Upper-Leg Biomechanical Generator for Wearable Power Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile and wearable devices face significant battery life issues due to increasing performance and decreasing form factor, leading to 'low battery anxiety' and the need for external batteries, which are cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A biomechanical electric generator that converts the motion of the upper leg into electrical power using a conversion unit and flexible tension members routed through leg cuffs, allowing discreet energy harvesting.
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 energy amount is too small to meet smartphone power needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from harvesting energy in the lower leg (foot/ankle) to harvesting energy in the upper leg (thigh/knee), effectively moving to a different dimension of the body's motion spectrum. This dimensional shift accesses larger muscle groups and greater range of motion, thereby generating sufficient power for smartphones while maintaining wearability
2Power
If a kinetic energy harvester is designed to produce more energy, then power output increases, but the device becomes bulky and impractical for daily use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the energy harvesting mechanism specifically in the upper leg region where larger muscles provide sufficient power generation. This localized approach allows the device to be compact and wearable while still producing adequate energy, avoiding the need for a bulky design that would be required if energy harvesting were distributed throughout the entire lower body
3Duration of action of moving object
If external battery packs are used to extend device battery life, then power availability increases, but the burden of carrying and managing additional charged devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the wearable device to generate its own power through body motion. This eliminates the need for external battery packs and spares, allowing users to extend battery life without carrying additional devices. The system harvests energy from the user's natural movements, providing continuous power extension without increasing device management complexity
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 generator provides a reliable power source for devices without the need for external batteries, promoting an active lifestyle and reducing the burden of battery management.
Implementation Method 1
the conversion unit (92) converts the motion of the flexible tension member (90) into electrical power
Data Source
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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.