Electromechanical transduction for energy storage compliant mechanisms

Abstract

A compliant mechanism-driven mechanical battery system and method for electromechanical energy transduction. The system includes a compliant mechanism configured to store strain energy through elastic deformation of one or more flexible members, a rack-and-pinion assembly mechanically coupled to the compliant mechanism to convert linear displacement to rotational displacement, a gear train coupled to the rack-and-pinion assembly having a gear ratio, rotational inertia, and mechanical efficiency, and a brushed DC motor-generator coupled to the gear train. The motor-generator operates as a motor during a charging mode to convert electrical input energy into mechanical strain energy stored in the compliant mechanism, and as a generator during an energy recovery mode to convert stored strain energy into electrical output energy delivered to a load resistance. A closed-form analytical expression for steady-state energy recovery efficiency is provided, along with an optimal load resistance formula that maximizes energy recovery and is independent of the spring constant of the compliant mechanism. The system is capable of theoretically infinite charge-recovery cycles, rapid charge and discharge rates, and operation without hazardous chemical materials.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.