Portable energy storage devices and methods
First Claim
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1. An energy storage device comprising a hyperelastic shape memory alloy element which changes to one shape while storing energy responsive to a stress, and a structure which applies the stress to the element, the structure being selected from the group consisting of a differential pulley mechanism, a knee brace and a pogo stick.
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Abstract
Devices and methods which store and selectively release relatively substantial amounts of energy for enabling individuals to undertake superior performance in locomotion and other physical activities. The different embodiments include a hyperelastic SMA element which stores and releases energy in a differential pulley set, in a hinged knee, and in a pogo stick.
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8 Claims
- 1. An energy storage device comprising a hyperelastic shape memory alloy element which changes to one shape while storing energy responsive to a stress, and a structure which applies the stress to the element, the structure being selected from the group consisting of a differential pulley mechanism, a knee brace and a pogo stick.
- 7. A method of storing and selectively releasing energy in a device that can be carried by an individual, the method comprising the steps of providing a hyperelastic shape memory alloy element, applying a stress to the element which stores energy in the element which when release is sufficient to enable the individual to undertake superior performance in locomotion and other physical activities, and releasing the energy.
Specification