Kinetic Energy Harvesting via Suspended Magnet and Coil Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kinetic energy harvesting devices for portable electronic devices are inefficient, ineffective, and cumbersome, requiring specific motions or being uncomfortable to wear, and are not capable of efficiently capturing enough energy to charge devices like smartphones or smartwatches.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic energy harvesting system using a central magnet suspended within a tubular-shaped housing that moves through inductor coils, generating voltage to charge a battery, which can be connected to portable devices, with adjustable end-cap magnets to optimize energy harvesting based on user activity and personal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of the energy harvesting actuator/transducer is increased to improve energy capture efficiency, then the energy harvesting capability is improved, but the portability and comfort of the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent magnet-housing units (first housing with first magnet, second housing with second magnet) that can be distributed across the wearable device. This segmentation allows the energy harvesting function to be achieved through multiple smaller components rather than one large component, maintaining portability while capturing sufficient kinetic energy from user movement.
2Productivity
If rotatory generators are used to capture kinetic energy, then energy harvesting is enabled, but the device requires specific hand motions that are cumbersome and uncomfortable for prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic units are positioned to interact with each other's magnetic fields, creating automatic attraction and repulsion cycles that drive the energy harvesting mechanism without requiring specific user motions. The system serves itself by utilizing the inherent magnetic interaction between components to generate the necessary movement for energy capture during normal wearable device use.
3Ease of operation
If thermoelectric or photovoltaic devices are used for passive energy capture, then the device is comfortable to wear, but the energy capture efficiency is insufficient to charge portable electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates movable magnets within housings that can dynamically interact through magnetic attraction and repulsion. This dynamic mechanism converts even minor user movements into effective energy capture, significantly improving productivity compared to static thermoelectric or photovoltaic devices while maintaining the comfort of a wearable form factor.
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 charges portable electronic devices by converting kinetic energy from user movement into electrical energy, providing a reliable and comfortable means of extending battery life, capable of charging devices at a rate similar to conventional electrical outlets.
Implementation Method 1
The movement of the magnet through the inductor coil generates a voltage used to charge a battery
Implementation Method 2
a north-pole of the central magnet faces a north-pole of the first end-cap magnet and a south-pole of the central magnet faces a south-pole of the second end-cap magnet. This configuration causes the central magnet to be suspended between the first and second end-caps of the magnet housing
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and apparatus for kinetic energy harvesting are disclosed. An example kinetic energy harvesting apparatus includes a tubular-shaped magnet housing and an end-cap magnet configured to connect to an end of the magnet housing. The apparatus also includes a wire coil configured to be connected to the magnet housing. The apparatus further includes a central magnet configured to be located within the magnet housing and suspended via the end-cap magnet.