Athletic Activity Monitoring Device with Energy Capture

摘要

Aspects relate to an energy harvesting device adapted for use by an athlete while exercising. The device may utilize a mass of phase-change material to store heat energy, the stored heat energy subsequently converted into electrical energy by one or more thermoelectric generator modules. The energy harvesting device may be integrated into an item of clothing, and such that the mass of phase change material may store heat energy as the item of clothing is laundered.

主权项

1. An energy harvesting device configured to be worn on an appendage of a user, comprising:
an insulated container, comprising:
a thermoelectric generator module positioned within an internal cavity, the thermoelectric generator sandwiched between an outer heat exchanger and an inner heat exchanger, the insulated container having a primary axis of conduction through the inner heat exchanger, the thermoelectric generator, and the outer heat exchanger; andan activity monitoring circuit; wherein the activity monitoring circuit is powered by the thermoelectric generator, wherein the activity monitoring circuit is configured to monitor a voltage output from the thermoelectric generator, and wherein the output voltage is proportional to an activity level of the user such that an activity is identifiable by the activity monitoring circuit based on output voltage.