Non-linear piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical generator system and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A non-linear power generator system comprising:
- a flexible beam for receiving a mechanical input signal, the flexible beam being supported in a bowed shape;
an electrically responsive member supported adjacent one end of the flexible beam so as to be under a compressive force exerted by said flexible beam; and
said flexible beam being adapted to move towards a flattened shape from said bowed shape in response to said mechanical input signal, to transmit said mechanical input signal to said electrically responsive member, to cause a compression of said electrically responsive member that results in an electrical output signal being generated by said electrically responsive member.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A non-linear power generator system that may include a flexible beam for receiving a mechanical input, the flexible beam being supported in a bowed configuration; an electrically responsive member supported adjacent one end of the flexible beam so as to be under a compressive force exerted by the flexible beam; and the flexible beam being adapted to move towards a flattened shape from the bowed shape in response to the mechanical input, to transmit the mechanical input to the electrically responsive member, to cause a compression of the electrically responsive member that results in an electrical output signal being generated by the electrically responsive member.
15 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A non-linear power generator system comprising:
-
a flexible beam for receiving a mechanical input signal, the flexible beam being supported in a bowed shape; an electrically responsive member supported adjacent one end of the flexible beam so as to be under a compressive force exerted by said flexible beam; and said flexible beam being adapted to move towards a flattened shape from said bowed shape in response to said mechanical input signal, to transmit said mechanical input signal to said electrically responsive member, to cause a compression of said electrically responsive member that results in an electrical output signal being generated by said electrically responsive member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. 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. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
18. 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. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
-
Specification