Kinetic Energy Conversion Device for Wearable Power

Solution Overview

Problem

Battery-powered devices face limitations in lifespan and weight, particularly in military and emergency contexts where backup batteries are heavy and cumbersome, leading to reduced soldier effectiveness and impractical solutions like piezoelectric boots.

Innovation Solution

A device that converts kinetic energy from breathing or other body motions into electrical energy using a support member, electrical generator, actuator, and flexible non-elastic strap, allowing for the generation of DC power to operate devices without batteries or extend battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If battery-powered devices are used to power electronic equipment, then reliable power supply is achieved, but weight increases significantly and lifespan is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidbattery weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy conversion system. The device uses body motion (breathing, walking, or arm movements) to drive a generator through mechanical components including a flexible non-elastic strap, actuator member, and gear assembly, converting kinetic energy directly into electrical energy to power electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes the user's own body motion to generate power, eliminating the need for external power sources or heavy backup batteries. The mechanical system is designed to harvest energy from natural body movements such as breathing (chest expansion), walking, or arm swinging, making the power source self-sustaining through the user's own physical activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If backup batteries are carried to ensure continuous operation, then power reliability is improved, but the weight burden on soldiers increases by up to 30% of total gear weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidtotal gear weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (backup batteries) with a mechanical energy conversion system. The device uses body motion (breathing, walking, or arm movements) to drive a generator through mechanical components including a flexible non-elastic strap, actuator member, and gear assembly, converting kinetic energy directly into electrical energy to power electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes the user's own body motion to generate power, eliminating the need for external power sources or heavy backup batteries. The mechanical system is designed to harvest energy from natural body movements such as breathing (chest expansion), walking, or arm swinging, making the power source self-sustaining through the user's own physical activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If piezoelectric devices are embedded in boots to generate power from walking, then power generation is achieved, but comfort and practicality deteriorate due to added energy expenditure and impracticality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoiduser comfort and practicality

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a mechanical energy conversion system. The device uses body motion (breathing, walking, or arm movements) to drive a generator through mechanical components including a flexible non-elastic strap, actuator member, and gear assembly, converting kinetic energy directly into electrical energy to power electronic devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes the user's own body motion to generate power, eliminating the need for external power sources or heavy backup batteries. The mechanical system is designed to harvest energy from natural body movements such as breathing (chest expansion), walking, or arm swinging, making the power source self-sustaining through the user's own physical activity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 device generates sufficient power to operate small electronic devices, reducing the need for batteries and alleviating the weight burden on soldiers, with potential for peak power output of up to 1 kW and minimal user exertion.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical generator operatively coupled to the support member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10263494B2Device for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 SPENCER COMPOSITES CORP

AI summary

The invention disclosed herein is directed to a device for converting kinetic energy generated by a living organism in motion to electrical energy.