Footwear incorporating piezoelectric energy harvesting system

Abstract

An article of footwear having a piezoelectric energy harvesting apparatus in the sole member. Walking or running applies a first force deforming a piezoelectric actuator, thereby generating electrical energy. An energy storage circuit stores electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric actuator for later application to electrical devices.

1 . An energy harvesting system comprising:  
       An article of footwear comprising a shoe upper member having a bottom edge, a sole member having a footbed, a contact surface, a heel portion, an instep portion, and a deformable resilient section; 
 said bottom edge of said shoe upper member being attached to said footbed;  
 said sole member having a cavity between said contact surface and said footbed, said cavity having an upper surface opposite a lower surface, and a front surface opposing a back surface;  
 said deformable resilient section being disposed between said lower surface of said cavity and said contact surface; and  
 a piezoelectric generator apparatus within said cavity having a first end and a second end and having first and second electroded major faces;  
 said first end of said piezoelectric generator apparatus being mounted to said front surface, said back surface, said upper surface or said lower surface;  
 said second end of said piezoelectric generator apparatus being located in said cavity opposite to said front surface, said back surface, said upper surface or said lower surface to which said first end of said piezoelectric generator apparatus is mounted;  
 a deflector assembly within said cavity adjacent said second end of said piezoelectric generator apparatus; and  
 energy storage means for storing piezoelectric electrical energy, said energy storage means being in electrical communication with each of said first and second electroded major faces;  
 whereby, upon application of a first force to said contact surface, said first force causes a deformation of said deformable resilient section;  
 and whereby said deformation of said resilient deformable section causes a deformation of said second end of said piezoelectric generator apparatus by said deflector assembly, thereby generating piezoelectric electrical energy with said piezoelectric generator apparatus.