Human Powered Electricity Generator With Adjustable Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered electricity generating backpacks are ineffective in generating sufficient electricity when the user is not walking, as they rely solely on kinetic movement to produce power, which may not be sufficient to maintain battery charge on all days.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight electricity generator with a suspension system that includes a compliant mechanism, allowing for mechanical displacement to be converted into electrical energy through both walking and hand-pumping actions, with adjustable parameters for optimal power output and a power monitoring node for tracking energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electricity generator relies solely on kinetic movement from walking to produce power, then the device structure can be simplified, but the electricity generation reliability deteriorates when the user is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electricity during walking through kinetic movement, and also generates electricity during stationary periods through manual compression of the spring-mass system. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain reliability across different usage scenarios without requiring completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-mass system is designed to automatically return to its original position after compression, generating electricity on both the downstroke and upstroke. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional power sources or complex control systems to maintain battery charge during stationary periods.
2Power
If a mass is added to the spring-mass system to increase electricity generation effectiveness, then the power output increases, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the user's body weight as a counterweight to offset the added mass of the electricity generation system. By designing the backpack to be worn on the user's back, the user's body serves as the supporting structure, allowing the system to carry heavier masses for increased power output without proportionally increasing the burden on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of spring constant and mass parameters to optimize the balance between power output and device weight. By varying these parameters, the system can be tuned to achieve desired power levels while minimizing unnecessary weight addition.
3Power
If the spring constant is increased to improve electricity generation during stationary periods, then the power output during hand-pumping increases, but the stroke distance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adjustable spring constants that can be dynamically changed based on the intended mode of operation. For hand-pumping during stationary periods, a higher spring constant can be selected to maximize power output. For walking scenarios, a lower spring constant allows for greater stroke distance and more natural movement. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between power output and stroke distance.
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
Enables continuous electricity generation even when the user is stationary, allowing for effective battery charging and increased efficiency through adjustable spring and damping parameters, and provides real-time feedback on power production.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, and a generator... as the spring returns the handle to its original position
Implementation Method 2
a compliant mechanism that permits a first portion of the suspension system to be displaced relative to a second portion of the suspension system as a result of an application of force
Data Source
AI summary
A human powered electricity generator includes a suspension system including a compliant mechanism that permits a first portion of the suspension system to be displaced relative to a second portion of the suspension system as a result an application of force to the first or second portions of the suspension system. A generator converts the mechanical displacement of the first portion of the suspension system with respect to the second portion of the suspension system into electrical energy and stores the electrical energy in an energy storage device. Displacement means, such as a handle or a seat, is connected to either the first portion or the second portion of the suspension system to enable a user to manually displace the first portion of the suspension system with respect to the second portion of the suspension system so as to increase the efficiency of the energy generation. The stroke distance may be increased using a turnbuckle adjuster or an adjustment device that adjusts the length of the holder that holds the compliant mechanism in place. Extendible feet attached to one of the first and second portions of the suspension system also may be used to increase the mechanical displacement distance. The electricity generating device of the invention enables a user to produce electricity by hand pumping even when the user is not walking.