A gait-powered autologous battery charging system for artificial organs.

摘要: The quality of life patients relying on electrically powered artificial organs is currently restricted by the limited energy availability provided portable batteries. As these become increasingly ambulatory, and are developing more active lifestyles, this limitation grows apparent. Coincidentally, may themselves be capable generating electrical power as a consequence their physical activity. Extraction latent autologous could, in turn, used to augment charging internal batteries--thus untethering patient from external for extended periods time. In study, viability deriving associated with natural human ambulation has been evaluated. kinematic components gait were evaluated identify largest useful forces moments that harnessed an source, while presenting minimal "perceived" work patient. It was found ground reaction heel strike toe-off phases represent greatest potential usable energy. This study uses piezoelectric array within midsole shoe conversion mechanical electric could then easily coupled tandem existing transcutaneous transformers augmenting or temporarily replacing sources.