Energy harvester system

An energy harvester system including a primary energy collector (PEC), a cam gear ring, multiple secondary energy collectors (SEC), and a central gear is provided. The PEC and the SECs harness ambient motion energy. The PEC is attached to a support base member. The cam gear ring is operably engaged to the PEC and rotated by the PEC. The SECs are positioned in a space defined by the cam gear ring and rotated on receiving ambient motion energy. One SEC is unclamped from the support base member and slides towards the central gear when the cam gear ring contacts the SEC, while the other SECs are clamped on the support base member. The central gear operably engages with the unclamped SEC that slid towards the central gear and rotates with the unclamped SEC. The rotating central gear can be coupled to different power generating devices for generating electrical energy.

BACKGROUND

Energy harvesting refers to a process of capturing energy from external sources, for example, kinetic energy, sunlight, wind, hydraulics, etc. Energy that is harvested from different sources is typically bountiful, and is present regardless of whether energy harvesting takes place. The harvested energy is often converted to electricity to power electronic devices. Most existing energy harvesting technologies focus on small systems that cannot provide sufficient power to commonly used electronic devices. In an era that emphasizes green technology, there is a need for finding new ways to save and reuse energy, while also making it affordable to do so. For devices such as smartphones, energy harvesting technologies with sufficient power would mean that people no longer need to tether their smartphones to sockets to charge their smartphones. Instead, people can use an energy harvesting technology to charge their smartphones on the go. Other devices, for example, communication radios and flashlights, would also benefit from energy harvesting technologies. In places where power sources may be unavailable, for example, underground mines, deserts, and remote areas, energy harvesting technologies could sustain small electronic devices indefinitely.

Energy harvesting technologies are used in many existing systems, for example automatic watches. An automatic watch captures a small amount of the energy generated during movement of a wearer's arm and uses the captured energy to wind a spring within the automatic watch. The spring slowly releases the energy, thereby powering gears and clock hands of the automatic watch. Therefore, the automatic watch does not rely on batteries or manual winding. The automatic watch functions as long as the wearer's arm moves. However, the automatic winding mechanism is not suitable for large devices since the automatic winding mechanism provides insufficient power of, for example, few milliwatts.

Conventional energy harvester systems use micro-electrostatic vibrations to generate electricity. The reduction in size and power consumption of complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuitry has led to research based on wireless sensor networks. Proposed networks include thousands of small wireless nodes that operate in a multi-hop fashion, replacing long transmission distances with multiple low power and low cost wireless devices. The result is a creation of an intelligent environment that responds to its inhabitants and ambient conditions. Wireless devices being designed and built for use in such environments typically run on batteries. However, as networks increase in number and devices decrease in size, the replacement of depleted batteries is not practical. The cost of replacing batteries in a few devices that make up a small network about once a year is feasible. However, the cost of replacing thousands of devices annually, some of which are in areas difficult to access, is not practical. Another approach would be to use a battery that is large enough to last the entire lifetime of a wireless sensor device. However, a battery large enough to last the lifetime of the wireless sensor device would dominate the overall system size and cost, and thus is not practical. There is a need for alternative methods of powering devices that make up wireless networks. A conventional energy harvester system converts micro electrostatic vibration to electricity using a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication technology with an output power density of, for example, about 116 μW/cm3. However, the MEMS based energy harvester system is expensive and generates low power.

Other conventional energy harvesting systems are compatible with mobile devices. The mobile devices domain comprises, for example, sound energy harvesting, electro-magnetic wave energy harvesting, and photo cell energy harvesting, for example, solar cell energy harvesting. When a person speaks over a mobile device, for example, a phone, sound energy is used to vibrate a coil or a magnet in the phone to generate electricity. Electromagnetic waves are ubiquitous and received by a coil with an iron core to generate electricity. Photons, for example, from the sun or a lamp are also ubiquitous. Photodiodes mounted on the surface of a mobile device receive light and generate electrical current. Combining these energy harvesting techniques with mechanical energy harvesting techniques reduces the size of an energy harvester and provides sufficient energy to power small portable devices at the same time. However, the energy generated is insufficient for large devices.

Another conventional energy harvesting system includes a device that generates electricity from mechanical energy when embedded in a vibrating medium. Supplying power to remote microsystems that have no physical connection to the outside world is difficult, and using batteries is not always appropriate. A micro generator generates electricity from mechanical energy when embedded in a vibrating medium. This micro generator has dimensions of, for example, about 5 mm×5 mm×1 mm. Analysis predicts that power produced is proportional to a cube of the frequency of vibration, and that to maximize power generation, the mass deflection should be as large as possible. Power generation of, for example, about 1 μW at 70 Hz and 0.1 mW at 330 Hz are predicted for a typical device, assuming a deflection of 50 μm.

In another conventional energy harvesting system, a generator produces sufficient electricity from random, ambient vibrations to power a wristwatch, a pacemaker, or a wireless sensor. Energy harvesting devices created in this manner provide renewable electrical power from arbitrary, non-periodic vibrations. Non-periodic vibrations are obtained, for example, from traffic driving on bridges, machinery operating in industries, and humans moving their limbs. According to a research study, a generator harnesses energy from nearby vibrations using piezoelectric materials. The piezoelectric materials create a charge when stressed. The piezoelectric materials allow each generator of one cubic centimeter in volume to create power of, for example, about 0.5 milliwatts, which can potentially be used to drive small autonomous devices, for example, pace makers. The conventional energy harvesting systems using piezoelectric materials generate insufficient power to power a standard portable electronic device. Moreover, the piezoelectric materials are expensive. In an experimental study, micro electrostatic vibration-to-electricity converters using the microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication technology with an output power density of, for example, about 116 μW/cm3are designed.

Another conventional energy harvester system utilizes sensitive vibrations to generate electrical energy. A vibration energy harvester is capable of using mechanical energy to harvest useful energy. This conventional vibration energy harvester that generates electrical energy from mechanical energy utilizes a complex mechatronic device, which includes a precise mechanical part, an electromagnetic converter, power electronics for power management, and a load. The energy generated by the above systems is insufficient for large devices.

Hence, there is a long felt but unresolved need for an affordable and easily available energy harvester system that generates sufficient power for powering electronic devices, for example, smartphones, communication radios, flashlights, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The energy harvester system disclosed herein addresses the above mentioned needs for generating sufficient power for powering electronic devices, for example, smartphones, communication radios, flashlights, etc. The energy harvester system disclosed herein comprises a support base member, a primary energy collector, a cam gear ring, multiple secondary energy collectors, and a central gear. The energy harvester system harnesses ambient motion energy and converts the ambient motion energy to a rotational motion of the central gear, which is used for generating electricity.

In the energy harvester system disclosed herein, the primary central axial member is attached to the support base member. The primary energy collector is rotatably connected to the primary central axial member. The cam gear ring is operably engaged to the primary energy collector and rotated by the primary energy collector. The secondary energy collectors are positioned in a space defined by the cam gear ring and rotated on receiving ambient motion energy. One of the secondary energy collectors can be unclamped from the support base member and slides towards a central gear when the cam gear ring contacts that secondary energy collector, while the other secondary energy collectors are clamped on the support base member. The central gear is operably engaged to the unclamped secondary energy collector that slid towards the central gear to rotate with that unclamped secondary energy collector for generation of electrical energy. The rotating central gear can be coupled to different electrical power generating devices to generate electricity.

In an embodiment, the energy harvester system disclosed herein further comprises multiple pins extending from an upper surface of the support base member and positioned proximal to an inner surface of the cam gear ring. Each of the pins is configured to engage with a clamping member of each of the secondary energy collectors for clamping each of the secondary energy collectors to the support base member. The clamping member is attached to and extends from a secondary base of each secondary energy collector. The clamping member clamps each secondary energy collector to one of the pins. The clamping member is further configured to unclamp each secondary energy collector from one of the pins when the cam gear ring contacts the clamping member.

In an embodiment, the energy harvester system disclosed herein further comprises multiple guide elements positioned on the upper surface of the support base member within the space defined by the cam gear ring. Each of the guide elements comprises a slot configured to slidably engage with a guide projection of a corresponding one of the secondary energy collectors. The secondary energy collector that is unclamped from a corresponding pin is configured to slide towards the central gear via a corresponding guide element. The guide projection of each of the secondary energy collectors extends from a lower surface of the secondary base of each secondary energy collector. The guide projection of the unclamped secondary energy collector is configured to slide within the slot of the guide element to slide the unclamped secondary energy collector towards the central gear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of an energy harvester system100. The energy harvester system100disclosed herein harnesses ambient motion energy and converts the harnessed ambient motion energy to rotational motion of a central gear124, which is used for generating electrical energy. The energy harvester system100disclosed herein comprises a support base member101, a primary energy collector102, a cam gear ring109with a cam element111a, multiple secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116, and the central gear124. In an embodiment, the support base member101is, for example, a rear panel of an electronic device, for example, a smartphone. The primary energy collector102is attached to the support base member101. As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, the primary energy collector102comprises a primary base103and a primary central axial member104. The primary base103of the primary energy collector102is attached to an upper surface101aof the support base member101. The primary central axial member104is fixedly attached to the upper surface101aof the support base member101. The primary energy collector102further comprises a primary pendulum member105and a primary geared case106with primary gear tooth elements107as disclosed in the detailed description ofFIGS. 3A-3B. In an embodiment, the primary energy collector102further comprises a primary case cover108as disclosed in the detailed description ofFIG. 3A.

The cam gear ring109encircles the secondary energy collectors113,114,115and116. The cam gear ring109is operably engaged to the primary energy collector102and is rotated by the primary energy collector102. In an embodiment, the cam gear ring109further comprises one cam element111aexemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, or multiple cam elements, for example, two cam elements111aand111bexemplarily illustrated inFIG. 7, extending from an inner surface109aof the cam gear ring109. The secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116are positioned in a space117defined by the cam gear ring109and rotated on receiving ambient motion energy. In an embodiment as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116are positioned concentrically around the central gear124. Each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116comprises a secondary base118, a secondary central axial member119, a secondary pendulum member120, a secondary geared case121with secondary gear tooth elements122, and a secondary spring element123as disclosed in the detailed description ofFIGS. 4A-4B. In an embodiment, the energy harvester system100disclosed herein further comprises multiple pins112a,112b,112d, and112cextending from the upper surface101aof the support base member101as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 2. For each rotation of the cam gear ring109, the cam element111aof the cam gear ring109is configured to contact a clamping member134exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 6, of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116to unclamp each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116from a corresponding one of the pins112a,112b,112d, and112crespectively.

FIG. 2exemplarily illustrates a top perspective, partial view of the energy harvester system100exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, showing multiple guide elements126a,126b,126c, and126dpositioned around the central gear124. In an embodiment, the energy harvester system100disclosed herein comprises multiple guide elements126a,126b,126c, and126dpositioned on the upper surface101aof the support base member101within the space117defined by the cam gear ring109. The guide elements126a,126b,126c, and126dare positioned below the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, respectively. The guide elements126a,126b,126c, and126dcomprise slots127a,127b,127c, and127drespectively, configured to slidably engage with guide projections of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116respectively. The secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116are seated in their respective slots127a,127b,127c, and127d. Each of the slots127a,127b,127c, and127dis configured in a geometric shape. For example, the slot127ais configured to engage with the guide projection132ato form a dovetail as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4C. The energy harvester system100disclosed herein further comprises restoring spring elements128a,128b,128c, and128dpositioned in the guide elements126a,126b,126c, and126drespectively, and facing proximal to the central gear124. The restoring spring element, for example,128areturns an unclamped secondary energy collector, for example,113towards the pin112afor clamping by the clamping member134exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 6. The restoring spring element128apushes the unclamped secondary energy collector113back to clamp with the pin112aonce the cam element111amoves away. The pins112a,112b,112d, and112care positioned proximal to the inner surface109aof the cam gear ring109. As exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 2, the primary energy collector102further comprises a primary spring element129wound around the primary central axial member104as disclosed in the detailed description ofFIGS. 3A-3B.

FIG. 3Aexemplarily illustrates a sectional view of the primary energy collector102of the energy harvester system100exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. The primary central axial member104is positioned on and fixedly attached to the primary base103of the primary energy collector102. The primary pendulum member105is rotatably connected to the primary central axial member104. The primary pendulum member105is, for example, an oscillating weight that is free to rotate about the primary central axial member104. The primary pendulum member105is actuated by ambient motion energy and rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. That is, the ambient motion energy rotates the primary pendulum member105in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. In an embodiment, the primary pendulum member105is rigidly attached to the primary geared case106, thereby causing the primary geared case106to rotate when the primary pendulum member105rotates. The primary geared case106of the primary energy collector102encircles the primary spring element129and the primary central axial member104. The primary geared case106runs along a primary base groove130exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 3B, configured in the primary base103. The primary geared case106comprises multiple primary gear tooth elements107positioned on an outer surface106aof the primary geared case106. The primary spring element129of the primary energy collector102is attached to the primary geared case106and the primary central axial member104. The primary spring element129is wound around the primary central axial member104within the primary geared case106. The primary spring element129comprises a first end129aand a second end129bexemplarily illustrated inFIG. 3B. The first end129aof the primary spring element129is fixedly attached to the primary central axial member104. The second end129bof the primary spring element129exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 3B, is fixedly attached to the inner surface106bof the primary geared case106. In an embodiment, the primary case cover108of the primary energy collector102is removably attached to the primary geared case106. The primary case cover108is positioned below the primary pendulum member105and above the primary spring element129. The primary case cover108is further positioned generally parallel to the primary pendulum member105and covers the primary spring element129. In an embodiment, the primary pendulum member105is rigidly attached to the primary case cover108, which is rigidly attached to the primary geared case106, thereby causing the primary geared case106to rotate when the primary pendulum member105rotates.

FIG. 3Bexemplarily illustrates a top perspective, cutaway view of the primary energy collector102exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 3A, showing the primary base103, the primary base groove130, and the primary spring element129of the primary energy collector102. The primary geared case106exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 3A, is detachably clamped to the primary base groove130configured in the primary base103and encircles the primary central axial member104. The primary geared case106is configured to unclamp from the primary base groove130and rotate relative to the primary base103along the primary base groove130. The primary spring element129is wound around the primary central axial member104within the primary geared case106. The first end129aof the primary spring element129is fixedly attached to the primary central axial member104, and the second end129bof the primary spring element129is fixedly attached to the inner surface106bof the primary geared case106exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 3A. The primary geared case106rotates relative to the primary base103along the primary base groove130when unclamped from the primary base groove130.

FIG. 4Aexemplarily illustrates a sectional view of a secondary energy collector113of the energy harvester system100exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. Each of the other secondary energy collectors114,115, and116exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, comprise the structural components of the secondary energy collector113shown inFIG. 4A. To disclose the structural components of all the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116, the secondary energy collector113is shown and described as an example. The secondary energy collector113comprises a secondary base118, a secondary central axial member119, a secondary pendulum member120, a secondary geared case121, and a secondary spring element123. The secondary base118is attached to the upper surface101aof the support base member101exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. The secondary central axial member119is positioned on and fixedly attached to the secondary base118. The secondary pendulum member120is rotatably connected to the secondary central axial member119. The secondary pendulum member120is actuated by ambient motion energy and rotated in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. In an embodiment, the secondary pendulum member120is rigidly attached to the secondary geared case121, thereby causing the secondary geared case121to rotate when the secondary pendulum member120rotates.

The secondary geared case121encircles the secondary central axial member119and the secondary spring element123as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4A. The secondary geared case121runs along a secondary base groove133exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4B, configured in the secondary base118. The secondary geared case121comprises multiple secondary gear tooth elements122positioned on an outer surface121aof the secondary geared case121. The secondary spring element123is wound around the secondary central axial member119within the secondary geared case121. The secondary spring element123comprises a first end123aand a second end123bexemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4B. The first end123aof the secondary spring element123is fixedly attached to the secondary central axial member119. The second end123bof the secondary spring element123exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4B, is fixedly attached to the inner surface121bof the secondary geared case121. In an embodiment, the secondary energy collector113further comprises a secondary case cover131removably attached to the secondary geared case121and positioned below the secondary pendulum member120. The secondary case cover131is further positioned above the secondary spring element123and generally parallel to the secondary pendulum member120. In an embodiment, the secondary pendulum member120is rigidly attached to the secondary case cover131, which is rigidly attached to the secondary geared case121, thereby causing the secondary geared case121to rotate when the secondary pendulum member120rotates. In an embodiment, the secondary energy collector113further comprises a guide projection132aextending from a lower surface118aof the secondary base118.

FIG. 4Bexemplarily illustrates a top perspective, cutaway view of the secondary energy collector113exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4A, showing the secondary base118, the secondary base groove133, and the secondary spring element123of the secondary energy collector113. The secondary geared case121exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4A, is detachably clamped within the secondary base groove133configured in the secondary base118and encircles the secondary central axial member119exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4B. The secondary geared case121is configured to unclamp from the secondary base groove133and rotate relative to the secondary base118along the secondary base groove133. The secondary spring element123is wound around the secondary central axial member119within the secondary geared case121. The first end123aof the secondary spring element123is fixedly attached to the secondary central axial member119and the second end123bof the secondary spring element123is fixedly attached to the inner surface121bof the secondary geared case121exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4A.

FIG. 4Cexemplarily illustrates a front perspective, cutaway view of the secondary energy collector113exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4A, showing a sectional view of a guide projection132aengaged in a slot127aof a guide element126a. The guide projection132aenables the secondary base118of the secondary energy collector113to be seated in the guide element126a. The guide element126aremains stationary while the guide projection132aof the secondary energy collector113slides along the slot127aof the guide element126awhen the secondary energy collector113is unclamped. The guide projection132ais configured to slide within the slot127aof the guide element126apositioned on the upper surface101aof the support base member101within the space117defined by the cam gear ring109exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, to slide the unclamped secondary energy collector113towards the central gear124.

FIG. 5exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of a guide element126aof the energy harvester system100exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, showing a slot127a. The guide projection132aof the secondary energy collector113exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4AandFIG. 4C, is seated in the slot127aof the guide element126a. In an embodiment, the guide projections of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, are of a geometric shape conforming to a shape of the slots127a,127b,127c, and127dof the guide elements126a,126b,126c, and126drespectively, exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 2. For example, the guide projection132aof the secondary energy collector113fits into the slot127aof the guide element126ato form a dovetail as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4C. The guide element126afurther comprises a restoring spring element128aconfigured to restore an unclamped secondary energy collector113back to a clamped position once the cam element111aexemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, moves out of contact with the secondary energy collector113.

FIG. 6exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view showing a secondary energy collector, for example,113clamped to a pin112a. In an embodiment, each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, further comprises a clamping member134fixedly attached to and extending from the secondary base118of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116. To disclose the clamping member134of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116, the clamping member134of the secondary energy collector113is exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 6and described herein. For example, the clamping member134is fixedly attached to and extends from the secondary base118of the secondary energy collector113. The clamping members134of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116are configured to clamp the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116to corresponding pins112a,112b,112d, and112crespectively, exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1-2. For example, the secondary energy collector113is clamped to the pin112a, and the secondary energy collector116is clamped to the pin112cexemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. The pin112aengages with the clamping member134of the secondary energy collector113for clamping the secondary energy collector113to the support base member101exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. The clamping member134unclamps one of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115,116from the corresponding one of the pins112a,112b,112d, and112crespectively. For example, the clamping member134unclamps the secondary energy collector113from the pin112awhen the cam element111aof the rotating cam gear ring109contacts the clamping member134. For each rotation of the cam gear ring109, the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116are sequentially unclamped once from the pins112a,112b,112d, and112crespectively. For example, the cam element111aof the cam gear ring109contacts the clamping member134of the secondary energy collector113and unclamps the secondary energy collector113, and then the cam element111aunclamps the other secondary energy collectors114,115, and116.

The cam element111aof the cam gear ring109extends from the inner surface109aof the cam gear ring109. The cam element111ais configured to contact the clamping member134of the secondary energy collector113to unclamp the secondary energy collector113from the pin112a. The cam element111apositioned on the inner surface109aof the cam gear ring109contacts and releases the clamping member134from the pin112awhen the cam gear ring109rotates. This results in the secondary energy collector113being unclamped. In an embodiment, the cam element111ais configured at an elevated position to unclamp one of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116and continue to unclamp the next secondary energy collector without being obstructed by the pins112a,112b,112d, and112crespectively.

FIG. 7exemplarily illustrates an embodiment of the energy harvester system100exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, showing a cam gear ring109with two cam elements111aand111b. In the embodiment, the cam gear ring109comprises multiple cam elements, for example, two cam elements111aand111bexemplarily illustrated inFIG. 7, extending from the inner surface109aof the cam gear ring109. The cam elements111aand111bare spaced at an angular distance apart from each other as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 7. For each rotation of the cam gear ring109, the cam elements111aand111bare configured to contact the clamping members134exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 6, of each of at least two of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, to unclamp at least two of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116from at least two of the pins112a,112b,112d, and112crespectively, exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. The inclusion of two cam elements111aand111bensures engagement of at least two of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116with the central gear124per cam ring circulation cycle. That is, multiple cam elements, for example,111aand111bensure that each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116are released more than once during each rotation of the cam gear ring109. The incorporation of more than one cam element111aincreases efficiency of the energy harvester system100by ensuring that each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116engages the central gear124multiple times during each rotation of the cam gear ring109. In an embodiment, even if more than one secondary energy collector, for example,113and115are unclamped by the multiple cam elements111aand111b, only one of the secondary energy collectors, for example,113is allowed to engage with the central gear124at a time.

FIG. 8exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view showing secondary gear tooth elements122of the secondary energy collector113engaging with central gear tooth elements125of the central gear124of the energy harvester system100exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. The central gear124engages with the secondary energy collector113which has been unclamped, for example, by engaging the central gear tooth elements125with the secondary gear tooth elements122of the secondary energy collector113. The rotating secondary energy collector113thereby rotates the central gear124.

FIGS. 9A-9Bexemplarily illustrate a method for harvesting ambient motion energy and generating electrical energy. In the method disclosed herein, the energy harvester system100comprising the support base member101, the primary energy collector102, the cam gear ring109, multiple pins112a,112b,112d, and112c, multiple secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116, multiple guide elements126a,126b,126c, and126d, and the central gear124exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1-8, is provided901. In the method disclosed herein, ambient motion energy induces902rotations of the primary pendulum member105of the primary energy collector102and the secondary pendulum member120of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116. The rotating primary pendulum member105and the rotating secondary pendulum member120of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116compress903the primary spring element129of the primary energy collector102and the secondary spring element123of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115,116respectively. The compressed primary spring element129of the primary energy collector102and the compressed secondary spring element123of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116store904the ambient motion energy. The stored ambient motion energy of the compressed primary spring element129of the primary energy collector102rotates905the primary geared case106of the primary energy collector102when the primary geared case106is released from the primary base103of the primary energy collector102. The primary gear tooth elements107positioned on the primary geared case106engages the cam gear ring tooth elements110of the cam gear ring109and rotates906the cam gear ring109.

The cam element111apositioned on the inner surface109aof the cam gear ring109contacts and unclamps907the clamping member134of one of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116, for example, the secondary energy collector113. The secondary geared case121of the unclamped secondary energy collector113is unclamped908from the secondary base118. This results in releasing909the stored ambient motion energy from the compressed secondary spring element123of the unclamped secondary energy collector113and rotating the secondary geared case121of the unclamped secondary energy collector113. The unclamped secondary energy collector113slides910on the slot127aof one of the guide elements, for example,126atowards the central gear124to engage the unclamped secondary energy collector113with the central gear124. The secondary gear tooth elements122positioned on the secondary geared case121of the unclamped secondary energy collector113engage with the central gear tooth elements125of the central gear124to rotate911the central gear124for generation of electrical energy.

FIG. 10exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the energy harvester system100, showing operation of the energy harvester system100. The energy harvester system100disclosed herein harnesses ambient motion energy to generate electricity. Consider the example of the energy harvester system100being used in tandem with a smartphone to harness ambient motion energy. The energy harvester system100is attached to a support base member101, for example, the rear panel of the smartphone. If the smartphone is held in a user's hand, when the user swings his/her hand while walking, the motion of his/her hand generates kinetic energy. The energy harvester system100stores this kinetic energy and converts the stored kinetic energy into a rotary motion of the central gear124which is used to generate electrical energy. In an embodiment, the spring elements123and129of the energy harvester system100can be wound manually. The spring elements123and129store the energy used to wind them as potential energy. This potential energy is converted to an oscillatory motion of the central gear124. The structural components of the energy harvester system100are disclosed in the detailed descriptions ofFIGS. 1-8.

Consider the primary pendulum member105oscillating due to ambient motion energy. The ambient motion energy rotates the primary pendulum member105. The primary pendulum member105rotates in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The oscillation of the primary pendulum member105rotates the primary geared case106. The rotation of the primary geared case106compresses the primary spring element129as the first end129aof the primary spring element129is fixedly attached to the primary central axial member104and the second end129bof the primary spring element129is fixedly attached to the rotating primary geared case106as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 3B. The compression of the primary spring element129stores the ambient motion energy in the compressed primary spring element129. Similarly, each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116induces compression in their respective secondary spring elements123. The ambient motion energy rotates the secondary pendulum member120. The secondary pendulum member120rotates in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The primary geared case106is clamped in the primary base groove130exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 3B, and the secondary geared case121of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116is clamped to their respective secondary base grooves133exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 4B. When the primary geared case106is unclamped from the primary base groove130, the compressed primary spring element129releases the stored ambient motion energy and exerts a force on the primary geared case106, thereby rotating the unclamped primary geared case106. The ambient motion energy released by the primary spring element129is regulated by engaging the primary energy collector102with the cam gear ring109. The cam gear ring109rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the primary energy collector102. For example, if the primary energy collector102rotates in a counterclockwise direction as exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 10, the cam gear ring109rotates in a clockwise direction. The primary energy collector102engages the cam gear ring109by meshing the primary gear tooth elements107with the cam gear ring tooth elements110. The cam element111aextending from the inner surface109aof the cam gear ring109moves along with the cam gear ring109.

As the cam gear ring109rotates, the cam element111aof the cam gear ring109contacts the clamping member134of, for example, the secondary energy collector113. The other secondary energy collectors114,115, and116are clamped to the pins112b,112d, and112cpositioned on the support base member101. The secondary spring element123of each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116is in a compressed state. When the secondary energy collector113is unclamped from the pin112aand the secondary geared case121of the secondary energy collector113is unclamped from the secondary base groove133, the compressed secondary spring element123of the secondary energy collector113releases the stored ambient motion energy. The ambient motion energy released by the secondary spring element123is regulated. The compressed secondary spring element123of the secondary energy collector113exerts a force on the unclamped secondary geared case121, thereby producing a rotary motion of the secondary geared case121of the secondary energy collector113. In this example, the rotating secondary energy collector113slides along the slot127aof the guide element126ato engage and rotate the central gear124. When the cam gear ring109rotates and the cam element111amoves out of contact with the engaged secondary energy collector113, a restoring spring element128aof the guide element126aexemplarily illustrated inFIG. 11pushes the secondary energy collector113back to clamp the secondary energy collector113to the pin112a. The cam element111athen proceeds to unclamp the next secondary energy collector114from the pin112b. The entire process repeats for each of the other secondary energy collectors114,115, and116. When the cam element111amoves away, the secondary energy collector114slides back and the clamping member134clamps to the pin112b. The same process is repeated with the next secondary energy collector in line, for example, the secondary energy collector115. Hence, for each rotation of the cam gear ring109, the cam element111aunclamps each of the secondary energy collectors113,114,115, and116at least once.

FIG. 11exemplarily illustrates a top plan view showing a guide element126aof the energy harvester system100exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1. As disclosed in the detailed description ofFIG. 10, a secondary energy collector113is released from the pin112awhen the cam element111acontacts the clamping member134of the secondary energy collector113. When the secondary energy collector113is released from the pin112a, the secondary energy collector113slides along the guide element126a, compresses the restoring spring element128a, and engages with the central gear124thereby producing a rotation of the central gear124. When the cam element111amoves away from the secondary energy collector113, the restoring spring element128apushes the secondary energy collector113away from the central gear124and allows the clamping member134of the secondary energy collector113to clamp the pin112a, thereby restoring the secondary energy collector113to a clamped position. The process repeats for the next secondary energy collector, for example,114that the cam element111acontacts.

FIG. 12exemplarily illustrates the energy harvester system100coupled to a direct current (DC) generator1201for powering light emitting diodes (LEDs)1204. The energy harvester system100can be used to generate sufficient power for powering, for example, about ten parallel LEDs1204. In an application, the central gear124of the energy harvester system100exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 1, is coupled to a rotor1201aof the DC generator1201. The rotary motion of the central gear124of the energy harvester system100is transmitted to the rotor1201aof the DC generator1201, which converts the rotary motion to electrical energy. The output voltage generated by the energy harvester system100is, for example, about 3V, and the power output is, for example, about 150 mW. The generated current is transmitted to the LEDs1204via electrical wires1202. The LEDs1204are mounted on a support board1203, for example, in a parallel connection. The current drawn by each LED1204is, for example, about 5 mA.

FIG. 13Aexemplarily illustrates a graphical representation showing an unfiltered voltage output of the energy harvester system100for each release of the primary spring element129and the secondary spring element123exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1-2. The voltage output curve exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 13A, shows the unfiltered output of the energy harvester system100. The peak output voltage is shown to reach, for example, about 12V. The output voltage ripple indicates that the rotation speed of the direct current (DC) generator1201exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 12, can reach, for example, about 3000 rpm.

FIG. 13Bexemplarily illustrates a graphical representation showing a filtered voltage output of the energy harvester system100for each release of the primary spring element129and the secondary spring element123exemplarily illustrated inFIGS. 1-2. A direct current (DC) generator1201exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 12, powered by the energy harvester system100, is connected to an oscilloscope to obtain this voltage output. For each release of the primary spring element129and the secondary spring element123, the voltage output curve exemplarily illustrated inFIG. 13B, shows the filtered output of the energy harvester system100using capacitors to overcome the ripple effects. The voltage output curve shows that the peak output voltage can reach, for example, about 12V. The output voltage ripple indicates that the rotation speed of the DC generator1201can reach, for example, about 3000 rpm.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the energy harvester system100disclosed herein. While the energy harvester system100has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the energy harvester system100has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the energy harvester system100is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the energy harvester system100extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the energy harvester system100disclosed herein in its aspects.