Energy-efficient assistive stairs
US10975574B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 2018 |
| Grant date | Apr 13, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B50/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
In a mechanism for recycling energy from stairs (200), a step platform (210) is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device (220), coupled to the platform (210), stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform (210) to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (220) also releases stored energy as the step platform (210) moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (240) locks the step platform (210) in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform (210) to move into the lower position. A sensor (250) determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250). A controller (300) signals the controllable locking mechanism (242) to unlock the step platform (250) when the step platform (250) is in the lower position and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.