Piezoelectric Shoe Insert Circuit for Human Motion Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of energy harvesting, such as wind turbines and solar panels, are costly and inaccessible to low-income communities and individuals, leading to limited or no access to electricity globally.
Innovation Solution
A shoe insert system equipped with electromechanical transducers, a bridge circuit, and a power bank that converts mechanical energy from bodily movements into electrical energy, which is stored in a power bank for later use in electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional energy harvesting methods (wind turbines, solar panels) are used, then energy generation capability is improved, but cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe insert system enables individuals to generate their own electricity through their own bodily movements (walking, running, jumping). The piezoelectric transducers convert the mechanical energy from foot pressure directly into electrical energy, allowing users to be both the source and consumer of energy, eliminating dependence on centralized power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical energy harvesting systems (wind turbines, solar panels) with a biomechanical system that uses human body movement as the primary energy source. The piezoelectric transducers directly convert mechanical pressure from walking into electrical energy, substituting complex mechanical energy conversion systems with a simpler human-powered mechanism.
2Power
If piezoelectric transducers are arranged in series, then voltage output is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge rectifier circuit serves as an intermediary component that converts the alternating current (AC) generated by the piezoelectric transducers into direct current (DC). This intermediary conversion simplifies the overall circuit design by providing a standardized DC output that can be directly used to charge batteries or power devices, eliminating the need for complex voltage regulation and polarity management circuits.
3Productivity
If multiple piezoelectric transducers are used, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple piezoelectric transducers (first and second transducers arranged in series) into a single integrated shoe insert unit. By merging the energy harvesting function of multiple transducers into one cohesive device with a unified bridge rectifier and battery system, the invention achieves improved energy harvesting efficiency while managing overall device complexity through functional integration.
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
Provides a cost-effective, accessible, and renewable source of energy generation for individuals and communities, enabling the powering of devices like cellphones, computers, and appliances through everyday physical activities.
Implementation Method 1
The first electromechanical transducer is a piezoelectric sensor disposed along a first surface of the insert, and the second electromechanical transducer is a piezoelectric sensor disposed along a second surface of the insert
Data Source
AI summary
A method of harvesting energy that includes providing an insert for a shoe, receiving a mechanical signal by one or more of at least two electromechanical transducers disposed along opposite surfaces of the insert, and converting the mechanical signal into an electrical signal. The method further includes converting the electrical signal from an alternating current to a direct current and discharging the direct current into a power bank when a bridge circuit of the insert is electrically coupled to the power bank.