Patent ID: 12256639

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of this disclosure involve obtaining, storing, and/or processing athletic data relating to the physical movements of an athlete. The athletic data may be actively or passively sensed and/or stored in one or more non-transitory storage mediums. Still further aspects relate to using athletic data to generate an output, such as for example, calculated athletic attributes, feedback signals to provide guidance, and/or other information. These and other aspects will be discussed in the context of the following illustrative examples of a personal training system.

In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Further, headings within this disclosure should not be considered as limiting aspects of the disclosure and the example embodiments are not limited to the example headings.

I. Example Personal Training System

A. Illustrative Networks

Aspects of this disclosure relate to systems and methods that may be utilized across a plurality of networks. In this regard, certain embodiments may be configured to adapt to dynamic network environments. Further embodiments may be operable in differing discrete network environments.FIG.1illustrates an example of a personal training system100in accordance with example embodiments. Example system100may include one or more interconnected networks, such as the illustrative body area network (BAN)102, local area network (LAN)104, and wide area network (WAN)106. As shown inFIG.1(and described throughout this disclosure), one or more networks (e.g., BAN102, LAN104, and/or WAN106), may overlap or otherwise be inclusive of each other. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrative networks102-106are logical networks that may each comprise one or more different communication protocols and/or network architectures and yet may be configured to have gateways to each other or other networks. For example, each of BAN102, LAN104and/or WAN106may be operatively connected to the same physical network architecture, such as cellular network architecture108and/or WAN architecture110. For example, portable electronic device112, which may be considered a component of both BAN102and LAN104, may comprise a network adapter or network interface card (NIC) configured to translate data and control signals into and from network messages according to one or more communication protocols, such as the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the Internet Protocol (IP), and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) through one or more of architectures108and/or110. These protocols are well known in the art, and thus will not be discussed here in more detail.

Network architectures108and110may include one or more information distribution network(s), of any type(s) or topology(s), alone or in combination(s), such as for example, cable, fiber, satellite, telephone, cellular, wireless, etc. and as such, may be variously configured such as having one or more wired or wireless communication channels (including but not limited to: WiFi®, Bluetooth®, Near-Field Communication (NFC) and/or ANT technologies). Thus, any device within a network ofFIG.1, (such as portable electronic device112or any other device described herein) may be considered inclusive to one or more of the different logical networks102-106. With the foregoing in mind, example components of an illustrative BAN and LAN (which may be coupled to WAN106) will be described.

1. Example Local Area Network

LAN104may include one or more electronic devices, such as for example, computer device114. Computer device114, or any other component of system100, may comprise a mobile terminal, such as a telephone, music player, tablet, netbook or any portable device. In other embodiments, computer device114may comprise a media player or recorder, desktop computer, server(s), a gaming console, such as for example, a Microsoft® XBOX, Sony® Playstation, and/or a Nintendo® Wii gaming consoles. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are merely example devices for descriptive purposes and this disclosure is not limited to any console or computing device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the design and structure of computer device114may vary depending on several factors, such as its intended purpose. One example implementation of computer device114is provided inFIG.2, which illustrates a block diagram of computing device200. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure ofFIG.2may be applicable to any device disclosed herein. Device200may include one or more processors, such as processor202-1and202-2(generally referred to herein as “processors202” or “processor202”). Processors202may communicate with each other or other components via an interconnection network or bus204. Processor202may include one or more processing cores, such as cores206-1and206-2(referred to herein as “cores206” or more generally as “core206”), which may be implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip.

Cores206may comprise a shared cache208and/or a private cache (e.g., caches210-1and210-2, respectively). One or more caches208/210may locally cache data stored in a system memory, such as memory212, for faster access by components of the processor202. Memory212may be in communication with the processors202via a chipset216. Cache208may be part of system memory212in certain embodiments. Memory212may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and include one or more of solid-state memory, optical or magnetic storage, and/or any other medium that can be used to store electronic information. Yet other embodiments may omit system memory212.

System200may include one or more I/O devices (e.g., I/O devices214-1through214-3, each generally referred to as I/O device214). I/O data from one or more I/O devices214may be stored at one or more caches208,210and/or system memory212. Each of I/O devices214may be permanently or temporarily configured to be in operative communication with a component of system100using any physical or wireless communication protocol.

Returning toFIG.1, four example I/O devices (shown as elements116-122) are shown as being in communication with computer device114. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of devices116-122may be stand-alone devices or may be associated with another device besides computer device114. For example, one or more I/O devices may be associated with or interact with a component of BAN102and/or WAN106. I/O devices116-122may include, but are not limited to athletic data acquisition units, such as for example, sensors. One or more I/O devices may be configured to sense, detect, and/or measure an athletic parameter from a user, such as user124. Examples include, but are not limited to: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a location-determining device (e.g., GPS), light (including non-visible light) sensor, temperature sensor (including ambient temperature and/or body temperature), sleep pattern sensors, heart rate monitor, image-capturing sensor, moisture sensor, force sensor, compass, angular rate sensor, and/or combinations thereof among others.

In further embodiments, I/O devices116-122may be used to provide an output (e.g., audible, visual, or tactile cue) and/or receive an input, such as a user input from athlete124. Example uses for these illustrative I/O devices are provided below, however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that such discussions are merely descriptive of some of the many options within the scope of this disclosure. Further, reference to any data acquisition unit, I/O device, or sensor is to be interpreted disclosing an embodiment that may have one or more I/O device, data acquisition unit, and/or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art (either individually or in combination).

Information from one or more devices (across one or more networks) may be used to provide (or be utilized in the formation of) a variety of different parameters, metrics or physiological characteristics including but not limited to: motion parameters, such as speed, acceleration, distance, steps taken, direction, relative movement of certain body portions or objects to others, or other motion parameters which may be expressed as angular rates, rectilinear rates or combinations thereof, physiological parameters, such as calories, heart rate, sweat detection, effort, oxygen consumed, oxygen kinetics, and other metrics which may fall within one or more categories, such as: pressure, impact forces, information regarding the athlete, such as height, weight, age, demographic information and combinations thereof.

System100may be configured to transmit and/or receive athletic data, including the parameters, metrics, or physiological characteristics collected within system100or otherwise provided to system100. As one example, WAN106may comprise server111. Server111may have one or more components of system200ofFIG.2. In one embodiment, server111comprises at least a processor and a memory, such as processor206and memory212. Server111may be configured to store computer-executable instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The instructions may comprise athletic data, such as raw or processed data collected within system100. System100may be configured to transmit data, such as energy expenditure points, to a social networking website or host such a site. Server111may be utilized to permit one or more users to access and/or compare athletic data. As such, server111may be configured to transmit and/or receive notifications based upon athletic data or other information.

Returning to LAN104, computer device114is shown in operative communication with a display device116, an image-capturing device118, sensor120and exercise device122, which are discussed in turn below with reference to example embodiments. In one embodiment, display device116may provide audio-visual cues to athlete124to perform a specific athletic movement. The audio-visual cues may be provided in response to computer-executable instruction executed on computer device114or any other device, including a device of BAN102and/or WAN. Display device116may be a touchscreen device or otherwise configured to receive a user-input.

In one embodiment, data may be obtained from image-capturing device118and/or other sensors, such as sensor120, which may be used to detect (and/or measure) athletic parameters, either alone or in combination with other devices, or stored information. Image-capturing device118and/or sensor120may comprise a transceiver device. In one embodiment sensor128may comprise an infrared (IR), electromagnetic (EM) or acoustic transceiver. For example, image-capturing device118, and/or sensor120may transmit waveforms into the environment, including towards the direction of athlete124and receive a “reflection” or otherwise detect alterations of those released waveforms. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that signals corresponding to a multitude of different data spectrums may be utilized in accordance with various embodiments. In this regard, devices118and/or120may detect waveforms emitted from external sources (e.g., not system100). For example, devices118and/or120may detect heat being emitted from user124and/or the surrounding environment. Thus, image-capturing device126and/or sensor128may comprise one or more thermal imaging devices. In one embodiment, image-capturing device126and/or sensor128may comprise an IR device configured to perform range phenomenology.

In one embodiment, exercise device122may be any device configurable to permit or facilitate the athlete124performing a physical movement, such as for example a treadmill, step machine, etc. There is no requirement that the device be stationary. In this regard, wireless technologies permit portable devices to be utilized, thus a bicycle or other mobile exercising device may be utilized in accordance with certain embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that equipment122may be or comprise an interface for receiving an electronic device containing athletic data performed remotely from computer device114. For example, a user may use a sporting device (described below in relation to BAN102) and upon returning home or the location of equipment122, download athletic data into element122or any other device of system100. Any I/O device disclosed herein may be configured to receive activity data.

2. Body Area Network

BAN102may include two or more devices configured to receive, transmit, or otherwise facilitate the collection of athletic data (including passive devices). Exemplary devices may include one or more data acquisition units, sensors, or devices known in the art or disclosed herein, including but not limited to I/O devices116-122. Two or more components of BAN102may communicate directly, yet in other embodiments, communication may be conducted via a third device, which may be part of BAN102, LAN104, and/or WAN106. One or more components of LAN104or WAN106may form part of BAN102. In certain implementations, whether a device, such as portable device112, is part of BAN102, LAN104, and/or WAN106, may depend on the athlete's proximity to an access point to permit communication with mobile cellular network architecture108and/or WAN architecture110. User activity and/or preference may also influence whether one or more components are utilized as part of BAN102. Example embodiments are provided below.

User124may be associated with (e.g., possess, carry, wear, and/or interact with) any number of devices, such as portable device112, shoe-mounted device126, wrist-worn device128and/or a sensing location, such as sensing location130, which may comprise a physical device or a location that is used to collect information. One or more devices112,126,128, and/or130may not be specially designed for fitness or athletic purposes. Indeed, aspects of this disclosure relate to utilizing data from a plurality of devices, some of which are not fitness devices, to collect, detect, and/or measure athletic data. In certain embodiments, one or more devices of BAN102(or any other network) may comprise a fitness or sporting device that is specifically designed for a particular sporting use. As used herein, the term “sporting device” includes any physical object that may be used or implicated during a specific sport or fitness activity. Exemplary sporting devices may include, but are not limited to: golf balls, basketballs, baseballs, soccer balls, footballs, powerballs, hockey pucks, weights, bats, clubs, sticks, paddles, mats, and combinations thereof. In further embodiments, exemplary fitness devices may include objects within a sporting environment where a specific sport occurs, including the environment itself, such as a goal net, hoop, backboard, portions of a field, such as a midline, outer boundary marker, base, and combinations thereof.

In this regard, those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more sporting devices may also be part of (or form) a structure and vice-versa, a structure may comprise one or more sporting devices or be configured to interact with a sporting device. For example, a first structure may comprise a basketball hoop and a backboard, which may be removable and replaced with a goal post. In this regard, one or more sporting devices may comprise one or more sensors, such as one or more of the sensors discussed above in relation toFIGS.1-3, that may provide information utilized, either independently or in conjunction with other sensors, such as one or more sensors associated with one or more structures. For example, a backboard may comprise a first sensor configured to measure a force and a direction of the force by a basketball upon the backboard and the hoop may comprise a second sensor to detect a force. Similarly, a golf club may comprise a first sensor configured to detect grip attributes on the shaft and a second sensor configured to measure impact with a golf ball.

Looking to the illustrative portable device112, it may be a multi-purpose electronic device, that for example, includes a telephone or digital music player, including an IPOD®, IPAD®, or iPhone®, brand devices available from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, California or Zune® or Microsoft® Windows devices available from Microsoft of Redmond, Washington. As known in the art, digital media players can serve as an output device, input device, and/or storage device for a computer. Device112may be configured as an input device for receiving raw or processed data collected from one or more devices in BAN102, LAN104, or WAN106. In one or more embodiments, portable device112may comprise one or more components of computer device114. For example, portable device112may be include a display116, image-capturing device118, and/or one or more data acquisition devices, such as any of the I/O devices116-122discussed above, with or without additional components, so as to comprise a mobile terminal.

a. Illustrative Apparel/Accessory Sensors

In certain embodiments, I/O devices may be formed within or otherwise associated with user's124clothing or accessories, including a watch, armband, wristband, necklace, shirt, shoe, or the like. These devices may be configured to monitor athletic movements of a user. It is to be understood that they may detect athletic movement during user's124interactions with computer device114and/or operate independently of computer device114(or any other device disclosed herein). For example, one or more devices in BAN102may be configured to function as an all-day activity monitor that measures activity regardless of the user's proximity or interactions with computer device114. It is to be further understood that the sensory system302shown inFIG.3and the device assembly400shown inFIG.4, each of which are described in the following paragraphs, are merely illustrative examples.

i. Shoe-Mounted Device

In certain embodiments, device126shown inFIG.1, may comprise footwear which may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to those disclosed herein and/or known in the art.FIG.3illustrates one example embodiment of a sensor system302providing one or more sensor assemblies304. Assembly304may comprise one or more sensors, such as for example, an accelerometer, gyroscope, location-determining components, force sensors and/or or any other sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, assembly304incorporates a plurality of sensors, which may include force-sensitive resistor (FSR) sensors306; however, other sensor(s) may be utilized. Port308may be positioned within a sole structure309of a shoe, and is generally configured for communication with one or more electronic devices. Port308may optionally be provided to be in communication with an electronic module310, and the sole structure309may optionally include a housing311or other structure to receive the module310. The sensor system302may also include a plurality of leads312connecting the FSR sensors306to the port308, to enable communication with the module310and/or another electronic device through the port308. Module310may be contained within a well or cavity in a sole structure of a shoe, and the housing311may be positioned within the well or cavity. In one embodiment, at least one gyroscope and at least one accelerometer are provided within a single housing, such as module310and/or housing311. In at least a further embodiment, one or more sensors are provided that, when operational, are configured to provide directional information and angular rate data. The port308and the module310include complementary interfaces314,316for connection and communication.

In certain embodiments, at least one force-sensitive resistor306shown inFIG.3may contain first and second electrodes or electrical contacts318,320and a force-sensitive resistive material322disposed between the electrodes318,320to electrically connect the electrodes318,320together. When pressure is applied to the force-sensitive material322, the resistivity and/or conductivity of the force-sensitive material322changes, which changes the electrical potential between the electrodes318,320. The change in resistance can be detected by the sensor system302to detect the force applied on the sensor316. The force-sensitive resistive material322may change its resistance under pressure in a variety of ways. For example, the force-sensitive material322may have an internal resistance that decreases when the material is compressed. Further embodiments may utilize “volume-based resistance”, which may be implemented through “smart materials.” As another example, the material322may change the resistance by changing the degree of surface-to-surface contact, such as between two pieces of the force sensitive material322or between the force sensitive material322and one or both electrodes318,320. In some circumstances, this type of force-sensitive resistive behavior may be described as “contact-based resistance.”

ii. Wrist-Worn Device

As shown inFIG.4, device400(which may resemble or comprise sensory device128shown inFIG.1), may be configured to be worn by user124, such as around a wrist, arm, ankle, neck or the like. Device400may include an input mechanism, such as a depressible input button402configured to be used during operation of the device400. The input button402may be operably connected to a controller404and/or any other electronic components, such as one or more of the elements discussed in relation to computer device114shown inFIG.1. Controller404may be embedded or otherwise part of housing406. Housing406may be formed of one or more materials, including elastomeric components and comprise one or more displays, such as display408. The display may be considered an illuminable portion of the device400. The display408may include a series of individual lighting elements or light members such as LED lights410. The lights may be formed in an array and operably connected to the controller404. Device400may include an indicator system412, which may also be considered a portion or component of the overall display408. Indicator system412can operate and illuminate in conjunction with the display408(which may have pixel member414) or completely separate from the display408. The indicator system412may also include a plurality of additional lighting elements or light members, which may also take the form of LED lights in an exemplary embodiment. In certain embodiments, indicator system may provide a visual indication of goals, such as by illuminating a portion of lighting members of indicator system412to represent accomplishment towards one or more goals. Device400may be configured to display data expressed in terms of activity points or currency earned by the user based on the activity of the user, either through display408and/or indicator system412.

A fastening mechanism416can be disengaged wherein the device400can be positioned around a wrist or portion of the user124and the fastening mechanism416can be subsequently placed in an engaged position. In one embodiment, fastening mechanism416may comprise an interface, including but not limited to a USB port, for operative interaction with computer device114and/or devices, such as devices120and/or112. In certain embodiments, fastening member may comprise one or more magnets. In one embodiment, fastening member may be devoid of moving parts and rely entirely on magnetic forces.

In certain embodiments, device400may comprise a sensor assembly (not shown inFIG.4). The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of different sensors, including those disclosed herein and/or known in the art. In an example embodiment, the sensor assembly may comprise or permit operative connection to any sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. Device400and or its sensor assembly may be configured to receive data obtained from one or more external sensors.

iii. Apparel and/or Body Location Sensing

Element130ofFIG.1shows an example sensory location which may be associated with a physical apparatus, such as a sensor, data acquisition unit, or other device. Yet in other embodiments, it may be a specific location of a body portion or region that is monitored, such as via an image capturing device (e.g., image capturing device118). In certain embodiments, element130may comprise a sensor, such that elements130aand130bmay be sensors integrated into apparel, such as athletic clothing/athletic apparel. Such sensors may be placed at any desired location of the body of user124. Sensors130a/bmay communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with one or more devices (including other sensors) of BAN102, LAN104, and/or WAN106. In certain embodiments, passive sensing surfaces may reflect waveforms, such as infrared light, emitted by image-capturing device118and/or sensor120. In one embodiment, passive sensors located on user's124apparel may comprise generally spherical structures made of glass or other transparent or translucent surfaces which may reflect waveforms. Different classes of apparel may be utilized in which a given class of apparel has specific sensors configured to be located proximate to a specific portion of the user's124body when properly worn. For example, golf apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on the apparel in a first configuration and yet soccer apparel may include one or more sensors positioned on apparel in a second configuration.

FIG.5shows illustrative locations for sensory input (see, e.g., sensory locations130a-130o). In this regard, sensors may be physical sensors located on/in a user's clothing, yet in other embodiments, sensor locations130a-130omay be based upon identification of relationships between two moving body parts. For example, sensor location130amay be determined by identifying motions of user124with an image-capturing device, such as image-capturing device118. Thus, in certain embodiments, a sensor may not physically be located at a specific location (such as one or more of sensor locations130a-130o), but is configured to sense properties of that location, such as with image-capturing device118or other sensor data gathered from other locations. In this regard, the overall shape or portion of a user's body may permit identification of certain body parts. Regardless of whether an image-capturing device is utilized and/or a physical sensor located on the user124, and/or using data from other devices, (such as sensory system302), device assembly400and/or any other device or sensor disclosed herein or known in the art is utilized, the sensors may sense a current location of a body part and/or track movement of the body part. In one embodiment, sensory data relating to location130mmay be utilized in a determination of the user's center of gravity (a.k.a, center of mass). For example, relationships between location130aand location(s)130f/130lwith respect to one or more of location(s)130m-130omay be utilized to determine if a user's center of gravity has been elevated along the vertical axis (such as during a jump) or if a user is attempting to “fake” a jump by bending and flexing their knees. In one embodiment, sensor location1306nmay be located at about the sternum of user124. Likewise, sensor location130omay be located approximate to the naval of user124. In certain embodiments, data from sensor locations130m-130omay be utilized (alone or in combination with other data) to determine the center of gravity for user124. In further embodiments, relationships between multiple sensor locations, such as sensors130m-130o, may be utilized in determining orientation of the user124and/or rotational forces, such as twisting of user's124torso. Further, one or more locations, such as location(s), may be utilized as (or approximate) a center of moment location. For example, in one embodiment, one or more of location(s)130m-130omay serve as a point for a center of moment location of user124. In another embodiment, one or more locations may serve as a center of moment of specific body parts or regions.

Aspects of the innovation relate to energy harvesting devices (otherwise referred to as energy capture devices, or energy capture and storage devices), and novel methods of utilizing one or more energy harvesting devices. Advantageously, aspects of the innovations described herein relate to using a thermoelectric generator to provide electrical energy to one or more electronic components of an athletic activity monitoring device (e.g. devices128,400), among others. In this way, one or more electronic components (e.g. processor, memory, transceiver, among others) may be provided with electrical energy without requiring a user to provide an energy storage device/medium, such as a battery, with a wired source of electrical energy, such as from an electrical outlet (i.e. a wired connected may not be required for recharging of one or more on-board batteries of an athletic activity monitoring device). In one implementation, one or more thermoelectric generator modules configured to be utilized within an energy harvesting device may generate electrical energy in response to a thermal gradient, and without using an energy storage device or medium (i.e. without a body, or a store of phase change material, among others). In one example, one or more energy harvesting devices may be incorporated into an item of athletic apparel of a user, and such that heat energy may be stored as the item of athletic apparel is laundered. This heat energy may subsequently be used to generate electrical energy using one or more thermoelectric generator modules, as described in the following disclosures. As such, a device incorporating a thermoelectric generator module, as described herein, may not include additional elements for energy storage (i.e. may not include a battery, otherwise referred to as an axillary energy storage medium). In another example, a device that incorporates a thermoelectric generator module, such as those described herein, may utilize a hybrid of, among others, battery storage, in additional to generating electrical energy using a thermoelectric generator module.

FIG.6depicts exemplary thermal harvesting devices according to example embodiments disclosed herein. In one exampleFIG.6Aschematically depicts one implementation of an energy harvesting device600, according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the energy harvesting device600may be configured to be positioned within an item of clothing, and may be configured to absorb and store heat energy from one or more of a wash and dry cycle as the item of clothing is being laundered. In certain embodiments, the device600may be configured to be irremovably positioned within an item, such as clothing. For example, a user may wear an article of clothing having the device600positioned in a first location within a garment or article, and the device remains at the first location during cleaning and/or storage of the garment or article, such as in between subsequent uses or wear. In various implementations, the laundering of the device600and/or wearing of the device600during athletic activity, store absorbed heat energy, which may be used to generate electrical energy using a thermoelectric generator, such as thermoelectric generator622.

In one implementation, the energy harvesting device600may comprise an insulated container, otherwise referred to as a container structure. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more insulated containers may form an outer casing of the device600(See, e.g., insulated container602). An insulated container, e.g., container602, may form the outer-most perimeter or layer or device600. An insulated container602may further comprise an outer membrane604that has an outer surface606and an inner surface608. The insulated container602may further comprise an inner membrane610that is spaced apart, in terms of an outer periphery of the device600, from the outer membrane604. In turn, the example inner membrane610is shown having an outer surface612, and an inner surface614. An outer cavity616may be spaced between the outer membrane604and the inner membrane610. An aperture618may extend from the outer surface606of the outer membrane604to the inner surface608of the outer membrane604. The aperture618may be configured to permit ingress and egress of a gas and/or fluid, such as for example, air and/or water, or another fluid, from and to an external environment (represented by reference numeral601).

The energy harvesting device600may comprise an inner cavity620encapsulated by the inner membrane610. An outer heat exchanger624may extend through the inner membrane610. A thermoelectric generator622may be positioned within the inner cavity620. The thermoelectric generator622may be thermally-coupled to the outer heat exchanger624at a first side621and to an inner heat exchanger626at a second side623. An expandable membrane628, otherwise referred herein to as an expandable bladder628, may encapsulate a mass of phase-change material630, and at least a portion of the expandable membrane628may be coupled to the inner heat exchanger626. Accordingly, the outer heat exchanger624, the thermoelectric generator622, and the inner heat exchanger626may be configured to allow bi-directional conduction of heat energy between the phase-change material630and the external environment601(i.e., conduction into or out from the phase-change material630). In one example, the outer heat exchanger624may extend through the inner membrane610. As such, a portion of the inner membrane610may be sealed around at least a portion of the outer heat exchanger624.

In one example, the outer membrane604of the insulated container602may comprise a polymer that is impermeable to air and water, and/or impermeable to one or more additional fluids (e.g. one or more organic or synthetic oils, and/or one or more of nitrogen gas or helium gas, among many others). In certain embodiments, the outer membrane604may be formed such that the structure of the outer membrane604is configured to be rigid during use of the device600. In another example, the outer membrane604may be configured to be deformable during use of the device600. In yet further embodiments, the outer membrane604may be rigid in a first configuration, however, become more pliable or flexible in a second configuration, which may be automatically transitioned between in at least one intended use situation. In various implementations, the outer membrane604(and/or any other membrane disclosed herein) may comprise one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, para-aramid, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyamide, polychloroprene, polyester, polyimide, phenol-formaldehyde resin, polyacrylonitrile, among other polymers. As such, the outer membrane604may comprise one or more synthetic rubber materials, including styrene-butadiene rubbers as well as rubbers utilizing isoprene, chloroprene, and isobutylene. Additionally or alternatively, the outer membrane604may comprise one or more ceramics, fiber-reinforced materials, metals or alloys, or combinations thereof.

The inner membrane610of the insulated container602may comprise a same material, or combination of materials, as the outer membrane604. Accordingly, the inner membrane610may be impermeable to air, water and/or one or more additional fluids. In one example, the inner membrane610may be configured to be rigid and maintain a consistent geometry during use of the device600. In another example, the inner membrane610may be configured to deform during use of device600. As discussed above in reference to the outer membrane604, the inner membrane610may be transitioned between at least two configurations in which the rigidity is altered. In certain implementations, the inner membrane610may comprise a different material, or materials, to the outer membrane604, and including one or more of the materials disclosed herein or generally known in the art.

The phase-change material630may be configured to store thermal energy (a.k.a. heat energy) by absorbing, in one example, an amount of energy corresponding to a latent heat energy for fusion (or specific latent heat for fusion) for a given phase-change material630in order to change a state of the phase-change material630from a solid to a liquid. It is noted that additional energy may be absorbed and stored by the phase-change material630in order to raise a temperature of the phase-change material (additional energy absorbed and stored by the phase-change material630may correspond to a heat capacity (or specific heat capacity) of the phase-change material630).

In one implementation, an amount of energy stored by a phase-change material630(otherwise referred to as “PCM”630) that is initially at a temperature T1 (Kelvin), heated to a temperature T2 (Kelvin), and having a melting temperature Tm (Kelvin), with T1<Tm<T2 is given by:
Energy stored [J]=(Tm−T1)[K]*(specific heat capacity of PCM in solid phase) [J/kg·K]*(mass of PCM) [kg]+(specific latent heat of fusion) [J/kg]*(mass of PCM) [kg]+(T2−Tm) [K]*(specific heat capacity of PCM in liquid phase) [J/kg·K]*(mass of PCM) [kg]  (Equation 1)

The phase-change material630may comprise a salt-hydrate based material of the general form Mn·H2O, where M generally represents a metal atom or compound, and n is an integer. In one example, the phase-change material630may comprise sodium sulfate; Na2·SO4·10H2O. In another example, the phase-change material630may comprise NaCl·Na2·SO4·10H2O. However, additional or alternative phase-change materials may be utilized with the energy harvesting device600. In one example, a specific phase-change material may be selected for use with the energy harvesting device600based upon an expected temperature range to which the energy harvesting device600may be exposed. As such, the phase-change material630may be selected to have a melting temperature within the temperature range to which the energy harvesting device600is expected to be exposed under one or more intended use conditions.

In one example, the energy harvesting device600may be configured to store heat energy when a mean environmental temperature of the external environment601is above a mean temperature of the phase-change material630, and configured to reject heat to the external environment601when the mean environmental temperature of the external environment601is below a mean temperature of the phase-change material630. In one example, the energy harvesting device600may be configured to be exposed to the external environment601having a “mean cool temperature” (e.g. the temperature threshold in which . . . ) in the range of approximately −30° C. to approximately 45° C. In another example, the mean cool temperature may be in the range of approximately −10° C. to approximately 35° C., approximately 0° C. to approximately 30° C., approximately 10° C. to 25° C., or approximately 20° C. to 25° C. In yet another example, the mean cool temperature may be approximately 0° C., approximately 20° C., approximately 21° C., or approximately 25° C. In this way, the mean cool temperature may correspond to a prevailing atmospheric temperature when the external environment601corresponds to an outdoor temperature, or to a room temperature, among others. Additionally, the energy harvesting device600may be configured to be exposed to an external environment601having a “mean hot temperature” in the range of approximately 35° C. to approximately 105° C. In another example, the mean hot temperature may be in the range of approximately 40° C. to a prop 95° C., 45° C. to approximately 85° C., approximately 50° C. to approximately 80° C., or approximately 55° C. to approximately 75° C. In this way, the mean hot temperature may correspond to a prevailing atmospheric temperature when the external environment601corresponds to a “warm” or “hot” cycle of a wash cycle in a laundry (washing) machine (or combined “washer-dryer machine”), or a dryer cycle in a laundry (dryer) machine (or combined “washer-dryer machine”).

Additional or alternative environments configured to expose the energy harvesting device600to the described mean hot temperature may be utilized. For example, the energy harvesting device600may be configured to absorb heat energy from any external environment601having a mean temperature above a mean temperature of the phase-change material630. These additional or alternative environments may include a shower, a bath, or a sink environment, such that the energy harvesting device600may absorb a portion of energy associated with hot water from a shower, or a water-filled bath or sink. E.g. the energy harvesting device600may be brought into direct contact with hot water associated with a shower, bath, or a sink. In another example, the energy harvesting device600may absorb a portion of energy associated with a hot beverage (i.e. the energy harvesting device600may be submerged into the hot beverage, or may be placed in close proximity to a container storing the hot beverage such that heat may be transferred between the hot beverage and the energy harvesting device600. In yet another embodiment, sweat from an athlete may be an energy source in terms of thermal energy to be absorbed. In another example, the energy harvesting device600may absorb a portion of energy associated with one or more home appliances. For example, the energy harvesting device600may absorb a portion of heat energy associated with one or more light bulbs (e.g., energy harvesting device600may be positioned in close proximity to a light bulb emitting light energy as well as an amount of heat energy. In another example, the energy harvesting device600may absorb a portion of heat energy associated with a home heating appliance (e.g. energy harvesting device600may be positioned in close proximity to a hot air vent, or a convection heater, among others). In yet another example, the energy harvesting device600may be configured to absorb a portion of heat energy from a human body, either dry and/or wet, such as from perspiration, after a shower, or rain. In one example, the energy harvesting device600may be positioned proximate an exposed area of skin of the user, or may absorb a portion of heat energy from a user's body through one or more intermediate layers of clothing and/or equipment. In one embodiment, a user-worn energy harvesting device600may allow the gradient from the user's body to the ambient air to serve as an energy source.

The phase-change material630may be encapsulated within the expandable membrane628. As such, the expandable membrane628may comprise one or more polymer materials, similar to those polymers described in relation to the outer membrane604. In one example, one or more fluid-filled bladders may be utilized. Fluid filled bladder members are commonly referred to as “air bladders,” and the fluid is often a gas which is commonly referred to as “air” without intending any limitation as to the actual gas composition used. Thus, as used herein, liquid or non-liquid substances may be utilized.

Any suitable components may be used for bladders or otherwise serve as membranes. Regarding the materials for all or various portions of the bladders disclosed herein (e.g., the top and bottom barrier sheets, sidewalls elements and inner barrier layers) may be formed from the same or different barrier materials, such as thermoplastic elastomer films, using known methods. Thermoplastic elastomer films that can be used with the present invention include polyester polyurethane, polyether polyurethane, such as a cast or extruded ester based polyurethane film having a shore “A” hardness of 80 95, e.g., Tetra Plastics TPW-250. Other suitable materials can be used such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,156 to Rudy, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Among the numerous thermoplastic urethanes which are particularly useful in forming the film layers are urethanes such as Pellethane™, (a trademarked product of the Dow Chemical Company of Midland, Mich.), Elastollan® (a registered trademark of the BASF Corporation) and ESTANE® (a registered trademark of the B.F. Goodrich Co.), all of which are either ester or ether based. Thermoplastic urethanes based on polyesters, polyethers, polycaprolactone and polycarbonate macrogels can also be employed. Further suitable materials could include thermoplastic films containing crystalline material, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,936,029 and/or 5,042,176 to Rudy, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety; polyurethane including a polyester polypol, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,013,340 to Bonk et al., which is incoporated by reference in its entirety; or multi-layer film formed of at least one elastomeric thermoplastic material layer and a barrier material layer formed of a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl alcohol, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,952,065 to Mitchell et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In accordance with the present invention, the multiple film layer bladder can be formed with barrier materials that meet the specific needs or specifications of each of its parts. The present invention allows for top layer to be formed of a first barrier material, bottom layer to be formed of a second barrier material and each part of the sidewall(s) to be formed of a third barrier material. Also, the sidewall parts can each be formed of different barrier materials. As discussed above, the inner barrier sheets and the sidewall parts are formed of the same barrier material when the inverted seam is formed by attaching the terminal ends of inner barrier sheets to the outer barrier sheets adjacent a weld of the inner sheets. As a result, when the inner barrier sheets are formed of a different material than outer barrier sheets, the sidewalls are formed of the same material as the inner barrier sheet material. Also, when the inner barrier sheets are formed of different materials, sidewall parts must be are formed of different materials as well for compatibility.

In certain embodiments, modified or unmodified bladders historically utilized to provide cushioning in footwear may be utilized. One well known type of bladder used in footwear is commonly referred to as a “two film bladder.” These bladders may include an outer shell formed by welding the peripheral edges of two symmetric pieces of a barrier material together. This results in the top, bottom and sidewalls of the bladder being formed of the same barrier material. In yet other embodiments, a plurality of materials and/or components may form portions of a bladder.

The inventors have discovered that not only can certain bladders provide cushioning, but also may provide a flexible, non-permeable container that allows thermal expansion of one or more phase change materials. Regarding cushioning, in certain embodiments, one of the advantages of gas filled bladders is that gas as a cushioning compound is generally more energy efficient than closed-cell foam. In certain embodiments, one or more bladders may be configured to spread an impact force over a longer period of time, resulting in a smaller impact force being transmitted to the wearer's body.

In various embodiments, one or more bladders (which may comprise one or more phase-change materials) include a tensile member to ensure a fixed, resting relation between the top and bottom barrier layers when the bladder is fully filled, and which often is in a state of tension while acting as a restraining means to maintain the general external form of the bladder. Some example constructions may include composite structures of bladders containing foam or fabric tensile members. One type of such composite construction prior art concerns bladders employing an open-celled foam core as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,874,640 and 5,235,715 to Donzis, which is disclosed herein by reference in its entirety.

Another type of composite construction prior art that may be used in certain embodiments, concerns air bladders which employ three dimensional fabric as tensile members such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,906,502 and 5,083,361 to Rudy, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The bladders described in the Rudy patents have enjoyed considerable commercial success in NIKE, Inc. brand footwear under the name Tensile-Air® and Zoom™. Bladders using fabric tensile members virtually eliminate deep peaks and valleys, and the methods described in the Rudy patents have proven to provide an excellent bond between the tensile fibers and barrier layers. In addition, the individual tensile fibers are small and deflect easily under load so that the fabric does not interfere with the cushioning properties of air. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these are mere examples and that other structures and implementations are within the scope of this disclosure.

A portion of the expandable membrane628may be thermally-coupled to an inner side627of the inner heat exchanger626. At least a portion, which may be another portion of the expandable membrane628, may be configured to deform and expand in response to a thermal expansion of the phase-change material630. This expansion of the expandable membrane628may be limited by the boundaries of the inner cavity620, as defined by the inner membrane610.

In one example, the outer heat exchanger624and the inner heat exchanger626may comprise one or more metals or alloys with high thermal conductivity values. In one implementation, the outer heat exchanger624of the inner heat exchanger626may comprise plate geometries. In one implementation, one or more of the outer heat exchanger624and the inner heat exchanger626may comprise a copper alloy. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the outer heat exchanger624and the inner heat exchanger626may comprise an aluminum alloy. In one specific example, one or more of the outer heat exchanger624and the inner heat exchanger626may comprise aluminum alloy 1050A, aluminum alloy 6061 or aluminum alloy 6063, among others.

The thermoelectric generator622may be configured to generate electrical energy in response to a thermal gradient being applied across the device (i.e. to generate electrical energy in response to a gradient being applied between the first side621and the second side623of the thermoelectric generator622). In one example, a value of a voltage output from the thermoelectric generator may be directly proportional to a thermal gradient (temperature difference) across the device622(between the first side621and the second side623). In one implementation, the thermoelectric generator622may comprise highly doped semiconductor materials configured to output a voltage as a result of the Seebeck effect. In one example, a polarity of an output voltage from the thermoelectric generator622may depend on the direction of heat transfer through the thermoelectric generator622. For example, when heat is transferred from the phase-change material630through the thermoelectric generator622and out to the external environment601, an output voltage from the thermoelectric generator622may have a first polarity. In another example, when heat is transferred from the external environment601through the thermoelectric generator622, and into the phase-change material630, an output voltage from the thermoelectric generator622may have a second polarity, opposite the first polarity. Accordingly, the thermoelectric generator622may be configured with one or more electrical circuits configured to condition (rectify) an output voltage to have a same polarity as heat is transferred into, or out from, and the phase-change material630. Further details of this voltage conditioning are discussed in relation toFIG.22.

In one example, the thermoelectric generator622may be configured to provide electrical energy to one or more devices. Accordingly, the thermoelectric generator622, as schematically depicted inFIG.6A, may represent one or more electrical components in addition to the thermoelectric generator itself. Further details of these one or more electrical components in addition to the thermoelectric generator are discussedFIG.22.

In one example, the phase-change material630may be configured to store approximately 0.1 J to 200 J of energy captured from the external environment601when the external environment601is at a higher temperature than a temperature of the phase-change material630. Accordingly, as the energy harvesting device600is storing energy, a gradient across the thermoelectric generator622(with the first side621at a higher temperature than the second side623) may cause the thermoelectric generator622to generate a first amount of electrical energy. When exposed to a cooler external environment601than the phase-change material630, the energy harvesting device600may be configured to generate a second amount of electrical energy as a result of a thermal gradient across the thermoelectric generator622(with the second side623at a higher temperature than the first side621). In one example, the phase-change material630may be configured to reach an approximate thermal equilibrium (reach an approximately same temperature) with the external environment601at approximately 10° C., 15° C., 20° C., 21° C., 25° C., or in the range of approximately 5 to 10° C., approximately 10 to 25° C., approximately 15 to 25° C., approximately 20 to 25° C., or approximately 25 to 40° C. In one implementation, the phase-change material630may be configured to reach an approximate thermal equilibrium with the external environment601within at least approximately: 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 15 hours, 20 hours, 24 hours, 1.5 days, 2 days, three days, four days, five days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 14 days, or 21 days, among others. In another implementation, the phase-change material630may be configured to reach an approximate thermal equilibrium with the external environment601within at least approximately 1 to 3 hours, 3 to 6 hours, 6 to 9 hours, 9 to 12 hours, 12 to 24 hours, 1 to 2 days, 2 to 3 days, 3 to 5 days, 5 to 8 days, 8 to 16 days, among others.

Certain embodiments may be configured to not reach equilibrium within a certain intended time frame under certain intended use conditions. The time frame may be as any time frame referenced above or any other time frame. This may be advantageous, in certain embodiments, to regulate thermal energy transfer in a device intended or expected to be within an external environment for an expected threshold quantity of time. For example, one embodiment may require at least 1 hour at a threshold temperature range to reach thermal equilibrium to ensure certain electronic components within the device are heated/cooled at or below a rate and/or do not reach a threshold temperature level within that time that would result in a likelihood of damage to components within the device, such as electronic components. Further, in certain embodiments, the device may be made smaller or with fewer components if it can be exposed to longer periods of thermal energy of certain intensity/intensities. As one specific example, a device that is embedded or intended to be imbedded in articles of clothing or washable textiles may be configured to reach thermal equilibrium towards the latter end of the expected time frame of a wash and/or dry cycle. In certain embodiments, this may be referred to as a failure temperature (discussed in more detail below). Yet, temperatures may fluctuate, therefore, the overall energy transfer rate or cumulative energy transfer may be considered to calculate or determine a failure exposure condition.

In another example, the energy harvesting device600may have a storage efficiency of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, ranging from 60 to 80%, or ranging from 50 to 90% over a timescale during which the energy harvesting device600may be configured to reach a thermal equilibrium with the external environment601, as described above. In this way, a storage efficiency may refer to a percentage of heat energy stored within the phase-change material630that transfers through the thermoelectric generator622. The remaining heat energy initially stored within the phase-change material630may be lost to the external environment601through one or more alternative heat transfer paths through the energy harvesting device600(without passing through the thermoelectric generator622). This heat loss percentage may be referred to as parasitic heat loss.

In one example, the thermoelectric generator622may have a conversion efficiency of approximately 5 to 8%. In another example, the thermoelectric generator622may have a conversion efficiency of approximately 1 to 6%, 7 to 10%, or 9 to 12%. This conversion efficiency may represent an amount of electrical energy generated as a percentage of the heat energy stored within the energy harvesting device600, or as a percentage of the heat energy stored within the energy harvesting device600that passes through the thermoelectric generator622rather than being lost to the external environment601by parasitic heat loss.

In one implementation, the energy harvesting device600, and in particular, the thermoelectric generator622, may be configured to output a voltage in a range of 0.01 V to 12 V. In certain examples, the thermoelectric generator622may be configured to output a voltage of 0.01 V, 0.02 V, 0.05 V, 0.1 V, 0.15 V, 0.25 V, 0.5 V, 0.75 V, 0.9 V, 1 V, 1.1 V, 1.2 V, 1.5 V, 1.7 V, 1.75 V, 1.9V, 2.0 V, 2.5 V, 3.7V, 5 V, 9 V, 9.9 V, or 10 V, among others. In one implementation, the energy harvesting device600may be configured to generate an amount of electrical energy over the timescale during which the phase-change material630is configured to reach thermal equilibrium with the external environment601, as previously discussed. As such, this amount of electrical energy may range from 0.01 mAh to 200 mAh, among others.

In one implementation, one or more elements provided with electrical energy by a thermoelectric generator, such as thermoelectric generator622of energy harvesting device600may be configured to consume electrical energy (during average use) at a rate range from 1 microwatts to 1000 microwatts. However, additional energy consumption ranges may be utilized, without departing from the disclosures described herein.

The energy harvesting device600may be configured to transfer heat substantially along axis629. Accordingly, axis629may be referred to as a primary axis of conduction629of the insulated container602. As such, axis629may align with an approximate direction of heat transfer through the outer heat exchanger624, the thermoelectric generator622, the inner heat exchanger626and the phase-change material630. In one implementation, the aperture618may be aligned with the axis629. In one example, axis629may represent an approximate path of least thermal resistance through the energy harvesting device600, and such that alternative directions of heat transfer from and to the phase-change material630are associated with higher thermal resistances. In one implementation, the inner cavity620may provide insulation to the phase-change material630such that a first direction along axis629represents an approximate direction of least thermal resistance. The inner cavity620may be sealed by the inner membrane610, and comprise an insulating material625. In one implementation, the insulating material625may comprise a mass of air. The insulating material625may comprise a mass of another gas, such as, for example, argon, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, among others. The insulating material may, additionally or alternatively, comprise a polymer, such as an insulating foam. In certain specific examples, the insulating material625may comprise fiberglass, polyurethane, polystyrene, or polyethylene, among others. In another implementation, the inner cavity620may comprise a vacuum, or a vacuum chamber.

In one implementation, in order to reduce heat transfer into or out from the energy harvesting device600in a direction other than a first direction substantially along axis629, one or more of the inner surface of the inner membrane614, the outer surface of the inner membrane612, the inner surface of the outer membrane608, and/or the outer surface of the outer membrane606may comprise a low emissivity/high reflectivity coating to reduce heat transfer by radiation. As such, any low emissivity coating known in the art may be utilized.

It is noted thatFIG.6Ais merely a schematic representation of the energy harvesting device600. As such, none of the depicted elements ofFIG.6Ashould be construed as limiting the energy harvesting device600to any specific geometries. For example, the circular geometries of the inner membrane610and the outer membrane604should not be construed as limiting the energy harvesting device600to having a circular configuration. As such, the energy harvesting device600may be embodied with substantially rectangular or square geometries, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

In one example,FIG.6Aschematically depicts the energy harvesting device600in a first configuration having the outer cavity616filled with a mass of air632. As such, the mass of air632may enter into the outer cavity616through the aperture618from the external environment601. In this way, the mass of air632may act as a thermal barrier (a layer of insulation) between the inner membrane610, and the external environment601.

FIG.6Bschematically depicts a second configuration of the energy harvesting device600, according to one or more aspects described herein. In particular,FIG.6Bschematically depicts the energy harvesting device600having a mass of water634within the outer cavity616. The mass of water634may enter into the outer cavity616through the aperture618. Further, the mass of air632may be partially or wholly displaced out from the outer cavity616through the aperture618as the water634is entering into the outer cavity616. In one example, the outer cavity616may expand upon being filled with a mass of water634. The device600may be configured to allow a certain mass or volume of fluid (e.g., water) to enter during an intended wash cycle. In one implementation, the mass of water634may enter into the outer cavity616during a wash cycle while the energy harvesting device600is positioned within the washing machine (i.e. the external environment601may comprise a mass of water within a washing machine). As such, the mass of water634may enter into the outer cavity616during a wash cycle as an item of clothing within which the energy harvesting device600is positioned, is laundered. In one example, upon entering the external environment, the mass of water634may have a mean temperature that is higher than the mean temperature of the phase-change material630. As such, heat may be transferred through the outer heat exchanger624, the thermoelectric generator622, and the inner heat exchanger626into the phase-change material630.

In one example, a mass of water634retained within the outer cavity616of the energy harvesting device600may prevent the thermoelectric generator622, as well as one or more additional electronic components powered by the thermoelectric generator622, from being exposed to a temperature above a failure temperature. As such, a failure temperature may be a temperature at or above which one or more of the thermoelectric generator622, or one or more electronic components powered by the thermoelectric generator622within the inner cavity620, may experience partial or catastrophic failure. In particular, the mass of water634may prevent the thermoelectric generator622from being exposed to a temperature above a failure temperature by absorbing a portion of heat energy associated with, in one example, a dryer cycle as an item of clothing, textile or other object within which the energy harvesting device600is retained, is laundered.

In one example, the mass of water634may enter into the outer cavity616of the energy harvesting device600during a wash cycle as an item of clothing, within which the energy harvesting device600is located, is laundered. Subsequently, the item of clothing, and in turn, the energy harvesting device600, may be exposed to a dryer cycle. In one implementation, while progressing through a dryer cycle, the mass of water634may absorb a portion of heat energy as the dryer warms the textile, clothing or object, and shield the thermoelectric generator622, as well as one or more additional electronic components retained within the inner cavity620, from being exposed to a temperature above a failure temperature or failure time frame (or combinations thereof that form a failure condition). In particular, the water634may absorb a portion of heat energy associated with a dryer cycle before evaporating out through the aperture618.

In one implementation, the outer cavity616may be configured such that the mass of water634retained within the outer cavity616may evaporate, and allow the phase-change material630to absorb a design/predetermined amount of heat energy, without exposing the thermoelectric generator622to a temperature above a failure temperature, during a predetermined dryer cycle time. In one implementation, the predetermined dryer cycle time may be approximately 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 50 minutes, 60 minutes, 70 minutes, 80 minutes, 90 minutes, 100 minutes, 110 minutes, or 120 minutes, or ranging from approximately 30 to 50 minutes, approximately 50 to 70 minutes, 70 to 90 minutes, or 90 to 120 minutes. In one implementation, the predetermined dryer cycle may be configured to run at a “mean hot temperature,” as previously described, which may in certain embodiments be a wide range of temperatures.

In one example, the mass of water634may be configured to enter into the outer cavity616by capillary action. In another example, the mass of water634may be configured to enter into the outer cavity616when the energy harvesting device600is exposed to one or more turbulence forces associated with a wash cycle of a washing machine. In another example, the mass of water634may be configured enter into the outer cavity616when a pressure level of the external environment601is greater than a pressure within the outer cavity616(in one example, a pressure level of the external environment601may be greater than a pressure within the outer cavity616when the energy harvesting device600is submerged below a water surface and the outer cavity616contains a mass of air632). In one implementation, the energy harvesting device600containing a mass of air632, as depicted inFIG.6A, may have a density of greater than 1 g/cm3. In another implementation, the energy harvesting device600, as depicted inFIG.6Acontaining a mass of air632may have a density of less than 1 g/cm3.

FIG.6Cschematically depicts a third configuration of the energy harvesting device600, according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example,FIG.6Cschematically depicts an expandable membrane, such as membrane628ofFIG.6Bin a second, expanded configuration. Thus, in certain embodimentsFIG.6Bschematically depicts the expandable membrane628in a first, contracted configuration, andFIG.6Cschematically depicts the energy harvesting device600storing an amount of heat energy within the phase-change material630. It is noted that when in the expanded configuration depicted inFIG.6C, a portion of the expandable membrane628is retained in a thermal coupling to the inner side627of the inner heat exchanger626.

FIG.6Dschematically depicts an example energy harvesting device, which may be in certain implementations, a fourth configuration of the energy harvesting device600, according to one or more aspects described herein. As previously discussed, the outer membrane604of the energy harvesting device600may be deformable (compressible). In one example, the energy harvesting device600may be coupled to, or integrally-formed with, an item of clothing. As such, in order to conform to one or more contours of a human user, the outer membrane604may be configured to be compressible when exposed to an external force, such as external force636. In one example, the energy harvesting device600may be positioned within the item of clothing or equipment configured to be worn in a tightly-fitted configuration on the user's body. As such,FIG.6Dmay schematically represent a compressed configuration resulting from a user putting on the item of clothing or equipment within which the energy harvesting device600may be positioned. In this way, the external force636may represent a force exerted by the tightly-fitted item of clothing/equipment, and the user's body, on the energy harvesting device600.

As schematically depicted inFIG.6D, the external force636may be aligned substantially along axis629. In another implementation, an external force may be exerted substantially along an alternative axis, or may be resolved along two or more axes. However, in one implementation, the energy harvesting device600may be configured such that an external force636acts substantially along a first direction along axis629. In one example, the external force636may be utilized to reduce a separation distance631between the outer membrane604and the inner membrane610. In this way, an amount of insulation provided by the outer cavity616between an outer surface633of the outer heat exchanger624and the external environment601may be reduced by compression of the outer membrane604due to the external force636. In this way, by compressing the outer membrane604substantially along axis629, a thermal resistance associated with a conduction pathway through the inner heat exchanger626, the thermoelectric generator622, and the outer heat exchanger624may be reduced. Accordingly, in accordance with one embodiment, when the outer membrane604is in the expanded configuration, as depicted for example, inFIG.6C(i.e. when, in one example, the energy harvesting device600is not being worn by a user), the outer cavity616may be configured to provide increased thermal resistance, thereby reducing heat transfer out of the phase-change material630(and consequently, reducing electrical energy generation by the thermoelectric generator622). When the outer membrane604is in a compressed configuration, as depicted inFIG.6D(i.e. when, in one example, the energy harvesting device600is being worn by a user), the outer cavity616may be configured to provide a decreased thermal resistance, thereby increasing heat transfer out of the phase-change material630through the thermoelectric generator622. As such, the compressive external force636, when aligned along axis629, may reconfigure the energy harvesting device600into a compressed configuration conducive to generation of electrical energy when it is needed by the user (i.e. when the energy harvesting devices being worn by the user).

FIG.7Aschematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device700, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that the energy harvesting device700may include one or more elements similar to those elements described in relation to energy harvesting device600fromFIGS.6A-6D, where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. The energy harvesting device700may be configured with an insulated container701having an outer membrane604with a plurality of apertures702a-702i. Accordingly, apertures702a-702imay represent one implementation of a plurality of apertures extending from the outer surface606of the outer membrane604to the inner surface608of the outer member604, and greater than or fewer than the depicted apertures702a-702imay be utilized with the energy harvesting device700, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

In one example,FIG.7Aschematically depicts the energy harvesting device700in an expanded configuration. In turn,FIG.7Bschematically depicts an energy harvesting device, which may be energy harvesting device700ofFIG.7A, in a compressed configuration, similar to that compressed configuration depicted inFIG.6D. In one example, the apertures702a-702imay be substantially aligned with the outer surface633of the outer heat exchanger624. As such, when in the compressed configuration ofFIG.7B, the plurality of apertures702a-702imay be substantially proximate the outer surface633of the outer heat exchanger624.

FIG.8schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device800, according to one or more aspects described herein. Accordingly, the energy harvesting device800may include one or more elements similar to those elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600and700(or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein), where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. The energy harvesting device800may be configured with an insulated container802, the insulated container802having an outer membrane604with a plurality of apertures804a-804f. Accordingly, apertures804a-804fmay represent one implementation of a plurality of apertures extending from the outer surface606of the outer membrane604to the inner surface608of the outer membrane604. In one implementation, greater than, or fewer than, the depicted apertures804a-804fmay be utilized with the energy harvesting device800, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

In one example, and in contrast toFIG.7A, the apertures804a-804fmay not be aligned with the outer surface633of the outer heat exchanger624. In one example, the apertures804a-804fmay be positioned on the outer membrane604such that when in a compressed configuration, similar toFIG.7B, the plurality of apertures804a-804fof the energy harvesting device800are not positioned proximate the outer surface633of the outer heat exchanger624. In one example, the plurality of apertures804a-804fmay be positioned beyond axes808and810, where axes808and810, in one example, extend from an approximate center806of the energy harvesting device800through corners (outermost edges)818and820of the outer heat exchanger633. In another example, the plurality of apertures804a-804fmay be positioned beyond axes812and814, where axes812and814, extend approximately parallel to axis629from corners818and820of the outer heat exchanger633.

FIG.9schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device900, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that the energy harvesting device900may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700and800or any other device described herein, where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In one example, an insulated container902of the energy harvesting device900may comprise a polymeric foam904positioned within the outer cavity616. In one example, the foam904may comprise an open-cell (reticulated) foam. In another example, the foam904may comprise a closed-cell foam. In specific implementations, foam904may comprise one or more of polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride foam, Styrofoam, polyimide foam, silicone foam, or microcellular foam, among others. In one implementation, the foam904may be configured to absorb a mass of water, similar to the mass of water634described in relation toFIG.6B. In one example, the foam904may expand within the outer cavity616as a mass of water is absorbed, and contract upon evaporation of the mass of water. Additionally or alternatively, the outer cavity616may be configured to retain a mass of air, similar to the mass of air632, in addition to the foam904. In certain embodiments, it may be configured to retain a mass or volume or air under one intended use condition and a volume or mass of water under a second intended use condition.

FIG.10schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device1000, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that the energy harvesting device1000may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700and800,900(and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein), where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In one example, the energy harvesting device1000may comprise an insulated container1001that forms an outer casing of the device1000. The insulated container1001may further comprise an outer membrane604that has an outer surface606and an inner surface608. The insulated container1001may further comprise an inner membrane610having an outer surface612and an inner surface614. An outer cavity616may be spaced between the outer membrane604and the inner membrane610. In one implementation, one or more apertures1008aand1008bmay extend from the outer surface606of the outer membrane604to the inner surface608of the outer membrane604. The apertures1008aand1008bmay be configured to permit ingress of air and/or water from an external environment601. The energy harvesting device1000may further comprise an inner cavity620encapsulated by the inner membrane610. A thermoelectric generator1004may be positioned within the inner cavity620. In one example, the thermoelectric generator1004may be similar to the thermoelectric generator622. The thermoelectric generator1004may be thermally-coupled to an outer heat exchanger1002at a first side1008, and to an inner heat exchanger1006at a second side1010. In one implementation, the inner heat exchanger1006and the thermoelectric generator1004may be fully contained within the inner cavity620. The outer heat exchanger1002may, in one example, extend between the inner cavity620and the external environment601. As such, the outer heat exchanger may extend through the inner membrane610and the outer membrane604, such that at least one surface of the outer heat exchanger1002is exposed to the inner cavity620, and at least one surface of the outer heat exchanger1002is exposed to the external environment601. An expandable membrane628, otherwise referred to as an expandable bladder628, may encapsulate a mass of phase-change material630, and at least a portion of the expandable membrane628may be thermally-coupled to the inner heat exchanger1006. Accordingly, the outer heat exchanger1002, the thermoelectric generator1004, and the inner heat exchanger1006may be configured to allow bi-directional conduction of heat between the phase-change material630, and the external environment601. In one example, this bi-directional conduction of heat may be substantially along axis629, otherwise referred to as a primary axis of conduction629of the insulated container1001.

In one example, the one or more apertures1008aand1008bof the insulating container1001may be positioned on the outer membrane604such that the apertures1008aand1008bare not substantially aligned along axis629, and such that heat conduction is primarily through the outer heat exchanger1002, the thermoelectric generator1004, the inner heat exchanger1006, and the phase-change material630. In yet one embodiment, any of the energy harvesting devices disclosed herein such that an exit point or aperture may be placed such that exiting steam from heated fluid such as water is positioned to provide thermal energy to at least one heat exchanger.

FIG.11schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device1100, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that the energy harvesting device1100may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900(and/or any energy harvesting device disclosed herein), and1000, where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In one example, the energy harvesting device1100may have an insulated container1102. In one example, the insulating container1102may be similar to insulated containers602,701,802,902, and1001, as previously described.

The energy harvesting device1100may have a permeable outer membrane1104(permeable at least to air and/or water) having an outer surface1006and an inner surface1008. As such, an outer cavity616of the energy harvesting device1100may contain a mass of air632, and may be configured to allow a mass of water, similar to that mass of water634described in relation toFIG.6B, to displace at least a portion of the mass of air632when the energy harvesting device1100is exposed to water within the external environment601.

It will be appreciated that various combinations of the implementations described herein may be realized. For example, the energy harvesting device1100may be combined with an open-cell foam, similar to open-cell foam904, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In this alternative implementation, the insulated container1102may form the outer casing of the device1100. Insulated container1102may further comprise the permeable outer membrane1104having an outer surface1106, and an inner surface1108. The insulated container1102may further comprise an inner membrane610that has an outer surface612and an inner surface614. An outer cavity616may be spaced between the outer membrane1104and the inner membrane610. This outer cavity616may be at least partially filled with open-cell foam, similar to open-cell foam904, as described inFIG.9. An inner cavity620may be encapsulated by the inner membrane610. In one implementation, and an outer heat exchanger624may extend through the inner membrane610, such that at least a first surface of the outer heat exchanger624is exposed to the outer cavity616and at least a second surface of the outer heat exchanger624is exposed to the inner cavity620, or exposed to an element positioned within the inner cavity620. As such, a thermoelectric generator622may be positioned within the inner cavity620, the thermoelectric generator622being thermally-coupled to the outer heat exchanger624at a first side621and to an inner heat exchanger626at a second side623. Additionally, an expandable membrane628, otherwise referred to as an expandable bladder628, may encapsulate a mass of phase-change material630, and at least a portion of the expandable membrane628may be coupled to the inner heat exchanger626. Furthermore, additional combinations of the described implementations of various energy harvesting devices may be realized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

FIG.12schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device1200, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device1200may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000, and1100(and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein), where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In one example, the energy harvesting device1200may have an insulated container1202, which may be similar to insulated container602,701,802,902,1001, and1102, as previously described.

In one implementation, the energy harvesting device1200may be configured to allow bi-directional conduction of heat between a phase-change material630and an external environment601through a thermoelectric generator1204(which may be similar to thermoelectric generator622), and an inner heat exchanger1206(which may be similar to the inner heat exchanger626). As such, the energy harvesting device1200may not utilize an outer heat exchanger (such as the outer heat exchanger624), and such that a fluid within the outer cavity616(which may be, among others, a mass of air632, or a mass of water634) may conduct heat directly to the thermoelectric generator1204at a first side1208. In this way, a primary axis of conduction associated with the energy harvesting device1200may be substantially along axis629through the thermoelectric generator1204, the inner heat exchanger1206, and through to the expandable membrane628encapsulating a mass of phase-change material630.

Accordingly, in one example, at least a portion of the thermoelectric generator1204may extend through the inner membrane610. As such, the at least a portion of the thermoelectric generator1204may extend through an opening in the inner membrane610. Accordingly, this opening may form a seal around the thermoelectric generator1204.

FIG.13schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device1300, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device1300may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100, and1200(and/or any thermal energy harvesting device disclosed herein), where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In one example, the energy harvesting device1300may comprise an insulated container1302, which may be similar to insulated container602. The insulated container1302may further have an outer membrane1303, similar to outer membrane604, and an inner membrane1304, similar to inner membrane610. An outer cavity1306may be spaced between the outer membrane1303and the inner membrane1304. An aperture1314, similar to aperture618, may extend from an external environment601through to the outer cavity1306. As such, the aperture1314may be configured to permit ingress/egress of air and/or water from/to the external environment601.

The energy harvesting device1300may further comprise an inner cavity1308, similar to inner cavity620. The inner cavity1308may be encapsulated by the inner membrane1304. In one example, a thermoelectric generator1320, similar to thermoelectric generator622, may be encapsulated within the outer cavity1306. Accordingly, the thermoelectric generator1320may be thermally-coupled to an outer heat exchanger1322, similar to outer heat exchanger624, at a first side1330. Further, the thermoelectric generator1320may be thermally-coupled to an inner heat exchanger1318, similar to inner heat exchanger626, at a second side1332. In one example, the inner heat exchanger1332may extend across the inner membrane1304, such that the inner membrane1304is sealed around the inner heat exchanger1318, and the inner heat exchanger1318may have at least one surface in contact with the inner cavity1308, and/or at least one surface in contact with an element positioned within the inner cavity1308. In one example, a portion of an expandable membrane1312, similar to expandable membrane628, may be coupled to the inner heat exchanger1318, the expandable membrane1312encapsulating a mass of phase-change material1310, similar to that mass of phase-change material630.

The outer membrane1303and the inner membrane1304may be substantially impermeable. Accordingly, a mass of air and/or water may enter into the outer cavity1306through the aperture1314in the outer membrane1303. In one example, an insulating material1316may encapsulate at least a portion of the thermoelectric generator1320, such that a fluid (which may include, among others, water and/or air) within the outer cavity1306does not come into direct contact with the thermoelectric generator1320. In this regard, the insulating material1316may comprise one or more of a polymer, a metal, an alloy or a ceramic, and may include, but is not limited to, any specific material disclosed in this document, or any material known in the art. Further, the insulating material1316may be utilized to prevent heat conduction along a non-desirable axis, and such that heat conduction through the inner heat exchanger1318, the thermoelectric generator1320, and the outer heat exchanger1322is substantially along axis1334, similar to axis629. In one implementation, an outer surface1336of the outer heat exchanger1322may be exposed to the outer cavity1306.

FIGS.14A and14Bschematically depict another implementation of an energy harvesting device1400, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device1400may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200, and1300(and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein), where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In one example, the energy harvesting device1400may be configured to deform, or compress, between an expanded configuration, as depicted inFIG.14A, and a compressed configuration, as depicted inFIG.14B.

Accordingly, the energy harvesting device1400may comprise an insulated container1402, which may be similar to insulating container602. As such, the insulated container1402may comprise an outer membrane604having an outer surface606and an inner surface608. The insulated container1402may further comprise an inner membrane610having an outer surface612and an inner surface614. An outer cavity616may be spaced between the outer membrane604and the inner membrane610. In one example, an aperture1410may extend from the outer surface606of the outer membrane604to the inner surface608of the outer membrane604. In one implementation, the aperture1410may be positioned on the outer membrane604such that the aperture1410is not substantially aligned with a primary conduction axis1412of the energy harvesting device1400. This aperture1410may be configured to permit ingress and egress of air and/or water from and to an external environment601. The energy harvesting device1400may further comprise an inner cavity620encapsulated by the inner membrane610.

In one implementation, the energy harvesting device1400may comprise an outer heat exchanger1404extending through the outer membrane604. Accordingly, in the expanded configuration depicted inFIG.14A, the outer heat exchanger1404may have an outer surface1414exposed to the external environment601, and an inner surface1416exposed to the outer cavity616. As such, in the expanded configuration ofFIG.14A, the inner surface1416of the outer heat exchanger1404may be spaced apart from an outer surface1418of a thermoelectric generator1406. In one example, the thermoelectric generator1406may be similar to the thermoelectric generator622. The thermoelectric generator1406may be positioned within the inner cavity620, and have at least a portion extending through the inner membrane610such that the outer surface1418is exposed to the outer cavity616. As such, in the expanded configuration schematically depicted inFIG.14A, the inner surface1416of the outer heat exchanger1404, may be spaced apart from the outer surface1418of the thermoelectric generator1406.

The thermoelectric generator1406may be thermally-coupled to an inner heat exchanger1408, similar to inner heat exchanger626, at an inner surface1420. In turn, an expandable membrane628may encapsulate a mass of phase-change material630, and such that at least a portion of the expandable membrane628may be coupled to the inner heat exchanger1408.

An expanded configuration of the energy harvesting device1400, as depicted inFIG.14A, may include a separation distance1422between the inner surface1416of the outer heat exchanger1404, and the outer surface1418of the thermoelectric generator1406. When transitioned into a compressed configuration, as schematically depicted inFIG.14B, this separation distance1422may be reduced to approximately zero, such that the inner surface1416of the outer heat exchanger1404is positioned proximate to the outer surface1418of the thermoelectric generator1406. In one example, an external force1411applied substantially parallel to axis1412may compress the energy harvesting device1400, thereby urging the outer heat exchanger1414towards the thermoelectric generator1406. As such, when in the compressed configuration, as depicted inFIG.14B, a thermal resistance along axis1412may be reduced (in one example, a thermal resistance may be reduced by reducing the separation between the outer heat exchanger1404and the thermoelectric generator1406).

In one example, when in the expanded configuration, as schematically depicted inFIG.14A, having the outer heat exchanger1404spaced apart from the thermoelectric generator1406, the thermal resistance resulting from the separation distance1422may be such that thermal conduction substantially along axis1412is below a threshold level of conduction. In turn, an amount of electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator1406when in the expanded configuration depicted inFIG.14Amay be below a threshold amount of generated electrical energy. Conversely, when the outer heat exchanger1404is brought into contact with the thermoelectric generator1406, as schematically depicted by the compressed configuration of the energy harvesting device1400ofFIG.14B, heat conduction substantially along axis1412may be above the threshold level of heat conduction. In turn, the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator1406may be above the threshold amount of generated electrical energy. In one example, this threshold amount of generated electrical energy, which may be monitored as one or more of a voltage or a current, among others, may be used to determine whether or not there is an external force1411being applied to the energy harvesting device1400. As such, an output from the thermoelectric generator1406may be used to detect an external force1411applied to the energy harvesting device1400. Additionally, an output from the thermoelectric generator1406may be used to detect whether an item of clothing within which the energy harvesting device1400is positioned is being worn/utilized by a user (whereby it may be assumed that the external force1411may result from compression of the energy harvesting device1400between one or more layers of clothing and the user's body while the item of clothing within which the energy harvesting device1400is positioned is being worn by the user). As such, the energy harvesting device1400, when compressed from the expanded configuration, as schematically depicted inFIG.14A, to the compressed configuration, as schematically depicted inFIG.14B, may be utilized as a switch device configured to detect an application of an external force1411to the energy harvesting device1400.

FIGS.15A and15Bschematically depict another implementation of an energy harvesting device1500, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device1500may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300, and1400, (and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein), where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In a similar manner to energy harvesting device1400, the energy harvesting device1500may be configured to deform, or compress, between an expanded configuration, as depicted inFIG.15A, and a compressed configuration, as depicted inFIG.15B.

Accordingly, the energy harvesting device1500may comprise an insulated container1502, which may be similar to insulated container602. Further, the energy harvesting device1500may comprise an outer heat exchanger1504, similar to outer heat exchanger624, coupled to the outer membrane604. As such, the outer heat exchanger1504may extend through the outer membrane604, with the outer membrane604sealed around at least a portion of the outer heat exchanger1504. The outer heat exchanger1504may have an outer surface1516exposed to an external environment601and an inner surface1518that is rigidly and thermally-coupled to a thermoelectric generator1506within an outer cavity616. As such, in an expanded configuration, as schematically depicted inFIG.15A, there may be a separation distance1530between an inner surface1532of a thermoelectric generator1506, similar to thermoelectric generator622, and an outer surface1534of the inner heat exchanger1508, similar to the inner heat exchanger626.

The insulated container1502of the energy harvesting device1500may comprise an aperture1510, similar to aperture618. In one example, the aperture1000may extend from an outer surface606of the outer membrane604through to the inner surface608of the outer membrane604. As such, the aperture1510may not be positioned substantially along axis1511, where axis1511is substantially aligned along a primary conduction axis through the energy harvesting device1500, similar to axis629.

FIG.15Bschematically depicts the energy harvesting device1500in a compressed configuration. The energy harvesting device1500may be transitioned into the depicted compressed configuration ofFIG.15Bby external force1512, similar to external force636. When in the compressed configuration ofFIG.15B, the thermoelectric generator1506may be positioned proximate the inner heat exchanger1508, such that the separation distance1530is reduced to approximately zero, and such that thermal conduction from the phase-change material630through the inner heat exchanger1508, the thermoelectric generator5006, and the outer heat exchanger1504substantially along axis1511may be enhanced.

FIG.16AandFIG.16Bschematically depict another implementation of an energy harvesting device1600, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device1600may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300,1400, and1500(and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein), where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In particular, the energy harvesting device1600may be similar to energy harvesting device1400, as schematically depicted inFIG.14AandFIG.14B. As such, the energy harvesting device1600may have an insulated container1602, similar to insulating container1402.

In one implementation, the energy harvesting device1600may comprise the insulated container1602comprising a deformable outer membrane604that has an outer surface606, and an inner surface608. The insulated container1602may further have a deformable inner membrane610that is spaced apart from the deformable outer membrane604, the deformable inner membrane610having an outer surface612and an inner surface614. The energy harvesting device1600may further have an outer cavity1620spaced between the outer membrane604and the inner membrane610. An inner cavity620may be encapsulated by the deformable inner membrane610. An outer heat exchanger1604may be coupled to the deformable outer membrane604, the outer heat exchanger1604having an outer surface1626exposed to an external environment601, and an inner surface1628exposed to the outer cavity616. A thermoelectric generator1606may be positioned within the inner cavity620, the thermoelectric generator1606comprising an outer surface1630exposed to the outer cavity1620through the deformable inner membrane610. The thermoelectric generator1606may further have an inner surface1632that is thermally-coupled to an inner heat exchanger1608. The energy harvesting device1600may further comprise a phase-change material membrane628, at least a portion of the phase-change material membrane628coupled to the inner heat exchanger1608, and encapsulating a mass of phase-change material630.

The insulated container1602may comprise an outer membrane604that is impermeable. Further, and in contrast to the insulated container1402, as schematically depicted inFIG.14AandFIG.14B, the insulated container1602may not be embodied with an aperture through the outer membrane604. As such, an outer cavity616may be sealed. In one example, the outer cavity616may contain a mass of fluid1620. As such, fluid1620may comprise, among others, air, nitrogen, or oxygen. In another implementation, the outer cavity616may be partially or wholly filled with an insulating material, such as a foam. As such, the foam may include one or more open-cell or closed-cell foams as described herein, or any other insulating foam known in the art. In another implementation, the outer cavity616may comprise a vacuum cavity.

In one example, the energy harvesting device1600may be configured to be transitioned between an expanded configuration, as schematically depicted inFIG.16A, and a compressed configuration, as schematically depicted inFIG.16B. In the expanded configuration ofFIG.16A, a separation distance1622may exist between an inner surface1628of the outer heat exchanger1604, and an outer surface1630of the thermoelectric generator1606. This separation distance1622may result in a comparatively higher thermal resistance along axis1624, thereby reducing conduction through, and electrical energy produced by, the thermoelectric generator1606. In comparison, when transitioned into a compressed configuration by force1612, as schematically depicted inFIG.16B, the outer heat exchanger1604may be urged towards the thermoelectric generator1606. In this way, the separation distance1622may be reduced to approximately zero in the compressed configuration ofFIG.16B. As such, a thermal resistance substantially along axis1624may be comparatively lower in the compressed configuration than in the expanded configuration depicted inFIG.16A.

FIG.17AandFIG.17Bschematically depict another implementation of an energy harvesting device1700, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device1700may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300,1400,1500, and1600, (and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein) where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features.

The energy harvesting device1700may comprise an insulated container1702that has an outer membrane1714encapsulating an internal cavity1716. An outer heat exchanger1704may extend through the outer membrane1714, such that the outer heat exchanger1704has an outer surface1720in contact with an external environment601. In this way, the outer heat exchanger1704may be similar to the outer heat exchanger624. A thermoelectric generator1706may be positioned within the internal cavity1716, and sandwiched between the outer heat exchanger1704, and an inner heat exchanger1708. In one example, the thermoelectric generator1706may be similar to thermoelectric generator622, and the inner heat exchanger1708may be similar to inner heat exchanger626. An expandable membrane1712may encapsulate a mass of phase-change material1710, such that at least a portion of the expandable membrane1712is coupled to the inner heat exchanger7008. As such, the expandable membrane1712may be similar to expandable membrane628, and the mass of phase-change material1710may be similar to phase-change material630. Bi-directional conduction of heat between the phase-change material1710, and the external environment601may be substantially along axis1722through the inner heat exchanger1708, the thermoelectric generator1706, and the outer heat exchanger1704.

The internal cavity1716may be partially or wholly filled with a mass of air, nitrogen, oxygen, or another gas. Additionally or alternatively, the internal cavity1716may be partially or wholly filled with another fluid, or with a solid material. In one example, the internal cavity1716may be partially or wholly filled with an insulating foam, such as one or more of the foams described herein, or any other insulating foam known in the art. As the phase-change material1710absorbs heat energy from the external environment601, the expandable membrane1712may deform to accommodate thermal expansion of the phase-change material1710. As such, the expandable membrane1712may expand into the cavity1716, and displace a material within the cavity1716. The expandable membrane1712is shown in a comparatively expanded configuration inFIG.17B. In one example, the cavity1716may comprise a vacuum. As such, where the term “vacuum” is used in this disclosure, it may be interpreted as a pressure (absolute pressure) below 1 atm. In another example, the term “vacuum” may refer to a pressure below 1 bar.

FIG.18schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device1800, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device1800may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300,1400,1500,1600, and1700, where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. Accordingly, energy harvesting device1800may be similar to energy harvesting device1000, and have an insulated container1802. In one example, the insulated container1802is not embodied with an opening. As such, the outer cavity1616may be sealed. As such, the outer cavity1616may be partially or wholly filled with a mass of fluid (air, nitrogen, oxygen, among others), and/or another insulating material, such as a polymeric foam.

FIG.19schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device1900, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device1900may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300,1400,1500,1600,1700, and1800(and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein) where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. In one example, the energy harvesting device1900may be similar to energy harvesting device1700. As such, the energy harvesting device1900may comprise an insulated container1902that has an outer membrane1914encapsulating an internal cavity1916. An outer heat exchanger1904may extend through the outer membrane1914, such that the outer heat exchanger1904has an outer surface1922in contact with an external environment601. In this way, the outer heat exchanger1904may be similar to the outer heat exchanger624. A thermoelectric generator1906may be positioned within the internal cavity1916, and sandwiched between the outer heat exchanger1904, and an inner heat exchanger1908. In one example, the thermoelectric generator1906may be similar to the thermoelectric generator622. The inner heat exchanger1908may further comprise one or more fins, such as fins1920aand1920b. As such, the fins1920aand1920bmay be configured to increase a surface area of the inner heat exchanger1908, and thereby increase heat transfer between the thermoelectric generator1906, and a material in contact with the inner heat exchanger1908. The fins1920aand1920bmay extend into an expandable membrane1912coupled to the inner heat exchanger1908, such that the fins1920aand1920bmay increase a surface area in contact with a phase-change material1910. It will be appreciated that fins1920aand1920bmay be embodied with different geometries in order to increase the efficacy with which heat is transferred between the inner heat exchanger1908, and the phase-change material1910. As such, those fins1920aand1920bare schematically depicted inFIG.19, and a different number of fins, or different fin geometries, may be utilized with the energy harvesting device1900, without departing from these disclosures. In another implementation, the outer heat exchanger1922may comprise one or more fins (not depicted).

FIG.20schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device2000, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device2000may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300,1400,1500,1600,1700,1800, and1900, (and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein) where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. The energy harvesting device2000may comprise an insulated container2002that has an outer membrane2016encapsulating an internal cavity2018. An outer heat exchanger2004may extend through the outer membrane2016, such that the outer heat exchanger2004has an outer surface2020in contact with the external environment601. In this way, the outer heat exchanger2004may be similar to the outer heat exchanger624. A thermoelectric generator2006may be positioned within the internal cavity2018, and thermally-coupled to the outer heat exchanger2004at a first side, and to a heat pipe2008at a second side. As such, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize different implementations of the heat pipes2008that may be utilized to transfer heat between one or more elements of the energy harvesting device2000, such as between the thermoelectric generator2006, and an inner heat exchanger2010. In one example, an expandable membrane2014may be coupled to the inner heat exchanger2010, and encapsulate a mass of phase-change material2012, similar to phase-change material630.

FIG.21schematically depicts another implementation of an energy harvesting device2100, according to one or more aspects described herein. It is noted that energy harvesting device2100may include one or more elements similar to one or more elements described in relation to energy harvesting devices600,700,800,900,1000,1100,1200,1300,1400,1500,1600,1700,1800,1900,2000, (and/or any other energy harvesting device disclosed herein) where similar reference numerals represent similar components and features. Accordingly, the energy harvesting device2100represents one implementation of a device comprising multiple thermoelectric generators, such as thermoelectric generators2106, and2116. In particular, the energy harvesting device2100may comprise an insulated container2102having an outer membrane2122encapsulating a cavity2120. An expandable membrane2112may be positioned within the cavity2120, and encapsulate a mass of phase-change material2110. Heat energy may be stored within the phase-change material2110, and configured to be conducted in to/out from the phase-change material2110substantially along multiple axes, including axis2130, and axis2132. As such, heat energy may be conducted to/from the phase-change material2110through a first outer heat exchanger2130, a first thermoelectric generator2106, and a first inner heat exchanger2108, and simultaneously conducted through a second outer heat exchanger2118, a second thermoelectric generator2116, and a second inner heat exchanger2114. In one example, axes2130in2132may be parallel or substantially parallel to one another such that angle2134is proximate equal to 180° (or in another embodiments within 175-185 degrees). However, in another implementation, axes2130and2132may not be aligned with one another, and such that angle2134may be embodied with any angle value in the range of 0 to 360°, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Further, an energy harvesting device, similar to energy harvesting device2100, may be embodied with additional thermoelectric generators beyond those two generators2106and2116described in relation toFIG.21.

FIG.22schematically depicts a thermoelectric generator module2200, according to one or more aspects described herein. In one implementation, the thermoelectric generator module2200may comprise a thermoelectric generator2202, in addition to multiple elements powered by the thermoelectric generator2202, which will be described in further detail in the disclosure that follows. However, where a thermoelectric generator is described in this disclosure, such as thermoelectric generators622,1004,1204,1320,1406,1506,1606,1706,1906,2006,2106, and/or2116(and/or any other thermoelectric generator disclosed herein), it may refer to a thermoelectric generator element in isolation, configured to generate electrical energy in response to an applied thermal gradient, or may refer to a thermoelectric generator module, such as module2200, which includes elements in addition to the thermoelectric generator itself.

In one implementation, the thermoelectric generator module2200may comprise a thermoelectric generator2202that is configured to generate an electrical output in response to an applied thermal gradient. In one example, at least a portion of the thermoelectric generator module2200may be configured to facilitate heat conduction. For example, heat may be conducted substantially along axis2218. Outputs2205and2207may be electrical channels (one or more circuit portions on a circuit board, or wires, among others) across which a voltage may be generated by the thermoelectric generator2202. Accordingly, the polarities (positive and negative voltage) of the outputs2205and2207may switch in response to the direction of heat conduction substantially along axis2218(in response to a change in the side of the thermoelectric generator2202at a higher temperature). For example, when the phase-change material630is absorbing heat energy, an output from the thermoelectric generator622may have a first voltage polarity. However, when the phase-change material630is dissipating heat through the thermoelectric generator622, an output from the thermoelectric generator622may have a second voltage polarity, opposite the first voltage polarity.

Accordingly, in one example, the thermoelectric generator module2200may include a rectifier module2204(otherwise referred to as a rectifier circuit2204), configured to condition an output from the thermoelectric generator2202. As such, the rectifier module2204may output a same voltage polarity at the output2209regardless of the direction of conduction of heat through the thermoelectric generator2202. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize specific circuit elements, which may include one or more diodes, and which may be utilized to provide the functionality of the rectifier module2204, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In one example, the output2209from the rectifier module2204may be fed into a battery module2203. As such, the battery module2203may comprise one or more chemical cells, and may be utilized to store electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator2202. The battery module2203may be configured to store any amount of energy, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, the output2209may be fed into one or more of an interrupt input2208, and a power input2210of an activity monitoring circuit2206. In one example, the interrupt input2208may monitor a voltage level, and execute an interrupt process in response to a voltage level (from output2209) rising above a threshold interrupt voltage level. As such, the interrupt input2208may be utilized to transition, or “wake” the activity monitoring circuit2206from one or more states, including for example, a first power configuration to a second power configuration.

In one implementation, the activity monitoring circuit2206may be configured to generate sensor data and calculate one or more athletic measurements, which may comprise, among others, metrics related to a user's athletic performance. Accordingly, the activity monitoring circuit2206may comprise functionality similar to one or more of devices128or400, among others.

In one example, a first power configuration of the activity monitoring circuit2206may correspond to a low-power configuration, and a second power configuration may correspond to a high power configuration. As such, a low-power configuration may further correspond to providing a comparatively low amount of electrical energy to one or more circuit elements of the activity monitoring circuit2206. In turn, the high power configuration may comprise executing one or more processes to provide electrical energy to one or more additional circuit elements of the activity monitoring circuit2206than those provided with electrical energy in the low-power configuration. Additionally or alternatively, a high power configuration may provide an increased amount of electrical energy to one or more components of the activity monitoring circuit2206. In another example, a first power configuration may provide approximately zero electrical energy to the activity monitoring circuit2206, and a second power configuration may provide electrical energy to one or more circuit elements of the activity monitoring circuit. In another implementation, there may be multiple power distribution settings between a low power configuration and a high power configuration. As such, in one example, a voltage or a current output from the thermoelectric generator2202(or the rectifier element2204) may be adjusted to a plurality of different levels between a first power configuration and a second power configuration. In another example, a first power configuration may correspond to one or more sensor elements (e.g. sensor2212) being deactivated. Accordingly, in one example, when in a deactivated configuration, the one or more sensor elements may consume approximately no electrical energy. In turn, a second power configuration may correspond to one or more sensor elements (e.g. sensor2212) operating in an active configuration, or the activity monitoring device being transitioned into an active state. In another example, there may be multiple power states, which in certain embodiments are based (at least partially) on an input signal from a monitoring circuit, such as activity monitoring circuit2006. In one example, the power input2210may be configured to receive an electrical current from the rectifier circuit2204and distribute the received electrical energy to one or more of the central processing unit2211, sensor2212, memory2214, and/or transceiver2216, among other components.

The activity monitoring circuit2206of the thermoelectric generator module2200may be utilized to monitor physical activity undertaken by a user. As such, the activity monitoring circuit2206, and as such, the thermoelectric generator module2200, may be worn by a user, and include a sensor2212configured to output data in response to one or more motions of the user. As such, the sensor2212may include, among others, an accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a location-determining sensor, a force sensor, and/or any other sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In one example, the activity monitoring circuit2206may be similar to one or more devices described in this disclosure, such as sensor device128, among others. In one example, the memory2214(which may be a local non-transitory computer-readable medium) may store computer-executable instructions to be executed by the central processing unit2211(otherwise referred to as the processor2211). In one implementation, the transceiver2216may be configured to communicate one or more portions of raw sensor data, or processed activity data determined from an output of the sensor2212, to a remote device. In one implementation, activity data determined by the activity monitoring circuit2206may be communicated to a user interface2230. As such, the user interface2230may include one or more of a display, one or more output indicator lights, a speaker, or a haptic feedback device, or combinations thereof.

FIG.23schematically depicts a top view of an example of an activity monitoring device2300that may utilize one or more thermoelectric generators, according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the activity monitoring device2300may be utilized to detect one or more user motions associated with an activity being participated in by a user. In this way, the activity monitoring device2300may comprise one or more sensors, including, among others, accelerometer, a gyroscope sensor, a location determining sensor, and/or any other sensor disclosed herein or known in the art. In one example, the activity monitoring device2300may be similar to one or more elements previously described in this disclosure, such as, among others, sensor device128.

In one example, the activity monitoring device2300may be configured to be worn on an appendage of the user. In one implementation, the activity monitoring device2300may be positioned proximate to a user's appendage when the device2300is worn. In one implementation, the activity monitoring device2300may comprise a flexible support structure2302. In another example, the activity monitoring device2300may comprise a plurality of flexible support structures, similar to flexible support structure2302, hingedly-connected, or flexibly-connected to one another along axis2330. In another implementation, the activity monitoring device2300may comprise two or more rigid support structures hingedly-coupled to one another along axis2330in order to form a larger, flexible support structure, such as structure2302. As such, the flexible support structure2302may comprise one or more woven or molded portions configured to allow the structure2302to be wrapped around an appendage of the user. In one example, the flexible support structure2302may comprise a first end2332that is spaced apart from a second end2334along a longitudinal axis2330. The flexible support structure2302may have a first side2322that may be configured to be exposed to an external environment601. Further, the flexible support structure2302may have a second side2320, opposite the first side2322, configured to be positioned proximate an area of skin of a user. In one example, the first end2332of the flexible support structure2302may comprise a first coupling mechanism2304a. The second end2334of the flexible support structure2302may comprise a second coupling mechanism2304b. As such, the first coupling mechanism2304amay be configured to interface with the second coupling mechanism2304b. As such, the combined coupling mechanism, comprising elements2304aand2304b, may include a clasp, a buckle, an interference fitting, a hook and loop fastener, and/or any other coupling mechanism disclosed herein or known in the art.

In one implementation, the activity monitoring device2300may include multiple thermoelectric generators, such as thermoelectric generators2306aand2306b. In one example, the thermoelectric generators2306aand2306bmay include one or more elements of those thermoelectric generators622,1004,1204,1320,1406,1506,1606,1706,1906,2006,2106, and/or2116previously described in this disclosure. In one example, the thermoelectric generators2306aand2306bmay be connected in series, such that a voltage output from each of the generators2306aand2306bmay add together. In another example, the thermoelectric generators2306aand2306bmay be connected in parallel, such that a current output from each of the generators2306aand2306bmay add together. The thermoelectric generators2306aand2306bmay generate electrical energy in response to a thermal gradient applied substantially along axes2308aand2308bbetween the first side2322and the second side2320. In one implementation, a first thermoelectric generator2306amay be coupled to a first sub-portion of the flexible support structure2302, and a second thermoelectric generator2306bsub-portion of the flexible support structure2302.

In one example, the activity monitoring device2300may include a thermoelectric generator module2310, which may be similar to the thermoelectric generator module2200fromFIG.22. As such, the thermoelectric generator module2310may also be connected in series with the thermoelectric generators2306aand2306b, and generate electrical energy in response to a thermal conduction substantially along axis2314. In one implementation, the activity monitoring device2300, and in particular, the thermoelectric generator module2310, may utilize one or more capacitors, batteries (similar to battery2203), or a mass of phase-change material (similar to phase-change material630), to store electrical energy. In another example, the activity monitoring device2300may not include an energy storage element.

FIG.24schematically depicts an example graph2400of an output voltage from a thermoelectric generator in accordance with various implementations. In one example, graph2400may represent an output voltage from a thermoelectric generator, such as thermoelectric generator622, which is generating electrical energy in response to a temperature gradient between an external environment and a user's skin temperature (user's body temperature). As such, the thermoelectric generator associated with graph2400may not utilize an energy storage medium, such as a phase-change material630. Accordingly, point2406may correspond to a time at which the thermoelectric generator is brought into contact with a user's body. As such, the thermoelectric generator, at point2406may transition from a thermal equilibrium (no temperature gradient across the thermoelectric generator) to having a temperature gradient corresponding to a temperature difference between a skin temperature of the user, and an environmental temperature (e.g. room temperature, mean outdoor air temperature). As such, a voltage output from the thermoelectric generator may increase to point2408. In one example, one or more sensor components, such as those elements described in relation to the thermoelectric generator module2200, may detect the voltage increase between points2406and2408and determine that a device containing the thermoelectric generator has been put on/is now in use by the user. In one example, when the voltage increases above a first threshold2410, one or more detection circuits may determine that the user is now wearing the thermoelectric generator.

As a user exercises, the user's skin temperature may increase. Consequently, a thermal gradient across the thermoelectric generator may also increase and/or increased perspiration may be absorbed or in contact with one or more elements of the device. The period between points2412and2414, delimiting an output voltage increase, may correspond to a period of increased activity by the user (e.g. the user may be exercising at a moderate exertion level). Accordingly, one or more detection circuits, such as one or more elements of the thermoelectric generator module2200, may be utilized to detect a second threshold2420corresponding to this period of increased activity and/or a slope of the output voltage corresponding to the change in voltage2418divided by the change in time2416. Similarly, a third threshold output voltage2422may be detected, such as by the thermoelectric generator module2200, and may be determined as corresponding to a period of increased activity (e.g. the user may be exercising as a severe exertion level, among others). Thus, embodiments may utilize detected outputs from the device, such as voltage, to detect activity levels. In this regard, certain embodiments may be utilized to classify the user's activity. For example, it has been discovered by the inventors that voltage output levels may be used to detect when the user is inactive, sitting, standing, walking, or running. As such, in one example, an output voltage increasing above a threshold voltage may identify a user as transitioning from walking to running, among others. Other categorizations are within the scope of this disclosure. In this regard, certain embodiments, may utilize voltage readings in combination with other inputs (such as from one or more sensors) to determine activity levels, energy expenditure, activity classification, among other attributes. Further embodiments may utilize battery levels, voltage output rate or thresholds, and/or factors to increase sampling rate of the activity measurement processes. For example, a voltage level above a first threshold may sample activity measurements at a first sampling rate and a voltage level above a second threshold may result in a second sampling rate that is higher than the first sampling rate. In other embodiments, different sensors may be activated (or activated at a quicker interval) based upon voltage levels and/or other inputs.

In one implementation, a voltage output from a thermoelectric generator, such as thermoelectric generator2202, may be monitored by a processor, such as processor2211. Accordingly, a voltage output from the thermoelectric generator2202may be proportional to heat flux across the thermoelectric generator2202(i.e. along axis2218). As such, the thermoelectric generator2202may be utilized as a heat flux sensor, and such that a voltage detected by the processor2211may be mapped to a heat flux across the thermoelectric generator2202. In one implementation, an output from a thermoelectric generator, such as thermoelectric generator2202, may be utilized to estimate a remaining amount of heat energy stored within a phase-change material, such as within the phase-change material630stored within the expandable membrane628.

Certain aspects relate to energy harvesting devices that may include or be utilized in conjunction with a module.FIG.25shows an example module2530that may be used in association with apparel or other devices, such as being insertable within an armband, clothing, wearable device, handheld device, textile, and/or an apparatus that may be used during physical activity. Module2530may include one or more mechanical, electric, and/or electro-mechanical components, such as computer components, that are described elsewhere herein, as well as a casing2531forming a structural configuration for the module2530. Module2530may comprise at least one of a processor, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, sensor and/or a transceiver. One or more components may be similar to and/or identical to any component shown and described above inFIGS.1-5. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that module2530and the casing2531may have multiple different structural configurations and the illustrations are merely exemplary.

In the embodiment ofFIG.25, the module2530has at least one sensor2532, which may be in the form of, for example, a heart rate sensor. Module2530may be configured to contact the skin of the user during wear while the module2530is secured within a band, device or apparatus, etc. For example, the heart rate sensor2532in this illustrated embodiment may be an optical sensor that works best in contact or close proximity with the skin. As shown inFIG.25, the casing2531of module2530has a projection2539on the underside2536, and the sensor2532is mounted on the end of the projection2539. The projection2539extends the sensor2532farther away from the surrounding surfaces of the casing2531, permitting greater capability for forming continuous contact with the user's body. Band2520may have an aperture that allows a front surface of the protrusion to contact the user's skin, however, the remainder of underside2538is held within the band2520or at least is separated from the user's skin by at least one layer of a material. In one embodiment, the layer of material may be configured to wick away moisture (e.g., such as sweat) away from the sensing surface on the user's skin.

In one embodiment, a layer of material may be configured to collect or wick moisture of fluid towards a heat transfer plate of other component of the device.

In other embodiments, it may be configured to prevent moisture, light, and/or physical materials from contacting the sensing surface or location during the physical activity. In one embodiment, it may selectively block light of certain wavelengths. In certain embodiments, at least 95% of ambient light is blocked within the immediate vicinity of the sensing surface. In another embodiment, at least 99% of the ambient light is blocked. This may be advantageous for optical sensors, such as optical heart rate sensors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other sensors, including those sensors described above in relation toFIGS.1-5, may be used—either alone in combination with each other or other sensors—without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In one general embodiment, the module2530may include one or more user input interfaces, such as for example, buttons2533to provide user-actuated input. An example user input interface may consist of single mechanical button, e.g., button2533, which is shown on the top side2537opposite the underside2536. Yet in other embodiments, display feature2534may be configured as a user-input interface. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more user-actuated inputs may also be received through one or more transceivers of the module2530. For example, a system may be configured such that a user may be able to enter a user input onto an electronic mobile device which may mimic using buttons2533or, alternatively, perform different functions than available in a specific instance of actuating buttons2533. Module2533may further comprise one or more display features2534.

In one embodiment, the pocket2540of the band or apparatus may be configured to receive module2530having a display feature2534on surface that provides at least one visual indicia to a user. Display features2534may be a simple light source, such as a light emitting diode. In a specific embodiment, the color, intensity, or pattern of illumination of at least one light source in display features may be used to provide a visual indication to the user. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that more complex display devices, such as LED, OLED, LCD, etc. may be utilized. Other output mechanisms, such as audible and tactile are within the scope of this disclosure.

Module2530may further include one or more connectors2535for charging and/or connection to an external device. In one embodiment, connectors2535may include a serial bus connection, such as that may comply with one or more Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards. In one embodiment, connectors2535may be configured to provide at least of the same electronic information to an external device that may be transmitted via one or more transceivers of the module2530.

When the module2530in the embodiment ofFIG.25is received within a pocket or pouch, connector2535is received within the shell2548, the underside2536of the casing2531is positioned in contact with the inner wall2544of the pocket2540, and the top side2537of the casing2531is positioned in contact with the outer wall2543of the pocket2540. In this arrangement, the projection2539extends through the sensor opening2545to place the sensor2532in closer proximity with the user's body, the button2533is positioned adjacent the button portion2547on the outer wall2543, and the light2534is positioned in alignment with the window2546to permit viewing of the light2534through the outer wall2543. The projection2539extending through the sensor opening2545and also in certain embodiments may assist in holding the module2530in place. In this configuration the end of the module2530opposite the connector2535protrudes slightly from the access opening2542, in order to facilitate gripping for removal of the module2530.

The casing2531may have a structural configuration to increase comfort of wearing the module2530in close proximity to the user's skin. For example, the casing2531has a flat configuration to create a thin profile, making the module2530less noticeable when being worn on the user's body. As another example, the casing2531may have curved contours on the underside2536and the top side2537, as well as curved or beveled edges, in order to enhance comfort.

In certain embodiments, computer-executable instructions may be used to calibrate a device or system, such as to account for the location, orientation, or configuration of a sensor or group of sensors. As one example, module2530may include a heart rate sensor. The heart rate sensor may be configured such that when correctly orientated on or in the band, the heart rate sensor is located or oriented a certain way with respect to the user. For example, if the heart rate sensor is an optical heart rate sensor, it may be within a distance range to the skin (with respect to multiple axes and location). Further, one or more sensors may be configured such that when correctly oriented within the band (e.g., placed within the pocket, a contact of a sensor is configured to be in communication with the user (e.g., their skin or alternatively their clothing). Too much variance with respect to the orientation or location of the sensor may result in inaccurate and/or imprecise data. In certain embodiments, one or more sensor measurements, either raw or calculated, may be utilized to determine a proper or preferred orientation(s) or location(s) of the sensor(s).

The measurements may be based on one or more remote or local sensors on the device to be oriented, such as module2530. For example, in certain embodiments, a user's Body Mass Index (BMI) or another parameter may be calculated. The calculation may be based, at least in part, on one or more sensors located on the device to be oriented. Based upon the sensor measurement(s), a UI, which may be on the device itself, a remote device, and/or a device in electronic communication with the device to be oriented (or re-oriented) may prompt and/or guide a user to re-orient the device. In other embodiments, it may provide a user input device to provide user inputs for orientation. For example, unlike prior art devices which may merely detect a weak or imprecise value and recommend or request the orientation of the sensor or device, embodiments disclosed herein may use data to intelligently determine the problem and/or solution. In one embodiment, a user's BMI or other data may be used to determine that the user should wear the device at another location and/or alter its orientation. For example, if a user's BMI is within the normal range (e.g., commonly accepted as20-25), however, heart rate data is utilized in the calculation of a parameter that is below a threshold, then in certain embodiments, additional analysis may be performed to consider whether the heart rate sensor should be adjusted. As explained in more detail below, further embodiments relate to augmenting one or more calculations of parameters used in the calculations.

Systems and methods may be implemented to reduce inaccuracies and/or imprecise data collection. In one embodiment, the band may be configured to be worn within a range of locations, such as on a user's appendage or extremity. With respect to a “lower arm” usage example, the lower arm may be considered the distance between an elbow joint and the carpus of an arm or appendage, and may further be logically divided into a proximate region and a distal region. For example, the proximate region of the lower arm would include a portion (e.g., up to half) of the lower arm closest to the user's shoulder; and likewise, a distal region would include a portion (e.g., up to the remaining half) of the lower arm connecting to the carpus. In this regard, a band may be configured to be worn in the proximate region of the lower arm. In one embodiment, the entire band is configured to be retained within a proximate half of the lower arm. In one embodiment, the band is configured to be retained at a specific location during athletic activities, such as with respect to the distance of the lower (or upper arm), a sensor measurement location is configured to move less than 1% or 0.5% of the distance along the lower arm. In yet other embodiments, the band may be configured to move within a specific distance with respect to the distance along the lower arm, however, at least one sensor (such as a sensor of the module2530) may be configured to move a smaller distance. For example, in one embodiment, a band may be configured to permit movement of about 1 mm along the length of the lower arm, however, the module, or a sensing surface of the module, may be configured to only permit 0.55 mm movement along the same axis. As discussed above, one or more measurements may dictate altering this range, the distance from the sensor to the skin, as well as other locational dimensions and/or orientations. In one embodiment, a band may be configured to retain a sensing surface (or sensing location) of the module at least a predefined distance from the carpus. This may be due to the mechanical properties of a band, the module2530, and/or as a result of a sensor providing an indication of an incorrect and/or correct usage of a band and/or module2530. In yet another embodiment, the sensing surface is at least located 20% of the distance away from the carpus. In another embodiment, the band may be configured to retain a sensing surface of the band at least a predefined distance of the distance from the elbow joint (or equivalent).

In one embodiment, one or more sensors of the module (alone and/or with other external sensors) may be utilized to detect the location of the module930, a sensing surface of the module, a sensing location, and/or a band. This may be done directly or indirectly. In certain embodiments, one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums may comprise computer-executable instructions, then when executed by a processor cause the processor to at least conduct a location calibration routine. The computer-readable medium(s) may be located entirely on the module, an external electronic device, such as a mobile or cellular device, and/or combinations thereof. One or more calibration routines may be automatically initiated, such as by being triggered by sensing one or more criteria (e.g. with a sensor of the module) or through a manual initiation, such as by a user initiating the routine.

Movements during the athletic activity will naturally cause physical movements of anatomical structures, including joints and flexing muscles. As one example, flexing muscles may cause relative and absolute changes in locations and orientation of sensor sensing surfaces and/or sensing locations. As discussed herein, having the band, sensing surfaces, and/or sensing locations located in positions to reduce or eliminate flexure-causing inaccuracies will improve the utility of such sensing systems when compared with prior-art systems. For example, the device (or location(s)) may be positioned to reduce or eliminate forearm tension in one embodiment. In another embodiment, systems and methods may be implemented to identify the extent of actual and/or anticipated flexure or anatomical movement. In further embodiments, one or more calibration or correction factors may be applied to sensor readings based upon flexure or other anatomical movements. In one embodiment, only flexure of one muscle or group of muscles may be considered. This may be the case even when other muscles' flexure is present.

CONCLUSION

Aspects of the embodiments have been described in terms of illustrative embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments, modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art from a review of this disclosure. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the steps illustrated in the illustrative figures may be performed in other than the recited order, and that one or more steps illustrated may be optional in accordance with aspects of the embodiments.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present application extends to the subject-matter described in the following numbered paragraphs (referred to as “Para” or “Paras”):

1. An energy harvesting device comprising:an insulated container, comprising:a first membrane defining at least a portion of an inner cavity;a thermoelectric generator operably coupled to the first membrane; andan expandable membrane disposed within the first cavity and operably coupled to the thermoelectric generator, the expandable membrane encapsulating a mass of phase-change material configured to store heat energy.

2. An energy harvesting device according to Para 1, wherein the thermoelectric generator is coupled to the first membrane via a first heat exchanger.

3. An energy harvesting device according to Para 1 or 2, wherein the thermoelectric generator is coupled to the expandable membrane via a second heat exchanger.

4. An energy harvesting device according to Para 3, wherein the second heat exchanger comprises at least one fin in contact with the phase-change material.

5. An energy harvesting device according to Para 3 or 4, wherein the thermoelectric generator is coupled to the second heat exchanger via a heat pipe.

6. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 2 to 5, wherein the or each heat exchanger comprises an aluminum alloy.

7. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein an insulating material is provided within the inner cavity so as to insulate the phase-change material.

8. An energy harvesting device according to Para 7, wherein the insulating material comprises a mass of gas.

9. An energy harvesting device according to Para 7 or 8, wherein the insulating material comprises a foam.

10. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 1 to 6, wherein the inner cavity comprises a vacuum.

11. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein the first membrane is deformable.

12. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, further comprising a second membrane, wherein an outer cavity is formed between the first and second membranes.

13. An energy harvesting device according to Para 12, wherein an insulating material is provided within the outer cavity.

14. An energy harvesting device according to Para 13, wherein the insulating material comprises a mass of gas.

15. An energy harvesting device according to Para 13 or 14, wherein the insulating material comprises a foam.

16. An energy harvesting device according to Para 15, wherein the second membrane is permeable to allow water to soak into the foam.

17. An energy harvesting device according to Para 16, wherein the foam is configured to retain sufficient water to protect the thermoelectric generator and the expandable membrane from being exposed to a temperature of air in the external environment above a failure temperature.

18. An energy harvesting device according to Para 12, wherein the outer cavity comprises a vacuum.

19. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 11 to 16, wherein the second membrane forms an outer membrane having an surface in contact with the external environment, wherein the second membrane is provided with an aperture extending from the outer surface of the outer membrane to the inner surface of the outer membrane, the aperture configured to permit an ingress of air and/or water from the external environment into the outer cavity.

20. An energy harvesting device according to Para 19, wherein the aperture is configured to allow water to enter into the outer cavity during a wash cycle as the item of clothing is laundered, and wherein the phase-change material is configured to store a portion of heat energy captured during a dryer cycle as the item of clothing is laundered.

21. An energy harvesting device according to Para 19 or 20, wherein the aperture is configured to release water vapor from the outer cavity.

22. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 19 to 21, wherein the aperture is substantially aligned with a primary axis of conduction of the insulated container.

23. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 12 to 22, wherein the second membrane is deformable.

24. An energy harvesting device according to Para 23, wherein the insulated container is configured to be deformed between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration, wherein, when in the expanded configuration, the thermoelectric generator is spaced from one of the first and second membranes, and, when in the compressed configuration, the thermoelectric generator is thermally coupled to said one of the first and second membranes to allow bi-directional conduction of heat between the phase-change material and the external environment.

25. An energy harvesting device according to Para 24, wherein, when in the expanded configuration, the thermoelectric generator is spaced from a heat exchanger disposed between the thermoelectric generator and said one of the first and second membranes.

26. An energy harvesting device according to Para 24 or 25, wherein the device has a comparatively high thermal resistance to heat conduction through the thermoelectric generator when in the expanded configuration and a comparatively low thermal resistance to heat conduction through the thermoelectric generator when in the compressed configuration.

27. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 24 to 26, wherein the insulated container is configured to be deformed from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration when an item of clothing comprising the device is positioned on a user.

28. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, further comprising an activity monitoring circuit connected to the thermoelectric generator.

29. An energy harvesting device according to Para 28, wherein the activity monitoring circuit is configured to monitor a voltage output from the thermoelectric generator, and wherein the output voltage is proportional to an activity level of the user such that an activity is identifiable by the activity monitoring circuit based on output voltage.

30. An energy harvesting device according to Para 29, wherein the output voltage is proportional to a temperature gradient between a user's skin and an external environment.

31. An energy harvesting device according to Para 30, wherein the output voltage being above a threshold voltage indicates that the user is wearing the energy harvesting device.

32. An energy harvesting device according to Para 30 or 31, wherein the output voltage rising above a threshold voltage identifies the user as transitioning from walking to running.

33. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 28 to 32, wherein the activity monitoring circuit comprises a sensor.

34. An energy harvesting device according to Para 33, wherein the sensor comprises an accelerometer.

35. An energy harvesting device according to Para 33 or 34, wherein the sensor comprises a location-determining sensor.

36. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 28 to 35 when appended to any of Paras 24 to 27, wherein when transitioned from the expanded configuration to the compressed configuration, a voltage output generated by the thermoelectric generator transitions from a first voltage to a second voltage.

37. An energy harvesting device according to Para 36, wherein the change in voltage is indicative of an external force being applied to the insulated container of the energy harvesting device.

38. An energy harvesting device according to Para 36 or 37, wherein the transition in voltage output transitions the activity monitoring circuit from a first power configuration to a second power configuration.

39. An energy harvesting device according to Para 38, wherein the first power configuration is a low power configuration that provides a first amount of electrical energy to the activity monitoring circuit, and the second power configuration is a high power configuration that provides a second amount of electrical energy, higher than the first amount of electrical energy, to the activity monitoring circuit.

40. An energy harvesting device according to Para 39, wherein the first power configuration corresponds to the activity monitoring circuit being deactivated and the second power configuration corresponds to the activity monitoring circuit being activated.

41. An energy harvesting device according to any of Paras 28 to 40, wherein the activity monitoring circuit comprises a radio transmitter, and at least a portion of the insulated container is radio-wave transparent.

42. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein the first membrane is impermeable.

43. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein the insulated container is impermeable to water at 1 atm.

44. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein the insulated container is configured to be positioned on or within an item of athletic apparel.

45. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein the thermoelectric generator further comprises a rectifier circuit configured to output a voltage with a same (constant) polarity as heat energy is transferred into and out from the container structure.

46. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein the phase-change material is configured to reach an approximate thermal equilibrium with the external environment at approximately 20 degrees Celsius within at least 4 hours.

47. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein the phase-change material comprises a salt-hydrate material.

48. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, further comprising a processor powered by the thermoelectric generator, wherein the processor is configured to monitor a voltage output from the thermoelectric generator, and wherein the voltage output is proportional to a thermal gradient across the thermoelectric generator such that the thermoelectric generator functions as a heat flux sensor.

49. An energy harvesting device according to Para 48, wherein the voltage output is indicative of an amount of remaining heat energy stored with a phase-change material.

50. An energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, wherein the thermoelectric generator is configured to generate electrical energy based on a thermal gradient across the thermoelectric generator, and without an auxiliary energy storage medium.

51. A method of operating an energy harvesting device according to any of the preceding Paras, exposing the insulated container to an external environment having an elevated temperature which is higher than the temperature of the phase-change material such that the phase-change material stores a portion of heat energy captured.

52. A method according to Para 51, wherein the insulated container is exposed to the elevated temperature during a dryer cycle as an item of clothing comprising the insulated container is laundered.

53. A method according to Para 51 or 52, wherein the elevated temperature is in a range of approximately 45-85 degrees Celsius.

54. A method according to any of Paras 51 to 53, wherein the insulated container absorbs water during a wash cycle which evaporates during the dryer cycle, such that the thermoelectric generator and the expandable membrane are exposed to a temperature range below a failure temperature.

55. An activity monitoring device, comprising:a support structure comprising a first end spaced apart from a second end along a first axis, the support structure further comprising a first side configured to be exposed to an external environment, and a second side, opposite the first side along a second axis, the second side configured to be positioned proximate to an area of skin of the user;a processor;an activity monitoring circuit coupled to the support structure and configured to provide sensor data to the processor from which the processor can calculate athletic measurements based upon a user's athletic movements; anda thermoelectric generator module configured to generate and transfer electrical energy to the processor and the activity monitoring circuit,wherein the thermoelectric generator module is configured to generate electrical energy in response to a thermal gradient between the first side and the second side.

56. An activity monitoring device according to Para 55, wherein the device comprises at least two thermoelectric generator modules.

57. An activity monitoring device according to Para 55, wherein the thermoelectric generator modules are connected in series.

58. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 57, wherein the support structure is a first support structure, the device further comprising a second support structure flexibly coupled to the first support structure.

59. An activity monitoring device according to Para 58, wherein the first support structure comprises a first thermoelectric generator module and the second support structure comprises a second thermoelectric generator module.

60. An activity monitoring device according to Para 59, wherein each support structure comprises at least two thermoelectric generator modules.

61. An activity monitoring device according to Para 60, wherein the thermoelectric generator modules of each support structure are connected in series.

62. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 59 to 61, wherein the first support structure is connected to the second support structure along the first axis.

63. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 59 to 62, wherein the first support structure and the second support structure are each rigid structures.

64. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 63, wherein the activity monitoring circuit comprises an optical sensor configured to be fully powered by the thermoelectric generator(s), wherein the optical sensor is configured to be positioned proximate to a user's appendage when the device is worn.

64. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 63, wherein the activity monitoring circuit is a first activity monitoring circuit and the device further comprises a second activity monitoring circuit, wherein the second activity monitoring circuit comprises an optical sensor configured to be fully powered by the thermoelectric generator(s), wherein the optical sensor is configured to be positioned proximate to a user's appendage when the device is worn.

65. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 64, wherein the activity monitoring circuit comprises an accelerometer.

66. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 65, wherein the processor is configured to determine that the thermoelectric generator module(s) produced a threshold quantity of energy; and based upon the threshold quantity of energy being produced, altering capture of athletic measurements from the device.

67. An activity monitoring device according to Para 66, wherein the altering of the capture comprises reducing a sampling rate from at least one sensor.

68. An activity monitoring device according to Para 66 or 67, wherein the altering of the capture comprises ceasing capturing data from at least one sensor.

69. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 68, wherein the support structure is flexible and a first coupling mechanism is provided at the first end configured to be removably-coupled to a second coupling mechanism at the second end.

70. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 69, wherein the processor is configured to:determine that the sensor data is indicative of a threshold level of athletic movement, and in response, causing the device to enter into a first active state;based upon the sensor data obtained from the device while in the first active state, calculate athletic measurements based upon a user's athletic movements; andswitch the device to a second active state, and based upon the sensor data from the device while in the second active state, calculating athletic measurements based upon the user's athletic movements.

71. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 70, wherein the support structure is flexible and comprises a plurality of individual rigid interconnected components, wherein at least a first and a second individual interconnected components of the plurality of components each comprise a first end spaced apart from a second end along a first axis.

72. An activity monitoring device according to any of Paras 55 to 71, further comprising a transceiver configured to automatically transmit the calculated athletic measurements to a mobile device.