Methods for generating power from miniature electrical generators and power sources
First Claim
1. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising:
- storing potential energy in an elastic element having one end attached to a shaft and another end attached to a structure upon rotation of the shaft relative to the structure in a first angular direction; and
moving a retaining mechanism between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction;
wherein when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates a generator operatively coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power.
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Abstract
A method for generating electrical power, the method including: storing potential energy in an elastic element having one end attached to a shaft and another end attached to a structure upon rotation of the shaft relative to the structure in a first angular direction; and moving a retaining mechanism between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction; wherein when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates a generator operatively coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power.
55 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising:
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storing potential energy in an elastic element having one end attached to a shaft and another end attached to a structure upon rotation of the shaft relative to the structure in a first angular direction; and moving a retaining mechanism between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction; wherein when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates a generator operatively coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising:
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converting a translation of a translating member slidably disposed in a structure into a rotation of a shaft operatively coupled to the translating member upon an application of a force to the translating member; and engaging an input shaft of a generator with the shaft only when the shaft rotates in a predetermined rotational direction. - View Dependent Claims (5)
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6. A method for generating electrical power, the method comprising:
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converting a translation of the translating member slidably disposed in a structure to a rotation of a rotating member operatively coupled to the translating member upon an application of a force to the translating member; engaging the input shaft of a generator with the rotating member only when the rotating member rotates in a predetermined rotational direction. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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Specification