Abstract:
A method and apparatus for producing useful work by a traffic-way or roadway having a moveable portion that can be readily displaced by the weight passing thereover, and translating the displacement of the moveable portion into a storing energy system; e.g., a torsion spring being compressed having a energy release mechanism that connects to an rotor or a drive shaft.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/525,090 filed on Jun. 15, 2012. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     N/A 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The present disclosure relates to a generating system for producing electrical power, and more particularly to an electrical power generating system which utilizes as a source of energy the energy expended by motor vehicles or pedestrians moving along a roadway and further stores the potential energy. 
     2. Discussion of the Background 
     Methods and apparatuses have been proposed producing useful work for generating electrical current. Generally, conventional forms of energy; e.g., wind, water, solar, nuclear, or steam power produced by burning conventional fuels such as coal, oil and gas have been used to turn the generators for producing electrical power or other work producing machines. 
     Further a great deal of energy is expended by and thus available from traffic, such as traffic from pedestrians or rolling vehicles. Generally, this energy is not recouped and put to useful purposes because to date, there are no viable devices for efficiently capturing the energy produce by pedestrian. Pedestrian traffic on city streets or in the entrances and exits of buildings is considerable, and in view of the growing need of energy, tapping that energy so as to recoup some portion of it is one way to save or redirect available energy. 
     Therefore there is a need to provide generating system that efficiently utilizes as a source of energy the energy expended by and thus available from traffic, such as traffic from pedestrians or rolling vehicles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure provides a system for storing and utilizing the energy expended by motor vehicles or pedestrians moving along a roadway. Accordingly, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for generating electricity from vehicles in motion, the electrical generation system comprising an actuator assembly comprising a projection above a road surface, a first mechanical element, wherein said first mechanical element is mechanically coupled to the actuator, an energy storage mean, wherein said energy storage mean comprises an energy input terminal and an energy output terminal, an energy releasing mechanism, wherein said energy releasing mechanism is mechanically coupled to said energy output terminal; and a rotor of a generator, wherein said rotor is mechanically coupled to the energy output terminal. 
     Another object of the present disclosure, in accordance with the principle of the present invention, is to provide a method and apparatus for producing electrical energy which is not dependent on the need of fuel such as coal, oil or gas. 
     It is another object of the present disclosure, in accordance with the principle of the present invention, to provide a method and apparatus for employing the energy generated by moving traffic to generate useable electrical energy or useful work. 
     It is therefore an object of the present disclosure, in accordance with the principle of the present invention, to provide method and apparatus to stored potential energy produced by vehicle or pedestrian traffic, to generate useable electrical energy or useful work. 
     Yet another object of the present disclosure, in accordance with the principle of the present invention, is to provide a storage energy system with a release energy valve or system to generate useable electrical energy or useful work. 
     Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sealing mechanism to the apparatus for producing electrical energy. 
     The disclosure itself, both as to its configuration and its mode of operation will be best understood, and additional objects and advantages thereof will become apparent, by the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. 
     The Applicant hereby asserts, that the disclosure of the present application may include more than one invention, and, in the event that there is more than one invention, that these inventions may be patentable and non-obvious one with respect to the other. 
     Further, the purpose of the accompanying abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the disclosure of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the disclosure in any way. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, constitute part of the specifications and illustrate the preferred embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  shows a road section with the general structure of the present disclosure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  shows one car crossing over the point of the road where the energy conversion system, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, is installed. 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross section according to vertical line A-A of  FIG. 1 , presenting the arrangement of the components of the coordinated plurality of conversion unities of the first exemplary embodiment of energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  shows a more detailed view of  FIG. 3  of the components of the coordinated plurality of conversion unities of the first exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system in combination electric generator in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross section according to vertical line B-B of  FIG. 1 , showing a first exemplary embodiment of the water-tight anchorage and drainage arrangement of the energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  shows a more detailed view of  FIG. 5  showing the components of the system for the first exemplary embodiment of the water drainage in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  shows a second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system housing in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  shows a second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system inner elements connected to the housing top cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  shows a side view of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system connected to the housing top cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  shows a second exemplary embodiment sectional view of the housing top cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  shows a second exemplary embodiment assembly of the housing top cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  shows a top view of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system without housing top cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  shows an isometric view of the housing of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system without housing top cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 14  shows an isometric view of the supports inside the housing of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system without housing top cover in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 15  shows a sectional view of the actuator connected to the electrical energy generation system of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 16  shows a sectional view and exploded view of the resilient assembly connected to the electrical energy generation system of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 17  shows a detailed exploded view of the resilient assembly connected to the housing of the electrical energy generation system of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 18  shows a sectional view of the actuator assembly connected to the electrical energy generation system of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 19  shows a sectional view of the actuator assembly connected to the electrical energy generation system of the second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 20  shows a single generator of said second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 21  shows a single generator of said second exemplary embodiment of the energy conversion system without supports in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 22A  through  FIG. 22C  show sectionals of the actuator system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 23A  through  FIG. 23D  shows the energy storage unit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 24A  through  FIG. 24C  shows the energy storage unit coupled to a torque release unit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 25A  through  FIG. 25B  shows the flywheel coupled to energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 26  shows a shaft engaging plate of the energy conversion system in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 27  shows a generator assembling with supports in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 28A  through  FIG. 28B  shows the generator assembling in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 29A  through  FIG. 29B  shows the stator assembling in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 30A  through  FIG. 30C  shows the rotor assembling in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  through  FIG. 6 , as disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 12/229,635, included here by reference, shows a general structure of invention arrangement in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. 
     The energy conversion system, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, comprises a plurality of conversion unities placed under a horizontal rectangular movable bar  12   a , wherein movable bar serves as the actuator of the energy conversion system. 
     When the vehicles cross over the road pavement, as show in  FIG. 2 , their wheels exert pressure on the bar  12   a . The vertical movement of one shaft  1  fixed to the bar  12   a  applies a certain pressure upon a conversion unity, in particular upon the upper part of a curved rack  2 . This curved rack  2  has a toothed side and a flat opposite side. The toothed side interlocks upon a first pinion  3 , which is then forced to rotate, and which is mounted on the same rotation axis than a gear wheel  4  of a larger diameter than that of the first pinion  3 . The flat side  2   b  of this curved rack  2  slides over a fixed roller  5 . The wheel  4 , that it is toothed, rotates due to the movement transmitted by the first pinion  3 , due to the initial pressure applied by said curved rack  2  due to a vehicle passing. The gear wheel  4  interlocks upon a second pinion  6 . This geared engagement  2 - 3 - 4 - 6  causes this second pinion  6  to rotate in a direction opposite to the first pinion  3 . Then, a dynamo  7  mounted on the same rotation axis than the second pinion  6  is forced to rotate at great speed, thus generating electricity. The second pinion  6  is joined to a ratchet mechanism  8 , not shown in detail in  FIG. 4 , said mechanism being concentric with the pinion  6 , which is then allowed to rotate in only one direction. 
     The conversion unities generating electric energy are located at equal intervals all along in the channel/drainage chamber  14 . This electric energy is transmitted through copper cables to a bank of batteries  10 , where it is stored. This current from the bank of batteries  10  can be employed in different ways, e.g., for led illumination of road lamppost. 
     Further a water-tightness system or water-tight anchorage and drainage arrangement  11  is provided as a protection of the conversion system inside the chamber from the environment. The water-tightness system comprises, as shown in  FIG. 5 , two rectangular bars, an upper movable one  12   a  as a cover, and a lower fixed one  12   b  fitting in slidable manner into the upper one, the elements of the coordinated plurality of conversion unities being located at certain intervals in a free space inside the said bars  12   a  and  12   b ; a spring  13  that it is adjusted to the up and down movement of the bar  12   a  depending on the crossing of the vehicles; a drainage chamber  14 , where the water falling on the pavement  16  is accumulated; fastening bolts  15  to fasten the system to the ground; and a drainage pipe  19 . Said elements  13  and  15 , are each located at certain intervals along the water-tight anchorage and drainage arrangement, thus assuring an effective fixation of the complete conversion system, and the effective operation of the energy conversion system. 
       FIG. 7  is directed to the second exemplary embodiment of system housing, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, which comprises an energy storage mean. The housing  100  protect and comprises an outer wall surrounding the energy conversion elements  300  and a top housing cover  101  having resilient sections  110  cover by sealing means or water-tight anchorage to avoid water damages to the energy conversion elements  300 . In the instant case the housing comprises a rectangular shape; however the shape or configuration may change depending on the road, pedestrian side walk and/or the energy conversion elements  300 . The housing  100  is configured to be located in a hole made at the road or path wherein pedestrian or vehicle transits. 
       FIG. 8  is directed to the connection of the housing top cover  101  with the energy conversion elements  300  of the energy complete conversion system. Each housing  100 , as mentioned, encloses at least a conversion system capable of store energy and produce electrical energy. A single housing may enclose more than one unit of energy conversion  300 A,  300 B.  FIG. 9  shows at least two energy conversion units  300 A,  300 B enclosed in the same housing  100 . Each unit energy conversion  300 A,  300 B may be connected by a single actuator system or in the same housing by independent actuator systems. Similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the energy conversion system  100  comprises actuator system including a bar  111  that transmit a vertical movement to the energy conversion elements  300 . 
     The housing top cover  101 , as previously mentioned, comprises a resilient section  110  made of resilient material such as rubber, as shown in  FIG. 10 . The resilient section  110  comprises a concave configuration  110 B and extensions  110 A. The concave configuration  110 B protrudes from the road when installed. A single unit for energy conversion, as show in  FIG. 20 , comprises first actuator or movable bar  303 , said first actuator  303  is mechanically coupled to a uni-directional mechanism  304  that tolerate rotation of a first drive in one direction, such as uni-directional clutch, an energy storage mean  305 , wherein said energy storage mean comprises an energy input terminal IT and an energy output terminal OT, wherein said uni-directional clutch  304  is mechanically coupled to said energy input terminal IT and the energy output terminal OT is coupled to a torque release unit  306  connected to a flywheel  307  and the generator unit M 1 , wherein said generator unit comprises a rotor R 1  and a stator ST 1 , wherein said rotor R 1  is mechanically coupled to the energy output terminal OT. 
       FIG. 12  is directed to the lower part of the housing  200 , more particularly the actuator bar  111  and the units&#39; energy conversion  300 A,  300 B. The actuator bar  11  essentially extends across the housing. It is meant to be essentially extended across the housing because the bar  111  is configured to be aligned to the recess  101 A. 
       FIG. 13  discloses the lower part of the housing, as mentioned before, comprising an external wall  200  configured to enclose the energy conversion elements  300 . The inner frame extensions  201 , 203  are provided to avoid deformation of the walls or he wall collapsing. Further the inner frame extension  201 , 203  served to hold some elements of the energy conversion system. Several supports S 1 ,S 2 ,S 3 ,S 4 , as shown in  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 15 , are extended vertically to the housing bottom surface and are configured to support several energy conversion elements  300 .  FIG. 15  clearly show the alignment of the actuator assembly, the resilient section  110  and the actuator bar  111 . It has to be understood any force applied on the resilient section  110  is transmitted to the actuator bar  111 . 
     The actuator bar  111  is coupled to a vertical arm  302  by means of a bar attachment part  301 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . Further the actuator bar  111  comprises a resilient member  1000  connected to inner frame  202 . The resilient member  1000  as shown in  FIG. 17  through  FIG. 19  comprises an extended member  1002  mechanically coupled to the actuator bar  111 . The extended member  1002  pass through the inner frame  202  in such way that the inner frame only permits the vertical movement of the extended member  1002 . A spring  1001  and a buffer  1003  are fixed to the housing by means of support  202 . The resilient member  1000  provides a reciprocal motion of the bar  111 , therefore after a vehicle or pedestrian interaction the actuator bar  111  returns to its original position. 
     A single unit for energy conversion, as show in  FIG. 20 , comprises first actuator or movable bar  303 , said first actuator  303  is mechanically coupled to an uni-directional mechanism  304  that tolerate rotation of a first drive in one direction, such as a uni-directional clutch, an energy storage mean  305 , wherein said energy storage mean comprises an energy input terminal and an energy output terminal, wherein said uni-directional clutch  304  is mechanically coupled to said energy input terminal and the energy output terminal is coupled to a torque release unit  306  connected to a flywheel  307  and the generator unit M 1 , wherein said generator unit comprises a rotor R 1  and stator ST 1 , wherein said stator ST 1  is mechanically coupled to the energy output terminal. 
       FIG. 21  is directed to the mechanical connection between conversion elements without housing supports. Further,  FIG. 22A through 22C  provides more details of the first actuator  303  and storage unit  305 . The first actuator  303  is coupled to the uni-directional clutch  304  which in turn is coupled to the storage unit  305 . The storage unit  305  comprises a spring torque  310  accumulates energy by torsion or twisting. The spring  310  is twisted by means of the first actuator  303  until reaching a designated torque value. Basically the force applied by the pedestrian to the actuator bar  111  is transmitted to the first actuator  303  which twist or compress the spring  310 . 
       FIG. 23A through 23D  are directed to the energy storage unit  305 , more particularly the spring torque  310 . The storage unit comprises a spring torque cover  3050  comprising several recesses  3055  and a bottom platform  3051 . The actuator shaft  3054  is coupled to the inner end  3057  of the spring torque  310  and the outer end  3053  of the spring torque  310  is coupled to the platform  3051 . Since the actuator shaft  3054  rotates the inner end  3057  while the outer end is fixed to the platform  3051 , as result of the first actuator  303  and one-way clutch, the spring  310  starts to twist and compress. Once the set-up torque value is reached the torque release unit  306  discharges the accumulated potential energy. 
       FIG. 24A through 24B  are directed to the mechanical connection between torque release unit  306 , storage unit  305  and flywheels  3071 ,  3072 . The torque release unit  306 , as mentioned, is set to a predetermined value. This pre-determined value is proportional to an internal air pressure which locks the torque release unit. As long as the pre-determined value of the torque is not reached the actuator shaft  3054  will not be allowed to move. This allows the input torque to keep accumulating in the torsional spring  310 . When the pre-determined value of the torque is reached, the torque release unit unlocks and allows the actuator shaft  3054  to move freely allowing the accumulated torque from the torsional spring  310  to be transferred to the flywheel unit  307  and thus the generating unit M 1 . 
     The energy released, in form of rotational energy, is transferred to a set of flywheels  3071 ,  3072 , as shown in  FIG. 25A through 25B . The flywheels  3071 ,  3072  comprises at least a flywheel  3071 ,  3072  and an engaging plate  3073  with an engaging end  3074 . Further the flywheel unit  307  works as units to storage, wherein said flywheels are rotating mechanical devices that are used to store rotational energy. Flywheels have a significant moment of inertia, and thus resist changes in rotational speed. 
     At least one of the flywheels is coupled to a shaft engaging plate  3073 , as show in  FIG. 26 . The shaft engaging plate transmits the rotational energy from the flywheel to the generator unit. 
       FIG. 27  through  FIG. 30C  is directed to the generator assembling. The engaging plate  3073  is coupled to the rotor shaft  3081 . In the instant case a generator M 1  comprising a inner rotor is provided, however it can be connected to a outer rotor.  FIG. 28A  through  FIG. 28B  clearly shows the engaging plate  3073  coupled to the rotor shaft  3081 . The stator ST 1  surrounds the rotor R 1 , as shown in  FIG. 29A  through  FIG. 29B . The rotor R 1 , as shows in  FIG. 30A  through  FIG. 30C  is supported by a set of bearing B 1 ,B 2  in order to support while providing a smooth rotation of the rotor R 1 . 
     Although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to an illustrated embodiment, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the specification and the preferred embodiment within the scope of the appended claims. 
     The disclosure is not limited to the precise configuration described above. While the disclosure has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject disclosure will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this disclosure after considering this specification together with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are deemed to be covered by this disclosure as defined in the following claims and their legal equivalents. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if any, are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
     All of the patents, patent applications, and publications recited herein, and in the Declaration attached hereto, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein. All, or substantially all, the components disclosed in such patents may be used in the embodiments of the present invention, as well as equivalents thereof. The details in the patents, patent applications, and publications incorporated by reference herein may be considered to be incorporable at applicant&#39;s option, into the claims during prosecution as further limitations in the claims to patently distinguish any amended claims from any applied prior art.