Method and apparatus for harvesting energy from ankle motion
US8716877B2 · kind B2 · utility
7Cited by
7References
18Claims
0Family size
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02B71/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for harvesting energy from ankle motion includes coupling a generator module across an ankle joint, the generator module including a generator and an elastic member. The generator is affixed to the leg shank and at least one of the generator and the elastic member is continuously coupled to the foot across the ankle joint. Energy may be harvested in the elastic member while generating electricity with the generator from motion of the ankle joint. Alternatively, or in addition, electricity may be generated with the generator from energy harvested in the elastic member after the energy is harvested.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.