Vehicular Movement Electricity Converter Embedded Within A Road Bumb

Abstract

A system for converting vehicular movement into electricity while serving as a road hump at the same time. The linear motion of the vehicles is transformed by the device into rotational motion and finally converted into electric power. The system comprises a semi-flexible cover strip lying across the path of vehicular traffic, covering the rest of the system, which is encapsulated within a housing embedded in the ground. The cover is connected to a generator via a wing or wings and a mechanism or mechanisms comprising a fly wheel, a rotor, a stator and a clutch. Passing vehicles push the cover strip down, causing the wings to depress, and engaging a clutch that transfers a rotational motion to the rotor, eventually, the rotor drives an electromagnetic generator. The electromagnetic generator converts the rotational motion of the rotor into electrical power.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT / IL2007 / 001165 filed Sep. 20, 2007, which claims priority based on Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 845,772 filed Sep. 20, 2006, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to kinetic-electrical energy conversion systems, and more particularly to the conversion of the energy of passing vehicles into electricity.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Traditional methods of converting kinetic energy into electricity are known to be embedded in roads for generating electricity from passing vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 6,767,161 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety discloses such system. The system generates power from the passage of motor vehicles. The vehicular movement is transformed into rotational energy of a turbine located on the side of the road.[0004]U.S. P...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The disclosed system takes the idea of utilizing on-road electricity generators further. It is observed that the traditional vehicular movement energy converters create a substantial obstacle for the passing vehicles. Any driver passing over such a converter is required to slow down or risk damaging his or her vehicle. The disclosed system transforms this disadvantage into an advantage by embedding the vehicular movement converter within a road hump.

[0009]The present invention pertains an improvement of previous art by combining a simplified process for energy generation and a road safety system, and improves the use of said electrical energy by adding a bi-directional electricity meter. The combination of these three features in the disclosed system reduces costs and maintenance expenses.

[0011]In embodiments, the electricity produced by the present invention is enough to power streetlights or other electric devices, and can be redirected to power grid by the use of bi-directional meter so that accumulated energy consumed by device owner is reduced accordingly. The produced electric power could be utilized for public or personal needs.

Problems solved by technology

It is observed that the traditional vehicular movement energy converters create a substantial obstacle for the passing vehicles.

Any driver passing over such a converter is required to slow down or risk damaging his or her vehicle.

The humps make drivers slow down in potentially dangerous places.

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