Low profile pneumatic electric generator integrated in a midsole of a shoe

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for converting physiologically derived energy to electric energy while walking in a form a low profile pneumatic electric power generator that is adapted for integration in a midsole of a shoe, to generate power as the wearer walks. The pneumatic electric generator in one embodiment, comprise a stator in a form of a closed loop passageway with inlet ports for compressed air and outlet ports for the exhaust. The generator rotor consists of plurality of freely movable, mechanically unrestrained but magnetically coupled segments. The pneumatic generator is based on reciprocating air hammer action. Also a pneumatic oscillator, consisting of a shuttle valve, pinholes, and two air chambers of different volumes, which is used create a pulsating compressed airflow for the reciprocating air hammer action is described. In another embodiment, a low profile pneumatic electric generator stator is in a form of a long looped raceway with air inlets and outlets are located at both ends of the housing. A shuttle valve arrangement is used to control the opening and closing of the inlets and outlets at both ends of the looped raceway.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.