Biologically powered electroactive polymer generators
US6768246B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S310/80
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed generators includes one or more transducers that use electroactive polymer films to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. The generators may include one or more transmission mechanisms that transfer a portion of an unused biological energy source, an unused environmental energy source or combinations of both to the one or more transducers located in the generators. The energy received by the transducers may be converted to electrical energy by the transducers in conjunction with conditioning electronics located within the generator. A heel-strike generator is disclosed that is integrated into the heel of footwear and is used to convert mechanical energy generated during human bipedal motion to electrical energy.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.