Method and apparatus for scavenging energy during pump operation
US7258533B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7891
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pump comprises a body for at least partially defining a pumping chamber (28); a pump member which undergoes displacement when acting upon a fluid in the pumping chamber; and a piezoelectric element which responds to the displacement of the pump member to generate an electric current. The electric current generated by the piezoelectric element is preferably applied to a charge storage device which is coupled to the piezoelectric element. The storage device can take various forms, including but not limited to a battery (50, 150, 250), a capacitor (52, 152, 252), and a power supply for the pump (54). In one example embodiment, the pump member is a diaphragm (26) which undergoes the displacement when acting upon a fluid in the pumping chamber. In this example embodiment, the piezoelectric element responds to the displacement of the diaphragm to generate the electric current. In another example embodiment, the pump member is a valve (130, 230, 132, 232) which undergoes the displacement to allow the fluid to communicate with the pumping chamber. The valve can be an inlet valve (130, 230) for admitting the fluid into the pumping chamber, or an outlet valve (132, 232)) for discharging th…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.