Energy converting device
US4814657A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 1987 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N1/08
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An energy converting device utilizes a plurality of variable capacitors each having a pair of electrodes and arranged at a predetermined spacing. An actuator is arranged to be slidable relative to the electrodes in the sliding direction. The actuator has a dielectric permittivity that varies periodically in the sliding direction to change the capacitance of the capacitors, during the sliding movement. A detector detects the position of capacitors relative to the actuator and a controller operates to charge or discharge the capacitors via the electrodes according to the detection of the capacitor position. The movement of the actuator produces a change in capacitance due to the displacement relative to the capacitors, and by charging/discharging the capacitors at a predetermined timing, electrical energy stored in the capacitors can be converted into mechanical energy or vice versa.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.