Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Road Bump Electricity Generating System
Brief summary of various embodiments of the invention
Some of the contemplated embodiments but not limited to would
be to have two angled ramp plates12 much like that described
within the best embodiment however in this case instead of having
a spinning shaft there would be a pump electricity generator
mechanism that uses the force of the downward action of the
closing platel2 to engage and provide power to this pump
mechanism.
Another contemplated embodiment would be to have two flat
plates covering a trench or opening in the roadway where the
electricity generating mechanism is housed below the roadway.
The two plates would have a gap between them just big enough for
a vehicle tire to be able to pass over without the progression of the
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vehicle being slowed. There would be a shaft possibly in the shape
of a triangular prism but not limited to being this shape partly
projected out from underneath the roadway between the gap in the
plates and perpendicular to the road. This projected shaft would
spin as the tire passes over it therefore providing the housed
electricity generating mechanism the power needed to create
electricity.
In another variation on the above embodiment the perpendicular
shaft that the vehicle is rolling over could have a spring attached to
it so as the vehicle rolls over and flattens the perpendicular
triangular shaped shaft (but not limited to this shape) to become
even with the road the spring is stretched to its maximum. When
the tires pass by the spring and plate it will allow the spring to snap
back into its perpendicular position with force. This force is used
to turn a shaft or other device in order to help create electricity.
Another embodiment would be to have a flat plate with slits in the
plate allowing the plate to collapse inward and down with pressure
into a bowl shape. This flat collapsible plate would be even with
the road in its neutral position. This plate would be covering a
crevice much like a reverse speed bump opening underneath. The
weight of the vehicle on top of the plate would push down the plate
and transfer this energy through to the pumps, arms or other parts
of the electricity generating mechanism underneath and within this
road/energy bump housing therefore enabling electricity to be
created.
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Another variation that could be applied to all of the embodiments
could be to place a small regular speed bump just before the road
energy bump system. This would cause the tires to slightly elevate
and then come down after this regular speed bump and engage the
electricity generating system in a more favorable and optimal
position.
Another embodiment of this invention would be to have a movable
road/energy system that could be transported to temporary
locations in order to provide an energy source during temporary
events such as fairs, concerts and other events that are being held
in remote locations.
Another embodiment that could be applied to all of the
contemplated embodiments as well as the best embodiment could
be to have the road energy bumps split into two sections where the
tires could roll over these energy bumps independently as this
would provide a middle area of the roadway not affected allowing
a motorcycle to pass through without going over the road energy
bumps.
Another embodiment could be to have multiple road energy bump
systems within close proximity of each other allowing for more
electricity to be generated from that one particular area.
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It is also contemplated to have as the makeup of the electricity
generating system multiple spinning wheels of different sizes or
the same sizes that would allow the initial pushing down from the
passing vehicle at the -activation point" to trigger a domino effect
within the mechanism so the speed and spinning of the wheels
increase as the motion transfers from one wheel to another. The
end wheel would therefore be spinning the fastest allowing this last
wheel to be attached to a shaft that could then be attached to a
generator and other necessary devices such as those in a windmill
scenario which harnesses this spinning to create electricity.
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Reference numerals in the drawings
- road 12- ramp plates
14- springs 16 ¨ pedal arm
18 ¨ sprocket chain axle 20 ¨ arched ramp plates
Brief description of the several views of the drawings
FIG.1 is a cross section view of a road / energy bump system in
the open position. Shown in this figure is the road10, arched
movable plates12, springs14, pedal arm 16, sprocket chain axle18,
and connecting cable20.
FIG. 2 is a cross section view of the road / energy system in the
closed position. Shown is the plates12 and compressed springs14.
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Detailed description of the various embodiments of the
invention
Some examples of the various embodiments but not limited to
would be to have one or two angled ramp plates12 that are open in
their neutral position due to springs14 attached to the underside of
the plates12. Also attached to the underside of the plates12 there
would be a pump or pumps so when the plates12 are slammed
down as a result of the weight of the vehicle rolling over the
plates12 the pumps would activate and absorb the energy and force
of this action. This would send a charge of either air or liquid
through the pump or pumps enabling this discharge of air to be
used in the same way a wind mill uses air to generate electricity
however in this case on a smaller scale. In a liquid discharge
scenario the liquid would be used the way rushing water in a dam
uses water to create electricity however on a smaller scale. In this
liquid case the springs14 opening direction of the plates12 would
be using this energy to activate the appropriate pumps such as
centrifugal pumps or positive displacement pump or other type of
pump and or devices needed to suck in the expelled liquid
enabling the pump electricity generating system to be liquid loaded
and ready for the next cycle. In both these cases for liquid and air
all the necessary parts such as turbines, gears, hose, shafts and
other contemplated types of pumps such as nash pumps, pressure
pumps and other relevant devices could be used in order to achieve
the goal of creating electricity initiated by the weight of a vehicle
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transferring energy through to the electricity generating system. In
the air version of this embodiment the output air could be used to
either move parts within the generating system such as a turning
shaft which is connected to other parts such as a turbine and
generator in order to create electricity or be stored in compressed
tanks to be used later as an output for creating electricity.
The embodiment with the triangular prism shaped shaft but not
limited to this shape sitting on a spindle would have as indicated
the shaft partly below the roadway inside a trench with part of the
shaft perpendicular and above the roadway. Two flat plates with a
space in between the plates would provide the space for the
projecting spindle to protrude up from beneath the plates. The
weight of this shaft would be heavy enough to optimize the effect
of the spinning motion in order to create electricity. This spinning
shaft would act as the blades of a windmill and therefore would
attach to a gearbox in order to optimize the spinning motion if
needed and convert the speed to higher rpm's needed to power the
connected generator in order produce electricity. Other parts such
as alternators, flywheels, and regulators and other devices could be
used in order to be used to harness this spinning motion and create
electricity much like a wind mill uses the wind to turn a shaft and
create electricity. In this embodiment the speed of the vehicle is
not hindered or slowed down so the higher speeds of the vehicles
will cause the plate to spin even faster.
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The shapes, angle and weight of the plate could vary in order to
optimize the effect of the vehicle rolling over the plate.
In the embodiment with the perpendicular shaft that the vehicle is
rolling over there could be a spring attached to the shaft so as the
vehicle rolls over and flattens the perpendicular shaft to become
even with the road the spring is stretched to its maximum. When
the tires pass by, the spring and plate snap back into its
perpendicular position with force. This force is used to turn a shaft
or other device in order to help create electricity providing power
to the moving parts within the electricity generating system as
mentioned throughout this application and in the previous
contemplated embodiment involving the spinning shaft and
references to a windmill.
The embodiment of splitting the road energy bumps into two
different bumps would allow the middle area of the roadway to be
untouched and allow motorcycles to pass by with having to go
over the road bump. Underneath the roadway there would be one
shaft for example connected to the two separated ramps or have the
option of having each ramp being able to send out electricity
current from each ramp independently with two separate electricity
generating mechanisms in place.
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Another embodiment would be to have a flat plate with slits in the
plate allowing the plate to collapse inward and down with pressure
into a bowl shape. This flat collapsible plate would be even with
the road in its neutral position. Underneath this collapsible plate
would be a trench that would be used to house an electricity
generating system such as those mentioned in the spinning shaft
embodiment or the best embodiment or other embodiment
mentioned throughout this application. The pressure and weight of
the vehicle collapsing the bowl shaped plate would transfer this
energy through to the activated first section of the pump electricity
generating system, pedal arms system, spinning shaft mechanism,
spring loaded electricity system or other relevant electricity
generating system. The housing in this embodiment would be
made in a way that provides the tires a way up out of the bowl
shaped plate after the weight of the vehicle collapses into the bowl
shape crevice as there would be a permanent ramp just beyond the
collapsed plate. To summarize this plate would be covering a
crevice much like a reverse speed bump opening underneath. The
weight of the vehicle on top of the plate would push down the plate
and transfer this energy through to the pumps, arms or other parts
of the electricity generating mechanism underneath and within this
road/energy bump housing therefore enabling electricity to be
created.
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Another variation that could be applied to all of the embodiments
could be to place a small regular speed bump just before the road
energy bump system. This would cause the tires to slightly elevate
and then come down after this regular speed bump and engage the
electricity generating system in a more favorable and optimal
position. The weight of the vehicle in this case would be able to be
optimized due to the lifting slightly of the tires and coming down
after the regular bump. This regular bump may work better with
certain types of road / energy bumps however this regular bump
should be considered when putting in a road/ energy bump system.
It is also contemplated that this smaller regular speed bump could
be a different shape than the typical round bump if needed to
optimize the effect of the vehicle going over the regular bump and
landing in a more favorable position at the impact point of the
road/ energy bump system. A shape considered but not limited to
would be a roundish regular front to the regular speed bump but at
the top of the bump at the maximum height of the speed bump
there would be a straight drop off so the inside of the speed bump
would be flat and perpendicular to the road.
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In the embodiment of the movable road / energy systems it is
contemplated to be able to move these units by truck to remote
locations for fairs, outdoor concerts and other events. The units
could be transported by truck as one attached unit or have the
road/energy system be transported in pieces and re-assembled on
site. Large ramps could be used to sit on the natural ground in
order to create a space underneath to allow the set up and
placement of the needed electricity generator mechanisms as the
plates for the road energy system could be placed on top of these
ramps or have the ramps themselves be customized to provide the
vehicle engagement area as well as providing a space between the
natural ground that would be needed to hook up the electricity
generator system. All variations of the road energy system is to be
considered to have an additional movable variation model. The
idea of having large energy storing battery type devices parked on
top of flat truck trailers or on the ground in these temporary energy
bump locations or in permanent energy bump locations in order to
gather and store the generated electricity is contemplated. These
storage devices could be moved when full and replaced by empty
battery type units to gather and store the ongoing electricity
generated by the energy bumps.
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In the multiple spinning wheel mechanism the first wheel and its
axel would be attached to a pedal arm that would be also attached
to the underside of an elevated ramp plate as mentioned in the best
embodiment. In this embodiment the difference would be that the
medal arm that is pushed down as a result of the car rolling over
the ramp would initiate the spinning of the first wheel much like
when a pedal arm is pushed down and forward to start a bicycle
tire to spin. This arm could be directly attached to the wheel or be
attached to a chain that is fitted around the teeth of the first wheel.
Either way this pushing down of the pedal arm as a result of a
vehicle rolling over the ramp would cause the first wheel to spin
and then transferring this energy onto the second wheel and then
the third wheel and so on with the spinning speed increasing as the
energy transfers through the system. The number of wheels in this
mechanism could vary depending on what works best. The
increased speed would then be transferred to a shaft or other device
which eventually would be turned into electricity with the help of
all relevant devices such as those but not limited to found in a
windmill scenario where the turning of a shaft moves through a
generator and eventually to an electricity output.
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Steps would be taken to add hardware if necessary throughout the
embodiments named within this application in order to maintain a
steady flow of electricity due to the difference in vehicle weight
and frequency of the vehicles rolling over the plates. Some of this
hardware may be but not limited to proper alternators, rpm
regulators, flywheels etc. In expanding on all embodiments of this
invention there is also the option of having multiple -energy
bump" mechanisms in close proximity of each other therefore
allowing the energy from each bump to be pooled as one electricity
output source. Also the option of having one or more large shaft
and turbine, generators and other relevant pumps and devices to be
connected to multiple energy bumps so each energy bump helps to
contribute to the movement of these larger devices.
In all embodiments the end result of the converted electricity is
that the electricity could either be stored possibly in a large battery
form to be used when needed but not limited to storing the
electricity in this way or connecting directly to the national / city
energy grid or using the output electricity to be used in a private
energy grid belonging to a shopping mall, transportation depot or
other private sector area.
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In the case of the embodiment providing air pressure as an output
the idea of having the air being stored as compressed air in
appropriate tanks is contemplated. The compressed air could then
be hooked up and released through the relevant generators or other
relevant pumps or devices needed to convert the output from the
air pressure tanks into electricity.
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Detailed description of the best embodiment of the invention
This best embodiment would be to have two angled ramp type
plates12 that would be angled above the roadway10 facing each
other with a small gap in the middle. Underneath the two plates12
there would be a connecting chain20 or other device used so both
ramp plates12 would work in unison when opening and closing.
Both ramp plates12 would be open in their neutral position with
springs14 attached to the underside of these plates12. There would
be a trench which runs the width of the roadway10 or shorter
underneath these metal plates12 allowing a space for the chosen
electricity generator mechanism to be housed. An example of an
energy generating mechanism that could be used with this best
embodiment housing would be having a metal shaft sitting and
supported within the trench in a way that allows the shaft to spin
freely. Hooked up and attached to the underside of one of the
plates12 or both would be a pedal arm16 or arms much like that on a
bicycle. The other end of the pedal arm16 or arms would be
connected to the ends of the shaft where a chain and teeth18 much
like that of how a chain is connected around the teeth of a back
bicycle tire. The pedal arm16 or arms may also be attached to a
chain that is then attached to the ends of the shaft. In both cases the
closing of the metal plates12 would cause the pedal arm16 or arms
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to engage the shaft to spin freely while disengaging and not
hindering the rotation and momentum of the shaft when
transitioning into the open position and then engaging and supplying
energy and causing the shaft to turn during the downward movement
of the arm16 much like a bicycle is powered by the movement of a
pedal or a ratchet tool engages when tightening and disengages
while on the upswing. Therefore the forced down motion and
closing of the plates12 as a result of the vehicle rolling over the road
energy bump would engage the pedal arm16 and cause the shaft to
turn. The shaft would then be connected to the necessary generator,
fly wheel rpm regulator, alternator and all necessary relevant devices
needed to enable this shaft turning to create electricity. This
connection of the arm16 on the underside of the arched platel2
could be connected but not limited to connecting in this way by the
arm16 sliding down within a slider housing to the front of the
underside of the ramp platel2 when the plates12 are in the closed
position and slides to the back of the underside of the ramp platel2
position where both plates12 come together. Therefore the ramp
platel2 and spring14 or springs14 would pull up the arm16
extension when retuning to the open neutral position and push down
the extension arm16 in the closed position as a result of a vehicle
passing over and closing the platel2. Due to the intermittent timing
of the cars passing over the platel2 it is contemplated to have a
gearbox or other type of regulating mechanism attached to an end of
the shaft to optimize each time the platel2 is closed due to a vehicle
passing over much like the way a bicycle is switched to a higher
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gear and a lower gear when needed. The gears of the bike will
change to match up with the speed of the tires turning.
It is contemplated to have an additional plate that would be above
and parallel with the road in between the two plate ramps12 that
would also act in unison with the two ramps12 as the vehicle
engages and push the ramps plates12 down.
