ENERGY HARVESTING
First Claim
1. A motion convertor for converting kinetic energy from the movement of traffic into rotational energy for operating the rotor of an electricity generator, the motion convertor comprising at least one engagement element and a disk rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, the engagement element being vertically linearly-displaceable relative to the rotatable disk, wherein the engagement element is rotatably mounted such that progressive substantially vertical displacement in a direction towards the rotatable disk causes engagement of the engagement element with the rotatable disk and rotation of the engagement element, thereby causing the rotatable disk to rotate.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present application describes techniques for the harvesting of kinetic energy from the movement of people and/or vehicles. A motion converter is discussed which converts linear progression caused by traffic-related impulse forces, to be converted to rotational motion for driving the rotor of an electricity generator. An assembly for harvesting energy including the motion converter and a floor unit are also described.
38 Citations
19 Claims
- 1. A motion convertor for converting kinetic energy from the movement of traffic into rotational energy for operating the rotor of an electricity generator, the motion convertor comprising at least one engagement element and a disk rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, the engagement element being vertically linearly-displaceable relative to the rotatable disk, wherein the engagement element is rotatably mounted such that progressive substantially vertical displacement in a direction towards the rotatable disk causes engagement of the engagement element with the rotatable disk and rotation of the engagement element, thereby causing the rotatable disk to rotate.
-
14. A floor unit comprising an apparatus for harvesting kinetic energy, the floor unit comprising:
-
a motion convertor for converting kinetic energy from the movement of traffic into rotational energy for operating the rotor of an electricity generator, the motion convertor comprising at least one engagement element and a disk rotatable about a substantially vertical axis, the engagement element being vertically linearly-displaceable relative to the rotatable disk, wherein the engagement element is rotatably mounted such that progressive substantially vertical displacement in a direction towards the rotatable disk causes engagement of the engagement element with the rotatable disk and rotation of the engagement element, thereby causing the rotatable disk to rotate; an electricity generator including a rotor whish is rotatable by the rotatable disk of the motion convertor; and a depressible upper surface, wherein depression of the depressible upper surface causes linear displacement of the engagement element of the motion convertor in a direction towards the rotatable disk of the motion convertor. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
Specification