An actuator that includes a shell, a ring structure within the shell, a shape-memory material wire fixed at opposite points of the ring structure to extend in a first direction across a width of the ring structure, and a cooling fluid provided within the shell and in fluid communication with the shape-memory material wire. When the shape-memory material wire is heated, the shape-memory material wire contracts in the first direction to reduce the width of the ring structure and increases a height of the ring structure extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

A monitoring system includes a shoe and a sole integrated into the shoe. The monitoring system also includes a connection mechanism attached to an underside of the sole and is shaped to connect the sole to a pedal. A pressure sensor is incorporated into the shoe that senses a force exerted on the pedal when the shoe is connected to the pedal through the connection mechanism.

A monitoring system includes a shoe and a sole integrated into the shoe. The monitoring system also includes a connection mechanism attached to an underside of the sole and is shaped to connect the sole to a pedal. A pressure sensor is incorporated into the shoe that senses a force exerted on the pedal when the shoe is connected to the pedal through the connection mechanism.

A system, device and method are provided for continuously generating more than 0.01 watt of electrical energy by harnessing mechanical or kinetic energy from a reciprocating motion of a user's torso during breathing. The reciprocating motion causes reciprocating lateral and medial translation of two chambers of the device housing. That reciprocating lateral and medial translation rotates a gear, which in turn, drives a dynamo to produce electrical energy. Since the conversion from the mechanical energy of the spinning rod to power is direct, the energy-conversion efficiency may be up to 90% or higher. The device may further comprise one or more charging means for providing electrical energy to one or more peripheral electronic devices. In some embodiments, additional integrated functions may include auxiliary energy storage, backup energy, emergency power, mini-MP3 player, data recorder, GPS interface, miniature video recorder, speaker, abdomen muscle exercise, timing, Bluetooth interface, and heath information analyzer.

Electric power can be generated by using an existing bicycle without impairing the durability of the tire of the bicycle. The bicycle generator device (50) comprises a housing (52) configured to be attached to a frame (18) of a bicycle (10), a generator (54) attached to the housing (52), an annular rotational input member (81) for rotationally driving the generator (54), the rotational input member being rotatably mounted on the housing and positioned around a crank axis line which is a rotational center line of a crankshaft (24) and a crank arm (26) for a pedal of the bicycle, and a connecting member (90, 130) connecting the rotational input member (81) to the crankshaft (24) or the crank arm (26) in a torque transmitting relationship.

A device for harvesting and storing triboelectric charge generated on an exterior surface of a moving vehicle is provided. It is characterised by comprising; a supercapacitor comprised of nano-carbon-containing electrodes; an ionic liquid electrolyte and at least one ion-permeable porous membrane; at least one first element exposed to aerodynamically-induced frictional forces acting thereon and on which the charge is caused to build up and connected to at least one of the electrodes of one polarity; at least one second element having a lower electrostatic potential than the charge-collecting element and connected to at least one of the electrodes of the other polarity; a voltage modification or impedance conversion circuit arranged between the first and/or second elements and the supercapacitor; means to connect the device to an operative component requiring electrical power and a controller for managing the performance of the device and switching between energy-harvesting and energy-utilisation modes. The device is especially use for deployment in the wing of an aircraft to utilised triboelectric charge generated thereon.

The present application provides a human joint energy harvesting apparatus for capturing the biomechanical energy of a joint to generate electrical energy. The generated electrical energy may provide a real-time power supply to the wearable electronics. The apparatus employs a linear slide rail mechanism and cooperates with the user's first limb and second limb to form a slider-crank mechanism, which converts the rotating motion of the joint into a linear motion of the linear slide rail mechanism. The bending beam converts the linear motion of the linear slide rail mechanism into a bending motion. A piezoelectric film may be bonded to the upper and lower surfaces of the bending beam. During walking, the bending beam is deformed, causing the piezoelectric film to be stretched or compressed to generate electrical energy. To harvest more energy, the bending beam used in the apparatus is designed to be subjected to forced motion and free vibration, and a proof mass is attached to it. The present application also provides a wearable electronic device equipped with the human joint energy harvesting apparatus.

The present application provides a human joint energy harvesting apparatus for capturing the biomechanical energy of a joint to generate electrical energy. The generated electrical energy may provide a real-time power supply to the wearable electronics. The apparatus employs a linear slide rail mechanism and cooperates with the user's first limb and second limb to form a slider-crank mechanism, which converts the rotating motion of the joint into a linear motion of the linear slide rail mechanism. The bending beam converts the linear motion of the linear slide rail mechanism into a bending motion. A piezoelectric film may be bonded to the upper and lower surfaces of the bending beam. During walking, the bending beam is deformed, causing the piezoelectric film to be stretched or compressed to generate electrical energy. To harvest more energy, the bending beam used in the apparatus is designed to be subjected to forced motion and free vibration, and a proof mass is attached to it. The present application also provides a wearable electronic device equipped with the human joint energy harvesting apparatus.

Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.