Methods and apparatus for control of biomechanical energy harvesting
AssigneeBionic Power Inc.
InventorsClive Edward Mullins, Daniel Loren Hepler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for harvesting energy from motion of a human or animal body segment and providing the energy to an electrical load is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a generator operatively coupled to the body segment such that particular movement of the body segment causes the generator to output a generator current and to oppose the particular movement of the body segment with a generator torque. An electrical load is coupled to receive the generator current. A control system is operatively connected between the generator and the electrical load and is configured to control the generator torque during the particular movement of the body segment. Corresponding methods are also disclosed.
Claims20
An apparatus for harvesting energy from motion of a human or animal body segment, the apparatus comprising:
- a generator operatively coupled to the body segment such that particular movement of the body segment causes the generator to output a generator current and to oppose the particular movement of the body segment with a generator torque;
- an electrical load coupled to receive the generator current;
- a control system operatively connected between the generator and the electrical load, the control system configured to control the generator torque during the particular movement of the body segment.
A method for harvesting energy from motion of a human or animal body segment, method comprising:
- operatively coupling a generator to the body segment such that particular movement of the body segment causes the generator to output a generator current and to oppose the particular movement of the body segment with a generator torque;
- connecting an electrical load to receive the generator current;
- controlling the generator torque during the particular movement of the body segment using a control system connected between the generator and the electrical load.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.