Modular Walking Pad Assembly for Footstep Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing walking pad devices do not effectively convert pressure energy into electrical energy and lack efficient energy storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
A walking pad device comprising floor pads with integrated generators, electrical contacts, output ports, and an energy storage unit that converts pressure energy into electrical energy and facilitates connection and storage for various uses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If piezoelectric materials are used to convert pressure energy into electrical energy, then energy conversion is achieved, but the conversion efficiency is insufficient and practical applications are limited due to lack of energy storage and distribution system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (piezoelectric generators, electrical contacts, output ports, and energy storage units) into an integrated floor pad system. This merging allows the system to not only convert pressure energy to electrical energy but also store and distribute it, thereby improving both conversion efficiency and practical applicability.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor pad assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: energy conversion via piezoelectric generators, electrical connection through contacts, energy storage in batteries, and power distribution via output ports. This multi-functionality enables the system to address various practical applications beyond simple energy conversion.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple floor pads with generators are used to harvest energy, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but the system becomes complex without proper circuit connection and energy storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular floor pads, each containing a generator, electrical contacts, and output ports. This segmentation allows multiple pads to be connected in series or parallel through standardized interfaces, increasing energy harvesting capacity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrical contacts and output ports serve as intermediaries that facilitate connection between multiple generators and energy storage units. These intermediary components standardize the interface for energy transfer, enabling scalable system expansion without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If energy storage unit is added to store electrical energy, then energy storage capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit is integrated within the floor pad assembly itself rather than being a separate external component. This merging combines the storage function with the existing structure, extending energy availability duration while minimizing additional structural complexity through unified design.
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 efficiently converts and stores pressure energy into electrical energy, enabling its utilization for lighting and other applications, enhancing energy harvesting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The prior art relates to walking pad devices including a method for converting pressure energy into electrical energy with a piezoelectric material
Data Source
AI summary
A walking pad assembly includes a plurality of floor pads that is each positionable on a floor. A plurality of generators is each integrated into a respective one of the floor pads for converting energy from being stepped upon into electrical energy. A plurality of electrical contacts is each is integrated into a respective one of the floor pads thereby facilitating the plurality of generators in each of the plurality of floor pads to be in communication with each other. A plurality of output ports is each integrated into a respective one of the floor pads and each of the output ports is in electrical communication with the generators in the respective floor pad. An energy storage unit is provided and a power cord for the energy storage unit is pluggable into a respective one of the output ports to store the electrical energy produced by the plurality of generators.