Patent Publication Number: US-2016248311-A1

Title: Rotational Inertia Electricity  Generator

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is in the field of electronics and pertains particularly to methods and apparatus for generating electricity using manually produced inertia. 
     2. Discussion of the State of the Art 
     In the field of electronics, it is very well known that electricity may be generated using an electromagnetic rotor/stator assembly. Rotation of the rotor or stator in the electrically wound rotor/stator assembly causes generation of electricity. The inventor is aware of such generators incorporated in devices such as flashlights. In one apparatus known to the inventor, a flashlight has a rotor/stator assembly that is manually driven to generate electricity by using a connected crank handle accessible from outside the housing of the assembly. In another apparatus known to the inventor, a flashlight has an elongate chamber hosting a freely-sliding magnet that may repeatedly slide past a centrally located induction wire when a user shakes the flashlight. The generated power can be stored in a capacitor or used to power a light source. 
     In the first apparatus, a problem exists in that the crank extends through the flashlight housing and therefore represents a point where the integrity of the housing may be compromised leading possibly to degradation of components inside the unit. In the second apparatus the magnet travels half of entire length of the internal tubular chamber before making contact with the induction wire resulting in more work input to produce sufficient power for use. 
     Therefore, what is clearly needed is an electricity generator that operates with less manual input. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an embodiment of the invention an apparatus is provided comprising a housing having a long axis, a rotor mounted within the housing rotatable on one or more bearings on the same axis as the housing, a stator concentric with the rotor, the stator constrained to be stationary relative to the housing, and an arrangement of magnets and electrical windings configured to generate electrical current by relative rotation between the rotor and the stator. A user, grasping the housing, rotates the housing first in one rotational direction around the axis, and then in the opposite rotational direction around the axis, causing relative rotation between the stator and the rotor in repeating opposite directions, creating electrical current from the motion imparted. 
     In one embodiment the housing is adapted to be held between a users left and right hands, and the user imparts the repeated opposite rotational relative motion between the stator and the rotor by moving the opposite hands in opposite directions repeatedly. Also in one embodiment the apparatus further comprises an electrical storage apparatus connected to the electricity generator with suitable circuitry such that electricity generated by relative rotation in either direction is stored in the electrical storage apparatus. In one embodiment the apparatus further comprises lighting components, wherein the apparatus provides a flashlight rechargeable by opposite rotation of the flashlight housing. Also in one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a freewheel mechanism connected to the rotor, constraining the rotor to rotate in one direction only relative to the stator. 
     In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a plurality of rotors concentric with a plurality of stators with the stators all constrained to be stationary with the housing. In one embodiment all of the rotors rotate independently. In another embodiment individual ones of the rotors are constrained to rotate together. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a floating ring coupled to the stator by a spring element, with the floating ring coupled to the rotor by the freewheel mechanism, such that rotational input to the casing in the free direction of the rotor is imparted to the floating ring through the spring element, which directly drives the rotor through the freewheel mechanism, wherein upon the rotational input to the casing stopping, the rotor continues to rotate relative to the stator. 
     In one embodiment the apparatus has a mechanical connection to a wave follower, such that the wave follower causes the housing to rotate repeatedly in opposite directions, causing the apparatus to generate electrical current. And in one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a switch input controlling a mechanism between the stator and the rotor, wherein placing the switch in one position places the mechanism in a first mode enabling motion imparted to the casing to wind up a coil spring, and placing the switch in a second position places the mechanism in a second mode enabling the spring to unwind, spinning the rotor relative to the stator and generating electricity. 
     In another aspect of the invention a method is provided, comprising rotating a housing as a first action in one rotational direction, causing relative rotation between a rotor mounted on bearings to rotate within the housing about the long axis of the housing, and a stator concentric with the rotor but fixed to be stationary relative to the housing, the apparatus having an arrangement of magnets and electrical windings configured to generate electrical current by relative rotation between the rotor and the stator, rotating the housing as a second action in the opposite rotational direction generating further electrical current, and repeating the steps sequentially to continue to produce electrical current. 
     In one embodiment of the method the housing is adapted to be held between a users left and right hands, and the user imparts the repeated opposite rotational relative motion between the stator and the rotor by moving the opposite hands in opposite directions repeatedly. In one embodiment there is an electrical storage apparatus connected to the electricity generator with suitable circuitry such that electricity generated by relative rotation in either direction is stored in the electrical storage apparatus. Also in one embodiment the apparatus provides a flashlight rechargeable by opposite rotation of the flashlight housing. Also in one embodiment there is a freewheel mechanism connected to the rotor, constraining the rotor to rotate in one direction only relative to the stator. Also in one embodiment there are a plurality of rotors concentric with a plurality of stators with the stators all constrained to be stationary with the housing. In one embodiment all of the rotors rotate independently. In another embodiment individual ones of the rotors are constrained to rotate together. 
     In one embodiment there is a floating ring coupled to the stator by a spring element, with the floating ring coupled to the rotor by the freewheel mechanism, such that rotational input to the casing in the free direction of the rotor is imparted to the floating ring through the spring element, which directly drives the rotor through the freewheel mechanism, wherein upon the rotational input to the casing stopping, the rotor continues to rotate relative to the stator. Also in one embodiment there is a mechanical connection to a wave follower, such that the wave follower causes the housing to rotate repeatedly in opposite directions, causing the apparatus to generate electrical current. And in one embodiment there is a switch input controlling a mechanism between the stator and the rotor, wherein placing the switch in one position places the mechanism in a first mode enabling motion imparted to the casing to wind up a coil spring, and placing the switch in a second position places the mechanism in a second mode enabling the spring to unwind, spinning the rotor relative to the stator and generating electricity. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an overhead view of the rotor/stator assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the rotor/stator assembly of  FIG. 2  taken along the section lines AA. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the stator rotor assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a rotor/stator assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an overhead view of a user operating the rotor/stator assembly of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7 a    is an elevation view of a rotor/stator assembly inside a housing according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7 b    is a plan view illustrating operation of a freewheel mechanism of  FIG. 7   a.    
         FIG. 8 a    is an elevation view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8 b    is a plan view of a mechanism of the apparatus of  FIG. 8   a.    
         FIG. 9  is an elevation view of another apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In various embodiments described in enabling detail herein, the inventor provides a unique apparatus ad method for generating electricity. The present invention is described using the following examples, which may describe more than one relevant embodiment falling within the scope of the invention. 
     The inventor in one implementation provides a device with an induction electric motor included therein for generating electricity for use such as in lighting or charging-rechargeable devices. The present invention is described in enabling detail using the following examples, which may describe more than one relevant embodiment falling within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a lighting device  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Lighting device  100  may in one example be in the form of a hand-held flashlight. Flashlight  100  in this example has a casing or frame  101  that encloses the components of the flashlight. Casing  101  may be manufactured of metal, durable polymer or other resilient and durable materials. Flashlight  100  includes a light focusing apparatus  102  mounted to frame  101  and includes a lens (not illustrated) through which light from a light source may pass. Apparatus  102  may be manufactured from materials similar to those used to fabricate casing  101  and may be rotatable in one embodiment and connected to the lens for focusing light in a broad or more-narrow beam. Flashlight  100  may be scaled to a range of hand-operated sizes from very small such as a small pen light to rather large such as a long “Mag” light. A focusing apparatus is not required in order to practice the invention. 
     Flashlight  100  includes a rotor/stator assembly  103 . Rotor/stator assembly  103  includes an axle  107 , a rotor  108  mounted over the axle and a stator  109  housing the rotor. Stator  109  is adapted to be stabilized or fixed in place by frame  101  (method of attachment not illustrated). In this embodiment the stator ( 109 ) is fixed to casing while the rotor ( 108 ) is rotatable within the stator. In another embodiment the roles may be reversed, with element  108  as the stator fixed to the casing via load-bearing assembly and element  109  as the rotor. Rotor  108  may be electromagnetically wound for interaction with magnets installed on the stator to generate electricity to accomplish electricity generation as is known in the art. Rotor  108  also may make contact with stator magnets via armature brushes (not illustrated). 
     Rotor  108  in one embodiment is freely rotatable in both rotational directions. In another embodiment the rotor may be constrained to rotate in one direction only, which may be either rotational direction. To constrain rotation of the rotor in one direction a freewheel mechanism  110  may connected to the rotor. Freewheel mechanisms are well-known in the art, and may be implemented in several different ways, which will be apparent to the skilled person, so no detail of the mechanism is provided here. 
     Flashlight  100  in this example also includes circuitry not illustrated connecting electrical generation elements in the generator to an electrical storage device  106 . Storage device  106  may be any one of several sorts of capacitor banks or rechargeable batteries, or any other sort of electrical storage mechanisms known in the art. Both the necessary circuitry and battery systems are known to the skilled person, so not detailed in this specification. 
     There may be an on/off switch  104  switching power from storage  106  to a lighting element  105 . Lighting element  105  may be a bulb or an LED-type light source without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Typical electric components like armature brushes, electrical wiring and connections are not illustrated in detail as there may be many different variations of wiring and electric components within flashlight  100  without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     In various embodiments of the invention manual rotation of the body (casing or frame) of the flashlight around the long axis of the flashlight functions to cause desired rotation of the rotatable member or members (rotor/stator) of rotor/stator assembly  103 . An imparted quick rotation of the casing, attached to the stator, results in relative rotation of the rotor and the stator, generating electricity in the same manner as imparted rotation of a rotor in any other electrical generator known in the art. However, in embodiments of the present invention in which the rotor may rotate freely in either direction, a user may apply rotation of the casing in one rotational direction, followed immediately by rotation in the opposite rotational direction, and these opposite applications of movement may be repeated, with each rotational movement resulting in generation of electricity by the rotor/stator assembly, due to rotational inertia of the rotor. 
     Copper windings in the rotatable member of the rotor/stator assembly may be interchangeable in some embodiments for designs with differing magnet locations. In one embodiment, copper-wound rotatable components may be of varying designs such as a spiral design without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, the rotatable member of the rotor/stator assembly may be limited by a coil or leaf spring assembly fixed to casing or frame  101 , wherein a tab on the rotating member makes contact with a specific part or parts of the spring assembly. Rotation may also be constrained or directed by gearing the rotation using one or more than one gear or gear assembly. A gear selection switch or lever may be provided with external access to enable a user to switch gears relative to rotation. 
     In an embodiment incorporating freewheel mechanism  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , a rotational motion imparted to the casing in the direction that the rotor is free to rotate will impart rotational momentum to the rotor in that direction, which will continue to rotate in the same direction when the imparted motion is stopped or reversed, and as long as the rotor continues to rotate and the casing is restrained, the device will generate by virtue of relative rotation between the rotor and the stator. By applying repeated rotation alternated in opposite directions to the casing a user may continue to add rotational momentum to the rotor in its free direction. 
     In this example, rotor/stator assembly  103  is integrated in a flashlight. However, this implementation is not required in order to practice the present invention. Assembly  103  may be integrated with any device or apparatus that uses electricity and that can be manually rotated by hand in quick opposing movements. The inventor illustrates a flashlight in this embodiment as one example of implementation. 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of rotor/stator assembly  103  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is an elevation sectioned view of the rotor/stator assembly of  FIG. 2  taken along the section line AA. Referring now to  FIG. 2 , rotor/stator assembly  103  includes axle  107  over which rotor  108  is rotationally mounted. Stator  109  in this example is fixedly attached to frame  101  of the flashlight. In this example the rotor rotates about the axle freely in either direction. Relative rotation between the stator and the rotor occurs as a result of manual manipulation of flashlight frame  101  in short, opposite rotational movements of the flashlight frame about its long axis. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , rotor/stator assembly  103  is depicted in section view A-A. A freewheel mechanism  110  may or may not be connected to rotor  108 . In some embodiments rotor  108  may be off-center from stator  109  and the centerline of the casing. An off-center rotor design may operate without manual input if the device is placed in a state of general motion such as being placed in a backpack or in a pocket while walking, hiking, or jogging, which may cause rotor  108  to rotate relative to the stator and thus provide for electrical generation. In an alternative embodiment an off-center weight may be fixed to the rotor shaft to accomplish the same effect. 
     In one embodiment, freewheel  110  may have a spring assembly (not illustrated) for a purpose of constraining the rotation of the rotor in the assembly, and may return rotational momentum back in the free-spinning rotation. This may be accomplished through an interfacing tab or protrusion on the rotating component that interfaces with the spring assembly. The spring assembly may contain a coiled spring or a metallic leaf-spring. In one embodiment a freewheel, a spring assembly, and a gear assembly containing one or more than one gear may be combined to constrain and or direct the rotation of the rotor in the assembly without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a very simple rotor/stator configuration  400 . In configuration  400  a rotor  403  is depicted within a stator  402  enclosed by a housing  401 . Rotor  403  may exhibit electrical windings and may be rotational about an axle. Stator  402  may be fixed to frame or housing  401 . In one embodiment, copper windings may be spiral in shape to simulate higher revolutions per minute (RPM). In one embodiment rotor  403  may be mounted off center on its host axle (axle not illustrated). In a variation of this embodiment, the rotor may be attached to a freewheel mechanism. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a rotor/stator assembly  500  according to another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  is an overhead view of a user operating the rotor/stator assembly  500  of  FIG. 5 . Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a frame or casing such as a flashlight casing is depicted by lines  501  representing opposite sides of such a casing. A stator  502  is depicted herein and in this example is fixed to casing or frame  501 . A rotor  503  is depicted in a concentric relationship with stator  502 . Rotor  503  may rotate about stator  502  in either rotational direction mounted to one or more bearing assemblies (not illustrated). Rotor  503  may operate with or without previously mentioned constraint mechanisms such as a gear assembly (not illustrated) or a freewheel mechanism that allows for rotation in only one direction. In some embodiments elements may be arranged with spring elements such that a spring is compressed by a user&#39;s mechanical input, and the spring drives to rotor. In another embodiment elements are arranges such that a user&#39;s input motion is used to wind a spring, which may later be released to spin the rotor and generate electricity. These embodiments are described more fully below. 
     Assembly  500  in this example further includes a second stator  504  that assumes a concentric relationship with rotor  503  and stator  502 , and that may also be fixed to frame  501 . Assembly  500  includes an optional freewheel mechanism  505  connected to rotor  503  (connection not shown). In other embodiments of this concentric configuration further rotors and stators may be incorporated concentrically about the assembly shown, providing a plurality of rotors rotatable within the concentric stators. Magnets, windings and circuitry may be incorporated for causing production of electricity by the relative rotation between the rotors and stators. All stator portions in such an embodiment are fixed to one another and to the frame and do not exhibit relative rotation. Rotor portions in such an assembly may be fixed to one another in any configuration or any and all may be free to rotate independently. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a user is represented herein by left and right hands  600 . In this overhead view, stator  502  is concentric with and in relative true position with casing  501 . Rotor  503  and stator  504  are illustrated concentric in relationship with the stator and share a center line. In use of the present invention, a user may rotate casing  501 , a flashlight casing for example, using back and forth movement of the hands against the casing as depicted by the directional arrows, the direction of the hand movement being opposite at any point in time. Such motion urged on the casing functions to cause rotation of the stator portions in this example. The movement causes relative rotation between the stator portions and the rotor portions to generate electricity, but the rotor portions do not remain stationary. They begin to rotate in the induced direction of the stator because of magnetic coupling. The freewheel mechanism, if used, imparts rotational momentum to the rotor, so the rotor will tend to continue to move in the induced direction when the user reverses the hand direction and therefore the rotational direction of the stator. This motion creates forces that may be sensed by the user, who may use the sensed forces to time the reversals of direction to maximize the operation of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 7 a    is an elevation view of a rotor/stator assembly  700  in an alternative embodiment of the invention. A rotor  702  is enabled to rotate on a centerline within a stator  703 , shown in cross-section. The stator is fixed to a frame represented on opposite sides by lines  701 . The rotor interfaces with the stator through a spring-loaded freewheel mechanism  704 . 
       FIG. 7 b    is a plan view of freewheel mechanism  704  illustrating at least principles of operation. An outer portion  705  is integral with, or at least firmly attached to stator  703 , which in turn is attached to casing  701 . A portion  707  within portion  705  is enabled to rotate relative to portion  705 , but is constrained by a spring  706 . An inner portion  708 , fastened to rotor  702  has a ratchet-wheel interface toward portion  707 , and portion  707  has at least one, and preferably a plurality of pawls  708  to engage ratchet wheel  708 . 
     When a user applies rotational movement to the casing and hence to the stator and portion  705  of the freewheel mechanism as indicated by the opposite facing arrows, counterclockwise motion is accomplished to portion  705 . As portion  707  is free to rotate, but constrained by spring  706 , and having mass to provide rotational inertia, there will be relative rotation between portions  705  and  707  which will wind spring  706 . Increasing torque on portion  707  will be experienced because of the winding of the spring, and pawls  709  engaging ratchet wheel  708  will turn the rotor that is fastened to the ratchet wheel. As the user completes the rotational input, stopping before reversing, spring  706  will unwind proving increased torque to wheel  708  and hence rotor  702 , which will accelerate its spin counterclockwise. As the users input stops, and then reverses the rotor will continue to turn counterclockwise, and the pawls will ride over the ratchet wheel interface imparting very little impediment to the rotor. 
     In this manner the user may repeatedly provide alternating clockwise, then counterclockwise motion to the stator through the casing, and the rotor will continue to turn counterclockwise, experiencing a sequence of rotational inputs through the spring and pawls. 
     The skilled person will realize that the depiction of  FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b    are meant to be exemplary, and that the functionality may be accomplished through a variety of mechanisms in a variety of different ways using ratchets and springs of different sorts. 
       FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    illustrate a rotor/stator assembly and mechanism in an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment there are two controllable ratchet interfaces, one at radius  809  and the other at radius  810 . Spring  806  in this embodiment is a coil spring similar to spring  706  in  FIG. 7 b   , except spring  806  has multiple turns such that complete winding of the spring may require several full revolutions between portions  805  and  807 . 
     Details of switches and mechanisms of the two ratchet interfaces are not provided here, as the functionality, which is described in enabling detail, may be provided in a variety of different ways, all of which should be apparent to the skilled person. 
     Referring now to the interface at radius  809  between portion  805  and portion  807 , that interface is implemented such that portion  807  is controlled by a mechanical or electrically-operated switch to operate in either of two modes. In a first mode portion  807  is constrained by a ratchet mechanism (freewheel) to rotate clockwise relative to portion  805 , but not counterclockwise. In a second mode, portion  807  is free to rotate in either direction relative to portion  805 . 
     Referring now to the interface at radius  810 , between portion  807  and portion  808 , this interface is controlled by the same switch to operate in the first mode to be fixed rotationally to portion  807 . Portion  808  is always tied to the rotor  802 , so in the first mode the mass of rotor  802  is added to portion  807 . In the second mode portion  808  (and hence the rotor) may rotate freely counterclockwise relative to portion  807 , but not relatively clockwise. 
     Consider now that a user places the switch in the first mode position. In this state interface  809  constrains portion  807  by a ratchet mechanism (freewheel) to rotate clockwise relative to portion  805 , but not counterclockwise. In the first mode also, portion  808  and  807  are locked together with the mass of the rotor added to portion  807 . In this first mode, as a user alternatively applies the back-and-forth motion described above with reference to  FIG. 7 b    or  FIG. 6 , the mechanism will wind the spring up to the point that the spring is fully wound. As the spring is winding the user will be able to feel the operation of the ratchet mechanism at interface  809 , which will cease at the point that the spring is fully wound. 
     With the spring fully wound the user may operate the switch to place the mechanism in the second mode, wherein interface  809  is released, and interface  810  is constrained to allow portion  808  (hence the rotor) to rotate freely counterclockwise relative to portion  807 , but not relatively clockwise. The result, with the user firmly grasping the casing, will be that the rotor will be spun by the spring within the stator. At the point that the spring is unwound, the rotor may continue to spin for a time until the magnetic forces decelerate it to stop. This operation will be useful for a user to store kinetic energy in the spring mechanism at any time, and then carry the apparatus for any time until electricity is needed, at which time the switch may operated to put the apparatus in the second, electricity-generating mode. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 9  a generating device has a casing  901  enclosing a commercially-available electric generating apparatus, such as a dynamo or an electric motor  902 . Electric motors normally operate by providing electrical power to a provided input, and produce torque at an output shaft. If mechanical energy is provided to turn the output shaft (as an input), then the motor operates as a generator, and will produce an output voltage and current at the input leads. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  a flywheel  903  is added to the motor shaft to provide additional mass, and hence additional rotational inertia in operation, to the rotor assembly of motor  902 . There may additionally be circuitry  904  to accept the electrical output from the motor (generator) in operation, to condition and alter the output, and to store electrical energy for use. Storage may comprise batteries of various sorts as well as capacitors and other circuitry. Further, although  FIG. 9  illustrates a flashlight, the same or similar construction and functionality may be used for other devices and for a unit to be used simply for creating and storing electrical energy for a variety of uses. 
     Returning to  FIG. 9 , added flywheel  903  provides for rotational inertia such that when a user applies reciprocating action as per  FIG. 6 , for example, the motion turning the casing will provide relative motion between the motor rotor and stator. In an alternative embodiment flywheel  903  may be integrated with a freewheel mechanism constraining the flywheel, hence the motor shaft and rotor, to rotate only in one direction relative to the frame, hence the stator of the motor. Further still, mechanisms as described with regard to  FIGS. 7 and 8  may be incorporated as well, and in some embodiments an off-center flywheel may be used for reasons alluded to above. 
     It will be apparent to one with skill in the art of electric generators that the rotor/stator assembly of the invention may be scaled up or extended linearly such as more than one assembly mounted linearly in a longer flashlight or other device. It will also be apparent to one with skill in the art that the rotor/stator assembly may be extended concentrically outward by adding rotational and fixed components, alternately, a rotor then stator then rotor, etc. to an extent practical considering diameter of the housing. 
     It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the electric generating system of the invention may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and that lighting devices like flashlights are simply exemplary, and not limiting. Other embodiments may be conceived with respect to the device in which such a rotor/stator assembly might be used. For example, on a nano-scale, device sound waves or vibrations might be used as the manual input driver of the assembly. In one aspect or implementation water waves might be used to drive the assembly with the motions followed by floats and communicated to the device by suitable levers or mechanical components. In one implementation a generator in an embodiment described may be provided independently as a generating apparatus which may be connected to a separate energy storage like a battery pack. In one embodiment the generating device and a battery pack may be implemented as a unit, and may be connected as desired to any device needing electrical power, such as a laptop computer, cellular telephone, or any other electrical device. 
     It will also be apparent to the skilled person that the arrangement of elements and functionality for the invention is described in different embodiments in which each is exemplary of an implementation of the invention. These exemplary descriptions do not preclude other implementations and use cases not described in detail. The elements and functions may vary, as there are a variety of ways the hardware may be implemented and in which the software may be provided within the scope of the invention. The invention is limited only by the breadth of the claims below.