The quality of life for patients relying on electrically-powered artificial organs is currently restricted by the limitations of rechargeable batteries. As these patients become increasingly ambulatory and develop more active lifestyles, this limitation grows more apparent. Coincidentally, patients may themselves be capable of generating electrical power as a consequence of physical activity. Extraction of this latent autologous energy could, in turn, be used to augment charging of internal batteries - thus un-tethering the patient from external power for extended periods of time. In a previous study, the viability of deriving energy associated with natural human ambulation was researched. The kinematic components of gait were evaluated to identify the largest useful forces and moments that may be harnessed - while presenting minimal perceived" work for patients. This Phase I research proposes to design, fabricate, and evaluate a full- scale prototype electrical generator which would fit within the midsole of the shoe. This work builds upon a previous effort which used a primitive 1/7th scale piezoelectric array to validate the underlying design principles and equations. Completion of the specific aims of this program will lead to development of a commercial-quality system suitable for interfacing with a variety of portable artificial organs and other devi s.Proposed commercial application:Direct application to electrically powered artificial organs such as: ventricular assist devices, implantable defibrillators, insulin pumps, neural prosthetics, functional electrical stimulation, etc. Additional industrial applications are equally as extensive, and include: remote communication devices, safety equipment, etc. There exists no competing product currently available which can provide such on-board source of continuous power.National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
