Non-linear piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical generator system and method

A non-linear, mechanical-to-electrical power generator, comprising:

• a flexible beam secured at a first end to a first structure, and at a second end to a coupling assembly, and being held between said first structure and said coupling assembly in a compressed, non-linear orientation;
• an electrically responsive member supported adjacent said flexible beam and adjacent to a second structure;
• and
• said flexible beam adapted to receive a mechanical input force at a point along its length that flexes said flexible beam towards a linear orientation, and concurrently causes said electrically responsive member to experience an increased compressive force, to generate an electrical output signal.

A method for generating electrical power from a mechanical input signal, comprising:

• using a flexible beam secured under compression to assume a bowed orientation, to receive said mechanical input signal;
• using said flexible beam to transmit said mechanical input signal to an electrically responsive member;
• supporting said electrically responsive member such that said electrically responsive member experiences a compressive stress from said flexible beam when said flexible beam moves from said bowed orientation to a flattened orientation;
• and
• using said flexible beam to alternatively compress, and to permit decompression, of said electrically responsponsive member, in response to said mechanical input signal, to generate electrical output signals from said electrically responsive member.