Using Human Walking Energy for Powering PortableElectronic Devices

In the design of mobile electronics, power is one of themost difficult restrictions to overcome; and current trendsindicate this will continue to be an issue in thefuture. Consumerelectronic equipments are becoming small, portable devices thatprovide users with a wide range of functionality, fromcommunication to music playing. The battery technology and thepower consumption of the device limit the size, weight andautonomous lifetime. One promising alternative to batteries is touse parasitic energy dissipated in the movement of the wearer ofdevice to power it. In this paper we designed a system included arotary arm extending down from the sole, which ultimately drovethe small electrical generator through a stepped-up gearbox. Aone- way clutch mechanism was used to transmit torque to the gearbox. This allowed for additional spin following the initialimpact of a step, also preventing lockup due to rotary inertia inthe gears. The entire generator system was designed to fit in theheel of a standard running shoe, with the rotary armcompressing once during each heel strike.

Keywords:

Mobile Electronic Devices , Power Generator , Walkingmotion , wearable devices