A mechanical device (1) for harvesting energy from a joint movement. The
device comprises a double pivoted linkage (2) fixed to a strap (4a) adapted
to be fitted on one limb of the joint. A first driven gear (8) is disposed
in a housing (11) adapted to be mounted on the other limb of the joint and
rotatably mounted on a first shaft (9). The first shaft is rigidly supported
in the said housing. A second driven gear (14) is in mesh with the first
driven gear. The second driven gear is mounted on a second shaft (15) over
a one way clutch (16). The second shaft is rotatably held in the said housing.
A first driver gear (18) is mounted on the said second shaft spaced apart
from the said second driven gear. A charger gear (19) is in mesh with the
first driver gear and mounted on a third shaft (20) which is rotatably held
in the said housing over one way clutches (21). A spiral spring (22) is disposed
over the said third shaft spaced apart from the charger gear with the inner
end of the spiral spring fixed to the third shaft. A third driven gear (24)
is disposed over the spiral spring with the outer end of the spiral spring
fixed to the inner surface of the third driven gear. A second driver gear
(25) is in mesh with third driven gear and connected to a load (26).
Indian patent application no. 1167/MUM/2008 Patent grant no.
Inventors: B Seth and Soheb Ahmed
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