Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy harvester system for collecting kinetic energy is provided, wherein the kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, and wherein at least a portion of the converted electrical energy is utilized to operate a load. The system comprises an energy input portion and an energy harvesting portion. The energy input portion includes an input member configured to be actionable by an outside force. The energy harvesting portion includes a capture member, a sprocket portion, and a piezoelectric energy harvester. The capture member is adapted for receiving mechanical input from the input member. The sprocket portion is disposed for movement with the capture member. The sprocket portion includes at least one radially disposed sprocket actuator configured for making contact with and exciting the piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester is excited by the contact to produce the kinetic energy.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement and an e-bike that includes the sensor arrangement are provided. The sensor arrangement includes a rotatable driving shaft for an e-bike extending along a rotation axis and includes a bore extending from a first end face of the rotatable driving shaft along the rotation axis, a magnet module arranged within the bore and coupled to the rotatable driving shaft, the magnet module configured to generate a magnetic field within the bore, and at least one sensing element configured to sense a rotation of the magnetic field in response to rotation of the rotatable driving shaft.

Abstract: An electric bicycle central shaft torque sensing system, comprising a central shaft, a strain sleeve, a pedalling force output portion, a torque sensor and a five-way piece, one end of the strain sleeve being fixed on the five-way piece via a bearing and connected to the pedalling force output portion, another end being sleeved on the central shaft and fixedly connected thereto, an inner surface of the strain sleeve fitting with an outer surface of the central shaft, an outer surface of the strain sleeve being adhered to the torque sensor, the torque sensor transmitting a signal to a controller via a signal transmitter, the controller controlling motor output. The present invention prevents the current widespread phenomenon of unbalanced left/right foot detection during measurement by a torque sensing system.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an energy harvester including a piezoelectric polymer microstructure array. The method includes: preparing a micro-column array of a piezoelectric polymer on a substrate; supplying a plate electrode as an upper electrode, allowing the substrate and the upper electrode to form a pair of plate electrodes; applying a DC voltage between the pair of the plate electrodes; heating the substrate to a temperature higher than a glass transition temperature of the piezoelectric polymer and performing rheological formation of the micro-column array with the DC voltage still being applied until the column array of the piezoelectric polymer reaches the upper electrode to form a mushroom-shaped structure array; and cooling and solidifying the piezoelectric polymer to obtain the piezoelectric energy harvester.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bicycle frame comprising a tube section having an interior space for receiving at least one battery unit that is suitable as a source of energy for an electromotive bicycle drive, as well as to a battery unit insertable therein. To provide an easy operation and at the same time a highly stabilized placement of the battery, it is suggested that said tube section is provided with a lateral opening substantially extending in the direction of extension of said tube section, wherein said battery unit is insertable into said interior space through said lateral opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery holder which is configured to be inserted into the tube opening in the seat tube of the frame of an electric bicycle and to be pulled out. The bicycle saddle is connected to the battery holder via a saddle pillar.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material includes: a first storage material body (1) which stores hydrogen; and a second storage material body (2) which stores hydrogen, and coats a surface of the first storage material body (1). A hydrogen equilibrium pressure (HP) of the second storage material body (2) is lower than that of the first storage material body (1) at the hydrogen generation temperature of the first storage material body (1).

Abstract: A system for monitoring activities relating to movable and removable items within a vehicle is described. The system includes an electrical energy storage device, an energy harvesting device operable to store harvested energy in the electrical energy storage device, a sensor element configured to output signals corresponding to one or more of removal, installation, and a shift in position of a corresponding item within the vehicle, and a transmitter configured to receive the signals from the sensor element. The transmitter is also configured to transmit unique identification information and data corresponding to the signals received from the sensor element, where the unique identification information corresponds with a location of the item on the vehicle. The sensor element and the transmitter are configured to use energy from one or both of the energy harvesting device and the electrical energy storage device.