Prime-mover dynamo plants – Miscellaneous – Drive gearing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-13
2001-09-18
Waks, Joseph (Department: 2834)
Prime-mover dynamo plants
Miscellaneous
Drive gearing
C310S015000, C310S07500D, C322S003000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06291901
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to power generation and more specifically to a vehicular energy generation system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Much of the energy used to power vehicles does not go towards moving the vehicle forward, but is instead dissipated to the surrounding environment. One area of energy loss is through the repeated deformation or radial flexure of the tires of the vehicle due to the weight of the vehicle. If the lost energy can be reclaimed, the recaptured energy may be used to propel the vehicle or be utilized to power auxiliary components.
Several methods have been proposed to recapture the lost energy from the deformation of vehicle tires. For example, one method as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,200 to Thompson teaches using the output of a fluid motor to turn an electrical generator. A bellows pump assembly, which is mounted to vehicle's wheel rim and is compressed upon each revolution of the tire, pumps pressurized fluid that actuates the fluid motor. This system has the drawback associated with using fluid such as the potential for leaks, the use of valves which periodically fail, and the need to use fluids which maintain properties of compressibility and viscosity under extreme environmental conditions.
Another prior art approach to generating electric power is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,699,367 to Thomas, which uses a mechanical plunger actuated by the deforming tire to generate electrical power. One major disadvantage to this design is that a complex mechanical structure is requires which does not generate continuous electrical power. Further, the amount of power generated is not sufficient to recharge a battery.
Another approach to generating electrical power from tire deformation utilizes an iron core wrapped by a coil as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,907 to Pappas. A magnet is normally in contact with one end of the core, but is pulled apart during deformation of the tire to create electromotive force within the coil. One drawback of this system involves the contact between the magnet and core which will cause wear and with repeated cycling, possibly leading to potential failure. Another disadvantage to this system design is that it is mechanically complex and only a small electromagnetic force will be produced. In addition, the system produces an asymmetrical voltage output.
Thus a simple, inexpensive system, which generates electricity on a continuous basis from tire deformation and which is mechanically simple, is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides in one aspect an electrical power generating device for generating electricity from the deflection of a tire. The device comprises a coil housing having a first end for mounting to a hub of a wheel, and an interior chamber with an electrically conductive coil disposed about said chamber. The device further includes a magnet housing having a first end for mating engagement with said coil housing and a second end for engagement with an interior wall of a tire. The magnet housing further comprises a magnet assembly aligned for reception within the interior chamber of the coil housing whereby the deflection of the tire directs the magnet housing radially inward so that the magnet assembly moves relative to the coils disposed within the chamber resulting in electricity being generated. Thus, the deflection of the tire directs the magnet housing radially inward so that the magnet assembly moves relative to the coils disposed within the chamber resulting in electricity being generated.
In another aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for generating electrical energy comprising the steps of mounting a coil housing to the hub of a wheel of a vehicle. The coil housing has an interior chamber with a coil disposed about the chamber. Next, a magnet housing is disposed within the coil housing. The magnet housing has a permanent magnet mounted therein which is aligned for reception within the chamber of the coil housing. A distal end of the magnet housing is in communication with an interior wall of the tire. Next, the wheel of the vehicle is rotated whereby deforming the tire results in relative movement between the magnet assembly and the coil so that electricity is generated.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3696251 (1972-10-01), Last et al.
patent: 3699367 (1972-10-01), Thomas
patent: 3760351 (1973-09-01), Thomas
patent: 3885163 (1975-05-01), Toberman
patent: 3895244 (1975-07-01), Link
patent: 4061200 (1977-12-01), Thompson
patent: 4220907 (1980-09-01), Pappas et al.
patent: 4405872 (1983-09-01), Thomas
patent: 4429232 (1984-01-01), Thomas et al.
patent: 4504761 (1985-03-01), Triplett
patent: 4782256 (1988-11-01), Kokubu
patent: 4827163 (1989-05-01), Bhate et al.
patent: 4893877 (1990-01-01), Powell et al.
patent: 5347186 (1994-09-01), Konotchik
patent: 5631507 (1997-05-01), Bajric et al.
patent: 5696413 (1997-12-01), Woodbridge et al.
patent: 5818132 (1998-10-01), Konotchik
patent: 2436224A (1975-02-01), None
Calfee, Halfer & Griswold LLP
Waks Joseph
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