Biomechanical Leg-Motion Generator for Discreet Mobile Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile and wearable devices face battery life issues due to increasing performance and decreasing form factor, leading to 'low battery anxiety' as users struggle to keep devices charged, with existing energy harvesting solutions being bulky or inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A biomechanical electric generator that extracts energy from the motion of the upper leg using leg cuffs, crank arms, and a conversion unit to convert mechanical energy into electricity, charging devices discreetly and efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If energy is harvested from foot swing and heel impact, then some energy can be generated, but the amount of energy is small compared to smartphone needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to the user's walking motion by using a flexible shaft that can bend and rotate, allowing the generator to efficiently capture energy from natural hip movement during walking without rigid mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical energy extraction mechanisms with a simpler electromagnetic generator system that directly converts hip motion into electrical energy, improving energy conversion efficiency while reducing mechanical complexity
2Use of energy by moving object
If a kinetic energy harvester is created to extract energy from lower leg rotation, then more energy can be produced, but the device becomes bulky and less ideal for daily use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into separate functional components: leg cuffs for motion capture, a flexible shaft for motion transmission, and a compact generator unit for energy conversion. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a smaller overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from extracting energy from lower leg rotation (one-dimensional motion) to capturing energy from upper leg hip movement (multi-dimensional motion), allowing for a more compact generator placement while maintaining or increasing energy output
3Duration of action of moving object
If external battery packs are used to alleviate battery anxiety, then devices can be kept charged, but they add burden and require remembering to keep them charged
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating electrical energy from the user's natural walking motion, eliminating the need for external battery packs or manual charging interventions. The generator continuously charges the device during normal use, making the user independent of additional power sources
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 solution extends battery life for mobile devices by harnessing energy from natural user motion, promoting an active lifestyle while being unobtrusive and effective, reducing the need for external batteries and alleviating battery anxiety.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion unit (44) that converts the motion of the user's legs into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is able to extract significant amounts of energy from a user who is walking or running while remaining discreetly hidden near an area of the body where many people already carry things (e.g. wallet, smartphone, keys). The user benefits by keeping their device(s) charged for a longer period of time without the need for external batteries. In addition, the present invention encourages an active lifestyle, which has been shown to promote good health and reduce the risk of many diseases.