Biomechanical Energy Harvesting Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biomechanical energy harvesting systems face challenges in efficiently converting cyclical motion from body joints into electrical energy while minimizing interference with natural movement patterns and user comfort, due to varying mechanical power and forces applied during activities like walking or running.
Innovation Solution
A biomechanical energy harvesting system that includes a generator coupled to a body segment, an electrical load, and a control system to manage generator torque, allowing for the tracking of a torque control signal to optimize energy harvesting during different phases of motion, thereby enhancing efficiency and minimizing interference with natural movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a generator driven by joint motion is coupled to a constant electrical load, then electrical power can be continuously supplied to the load, but the variations of delivered electrical power and forces applied to the body joint during cyclical activities cause efficiency loss and user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant load connection to a dynamic controlled connection. The control system dynamically adjusts the electrical load impedance based on the instantaneous mechanical power available from the joint, ensuring optimal power extraction at each moment of the cyclical motion cycle while maintaining continuous power supply to the load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (load impedance) dynamically rather than keeping it constant. By varying the electrical load impedance in response to mechanical power variations during cyclical joint motion, the system optimizes energy harvesting efficiency across different phases of the motion cycle while maintaining stable power delivery.
2Power
If a generator driven by joint motion is coupled to a constant electrical load, then electrical power can be continuously supplied to the load, but the variations of forces applied to the body joint during cyclical activities cause user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical load impedance parameter dynamically to compensate for mechanical power variations. By adjusting the electrical load in response to joint motion phase, the system smooths out the reactive forces applied to the body joint, reducing the perceptible variations that cause user discomfort while maintaining continuous power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the mechanical power available from the joint and adjusting the electrical load impedance accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that force variations applied to the body joint are minimized, improving user comfort while maintaining optimal energy harvesting.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively harvests energy from cyclical motions by dynamically controlling generator torque, improving energy efficiency and user comfort by synchronizing energy harvesting with phases of motion, such as negative mechanical power modes, to reduce metabolic cost and interference.
Implementation Method 1
a generator operatively coupled to the body segment such that particular movement of the body segment causes the generator to output a generator current
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus harvests energy from motion of a human or animal body segment and provides the energy to an electrical load. The apparatus comprises a generator operatively coupled to the body segment such that particular movement of the body segment causes the generator to output a generator current and to oppose the particular movement of the body segment with a generator torque. An electrical load is coupled to receive the generator current. A control system is operatively connected between the generator and the electrical load and is configured to control the generator torque during the particular movement of the body segment. The apparatus corresponds to various methods for controlling generator torque while harvesting energy.