FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to electromechanical energy
generation. More particularly, it relates to a method and system for generating electricity
by utilizing the movement of vehicles on road bumps.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Today, the world is mostly dependent on fossil fuels for energy generation.
Thus far, fossil fuels have been widely available and in plenty. However, practically the
fossil fuels are not renewable. It is estimated that with the current global rate of
consumption of fossil fuels, in a few years, the demand for fossil fuels will exceed their
availability. In addition, there are human and environmental costs involved in the reliance
on fossil fuels and conventional sources of electricity generation. Finally, the emissions
from conventional sources of electricity generation are harmful and they contribute to the
environmental pollution, greenhouse effect and in turn to global warming. This adversely
affects the weather pattern all over the world.
[0004] It is therefore desirable to explore alternative sources of electricity generation.
Naturally replenished resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat are
being used to generate electricity. However, the costs involved in installing the required
equipment for generating electricity from these alternative sources and maintaining the
same are fairly high.
[0005] Efforts have been made to generate electricity by utilizing the movements of
vehicles on roads. US patent application 2002/0089309 by Terry Kenney discloses an
electricity generation device installed beneath a road. A pressure plate is provided below
the road surface, which when,pushed downwards due to the weight of a vehicle, drives an
electricity generator. US patent application 2010/0051389 by Ming Chen-Cheng provides a
similar device with a restoring function. Further, GB patent 2444937 by Brindley Ian
Reginald also provides a similar arrangement. However, these methods and systems known
in the art have a constant rigidity factor. In other words, they do not provide any
mechanism which facilitates modulation of rigidity based on the weight and/or speed of the
passing vehicle. Moreover, the electricity generated by using these systems is not
necessarily optimized and continuous.
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[0006] In light of the foregoing, there exists a need to provide a method and system
for generating electricity by utilizing the weight of the vehicles passing on the road. The
system should be easy to install and should entail lower costs of installation and
maintenance. In addition, the system should generate electricity at a constant rate. Finally,
the system should provide modulation of rigidity based on the weight and/or speed of the
vehicle so as to generate electricity optimally.
SUMMARY
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for
electricity generation by utilizing weight of a body passing over a surface.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for electricity
generation, which does not consume natural resources or produce harmful emissions.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for
electricity generation, which is easy to install and entail lower costs of installation and
maintenance.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system
for electricity generation at a constant rate.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system
for electricity generation, which modulates its rigidity based on the weight and/or speed of
the passing body for optimal electricity generation.
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide an electromechanical energy
generation system. The system includes a mechanical platform configured to be depressed
upon passage of a body on it. A motion conversion mechanism is coupled to the
mechanical platform. The motion conversion mechanism converts the linear motion of the
mechanical platform into rotary motion. The system further includes at least one sensor
configured to sense at least one parameter of the passing body and a variable transmission
mechanism that changes its transmission ratio based on the at least one parameter sensed
by the sensor. An electrical generator coupled to the variable transmission mechanism
generates electricity.
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for generating
electricity. The method provides a mechanical platform configured to be depressed upon
passage of a body on it. The linear motion of the mechanical platform is converted into a
4
rotary motion of a first shaft. At least one parameter of the body is sensed and a
transmission ratio for transmitting the rotary motion of the first shaft to a rotary motion of
a second shaft is determined. The transmission ratio is determined based on the at least one
sensed parameter. The rotary motion of the second shaft is converted into electricity.
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention provide an electromechanical energy
generation system. The system includes a mechanical platform configured to be depressed
upon passage of a body on it. A motion conversion mechanism is coupled to the
mechanical platform. The motion conversion mechanism converts the linear motion of the
mechanical platform into a rotary motion of a first shaft. The system also includes at least
one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter of the body and a variable
transmission mechanism operable between the first shaft and a second shaft. The
transmission ratio of the variable transmission mechanism is determined based on the at
least one sensed parameter. The system further includes an energy storage mechanism
coupled to the second shaft; and an electrical generator coupled between the second shaft
and the energy storage mechanism. The electrical generator is driven by the energy storage
mechanism and produces electricity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set
forth with particularity in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate
and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements,
and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an electromechanical energy generation system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a motion conversion mechanism used in the
electromechanical energy generation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement of a variable transmission mechanism, an
energy storage mechanism 'and a generator used in the electromechanical energy
generation system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
5
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a variable transmission mechanism and corresponding
actuation mechanism used in the electromechanical energy generation system, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an energy storage mechanism used in the electromechanical
energy generation system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating electricity, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating electricity in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the
term "an article" may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0024] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the
Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For
example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the Figures may be exaggerated,
relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention.
[0025] There may be additional structures described in the foregoing application that
are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a structure is
described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be
considered as an omission of such design from the specification.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0026] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be observed that the
present invention utilizes a combination of method steps and apparatus components related
to a method of generating electricity. Accordingly the apparatus components and the
method steps have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the
drawings, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the
present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily
apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
6
[0027] While the specification concludes with the claims defining the features of the
invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better
understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the
drawings, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.
[0028] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed
herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely
exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the
art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed
structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but
rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0029] The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one.
The term "another", as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including" and/or "having" as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. open
transition). The term "coupled" or "operatively coupled" as used herein, is defined as
connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.
[0030] Embodiments of the present invention provide an electromechanical energy
generation system and a method for generating electricity. In the description of the
embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details are provided, such as
examples of components and/or mechanisms, to provide a thorough understanding of
embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize, however, that
an embodiment of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the
specific details, or with other apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, components,
materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or
operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of
embodiments of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an electromechanical energy generation system 100, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electromechanical energy
generation system 100 is installed beneath a mechanical platform 102. In an embodiment
of the present invention, electromechanical energy generation system 100 includes a
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motion conversion mechanism 104, one or more sensors 106, an actuation mechanism 108,
a variable transmission mechanism 110, an energy storage mechanism 112 and an
electricity generator 114.
[0032] In various embodiments of the present invention, the mechanical platform can
be one of a road bump, a speed reducing ramp, a road, a racing track, a runway and a
trampoline. The mechanical platform 102 is configured in such a way that it is vertically
depressed upon passage of a body over it. Any suitable arrangement such as a hinged joint
can be provided in order for the mechanical platform to be depressed vertically. The body
can be one of a human, a vehicle and an airplane. For the sake of easy understanding, in
the forthcoming description, the mechanical platform 102 is assumed to be a road bump
and the body is assumed to be a vehicle. However, it should be noted that the invention is
equally applicable to any other form of mechanical platform which can be vertically
depressed when any other body passes over it.
[0033] When the road bump 102 is depressed vertically, the motion of the road bump
102 is linear. The motion conversion mechanism 104 converts the linear motion of the road
bump 102 into a rotary motion. In an embodiment of the present invention, the motion
conversion mechanism 104 includes a rack and pinion arrangement. The details of the
motion conversion mechanism 104 are further explained in conjunction with FIG.2. The
motion conversion mechanism 104 includes a first shaft (element 302 in FIG. 3) which is
rotated as a result of conversion of linear motion into rotary motion.
[0034] The rotary motion of the first shaft 302 is transferred to rotary motion of a
second shaft (element 304 of FIG. 3) through the variable transmission mechanism 110. In
an embodiment of the present invention, the variable transmission mechanism 110 includes
a gearbox. In various other embodiments of the present invention, the variable
transmission mechanism includes one of a conical drum mechanism, a variable diameter
pulley mechanism, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) mechanism, a toroidal
CVT mechanism, an Infinitely Variable Transmission mechanism, a ratcheting CVT
mechanism, a variable toothed wheel transmission and a cone CVT mechanism. The
details of the variable transmission mechanism 110 are further explained in detail in
conjunction with FIG. 3.
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[0035] Sensors 106 are situated on either sides of the road bump 102. When a vehicle
passes over the road bump 102, sensors 106 sense at least one parameter related to the
vehicle. The at least one parameter includes weight of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle and
direction of the movement of the vehicle. In various embodiments of the present invention,
the sensor 106 can be one of a piezoelectric sensor, a mechanical sensor, a weight sensor, a
speed sensor and a force sensor. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that any
suitable sensor for sensing the parameters mentioned above can be used and it does not
limit the scope of the invention in any way.
[0036] It is desirable to modulate the rigidity of the electromechanical energy
generation system 100 in order to optimize the electricity generation. This is done based on
the weight and/or speed of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, when the
variable transmission mechanism 110 is a gearbox, a suitable gear ratio is selected
depending on the weight of the vehicle. This is further explained in detail in conjunction
with FIG. 3.
[0037] The actuation mechanism 108 receives the one or more parameters sensed by
the sensors 106 as the input and actuates the variable transmission mechanism 110. In
other words, the transmission ratio of the variable transmission mechanism 110 is
controlled by using the actuation mechanism 108.
[0038] Variable transmission mechanism 110 includes a second shaft (element 304 in
FIG. 3). The rotary motion of the first shaft is transferred to the second shaft through the
variable transmission mechanism 110. In an embodiment of the present invention,
electricity is generated by utilizing the rotary motion of the second shaft, by using the
electricity generator 114.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the rotary motion of the
second shaft is provided to the energy storage mechanism 112. The energy storage
mechanism 112 includes one of a flywheel, a dead-weight arrangement, a helical spring, a
spiral spring and so forth. Details of the energy storage mechanism 112 are further
explained in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a motion conversion mechanism 104 used in the
electromechanical energy generation system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical platform 102
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has racks 202 vertically attached to it. An arrangement of pinions 204 as shown in FIG. 2
facilitates conversion of the linear motion of racks 202 into a rotary motion of shafts 206.
A suitable arrangement such as a chain 208 facilitates continuous rotation of all pinions
204. In other words, when the vehicle is moving along the mechanical platform 102, the
racks 202 are depressed one after the other depending on the direction of the vehicle. The
chain 208 rotates all pinions 204 till the time the vehicle is passing along the mechanical
platform 102. Instead of the chain 208, any other suitable drive arrangement, such as a belt
can also be used.
[0041] In order for the pinions 204 to rotate in the same direction with vertically
upward and downward motion of the racks 202, a suitable arrangement is provided.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the motion conversion
mechanism 104 includes a swinging lever arrangement with a sector 208 and a rack 210. In
this arrangement, the vertically upward and downward movement of the rack 210 causes
the sector 208 to rotate in the same direction.
[0043] In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a motion
conversion arrangement such as a piston-cylinder, connecting rod and crankshaft is used.
It should be noted that the arrangements of converting linear motion into rotary motion are
fairly well known in the art and any suitable arrangement can be used without deviating
from the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0044] In FIG. 2, 'A' denotes the output of sensors 106 which is sent to the actuation
mechanism 108 as explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. 'B' denotes the input for the
variable transmission mechanism 110, which is the first shaft.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement of a variable transmission mechanism 110,
an energy storage mechanism 112 and a generator 114 used in the electromechanical
energy generation system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As explained earlier, 'B' is the output of the motion conversion mechanism 104, i.e. the
first shaft 302. The variable transmission mechanism 110 operates between the first shaft
302 and a second shaft 304 and transfers the motion of the first shaft 302 to the second
shaft 304. In an embodiment of the present invention, the variable transmission mechanism
110 is a gearbox. As shown in FIG.3, gearbox includes driving gears denoted by Dl, D2,
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D3 and driven gears denoted by dl, d2 and d3. Therefore, in this arrangement, three
combinations of gears are possible, namely Dl-dl, D2-d2 and D3-d3.
[0046] The gearbox is actuated by the actuation mechanism 108 as explained in
conjunction with FIG. 1. Actuation mechanism selects an appropriate gear ratio depending
on the weight and/or speed of the vehicle sensed by the sensors 106. It will be apparent to a
person skilled in the art that more torque (i.e. energy) can be produced from heavier
vehicles as compared to that produced by lighter vehicles. Therefore, for heavier vehicles,
the gear combination D3-d3 will be used, whereas for lighter vehicles, the gear
combination Dl-dl will be used. Likewise, for medium vehicles, the gear combination D2-
d2 will be used, and so forth. This ensures optimal energy storage at the energy storage
mechanism.
[0047] It should be noted that a three-gear-combination gearbox is taken here as a
mere example of the variable transmission mechanism 110. The invention can be practiced
with a gearbox which has any other appropriate number of gear combinations. Further,
other variable transmission mechanisms can be used without diverting from scope and the
spirit of the present invention.
[0048] In various other embodiments of the present invention, the variable
transmission mechanism 110 can be one of a conical drum mechanism, a variable diameter
pulley mechanism, a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) mechanism, a toroidal
CVT mechanism, an Infinitely Variable Transmission mechanism, a ratcheting CVT
mechanism, a variable toothed wheel transmission and a cone CVT mechanism. These
mechanisms and their actuation systems are well known in the art and therefore they have
not been explained in detail in these specifications.
[0049] When a vehicle passes over the road bump, by virtue of the motion conversion
mechanism 104, the first shaft 302 is rotated. As explained in the foregoing specifications,
senor arrangement senses the weight of the vehicle and the actuation mechanism selects
appropriate transmission ratio for the variable transmission mechanism. The energy storage
mechanism 112 stores the energy produced by the rotation of the second shaft. In an
embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage mechanism 112 includes a spiral
spring. When the second shaft 304 rotates, it loads the spiral spring, which stores the
11
energy. When the spring is completely loaded, it can be released and the generator 114 is
activated to generate electricity.
[0050] In various other embodiments of the present invention, the energy storage
mechanism 112 is one of a helical spring, flywheel energy storage (FES) and a falling dead
weight mechanisrti. Details of these are further explained in conjunction with FIG. 5. In a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage mechanism 112 includes
a spiral spring, denoted by reference numeral 306 in FIG. 3.
[0051] Further, various types of electrical generators are fairly well known in the art.
Since their workings are beyond the scope of the present invention, they are not explained
in detail. It should be noted that any device that converts mechanical energy stored at the
energy storage mechanism into electrical energy can be employed without deviating from
the scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates a variable transmission mechanism 110 and corresponding
actuation mechanism 108 used in the electromechanical energy generation system 100, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the
present invention, the variable transmission mechanism 110 includes a conical drum
arrangement. The conical drum arrangement includes a first drum 402 on the first shaft 302
and a second drum 404 on the second shaft 304. The diameters of the first drum 402 and
the second drum 404 complement each other. The first drum 402 and the second drum 404
are connected by using a belt 406 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0053] In this embodiment of the present invention, the actuation mechanism 108
includes a piston-cylinder arrangement. A piston rod 410 is controls the placement of the
belt 406 over the first cylinder 402 and the second cylinder 404, based on the signals from
sensor arrangement 104 (denoted by 'A' in FIG. 4). As explained in the foregoing
specifications, this depends on the weight and/or speed of the vehicle passing on the road
bump. For heavier vehicles, the belt will be shifted towards left (with respect to FIG. 4)
and for lighter vehicles, the belt will be shifted towards right (with respect to FIG. 4), and
so forth, in order to optimize the torque and energy generation.
[0054] The second shaft 404 also includes a one way sprocket 408, which couples the
second shaft 304 to the energy storage mechanism 112.
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[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates an energy storage mechanism 112 used in the
electromechanical energy generation system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage
mechanism 112 includes a falling dead weight mechanism. A dead weight 502 is
suspended on a belt 506 by using an arrangement of gears 504 as shown in FIG. 5. One of
the gears is connected to the one way sprocket 408. When a vehicle passes over the
mechanical platform 102, the dead weight is lifted vertically upwards. It will be understood
by a person skilled in the art that as more and more vehicles pass, the dead weight 502 is
lifted by virtue of the one way sprocket 408. Also when no vehicle is passing, the dead
weight is maintained at its elevated position. When the dead weight 502 is lifted to its top
most position, it is released, i.e. it is made to freely fall. The kinetic energy generated by
the free fall of the dead weight 502 is used to drive the generator 114 to produce electricity.
This ensures electricity generation at a constant rate.
[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage mechanism
112 may include a spiral spring (element 306 in FIG. 3). In an alternative embodiment of
the present invention, a flywheel energy storage (FES) can be used as the energy storage
mechanism 112. A number of other energy storage mechanisms are known in the art and
can also be appropriately used without diverting from the scope and spirit of the present
invention.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating electricity, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 602, a mechanical
platform is provided. In various embodiments of the present invention, the mechanical
platform can be one of a road bump, a speed reducing ramp, a road, a racing track, a
runway and a trampoline. The mechanical platform is configured in such a way that it is
vertically depressed upon passage of a body over it. Any suitable arrangement such as a
hinged joint can be provided in order for the mechanical platform to be depressed
vertically.
[0058] When, the mechanical platform is depressed vertically, the motion of the
mechanical platform is linear. At step 604, the linear motion of the mechanical platform is
converted into rotary motion of a first shaft. In an embodiment of the present invention, an
appropriate motion conversion mechanism such as a rack and pinion arrangement is
13
provided. The details of the motion conversion mechanism have been explained in
conjunction with FIG.2.
[0059] At step 606, at least one parameter related to the body is sensed. This is done
by a set of sensors situated on either sides of the mechanical platform. When a vehicle
passes over the mechanical platform, sensors sense at least one parameter related to the
vehicle. The at least one parameter includes weight of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle and
direction of the movement of the vehicle. In various embodiments of the present invention,
sensors can be one of piezoelectric sensors, mechanical sensors, weight sensors, speed
sensors and force sensors. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that any suitable
sensor for sensing the parameters mentioned above can be used and it does not limit the
scope of the invention in any way.
[0060] It is desirable to modulate the rigidity of the electromechanical energy
generation system in order to optimize the electricity generation. This is done based on the
weight and/or speed of the vehicle sensed by the sensor arrangement. Therefore, at step
608, an appropriate transmission ratio to modulate the rigidity of the system (i.e. the
transmission ratio of a variable transmission mechanism) is determined. The rotary motion
of the first shaft is transferred to rotary motion of a second shaft at step 610 through the
variable transmission mechanism. In an embodiment of the present invention, when the
variable transmission mechanism used is a gearbox, a suitable gear ratio is determined
depending on the weight of the vehicle. In various other embodiments of the present
invention, one of a conical drum mechanism, a variable diameter pulley mechanism, a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) mechanism, a toroidal CVT mechanism, an
Infinitely Variable Transmission mechanism, a ratcheting CVT mechanism, a variable
toothed wheel transmission and a cone CVT mechanism can be provided for variable
transmission ratio. The details of the variable transmission mechanism have been discussed
in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[0061] Finally, by utilizing the rotary motion of the second shaft, electricity is
generated at step 612. An appropriate mechanism to convert the mechanical energy of the
rotary shaft into electrical energy, such as an electrical generator can be used.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generating electricity in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. At step 702, a mechanical
14
platform is provided. In various embodiments of the present invention, the mechanical
platform can be one of a road bump, a speed reducing ramp, a road, a racing track, a
runway and a trampoline. The mechanical platform is configured in such a way that it is
vertically depressed upon passage of a body over it. Any suitable arrangement such as a
hinged joint can be provided in order for the mechanical platform to be depressed
vertically.
[0063] When the mechanical platform is depressed vertically, the motion of the
mechanical platform is linear. At step 704, the linear motion of the mechanical platform is
converted into rotary motion of a first shaft. In an embodiment of the present invention, an
appropriate motion conversion mechanism such as a rack and pinion arrangement is
provided. The details of the motion conversion mechanism have been explained in
conjunction with FIG.2.
[0064] At step 706, at least one parameter related to the body is sensed. This is done
by a set of sensors situated qn either sides of the mechanical platform. When a vehicle
passes over the mechanical platform, sensors sense at least one parameter related to the
vehicle. The at least one parameter includes weight of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle and
direction of the movement of the vehicle. In various embodiments of the present invention,
sensors can be one of piezoelectric sensors, mechanical sensors, weight sensors, speed
sensors and force sensors. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that any suitable
sensor for sensing the parameters mentioned above can be used and it does not limit the
scope of the invention in any way.
[0065] It is desirable to modulate the rigidity of the electromechanical energy
generation system in order to optimize the electricity generation. This is done based on the
weight and/or speed of the vehicle sensed by the sensor arrangement. Therefore, at step
708 an appropriate transmission ratio to modulate the rigidity of the system (i.e. the
transmission ratio of a variable transmission mechanism) is determined. The rotary motion
of the first shaft is transferred to rotary motion of a second shaft through the variable
transmission mechanism. In an embodiment of the present invention, when the variable
transmission mechanism used is a gearbox, a suitable gear ratio is determined depending
on the weight of the vehicle. In various other embodiments of the present invention, one
of a conical drum mechanism, a variable diameter pulley mechanism, a Continuously
15
Variable Transmission (CVT) mechanism, a toroidal CVT mechanism, an Infinitely
Variable Transmission mechanism, a ratcheting CVT mechanism, a variable toothed wheel
transmission and a cone CVT mechanism can be provided for variable transmission ratio.
The details of the variable transmission mechanism have been discussed in conjunction
with FIG. 3.
[0066] The energy generated by the rotary motion of the second shaft is stored at step
710. In various embodiments of the present invention, an appropriate energy storage
mechanism such as a spiral spring, flywheel energy storage (FES), a helical spring or a
falling dead weight is used, details of which have already been explained in conjunction
with FIG. 1-FIG. 5.
[0067] Finally, by utilizing the stored energy, electricity is generated at step 712. An
appropriate mechanism to convert the stored mechanical energy into electrical energy, such
as an electrical generator can be used.
[0068] Various embodiments, as described above, provide a method and system for
electromechanical energy generation, which have several advantages. One of the several
advantages of some embodiments of the method is that it does not consume natural
resources or produce harmful emissions. Another advantage of this system is that it is easy
to install and entails lower costs of installation and maintenance. Yet another advantage of
some embodiments is that they generate electricity at a constant rate. Still another
advantage of the system is that it modulates its rigidity based on the weight and/or speed of
the passing body for optimal electricity generation.
[0069] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred
embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements
thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and
scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be
understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.
[0070] All documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. An electromechanical energy generation system comprising:
a mechanical platform configured to be depressed upon passage of a body
thereover;
a motion conversion mechanism coupled to the mechanical platform, wherein the
motion conversion mechanism converts a linear motion of the mechanical platform
into a rotary motion of a first shaft;
at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter of the body;
a variable transmission mechanism operable between the first shaft and a second
shaft, wherein a transmission ratio of the variable transmission mechanism is
selected based on the at least one parameter; and
an electrical generator coupled to the second shaft, wherein the electrical generator
generates electricity based on the rotary motion of the second shaft.
2. The system according to claim 1 further comprising an energy storage mechanism
coupled between the second shaft and the electrical generator.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the energy storage mechanism comprises one
of a spiral spring, a flywheel energy storage (FES) and a falling dead weight mechanism.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical platform comprises one of a
road bump, a speed reducing ramp, a road, a racing track, a runway and a trampoline.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body comprises one of a vehicle, a person
and an aeroplane.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the motion conversion mechanism comprises
a rack and pinion arrangement.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a piezoelectric
sensor, a mechanical sensor, a weight sensor, a speed sensor and a force sensor.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a weight
of the body, a speed of the body and a direction of a movement of the body.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the variable transmission mechanism is one of
a gearbox, a conical drum mechanism, a variable diameter pulley mechanism, a
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) mechanism, a toroidal CVT mechanism, an
17
Infinitely Variable Transmission mechanism, a ratcheting CVT mechanism, a variable
toothed wheel transmission and a cone CVT mechanism.
10. An electromechanical energy generation system comprising:
a mechanical platform configured to be depressed upon passage of a body
thereover;
a motion conversion mechanism coupled to the mechanical platform, wherein the
motion conversion mechanism converts a linear motion of the mechanical platform
into a rotary motion of a first shaft;
at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter of the body;
a variable transmission mechanism operable between the first shaft and a second
shaft, wherein a transmission ratio of the variable transmission mechanism is
selected based on the at least one parameter;
an energy storage mechanism coupled to the second shaft; and
an electrical generator coupled between the second shaft and the energy storage
mechanism, wherein the electrical generator is driven by the energy storage
mechanism.
11. A method for generating electricity, the method comprising:
providing a mechanical platform configured to be depressed upon passage of a
body thereover;
converting a linear motion of the mechanical platform into a rotary motion of a first
shaft;
sensing at least one parameter of the body;
determining a transmission ratio for , wherein the transmission ratio is determined
based on the at least one parameter; and
converting the rotary motion of the second shaft into electricity.
12. A method for generating electricity, the method comprising:
providing a mechanical platform configured to be depressed upon passage of a
body thereover;
converting a linear motion of the mechanical platform into a rotary motion of a first
shaft;
18
lifting a dead weight vertically to store an energy produced by the rotary motion of
the first shaft; and
converting the stored energy into electricity.
13. A method for generating electricity, the method comprising:
providing a mechanical platform configured to be depressed upon passage of a
body thereover;
converting a linear motion of the mechanical platform into a rotary motion of a first
shaft;
sensing at least one parameter of the body;
determining a transmission ratio for transmitting the rotary motion of the first shaft
to a rotary motion of a second shaft, wherein the transmission ratio is determined
based on the at least one parameter;
storing an energy produced by the rotary motion of the second shaft; and
converting the stored energy into electricity.
14. The method according to claim 11, wherein storing the energy comprises:
lifting a dead weight vertically; and
maintaining the dead weight at the lifted position.
15. The method according to claim 11, wherein storing the energy comprises using one of
a spiral spring, a flywheel energy storage (FES) and a helical compression spring.