U.S. patent application number 13/662324 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-02 for power generating article of apparel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anvit Kalra-Lall. Invention is credited to Anvit Kalra-Lall.
Application Number | 20130104425 13/662324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48170923 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130104425 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kalra-Lall; Anvit |
May 2, 2013 |
POWER GENERATING ARTICLE OF APPAREL
Abstract
A method and system harnesses human movement and activities into
a renewable resource to generate electricity by wearing a plurality
of electricity generating devices on articles of apparel, such as
footwear. The generated energy can be stored in an energy storage
device, such as a battery or a bank of ultra-capacitors, or the
like. This stored energy can be periodically transferred to charge
small devices and appliances. The technologies used, separately or
in combination, include electromagnetic induction, piezoelectric,
solar, and thermopiles. When used in footwear, as a person walks,
they can generate electricity without noticing anything different
from conventional walking, where electricity is not generated.
Inventors: |
Kalra-Lall; Anvit; (Roslyn,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kalra-Lall; Anvit |
Roslyn |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48170923 |
Appl. No.: |
13/662324 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61552909 |
Oct 28, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 ;
36/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0015
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/103 ;
36/83 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; A43B 13/00 20060101 A43B013/00 |
Claims
1. An article of apparel operable to generate electricity
comprising: a plurality of distinct devices for generation of
electricity; and a circuit board/power storage device receiving
electricity generated by the plurality of distinct devices.
2. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
distinct devices for generation of electricity include at least one
of an electromagnetic induction device, a solar collection device,
a piezoelectric device and a thermopile device.
3. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the circuit
board/power storage device includes at least one of a battery and
ultra-capacitors.
4. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
distinct devices for generation of electricity include at least one
of each of the following devices: an electromagnetic induction
device, a solar collection device, a piezoelectric device and a
thermopile device.
5. The article of apparel of claim 1, wherein the article of
apparel is footwear.
6. The article of apparel of claim 5, wherein a piezoelectric
device is disposed above a sole of the footwear.
7. An article of footwear comprising: a plurality of distinct
devices for generation of electricity; and a circuit board/power
storage device receiving electricity generated by the plurality of
distinct devices, wherein the plurality of distinct devices for
generation of electricity include at least one of an
electromagnetic induction device, a solar collection device, a
piezoelectric device and a thermopile device.
8. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the circuit
board/power storage device includes at least one of a battery and
ultra-capacitors.
9. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein the plurality of
distinct devices for generation of electricity include at least one
of each of the electromagnetic induction device, the solar
collection device, the piezoelectric device and the thermopile
device.
10. The article of footwear of claim 7, wherein a plurality of the
electromagnetic induction devices are disposed in the footwear.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
provisional application No. 61/552,909, filed Oct. 28, 2011, the
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to power generation systems
and methods and, more particularly, to an article of apparel that
can generate power for future use.
[0003] Today, people face an imminent global energy crisis. Fossil
fuels are running out and alternative sources to generate energy
need to be discovered or invented to help solve this immense
problem.
[0004] As can be seen, there is a need for a systems and methods
for energy generation from renewable sources.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, an article of
apparel operable to generate electricity comprises a plurality of
distinct devices for generation of electricity; and a circuit
board/power storage device receiving electricity generated by the
plurality of distinct devices.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, an article of
footwear comprises a plurality of distinct devices for generation
of electricity; and a circuit board/power storage device receiving
electricity generated by the plurality of distinct devices, wherein
the plurality of distinct devices for generation of electricity
include at least one of an electromagnetic induction device, a
solar collection device, a piezoelectric device and a thermopile
device.
[0007] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of footwear having a plurality
of energy generation mechanisms according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the footwear of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view detailing a
piezoelectric device, in an uncompressed state, formed in the
footwear of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a detailed cross-sectional view, shown in FIG. 4,
showing the piezoelectric device in a compressed state;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 1; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of footwear having a plurality of
electromagnetic induction devices, according to an alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the
invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense,
but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general
principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is
best defined by the appended claims.
[0016] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a
method and system for harnessing human movement and activities into
a renewable resource to generate electricity by wearing a plurality
of electricity generating devices on articles of apparel, such as
footwear. The generated energy can be stored in an energy storage
device, such as a battery or a bank of ultra-capacitors, or the
like. This stored energy can be periodically transferred to charge
small devices and appliances. The technologies used, separately or
in combination, include electromagnetic induction, piezoelectric,
solar, and thermopiles. When used in footwear, as a person walks,
they can generate electricity without noticing anything different
from conventional walking, where electricity is not generated.
[0017] The techniques or devices used to generate electricity in
the apparel or footwear include the following. One or more
electromagnetic generators can use the natural lifting, linear
translation and descent of the foot and other walking action as
well as any flexing of the apparel. Piezoelectric elements, such as
a pre-stressed plate paired with opposing convexity, can be used
where pressure is generated, such as in the sole of footwear. A
solar cells array or spray on solar paint can be used on exterior
surfaces of the apparel. Thermopiles can use the Seebeck effect to
generate electrical output or by the Peltier effect to cool the
interior of the attire/footwear to a more comfortable temperature
for the wearer. A circuit board can be used to collect the
electrical outputs of all of the devices.
[0018] The combination and number of these various generators can
depend on one or more considerations, including the size of the
footwear or apparel, desired electrical output, and user
preference. In case of footwear, the walking action by the person
wearing it or the flexing of the footwear can cause the power
generation. In some embodiments, combinations of any of the four
devices or all four devices are used. The harvesting devices
mounted on the shoe or apparel can generate electrical energy while
walking normally or moving. Exposure to sunlight or light can
generate electrical energy using solar cells or panels. The
electrical energy can be collected and stored in a capacitor on a
circuit board for future use to charge or power an electrical
appliance or device.
[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, an exemplary article of
apparel 10, such as footwear, can include one or more of the
following electricity generation devices: an electromagnetic
induction device 12, a solar collection device 24, a piezoelectric
device 26 and a thermopile device 30. When a user is walking in the
footwear or flexing the footwear, power can be generated by the
electromagnetic induction device 12 and the piezoelectric device
26. When the user is in the sun, the footwear can generate power by
the solar collection device 24. When there is a temperature
differential between the outside temperature and the inside
temperature of the footwear, the footwear can generate power by the
thermopile device 30. If needed, the inside of the footwear can be
cooled for the wearer's comfort by reversing the current using a
Peltier effect. Wires 20 can be used to electrically connect the
various devices 12, 24, 26, 30 with a circuit board/power storage
device 22.
[0020] One embodiment of the apparel or footwear uses one or more
electromagnetic induction devices 12 (FIG. 7 shows one embodiment
of the use of multiple electromagnetic induction devices 12)
attached to the footwear or garment. The electromagnetic induction
device 12 can snap on or be attachable/detachable by other means,
or can be modules or built onto or within the shoe structure or
garment/apparel. The electromagnetic induction device 12 may be
mounted on the outside of the shoe or placed in the sole of the
shoe or on or within the garment/apparel. In either case, the one
or more electromagnetic induction devices 12 includes a tube
(circular or rectangular or square cross section, for example) with
two end repelling magnets 16 (such as those used in Nightstar.RTM.
flashlight or any other flashlight that lights up a bulb on shaking
it) disposed on opposite ends, a single or multiple set of coils 18
of conductive metal wires, such as copper coils, are wrapped around
the tube and a core magnet 14 that moves axially inside the tube.
The tube will have either one or more coils 18 or series of coils
18 to maximize electrical output. The movement of the core magnet
14 creates an EMI current generated in the coils 18. The inside of
the tube is made frictionless as possible by using carbon
nanoparticles or other suitable lubricant.
[0021] In one embodiment, a plurality of electromagnetic induction
devices 12 are arranged so that the devices 12 are placed at
different angles to harvest the maximum range of the human foot
movement. Optional magnetic shielding can be disposed around the
device 12 to reduce magnetic interference. The generated electrical
energy is then stored in the circuit board/power storage device 22,
also mounted on the shoe for use. The circuit board/power storage
device 22 can include various energy storage means, such as
ultra-capacitors, batteries, or the like.
[0022] In one embodiment, one or more piezoelectric devices 26 are
inserted in the sole 28 of the footwear or under the insole of the
footwear and located under the heel part of the foot or the top pad
of the foot. Typically, paired sets of pre-stressed Thunder.RTM. or
similar pre-stressed plates, slightly arched in the downward
convexity can be used as the piezoelectric devices 26. The
arch/curve on these plates can be compressed inward or flattened by
the wearer's heels' protuberance to produce the maximum deflection
of the plates as well as provide a "cushion like" feeling when a
person walks. The arch or the dome of the piezoelectric device 26
can be arched or domed with respect to a plane of the sole 28 of
the footwear, the peak of the arch or the dome can be a minimum
distance from the sole 28 of the footwear. Sets of piezoelectric
device 26 plates, with their convexity opposing each other from a
base plate, can be electrically connected and placed to achieve
maximum electrical output. The number of these pairs can be
adjusted to the size of the shoe and heel. Although a specific
piezoelectric material is described, any known or hereafter
developed piezoelectric materials when available can be used in the
heel or under front pad of foot or located at any
compression/decompression points of the apparel on a body.
[0023] In one embodiment, a plurality of piezoelectric devices 26
is used. The plurality of piezoelectric devices 26 can be
electrically connected to optimize the charging and rectifying
circuitry. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric plates are
physically arranged so that their respective convex sides are in
contact. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric plates are physically
arranged so that their concave sides are in contact. The
piezoelectric elements can be arranged so that a respective convex
side is in contact with the concave side of the next subsequent
piezoelectric element.
[0024] In another embodiment, piezoelectric strips can be used that
generate electricity as they are flexed or bent. These
piezoelectric strips can be arranged on the footwear at any
location that has any bending or flexing movements. In one
embodiment, piezoelectric elements can be incorporated into the
portions of the garment that flexes or bends such as the elbow of a
jacket or knee portion of legwear. In this manner, as the wearer's
limb flexes, the piezoelectric element generates electricity.
[0025] In an embodiment using a solar collection device 24, the
footwear or garment can generate electricity whenever the garment
or footwear is exposed to light or sunlight. Solar thin film can be
used as a photovoltaic generator. The film would either be built
into the materials of the footwear and covered with a protective
coating or attached laterally as a snap on or attachable/detachable
by other means module. The film can be a single piece or multiple
pieces connected by a conductive material for maintaining
durability of the device and flexibility of the shoe/apparel. The
film and circuitry can be printed in the desired shape by using
modern techniques.
[0026] Solar paint can be sprayed onto or integrated into the
fabric of the shoe/garment/apparel as and when the material becomes
readily available. The generated electrical energy can then be
stored in, for example, an ultra-capacitor, also mounted on the
shoe for use.
[0027] In one embodiment, thermopile devices 30 can be structurally
engineered into the shoe or apparel so that the thermal gradient
that would exist between the inside and outside of the shoe or
apparel or garment is used to generate electricity, which can then
be harvested and stored. The generated electrical energy can be
stored in, for example, an ultra-capacitor for use. Similarly,
thermopiles can be incorporated into other garments including hats,
gloves, jackets, helmets or the like to achieve similar temperature
differentials for power generation.
[0028] Collection of electrical energy can be accomplished using
ultra-capacitors, either built into the footwear or as part of a
snap on or attachable/detachable by other means modules that are
based on expandable modular systems and using currently available
techniques or that may become available in the future to rectify,
modulate and store current.
[0029] The stored energy can be output, in some embodiments, as 5
volts direct current (DC) to power most modern devices. However,
the output can be varied to suit the application or device that is
being powered. A DC-to-DC converter, Zener diode or
ultra-capacitors with different ratings are some (but not all) of
the methods to vary the output of the energy needed to power
devices and units. All circuits can be miniaturized, ruggedized and
electrically isolated from the rest of the shoe or apparel or
garment.
[0030] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *