College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 4

College of Engineering

Department - Author 4

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 4

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

6-2022

Primary Advisor

Peter Schuster, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Additional Advisors

Sarah Harding, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

The intent of this project was to design and build a device capable of harnessing biomechanical energy from a thru-hiker to charge electronic devices. To begin, we ruled out any potential solutions that could be intrusive to the hiking experience, limiting us to a device that could be placed in a backpack.

After defining the scope of the project, we ideated upon potential designs, and chose to move forward with a rotational generator based design. Detailed analysis included both system dynamics and vibrations based models, and from this analysis we developed a mechanical design in SOLIDWORKS®️ and a custom printed circuit board (PCB) in Autodesk EAGLE®️ and Fusion 360.

Manufacturing of our device included both manual and CNC parts, with the most complex being a 5-axis CNC part. The circuit board was fabricated by OSH Park, as this was beyond our capabilities. System integration was highly successful, but due to higher than expected electrical/mechanical resistance, a lower than desired speed increase across the geartrain, and a variety of other issues, we were not able to produce enough power to charge a power bank.

However, low power output did not completely disprove feasibility of the concept. Both the mechanical and electrical subsystems functioned as expected, and showed promise in isolated testing. Further work related to this project should be focused on gathering informative data related to prototype performance in an on-trail setting. And lastly, although our project focused on thru-hikers as the main customer, a much larger market could be reached with the success of such a product.

Download

Share

COinS