U.S. patent application number 12/440238 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-24 for vehicular movement electricity converter embedded within a road bumb.
This patent application is currently assigned to Innovative Paents Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ron Chen.
Application Number | 20090315334 12/440238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39200965 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090315334 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Ron |
December 24, 2009 |
Vehicular Movement Electricity Converter Embedded Within A Road
Bumb
Abstract
A system for converting vehicular movement into electricity
while serving as a road hump at the same time. The linear motion of
the vehicles is transformed by the device into rotational motion
and finally converted into electric power. The system comprises a
semi-flexible cover strip lying across the path of vehicular
traffic, covering the rest of the system, which is encapsulated
within a housing embedded in the ground. The cover is connected to
a generator via a wing or wings and a mechanism or mechanisms
comprising a fly wheel, a rotor, a stator and a clutch. Passing
vehicles push the cover strip down, causing the wings to depress,
and engaging a clutch that transfers a rotational motion to the
rotor, eventually, the rotor drives an electromagnetic generator.
The electromagnetic generator converts the rotational motion of the
rotor into electrical power.
Inventors: |
Chen; Ron; (Zichron Ya'acov,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
The Law Office of Michael E. Kondoudis
888 16th Street, N.W., Suite 800
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
Innovative Paents Ltd.
Cesarea
IL
|
Family ID: |
39200965 |
Appl. No.: |
12/440238 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
September 20, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL07/01165 |
371 Date: |
March 5, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60845772 |
Sep 20, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/1A |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 7/1853 20130101;
E01F 13/123 20130101; E01C 9/00 20130101; H02K 7/06 20130101; F03G
7/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/1.A |
International
Class: |
H02K 7/18 20060101
H02K007/18 |
Claims
1. A system for converting kinetic energy of vehicles passing along
a traffic lane into electricity, said system comprising: a cover
strip positioned across the traffic lane; a housing embedded into
the ground under the traffic lane; a main rotation axis; a
compression spring; a wing connected at the upper end to the cover
strip and at the second end to main rotation axis, said wing
attached to the compression spring wherein the wing rotates as a
result of the pressure applied upon the strip and returns to its
upper position as a result of the compression spring power; a
generator coupled to the wing, wherein said generator is configured
to convert the rotational movement into electricity; and wherein
the system is integrated as a road hump such that in a relaxed
phase the cover strip is protruding above the surface of the
traffic lane necessitating a deriver to slow down.
2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a clutch
engaged between the main rotation axis and the wing; a flywheel and
a rotor connected to the generator and operatively connected to the
wing via the clutch; wherein the clutch selectively engages and
disengages the wing from the rotor allowing bi-directional
conversion the wing's movement into a rotational movement of the
rotor.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the cover strip is made
of a combination of the following materials: rubber, metal,
composite materials, ribbon compounds.
4. The system according to claim 1 wherein the wing is partly
located above the surface of the traffic lane and the cover strip
functions as a road hump.
5. The system according to claim 1 wherein system further comprises
a traffic velocity regulator.
6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the generated
electricity power is synchronized and regulated to be redirected to
a power grid.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electricity
generated is stored over an electricity storage device for later
use.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electricity
generated is delivered directly for consumption.
9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a power
meter such that the system operates as a mini power station whereby
generated power is credited to the system's owner.
10. An apparatus for regulating traffic velocity by converting
vehicular movement along a traffic lane into electricity, said
apparatus comprising: means for converting the kinetic movement of
vehicles over the apparatus into rotational movement; means for
converting the rotational movement into electricity; wherein the
apparatus is implemented as a road hump.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the electricity is
synchronized and regulated to be redirected to a power grid.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for storing
the electricity for later use.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising means for
delivering the electricity directly for consumption.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a National Stage of International
Application No. PCT/IL2007/001165 filed Sep. 20, 2007, which claims
priority based on Provisional Patent Application No. 60/845,772
filed Sep. 20, 2006, both of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to
kinetic-electrical energy conversion systems, and more particularly
to the conversion of the energy of passing vehicles into
electricity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Traditional methods of converting kinetic energy into
electricity are known to be embedded in roads for generating
electricity from passing vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,161 which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety discloses such
system. The system generates power from the passage of motor
vehicles. The vehicular movement is transformed into rotational
energy of a turbine located on the side of the road.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,694 which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety describes an apparatus for generating
power from vehicular traffic. In this reference, the energy of
moving vehicles is transferred to a power generator by fluid flow,
such that the conversion involves a form of a hydraulic system.
[0005] International patent application No. WO2004023621 which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety discloses a system
for generating energy on the road from the vehicles movement on the
road. The system comprises a driving cylinder laid across the road
in such a way that vehicles pass over it, an electrical generator
for generating electricity when its axis is rotated, and a
transmission unit for transferring rotational motion from the
driving cylinder to the generator axis.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The disclosed system takes the idea of utilizing on-road
electricity generators further. It is observed that the traditional
vehicular movement energy converters create a substantial obstacle
for the passing vehicles. Any driver passing over such a converter
is required to slow down or risk damaging his or her vehicle. The
disclosed system transforms this disadvantage into an advantage by
embedding the vehicular movement converter within a road hump.
[0007] Road humps (aka speed bumps or "silent policeman") are
widely used for road traffic regulation, especially in urban road
systems. Usually they are built as a protrusion above road level.
The humps make drivers slow down in potentially dangerous places.
The vehicle goes up on the hump and down from it during the motion.
The kinetic energy of the vehicle is transformed into potential
energy and is subsequently transformed back into kinetic
energy.
[0008] According to the present invention, the potential energy at
the intermediate stage could be utilized by making the road hump
move up and down. The disclosed system converts the potential
energy into electric power, which can be used for streetlights or
other electric appliances.
[0009] The present invention pertains an improvement of previous
art by combining a simplified process for energy generation and a
road safety system, and improves the use of said electrical energy
by adding a bi-directional electricity meter. The combination of
these three features in the disclosed system reduces costs and
maintenance expenses.
[0010] In embodiments of the invention, each time a vehicle passes
over and depresses the cover strip, a wing that is located within
the housing is pushed down. This engages the clutch, which
transfers a rotational motion to the rotor; the rotor drives the
electromagnetic generator. The electromagnetic generator converts
the rotational motion of the rotor into electrical power. The
electricity generated by the device is then available for either
immediate use or storage.
[0011] In embodiments, the electricity produced by the present
invention is enough to power streetlights or other electric
devices, and can be redirected to power grid by the use of
bi-directional meter so that accumulated energy consumed by device
owner is reduced accordingly. The produced electric power could be
utilized for public or personal needs.
[0012] In embodiments, the disclosed system comprises both external
parts and parts that are hidden beneath road surface. The external
part is made of a semi-flexible cover strip running across a lane
or multiple lanes of traffic. The cover lies over the housing of
the device. The housing contains an electric power generator and a
mechanism, which transforms linear motion of vehicles into
rotational motion of the electric power generator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The subject matter regarded as the invention will become
more clearly understood in light of the ensuing description of
embodiments herein, given by way of example and for purposes of
illustrative discussion of the present invention only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings (Figures, or simply
"FIGS."), wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the system according
to the present invention without the electrical conversion
means;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the system according
to the present invention with the electrical conversion means;
[0016] FIG. 3 is diagram showing an exemplary deployment of the
present invention in a traffic roundabout;
[0017] FIG. 4 is diagram showing an exemplary deployment of the
present invention in a multi lane road; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is diagram showing an exemplary deployment of the
present invention in T-junction on the left turn lane.
[0019] The drawings together with the description make apparent to
those skilled in the art how the invention may be embodied in
practice.
[0020] Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals
may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or
analogous elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the system according to
the present invention without the electrical conversion means. The
system comprises an arced cover strip 110 that runs across a
traffic lane or multiple lanes. The cover strip 110 is mounted upon
a housing 140 that is embedded within the road, directly under the
cover strip. The cover strip 110 is abutted upon a wing 120 that is
attached to an axis of rotation 150 also located within the housing
140. The upper end of the wing 120 touches the cover strip above
the road level. The wing 120 is also connected to a spring 130,
such as a compression spring. Whenever the cover strip 110 is
pressed down, the wing 120 rotates around the axis 150 and is
subsequently returned to its original position by the spring
130.
[0022] According to some embodiments of the invention, the wing 120
may be comprised of a plurality of adjacent wings that may be
connected together in a telescopic manner.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the system according to
the present invention now with the electrical conversion means
depicted. The system further comprises, in addition to the
aforementioned description of FIG. 1, a fly wheel and a rotor 210,
a stator 220, centered within the rotor 210, a spring 230 (variant
of 130) connecting the wing 120 and the housing 140, an
electromagnetic generator 240 connecter to the rotor and a clutch
250. The clutch 250 transfers the rotational motion to flywheel and
rotor 210 which activate in turn the electro-magnetic generator
240. Vehicles driving over the cover strip 110 press it down
causing the rotor to rotate and drive the generator to generate
alternating current which is then modified and passed on. When the
wing 120 is released, the spring 230 returns it back to the initial
position. And.
[0024] According to some embodiments of the invention when the
system, a relaxed phase (i.e., no vehicle over the cover strip) the
cover strip is protruding above the surface of the road
necessitating a deriver to slow down.
[0025] According to some embodiments of the invention the
electricity produced by the generator is then transferred to power
supply connected to a stabilizer for accumulating the energy to be
used for any electric powered appliance. Alternatively, it may be
redirected to power grid via bi-directional power meter.
[0026] According to some embodiments of the invention, apart from
the cover strip 110, all the system's components are located inside
the housing 140, under road surface, thus imitating a the size and
shape of a standard road hump.
[0027] According to some embodiments of the invention, multiple
vehicles passing one after another transfer a small amount of its
kinetic energy to the device, ensuring, with the use of said
flywheel 210 a smooth and constant rotation of the rotor. This
results in a stable and permanent electricity generation.
[0028] According to some embodiments of the invention the
electromagnetic generator is a generator standard to the art. The
electricity generated by this operation is then transferred, using
traditional technology and components (i.e. batteries, regulators,
DC motors etc), to connected streetlights or any other electric
power appliance or holding station. Alternative connectivity method
is based on synchronized regulator that enables a direct connection
of generated electricity to power grid, via a bi-directional power
meter. Using the present system acts as a "power station", while
generated power is credited to the system's owner.
[0029] According to some embodiments of the invention, the cover
strip 110 encases three layers of material that provide strength
and durability, that include rubber, composite material and a thin
metal layer. The first layer is thin metallic layer. A second layer
made of material that acts as a sound and vibration barrier
encloses the steel layer. These two layers are then encased in a
composite material. This results in a rigid but flexible material
that will withstand wear and heat generated by vehicles constantly
riding across it as well as the resultant continuous flexing.
[0030] According to some embodiments of the invention the housing
and most of the components contained therein are made of metal for
robustness.
[0031] According to some embodiments of the invention, at its
highest point, the cover strip sits approximately 9 cm above the
surface of the road. In the arced position, the cover strip is at
least 40 cm wide.
[0032] FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show exemplary deployments for the present
invention, FIG. 3 shows a roundabout 400 wherein the cover strips
110 (as well as the systems beneath them) are deployed on two roads
leading to the roundabout. The deployment in this location may
enable to regulate slowing down the speed while entering to a
roundabout from a main road (the road where the cover strips have
been placed).
[0033] FIG. 4 shows the deployment of the cover strips 110 on both
sides of a dual lane road 400. This may be required in a place
where slowing down is important for both directions (such as near a
school).
[0034] FIG. 5 shows the deployment of a cover strip 110 on a
T-junction 500, right before the left turn lane, wherein stopping
is required more often than not. By deploying the system
there--stopping and at least slowing down is necessitated.
[0035] According to a further embodiment of the present invention
the system is integrated with a traffic velocity regulator. The
flow of traffic and the amount of electricity that needs to be
generated will determine the number of generators (and an equal
number of wings) required and their exact position on traffic
lanes.
[0036] Advantageously, the system as described above has a dual
effect. First, it may be utilized as road humps for slowing the
traffic down wherein the cover strip serves as a road hump
platform. The depression of the wing occurs at any vehicle speed so
that it covers a wide range of speeds. Second, low speed continuous
traffic ensures constant motion of the rotor and lasting
electricity generation. Thus, the integration of the device into
road humps is especially efficient because of the fact that the
device is designed to work in slow traffic regime. As an example,
urban traffic can be considered, as well as toll-roads paying plaza
and parking lots entrances and exits. The produced electricity can
be directly utilized for streetlights, traffic lights or other
appliance. This combination reduces the costs and maintenance
expenses of the device.
[0037] In the above description, an embodiment is an example or
implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of "one
embodiment," "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not
necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.
[0038] Although various features of the invention may be described
in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be
provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely,
although the invention may be described herein in the context of
separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be
implemented in a single embodiment.
[0039] Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an
embodiment", "one embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in
connection with the embodiments is included in at least some
embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the
inventions.
[0040] It is understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for
descriptive purpose only.
[0041] The principles and uses of the teachings of the present
invention may be better understood with reference to the
accompanying description, figures and examples.
[0042] It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do
not construe a limitation to an application of the invention.
[0043] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can
be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention
can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in
the description above.
[0044] It is to be understood that the terms "including",
"comprising", "consisting" and grammatical variants thereof do not
preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps,
or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be
construed as specifying components, features, steps or
integers.
[0045] If the specification or claims refer to "an additional"
element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the
additional element.
[0046] It is to be understood that where the claims or
specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not
be construed that there is only one of that element.
[0047] It is to be understood that where the specification states
that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may",
"might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component,
feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be
included.
[0048] Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or
both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not
limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For
example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state,
or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.
[0049] Methods of the present invention may be implemented by
performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination
thereof, selected steps or tasks.
[0050] The term "method" may refer to manners, means, techniques
and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not
limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either
known to, or readily developed from known manners, means,
techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the
invention belongs.
[0051] The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented
in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as
limiting but rather as illustrative only.
[0052] Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are
to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.
[0053] The present invention can be implemented in the testing or
practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those
described herein.
[0054] Any publications, including patents, patent applications and
articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein
incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same
extent as if each individual publication was specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition,
citation or identification of any reference in the description of
some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention
[0055] While the invention has been described with respect to a
limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as
exemplifications of some of the embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will envision other possible variations, modifications, and
applications that are also within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by
what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents. Therefore, it is to be understood that
alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present
invention are to be construed as being within the scope and spirit
of the appended claims.
* * * * *