WO2007002618A2

WO2007002618A2 - Energy collecting universal power supply system

Info

Publication number: WO2007002618A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/024874
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Johnson
Original assignee: Richard Johnson
Priority date: 2005-06-24
Filing date: 2006-06-26
Publication date: 2007-01-04
Also published as: WO2007002618A3

Abstract

A system for providing an energy collecting universal power supply is provided herein.

Description

ENERGY COLLECTING UNIVERSAL POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

Field

[Para 1 ] The present system generally relates to power supplies and more specifically to a rugged energy collecting universal power supply ("ECUPS") incorporating a standard power outlet.

Background

[Para 2] The growing popularity of electronic devices, (e.g., cellular phones, PDAs, MP3 players, portable game devices and the like), has driven battery technology. Users take their electronic devices with them on trips to remote areas for work, entertainment or for reasons of safety. In remote areas, the use of battery power may require the user to bring either extra batteries or bulky recharging equipment. Similarly, users may have to carry extra components when traveling to foreign places where power converters and outlet conversion attachments are needed for recharging equipment.

[Para 3] Energy collectors, (e.g., solar panels, photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators and the like), have been used as a source of power for a variety of needs. Solar panels and photovoltaic cells come in various forms such as multi-cell panels, flexible and rigid panels and applied panels that utilize paint-on cell technology. Energy collectors may be used as a way of extending battery life for electronic devices by supplying supplementary power or by recharging batteries. However, previous energy collectors have disadvantages; for example, they are often quite large, heavy and difficult to handle. Additionally, many energy collectors are delicate and prone to breaking under normal use or when dropped from a very modest height. Furthermore, since many energy collecting power supplies do not have a to carry multiple adaptors to connect their

electronic devices to the energy collecting power supply. Not only may users have to carry separate power cables for each electronic device, they may also have to have a unique adaptor for each electronic device in order to connect it to the energy collecting power supply.

[Para 4] Current energy collectors also suffer problems during irregular or insufficient periods of energy. Periodic energy surges or current pulses from the energy collector may be excessive in nature and cause damage to the components of the electronic device being used. During times of energy lulls or when the energy source is insufficient to operate the electronic device, the energy collector can draw power away from the electronic device in its attempt to power its own internal circuits or indicator lights. When the electronic device is fully charged, current energy collectors continue to send power to the device even though it is not needed. This continuous topping off or recharging of the electronic device's battery unit can decrease the unit's ability to hold power and can shorten its usable life. [Para 5] Conventional energy collectors are often insufficient to power most electronic devices without the assistance of the device's battery or power source. Energy collectors that are capable of fully powering most electronic devices are often quite large as the surface area necessary to obtain enough energy to power the particular device is large. This makes them heavy, cumbersome to carry and impracticable for use in remote areas. When the device is small enough to be light weight and portable, it often does not have the capability to run the electronic device on its own and can often only be used to recharge the battery or power unit of the device.

Brief Descriptions of the Drawings

[Para 6] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an energy collecting universal power supply. [Para 7] JEjgurø 2 Js, another, perspective view of an embodiment of an energy collecting

Ir C₁- Il / O Urn U Ib ,/ it¹::!! ⁿ+c:lϊ / '4- universal power supply.

[Para 8] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an energy collecting universal power supply.

[Para 9] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an integrated battery and intelligent circuit.

[Para 10] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an energy collecting universal power supply.

[Para 1 1 ] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an energy collecting universal power supply.

[Para 1 2] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an energy collecting universal power supply.

Detailed Description

[Para 1 3] Embodiments of energy collecting universal power supply ("ECUPS") described herein provide a compact, portable improved power source for most electronic devices that are both rugged and light weight.

[Para 14] Some embodiments of the ECUPS provide a power source that is capable of both recharging the battery or power unit of most electronic devices as well as being able to power such devices when the battery or power unit is drained of energy or otherwise not functioning. The ECUPS can also read the energy requirements of the electronic device it is connected to and thereby determine the best way to supply energy to it. To accomplish this, the ECUPS is comprised of an intelligent circuit and battery. The intelligent circuit has the capability to convert the power collected by the ECUPS's collecting panel into electricity to power the electronic device. The intelligent circuit can determine whether to use the energy obtained by the collecting panel to power the electronic device, recharge the device's battery or use the energy to recharge the internal battery of the ECUPS unit. When the elect^nJf.^ley^^J^f^l^.cJjfjpξgd^ £jιe energy collected by the collecting panel is diverted to the internal battery of the ECUPS in order to keep it fully charged. When the electronic device is out of power, the intelligent circuit can divert both the energy collected from the collecting panel and the energy from the internal battery to both power the electronic device and recharge its battery. If the electronic device is turned off before its battery is fully charged, the ECUPS can continue to supply energy to the device to recharge the device's battery. If the battery or power supply of the electronic devices are fully powered and operating, the intelligent circuit can stop supplying all power to the electronic devices to prevent it from constantly being recharged. The intelligent circuit is intended to determine an efficient use of the energy available without input or participation from the user. For example, the intelligent circuit could be an AC/DC converter or integrated circuit having the capability to determine the energy needs of the electronic device at all times during use. [Para 1 5] Other embodiments provide a light weight and portable source of energy for most electronic devices. The combination of the intelligent circuit and internal battery enable the ECUPS to be small in size yet remain able to provide sufficient power to recharge and operate most electronic devices. This is accomplished without the need for numerous energy collector panels that can add to the overall size and weight of the power source. The compact size and light weight design of the ECUPS allows the user to carry it on their person or easily attach it to a variety of surfaces.

[Para 16] Furthermore, additional embodiments provide a solid state design to allow the unit to be used in all weather conditions and in extreme environments. The internal parts of the ECUPS can be contained within a housing that protects the unit from damage and destruction. An example of a suitable housing would be a frame that secures the components of the ECUPS in a rugged structure. Similarly, the housing could be covered with a protective coating of an energy absorbent nature to increase the durability and/or shock absorption characteristics of the ECUPS. Examples of protective coatings include plastic, poly-resin, rubber, metal, epoxy resin, vinyl

plastics, acrylic, acrylic rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic copolymer. The ECUPS can then be used without having to worry about how the unit is handled or where and under what conditions it might be used. Due to the ruggedness of its design, the ECUPS can function without a storage unit or special container and can be safely transported without the fear of damage or destruction.

[Para 1 7] Various embodiments also provide a universal power source that can be used by most electronic devices without the need for special adaptors or converters. The ECUPS integrated standard power outlet allows the user to connect the electronic device to the ECUPS using the power or recharging cable that comes standard with the electronic device. The user therefore does not need to carry extra converter cables or a variety a power supply cables in order to connect various electronic devices to the ECUPS unit. [Para 1 8] Figures 1 - 3 show one embodiment of the ECUPS 100 comprised of at least one energy collecting panel 305 for converting available energy into electronic energy, a standard power outlet 1 10 for connecting the ECUPS 100 to an electronic device, a battery 370 for storing energy, a clip 210, an indicator 1 50 and an intelligent circuit 375 for transferring electrical energy from the energy collector panel 305 to the standard power outlet 1 10. The components are encased in a rugged frame 1 15, (e.g., weather resistant, water resistant, shock proof, impact proof, heat resistant and the like), that is compact, portable, can withstand harsh conditions or indelicate handling and can be used wherever there is a sufficient available energy source.

[Para 19] Figure 1 shows a top view of the ECUPS 100 illustrating the overall structure of the ECUPS 100. The standard power outlet 1 10 is incorporated within the frame 1 15 which in turn encloses the internal parts of the ECUPS 100. While the indicator 150 is shown in FIC. 1 located near the corner of the frame 1 15 and adjacent to the standard power outlet 1 10, those skilled in the art will recognize that the indicator 150 can also be located anywhere on the frame 1 1 5 pr standarςl p,Q,wer ,,Q₁UlJfJ 1 10. The cover plate 105 is positioned over the energy collector panel 305 on the top side of the ECUPS 100.

[Para 20] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the ECUPS 100 illustrating the position of the battery 370 and the clip 210. Battery cover 205 covers the battery 370 and is centrally located on the bottom side of ECUPS 100 adjacent the standard power outlet 1 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the battery cover 205 and the battery 370 can also be located in various positions with the ECUPS 100. In an alternative embodiment, the battery 370 can be permanently integrated within the ECUPS 100 thereby doing away with the need for the battery cover 205. Clip 210 is located on the bottom side of the ECUPS 100 and opposite the standard power outlet 1 10. Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize that the clip 210 may be located at various positions on the bottom side of the ECUPS 100. Similarly, the clip 210 could be integrated into various other components such as the top frame portion 320, the bottom frame portion 350, support member 340 or guide 330. The clip 210 allows the ECUPS 100 to be attached to various places both on and off the user's person (e.g., belt, backpack, shirt, pocket, hat, etc.). Other embodiments may include attachments such as a hook and loop tape, lanyards and the like. [Para 21] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the ECUPS 100 illustrating the internal structure and composition of the ECUPS 100. The ECUPS 100 incorporates a guide 330 that secures the components within the frame 1 1 5 and helps provide rigidity. The frame 1 1 5 is comprised of a top frame portion 320 and a bottom frame portion 350. The frame 1 1 5 encases a cover plate 105, a support member 340, a guide 330, a battery 370, a battery cover 205, an indicator 150 and an intelligent circuit 375. Guide 330 has a receptacle ring 307 and a clip 210. The standard power outlet 1 10 has a receptacle ring 307, a top receptacle ring case 305 and a bottom receptacle ring case 309. Top receptacle ring case 305 and bottom receptacle ring case 309 being part of top frame portion 320 and a bottom frame portion 350 respectively. The energy collector panel 305 is secured into the top frame

The battery 370 secures into the bottom frame portion 350 at the battery container 380. Battery cover 205 then attaches to the battery container 380 and secures to the bottom frame portion 350. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the intelligent circuit 375 which transfers electrical energy from the energy collector panel 305 to the standard power outlet 1 10 and to/from battery 370 can be located in various positions within the ECUPS 100 such as the top frame portion 320, bottom frame portion 350, support member 340 or guide 330. However, in Figure 3, intelligent circuit 375 is shown located on support member 340 as an example. In the same example, battery terminal 372 contacts the intelligent circuit 375 located in support member 340.

[Para 22] The integrated standard power outlet 1 10 described in this embodiment is a standard cigarette lighter outlet such as those found in many motor vehicles. Alternatively, the integrated standard power outlet 1 10 could be comprised of one of many standard power outlets such as serial connecters, universal serial bus ("USB") connectors, RCA connecters, phono jack/plugs, household wall outlets, Ethernet connecters, IEEEl 394 jacks and the like.

[Para 23] Indicator 150 can utilize a variety of types of indicators such as light-emitting diode ("LED"), light emitting plastics ("LEP"), liquid crystal display ("LCD"), incandescent light bulb and the like. The indicator 1 50 is build into the ECUPS 100 and can be used to indicate when electrical energy is being generated by the energy collector panel 305. The indicator 1 50 may also function to identify when the ECUPS 100 is using an available energy source (e.g., ambient and/or solar light or the like) that is sufficient to allow it to generate electrical energy. In an alternative embodiment, multiple indicators 1 50 may be used wherein each indicator 1 50 will indicate a different event or function of the ECUPS 100. For instance, three indicators (not shown) can be used wherein one indicator (not shown) would indicate that the ECUPS 100 is producing enough energy to fully power the attached electronic device. T^Jf _'S|cp^_Mip(cfj:aιtp|[-(pρj[fJ3iqψn) could be used to indicate when the ECUPS 100 is charging the battery 370 and the third indicator (not shown) could indicate that the attached electronic device is fully charged and the ECUPS 100 is no longer needed, [Para 24] While Figures 1 -3 shows an embodiment where the frame 1 15 is comprised of multiple parts, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustrated parts could be integrated with one or more other parts or can be done away with entirely. For example, top frame portion 320 could be integrated with the guide 330, support member 340 and the cover plate 105 such that a single structure is molded around the energy collector panel 305. Similarly, the energy collector panel 305 could be integrated with the cover plate 105 so that a single structure would fit into the top frame portion 320. Also, the energy collector panel 305, standard power outlet 1 10, intelligent circuit 375 and the battery 370 could be molded into a simple structure through injection molding or dipping and thereby eliminate the need to assemble the ECUPS 100 from as many separate components.

[Para 25] Another embodiment could be comprised of a support structure wherein the internal components of the ECUPS are attached to it. For example, the energy collector panel 305, standard power outlet 1 10, intelligent circuit 375 and the battery 370 could all be affixed to a support structure comprising, for example, the guide 330 and support member 340. The support structure with the affixed components could then be dipped into a liquid polymer which would create the frame 1 15 around the components resulting in a solid single-piece rugged frame 1 1 5. Similarly, the support structure could be stamped or created from a single piece of material that includes the clip 210. The support structure could be made from various rugged materials including plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, ceramic, polymer, poly-resin, rubber, metal, epoxy resin, polyacrylic, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyurethanes, vinyl plastics, acrylic, acrylic rubber, acrylic-styrene- acrylonitdle^thecmoplastic pe%i,η- _qtH^rjmoplastic copolymer, phenolic and thermoset

Ir¹¹ IL Il ,■^■'^' LP '!.,I)I L)! Io .-^■' IC. Ir Or J ¹Hr polyester.

[Para 26] Those skilled in the art will recognize that various materials and manufacturing processes may be used to create certain parts of the ECUPS 100 and a variety of materials can be applied to various components of the ECUPS 100. For instance, the frame 1 1 5 of the ECUPS 100 can be made from various materials to make it rugged, such as metal, plastic, carbon fiber, polymers, fiberglass, rubber, neoprene and the like. Also, frame 1 1 5 can be made rugged through a manufacturing process like injection molding, dipping, stamping, lathing, carving and the like. Various anti-glare and light amplifying materials could also be incorporated into the ECUPS 100 to further aid its power output in lower energy environments. Such material may be incorporated into the cover plate 105 or on to the energy collector panel 305. While the energy collector panel 305 is protected by the frame 1 1 5 and cover plate 105, it can be made from solid and/or flexible material thereby adding to the ruggedness of the ECUPS 100. The top frame portion 320 and the bottom frame portion 350 could alternatively be made from metal, rubber, plastic, carbon fiber, fiberglass, poly-resin and other like material to give the ECUPS 100 weather resistant, water resistant, shock proof, impact proof, heat resistant and the like characteristics. The top frame portion 320 and the bottom frame portion 350 could also be coated with an energy absorbent material like rubber or plastic to increase the durability and/or shock absorption abilities of the ECUPS 100.

[Para 27] One skilled in the art will further recognize that the energy collector panel 305 could be made from solar panels, photovoltaic cells, thermoelectric generators and the like using single or multiple panels. The energy collector panel 305 could also be made from an applied solar panel material using spray-on or paint on solar technology. To increase the energy gather capabilities of the ECUPS 100, the cover plate 105 could be made from a lens material,, qc otherenergy_^amnlifying material (e.g., concave lens, convex lens, fiber optic bundle, Fresnel lens, non-reflective or the like).

[Para 28] Figure 4 describes an alternate embodiment of an integrated battery and intelligent circuit. In this embodiment, the battery 410 and the intelligent circuit 420 are enclosed within a battery case 430 for added durability and overall strength. The integrated battery and intelligent circuit unit 375 reduces the number of individual parts comprising the ECUPS 100 thereby making it more rugged and reliable. The intelligent circuit 420 is further protected from the external elements making it less likely to malfunction or fail. [Para 29] Figures 5-7 describes a further embodiment. The ECUPS 500 shown in FIG 5-7 is comprised of an ergonomic shaped frame 510, standard power outlet 520, clip 610, energy collector 540 and indicators 550. In this embodiment, the standard power outlet 520 is a USB type port and the indicators 550 are comprised of a series of LED type lights. The battery (not shown) and the intelligent circuit (not shown) are incorporated within the frame 510 for added durability during assembly of the ECUPS 500 and may not be removable or replaceable.

[Para 30] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a whole variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

PCT/USO6/B4$W^{S clalmed ls:} [Claim 1 ] A rugged energy collecting power supply comprising:

At least one energy collector capable of producing electrical power from an ambient source;

An energy storage unit for storing and releasing electrical power to an electronic device;

A housing at least partially containing a distribution circuit coupled with said at least one energy collector and said energy storage unit; and

A power outlet coupled with said distribution circuit.

[Claim 2] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , wherein said at least one energy collector comprises at least one of a group consisting of a solar panel, a photovoltaic cell and a thermoelectric generator.

[Claim 3] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , wherein said energy storage unit comprises at least one of a group consisting of a battery, a capacitor and a fuel cell.

[Claim 4] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , wherein said distribution circuit comprises at least one of a group consisting of an integrated circuit, a diode and an AC/DC converter.

[Claim 5] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , wherein said power outlet comprises at least one of a group consisting of a standard cigarette lighter outlet, a USB outlet, a serial connecter, an RCA connecter, a phone jack/plug, a household wall outlet, an Ethernet connecter and an IEEEl 394 jack.

[Claim 6] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , wherein said housing is comprised of a rugged material.

[Claim 7] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 6, wherein said rugged material is selected from the group consisting of plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, ceramic, resin, polyacrylic, polyethylene, polystyrene,

polyurethanes, vinyl plastics, acrylic, acrylic rubber, acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile, thermoplastic resin, thermoplastic copolymer, phenolic and thermoset polyester.

[Claim 8] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , wherein said housing is further comprised of a protective coating.

[Claim 9] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 8, wherein said protective coating is selected from the group consisting of plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, polymer, poly-resin, rubber, metal, epoxy resin, vinyl plastics, acrylic, acrylic rubber, thermoplastic resin and thermoplastic copolymer.

[Claim 1 0] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , further comprising a clip.

[Claim 1 1 ] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , further comprising a support structure.

[Claim 1 2] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 1 , wherein said support structure is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber, ceramic, polymer, poly-resin, rubber, metal, epoxy resin, polyacrylic, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyurethanes, vinyl plastics, acrylic, acrylic rubber, acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile, thermoplastic resin, thermoplastic copolymer, phenolic and thermoset polyester.

[Claim 1 3] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 1 , wherein said support structure further comprises a clip.

[Claim 1 4] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 1 , further comprising an indicator.

[Claim 1 5] The rugged energy collecting power supply of claim 14, wherein said indicator comprises at least one of a group consisting of an LED, a LCD, an incandescent light bulb and LEP. [Claim supply comprising:

At least one energy collecting means capable of producing electrical power from an ambient source;

An energy storage means for storing and releasing electrical power to an electronic device;

A housing means at least partially containing a distribution circuit means coupled with said at least one energy collecting means and said energy storage means; and

A power outlet means coupled with said distribution circuit.