intermediate mounting for any item or substance of mass to sit upon or attach to. For example, all types of products typically packed for shipping on pallets or such food and beverage for supplies, equipment, machinery, devices such as fridges, containers, and tanks. This type of P2824GB00 energy converter may be installed on any type of maritime vessel for example ships or boats or any type of transport vehicles or systems such as cars, vans, trucks, trains. Wherein the energy converter system may form an intermediate between the existing mounting or carrying surface of the transport vehicles, vessels or systems and any item of mass that would be normally carried by them in their normal operations.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention comprises a method of energy harvesting. The method comprises providing a pivotally mounted transfer plate for receiving a load, loading a bearing surface of the transfer plate with a transversely moveable dynamic load; transferring a resulting linear movement of the transfer plate to a drive shaft as a rotational output; connecting the rotational output to the input of a generator; and providing a one-way clutch between the transfer plate and the input of the generator. The method may utilise a device in accordance with embodiments.

[0029] A further aspect of the invention may comprise an apparatus for kinetic energy capture. The apparatus may comprise a transfer plate pivotally mounted within a housing and defining a surface for receiving a transversely moveably dynamic load. At least one linear to rotating conversion mechanism is positioned proximal to a periphery of the transfer plate such that pivoting of the transfer plate provides a linear input to the conversion mechanism. A drive chain is provided which may comprising at least a drive shaft receiving a torque from the conversion mechanism and an output shaft for providing an output torque to a generator. The apparatus may further comprise a one-way clutch mechanism in the drive chain such that a bi-directional input at the conversion mechanism is converted to a unidirectional rotation at the output shaft. In embodiments a plurality linear to rotating conversion mechanism may be positioned proximal to the periphery of the transfer plate at distributed locations (such thar the apparatus may react to pivoting in multiple directions and / or about multiple axes). The drive chain may comprise a plurality of drive shafts. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of one-way clutch mechanisms. P2824GB00

[0030] Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description or drawings.

[0031] Description of the Drawings

[0032] Embodiments of the invention may be performed in various ways, and embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of an energy capture device in accordance with an embodiment;

[0034] Figures 2A to 2D show different views of the energy capture device of figure 1 with the housing omitted;

[0035] Figures 3A and 3B show an alternative embodiment of the energy capture from different views with the housing omitted;

[0036] Figure 4A and 4B show details of the transfer plate, load member and transfer plate mount in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 5A and 5B show details of the transfer plate, load member and transfer plate mount in accordance with another embodiment; and

[0038] Figures 6A and 6B show configurations of an energy conversion system including a plurality of energy capture devices according to an embodiment.

[0039] P2824GB00

[0040] Detail Description of Embodiments

[0041] It may be noted that upper and lower are used herein to conveniently refer to the device in its typical in use orientation. Thus, it will be understood that "upper" surfaces, components, or directions are those proximal to the load point of the device. However, it will be appreciated that such references are not intended to be limiting, and that the device may take a variety of orientations in use. Likewise, any references to circumferential, radial, or axial directions may be interpreted broadly as general geometric terms of orientation and, for example, do not exclude that a component may have a non-circular or irregular form.

[0042] An energy capture device 1 according to one embodiment is shown in figures 1 and 2A to 2D. As seen in Figure 1 the device 1 is contained within a housing 10 which has an upper cover 14, a lower cover 16 and side walls 18. The housing protects and supports the inner mechanism of the energy capture device and, for clarity, is omitted in Figure 2A to 2D. The upper cover 14 includes an aperture 15 through which a load member 20 extends. As will be explained further below the load member 20 can be attached to any convenient input device (for example a deflection member which is activated by wave power or any floatation device, vessel or moving object) to provide the system with a dynamic input force and motion which the energy capture device is arranged to convert into an input for a generator 90. The generator 90 may be mounted to a side of the housing 10 which may for example provide a convenient configuration for access to electrical outputs and for maintenance. The generator 90 may for example be housed in a sealed body fixed relative to the housing 10. Any number of additional access openings such as that shown in the side wall 18 may also be provided (and may for example be enclosed by a cover in use) for example to allow maintenance access to the mechanism of the energy capture device. The size and shape of the aperture 15 may be intentionally configured to ensure that the load member 20 has a pre-selected limited range of motion relative to the energy capture device 1. For example, the aperture 15 may limit the movement of the load member 20 to a radius of less than 30mm from the centre point of the apparatus 1. P2824GB00

[0043] The mechanism of the energy capture device 1 is best seen in Figures 2A to 2D (in which the housing 10 is omitted). The energy capture device 1 generally comprises a transfer plate 30 which is pivotally mounted relative to the housing 10, a linear to rotating conversion mechanism 40, a drive shaft 50, a one-way clutch 60 and an output shaft 70 (which is coupled to the generator 90).

[0044] The transfer plate 30 comprises an upper bearing surface 32, which abuts and supports a head 24 of the load member 20, and an opposed lower surface 33. The transfer plate 30 is supported relative to the housing 10 on a transfer plate mount 38. The transfer plate mount 38 and lower surface 33 define a complementary ball-mount bearing configuration. The ball support provided by the mount 38 is at the centre point of the transfer plate 30 and enables the transfer plate 30 to pivot freely about multiple axis of rotation whilst being axially constrained and supported. The internal surfaces of the housing 10 define a volume around the transfer plate 30 and may, therefore, determine the envelope of movement available to the transfer plate 30.

[0045] The upper bearing surface 32 of the transfer plate 30 includes a hardened resilient wear flat region which can be a concave recess 34 which helps to align the contact point of the head 24 of the load member 20. The recess 34 in Figure 2 has an inverted spherical dome profile with its centre of curvature coinciding with the central axis of the transfer plate 30. This provides a bearing surface 32 which causes the head 24 of the load member 20 to tend to self-centre on the transfer plate 30. An alternate transfer plate configuration is shown in the detailed views of Figure 4A and 4B in which the recess 34 of the bearing surface 32 has a planar profile. This would not provide the alignment benefit of the curved surface but may, for example, be beneficial depending upon the dynamics of the load member 20. The recess 34 of Figure 4 includes a stepped rim at its periphery which helps to limit the transverse displacement of the load member 20, relative to the transfer plate 30. P2824GB00

[0046] The lower surface 33 of the transfer plate 30 includes output actuator features 36 which are proximal to the periphery of the plate 30. The actuator features in the embodiment of Figure 2 can be spherical hardened balls or pads 36 which are formed by projections extending perpendicularly away from the plane of the transfer plate 30. Each of the spherical hardened ball or pad 36 has a profiled engagement head or spherical hardened ball at its distal end which provides a part-spherical bearing / contact surface. The pads may be spherical hardened ball bearings or formed of hardened metal to resist wear.

[0047] In the embodiment of figures 2 and 4 it may be noted that the transfer plate has a generally triangular shape which enables three actuators in the forms spherical hardened balls or of pads 36a, 36b and 36c to be defined proximal to each corner of the lower surface 33 of the transfer plate 30. A triangular transfer plate 30 can be advantageous in minimising the size of the transfer plate whilst maintaining the ability to react to rotation about a variety of different axis. The embodiments of Figure 5 show an alternative configuration in which the transfer plate 34' has a circular profile such that an annular peripheral rim surrounds the recess 34'. It may be appreciated that any number of actuator pads may be provided, but three is an ideal minimum to ensure that the device is able to capture all axis of movement of the transfer plate.

[0048] The energy capture device 1 also includes a linear to rotating conversion mechanism 40 for receiving a linear input from each actuator 36 of the transfer plate 30. In the embodiment of Figure 2 the linear to rotating conversion mechanism comprises a crank member 42 which is coupled to, and projects radially outwardly from, a drive shaft 50. Each crank arm 42 includes a bearing surface which is engaged by the head 36. In this embodiment the device 1 includes two parallel spaced apart drive shafts 50 mounted via bearings to a support 12 and 14 associated with the housing 10 and positioned below the transfer plate 30. The first drive shaft 50a includes a pair of crank members 42a and 42c at opposite axial ends which are acted on by two of the actuators 36a and 36c. The second drive shaft 50b has a single crank member (obstructed from view in the figures) which is located centrally along the axial length P2824GB00 of the shaft 50b. As such the device 1 comprises three linear to rotating conversion mechanisms 40 and two drive shafts 50. It will be appreciated that different configurations of conversion mechanisms and shafts may be easily selected without changing the underlying operation of the device. The linear to rotating conversion mechanism 40 also includes a spring 44 to provide a return mechanism. The spring 44 biases the linear to rotating conversion mechanism 40 to a non-activated position. The spring mechanism ensures that the linear to rotating conversion mechanism 40 will reciprocate between a loaded (i.e. deflected / compressed) position of the transfer plate 30 and an unloaded position in use (as will be explained further below).

[0049] The drive shafts 50 output via gears 62a to an output shaft 70 (on which the generator 90 is mounted). A one-way clutch mechanism 60 is provided in the drive train between the drive shafts 50 and the output shaft 70. It will be appreciated that there are various manners in which a one-way clutch can be integrated into a drive mechanism. In the embodiments the one-way clutch comprises a clutch bearing 60 disposed between each drive shaft 50 and the output gear 62. This provides a compact and efficient arrangement which ensures that the gear can be rotated in a first direction to provide a torque whilst allowing the shaft 50 (and therefore the mechanism 40) to freely return in the counter direction.

[0050] In use, a dynamic load is applied to the load member 20 via the coupling portion 22. The load causes the load member 20 to move transversely relative to the housing 10 in a first direction resulting in displacement of the head 24 relative to the transfer plate 30. The head 24 then applies an eccentric load to a portion 34 of the bearing surface 32 of the transfer plate 30. The mount 38 allows the transfer plate 30 to pivot about its centre point due to the eccentric loading. The actuators 36 at the periphery of the transfer plate 30 on the side to which the load member has moved eccentrically, are therefore linearly downwardly displaced. The actuators 36 act upon the crank members 42 and cause a rotation of the drive shaft 50. The torque on the drive shaft 50 is transferred via the clutch bearing 60 to the gears 62 and provides an output torque to the shaft 70 for driving the generator. P2824GB00

[0051] When the dynamic load moves away from the first direction the load member 20 is caused to move in a second direction. The second direction will be at least partially opposite to the first direction (but may be a vector with a component in a perpendicular direction). This return movement unloads the eccentric loading on the first side of the transfer plate 30 (and may also load another portion of the plate). The unloading allows the transfer plate 30 to pivot back towards its neutral position (which may be assisted by return springs and / or the profile of the bearing surface). The actuators 36 at the periphery of the transfer plate 30 on the side to which the load member previously moved are therefore able to displace linearly upward. The actuators 36 lift from the crank members 42 and the return springs 44 of the conversion mechanism 40 cause a reverse rotation of the drive shaft 50. The clutch bearing 60 isolates the gears 62 from this reverse movement and allows the shaft 50 and crank members 42 to freely return.

[0052] It may be appreciated that due to the multi-axis movement of the transfer plate and the return action of the device embodiments may be particularly effective in capturing energy from a variable or fluctuating dynamic load. Advantageously the device of embodiments does not require a specific orientation with respect to the load and can react to loads from any transverse direction. This makes embodiments particularly well suited for incorporation into a wave energy capture system. For example, the housing and / or the load member could be coupled to a float in use to provide relative motion therebetween. Embodiments may also be suitable for use in any other device, machinery, vehicles, maritime vessels, or equipment. Another example is that the housing and / or load member could be connected to a platform to carry anything of mass, and this could be installed on any type of maritime vessel or on any vehicle or transport system were motion results from normal operational activity.

[0053] An alternative mechanism for use in embodiments is shown in Figures 3A and 3B. This embodiment has the same underlying operating principle, and it should be appreciated that the alternate features of this embodiment can be interchanged with P2824GB00 their equivalent features in the previous embodiments. This embodiment has a circular transfer plate 30' (but could use any convenient shape). The output actuator features of this embodiment comprise link arms 36' which are coupled at one end to the lower surface of the transfer plate 30' via pins 35 and at the other end to a linear to rotating conversion mechanisms 40' via pins 37. The link arms 36' may therefore form connecting rods which provide the input to conversion mechanism 40' associated with the shaft 50'. It may also be noted that in this embodiment the oneway clutch 60' is disposed between (and integrated with) the linear to rotating conversion mechanisms 40' and the shaft 50'. Thus, in this embodiment the shaft 50' will only rotate in a single direction and the output gearing to the generator 90' is simplified.

[0054] Figure 6A and 6B illustrate how a plurality of energy capture devices la-ld can be utilised in a single energy capture system. A single platform 100 or 100' of any suitable size or form may be used to support a dynamic mass with multiple devices (for example three in Figure 6A and four in Figure 6B) then arranged and suitably distributed. The platform may, for example, then be connected to the coupling portion 22 of each of the devices la-ld such that dynamic loading on the platform is converted to a torque and resulting electrical output at the generator of each device. It may be appreciated that an advantage of such an arrangement of multiple devices may be that they can operate semi-independently with energy capture at each device depending upon the loading of the platform at any given time and that loads and mass of any reasonable volume and magnitude can be supported uniformly and the energy captured through the energy capture devices.

[0055] Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, whilst embodiments use a coil spring acting upon the crank mechanism as a spring return other arrangements are possible. For example, in some embodiments a torsion spring could provide a spring return arrangement via the drive P2824GB00 shaft. Whilst the embodiments shown use a ball type mount for the transfer plate the skilled person will be aware that other mounting arrangements, such as a gimbal mount, are known which also provide a multi-axis pivot support arrangement.

Claims

P2824GB00Claims1. An energy capture device comprising: a housing; a transfer plate pivotally mounted within the housing and having a bearing surface for receiving a load and an opposed surface comprising at least one output actuator proximal to a periphery of the transfer plate; a load member adapted to receive a source load and comprising a head which abuts and is supported by the bearing surface of the transfer plate, wherein the head of the load member is transversely moveable along a plane of the transfer plate bearing surface; at least one linear to rotating conversion mechanism for receiving a linear input from the at least one output actuator of the transfer plate and providing a rotational movement to a drive shaft; and a one-way clutch for receiving bi-directional rotational input from the conversion mechanism and outputting unidirectional rotation to an output shaft; wherein transverse movement of the load member relative to the transfer plate causes eccentric loading of the transfer plate which pivots relative to the housing and resulting relative linear movement of the at least one output actuator provides an input to the linear to rotating conversion mechanism and the one-way clutch converts the movement into an output torque at the output shaft.

2. An energy capture device according to claim 1, wherein the housing defines a volume around the transfer plate, the volume setting the envelope of movement of the transfer plate.

3. An energy capture device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises an aperture through which the load member extends and wherein the aperture delimits the transverse movement of the load member.P2824GB004. An energy capture device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the transfer plate comprises a plurality of actuators disposed at spaced apart locations each proximal to a periphery of the transfer plate.

5. An energy capture device according to claim 4 wherein the transfer plate comprises three actuators disposed at equidistant locations around the transfer plate.

6. An energy capture device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a linear to rotating conversion mechanism for each actuator.

7. An energy capture device according to any preceding claim, wherein the transfer mechanism is pivotable relative to the housing about a plurality of rotational axis.

8. An energy capture device according to claim 7, wherein the device further comprises a transfer plate mount, the mount securing the transfer plate relative to the housing and configured to provide multiple rotational degrees of freedom between the transfer plate and the housing.

9. An energy capture device according to claim 8, wherein the mount comprises a ball mount.

10. An energy capture device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mount is located at a centre point of the transfer plate.

11. An energy capture device according to any preceding claim, wherein the bearing surface is flat.P2824GB0012. An energy capture device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the bearing surface has a concave profile.

13. An energy capture device according to claim 12, wherein the concave profile has a centre of curvature aligned with the centre of the transfer plate.

14. An energy capture device according to any preceding claim, wherein the, or each, linear to rotating conversion mechanism further comprises a spring return mechanism.

15. An energy capture device according to any preceding claim further comprising a generator coupled with the output shaft.

16. An energy conversion system comprising a plurality of energy capture device according to any preceding claim, a load platform coupled to the load members of each energy capture device.

17. A wave energy converter comprising an energy capture device according to any of claims 1 to 15, a float and a deflection element which transfers wave energy as a source load to the load member.

18. An energy harvesting system for a vehicle, the system comprising: a support for receiving a load and defining an intermediate support between the load and the vehicle; and at least one energy capture device according to any of claims 1 to 15, and wherein one of the housing and support member of the device is coupled to the vehicle and the other of the housing and support member of the deviceP2824GB00 is coupled to the intermediate support such that relative movement between the load and the vehicle provides an input load to the device.

19. A method of energy harvesting, the method comprising: providing a pivotally mounted transfer plate for receiving a load, loading a bearing surface of the transfer plate with a transversely moveable dynamic load; transferring a resulting linear movement of the transfer plate to a drive shaft as a rotational output; connecting the rotational output to the input of a generator; and providing a one-way clutch between the transfer plate and the input of the generator.

20. An apparatus for kinetic energy capture, the apparatus comprising: a transfer plate pivotally mounted within a housing and defining a surface for receiving a transversely moveably dynamic load; at least one linear to rotating conversion mechanism positioned proximal to a periphery of the transfer plate such that pivoting of the transfer plate provides a linear input to the conversion mechanism; a drive chain comprising at least one drive shaft receiving a torque from the conversion mechanism and an output shaft for providing an output torque to a generator; wherein the apparatus further comprises a one way clutch mechanism in the drive chain such that a bidirectional input at the conversion mechanism is converted to a unidirectional rotation at the output shaft.

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