Johns Hopkins University

Jason E Jenkins

Joseph J Suter

Ark L Lew

Paul D Schwartz

Binh Q Le

Sharon X Ling

Albert C Sadilek

The invention comprises a means for generating energy while walking or running for storage in a rechargeable battery. One embodiment uses lever arm movement in the heel of a shoe resulting from normal walking or running to generate energy from a built-in generator. The linear or rotational motion of the lever arm engages the circular gear assembly and turns the generator/motor/turbine, thus generating power. The second embodiment uses fluid reservoirs embedded in the shoes. Pressure changes resulting from normal walking or running moves the fluid through a narrow channel connecting two reservoirs, thus generating power by rotating a flywheel and an attached motor/generator/turbine in the middle of the channel. Secondary (rechargeable) batteries are incorporated into the invention either in an integrated form or as an add-on design. Additional features include a digital diagnostic data output, which would serves as a &ldquo;fuel gauge&rdquo; for the secondary batteries, and a smart charging circuit that efficiently controls battery charging from a generator output that varies with step rate and force.

Growing community of inventors

Columbia, MD, United States of America

Jason E Jenkins