EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202241001833, filed on January 12, 2022, and titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTINUOUS ENERGY HARVESTING FROM CONSTANT DAMPING OF RESONANT OSCILLATIONS”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of power generation devices and more particularly to a system and a method for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations.

BACKGROUND

A gap between supply and demand of electrical energy is increasing day by day. The electrical energy may be generated from renewable energy sources and non-renewable energy sources. The renewable energy source may be defined as a natural energy source which may replenish to replace a portion depleted by usage and consumption, either through natural reproduction or other recurring processes in a finite amount of time in a human time scale. The renewable energy sources may include, solar, wind, hydel, nuclear and the like. The non-renewable energy may be defined as the natural resource which may not be replenished by natural means at a pace coping up with consumption. The non-renewable energy sources may include fossil fuelbased energy sources such as coal, petroleum, and diesel.

Further, the non-renewable energy sources may produce toxic gases during combustion which may be harmful to the living beings. The renewable energy sources such as solar and wind are intermittent in nature and operational cost and maintenance cost associated with solar energy source generation and wind energy generation is high. Also, toxic waste generated along with an operation makes nuclear energy sources less viable. Additionally, requirement of considerable area and destruction of flora and fauna in a region due to implementation of the hydroelectric projects are another major concern. Hence, there is a need for an improved system and a method for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations to address the aforementioned issue(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations is provided. The system includes an input drive unit mechanically coupled to a prime mover. The input drive unit is adapted to provide reciprocating motion corresponding to a rotary motion of the prime mover. The system also includes a cradle structure mechanically coupled to the input drive unit and pivoted to a base structure. The cradle structure is adapted to provide a rocking motion about the base structure corresponding to the reciprocating motion provided by the input drive unit. The system further includes a pendulum unit mechanically coupled to the cradle structure. The pendulum unit is adapted to provide resonant oscillations corresponding to the rocking motion provided by the cradle structure. The system also includes an output drive unit mechanically coupled to the pendulum unit. The output drive unit is adapted to provide rotary motion corresponding to the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit. The system further includes an alternator mechanically coupled to the output drive unit. The alternator is adapted to provide electrical energy corresponding the rotary motion provided by the output drive unit.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations is provided. The method includes providing, by an input drive, reciprocating motion corresponding a rotary motion of the prime mover. The method also includes providing, by a cradle structure, a rocking motion about the base structure corresponding to the reciprocating motion provided by the input drive unit. The method further includes providing, by a pendulum unit, resonant oscillations corresponding to the rocking motion provided by the cradle structure. The method also includes providing, by an output drive, rotary motion corresponding the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit. The method further includes providing, by an alternator, electrical energy corresponding the rotary motion provided by the output drive unit.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an input drive unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of operational arrangement of the cradle structure and the base structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of operational arrangement of the pendulum unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of operational arrangement of the output drive unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a system for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the system of FIG. 1, depicting a first part of oscillation of a pendulum bob in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting a depicting a second part of oscillation of the pendulum bob in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of yet another embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting a depicting a third part of oscillation of the pendulum bob in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of one embodiment of the system of FIG. 1 depicting a depicting a fourth part of oscillation of the pendulum bob in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 10 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and a method for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system and a method for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations is provided. The system includes an input drive unit mechanically coupled to a prime mover. The input drive unit is adapted to provide reciprocating motion corresponding to a rotary motion of the prime mover. The system also includes a cradle structure mechanically coupled to the input drive unit and pivoted to a base structure. The cradle structure is adapted to provide a rocking motion about the base structure corresponding the reciprocating motion provided by the input drive unit. The system further includes a pendulum unit mechanically coupled to the cradle structure. The pendulum unit is adapted to provide resonant oscillations corresponding the rocking motion provided by the cradle structure. The system also includes an output drive unit mechanically coupled to the pendulum unit. The output drive unit is adapted to provide rotary motion corresponding the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit. The system further includes an alternator mechanically coupled to the output drive unit. The alternator is adapted to provide electrical energy corresponding the rotary motion provided by the output drive unit.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an input drive unit (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) includes an input drive unit (20) mechanically coupled to a prime mover (30). The input drive unit (20) is adapted to provide reciprocating motion corresponding a rotary motion of the prime mover (30). In one embodiment, the input drive unit (20) may include an input sprocket (200) mechanically coupled to the prime mover (30). In such an embodiment, the prime mover (30) may be an input gear box providing rotary motion to the input sprocket (200). In one embodiment, the input sprocket (200) may provide rotary motion to a right-hand side shaft (210) which in turn provide the rotary motion to the left-hand side shaft (220) of the input drive unit (20). In one embodiment, the rotary motion of the input sprocket (200) may be transmitted to the right-hand side shaft (210) through a right-hand side main sprocket (230) and a chain drive (240). In a specific embodiment, the rotary motion of the right-hand side shaft (210) may be transmitted to the left-hand side shaft (220) through a right-hand side auxiliary sprocket (250), and a lefthand side main sprocket (260) coupled together via the chain drive (240).

Further, in one embodiment, teeth count of the right-hand side main sprocket (230), right hand side auxiliary sprocket (250), and the left-hand side main sprocket (260) may be same. In a specific embodiment, the right-hand side main sprocket (230), and the right-hand side auxiliary sprocket (250) may be keyed to the right-hand side shaft (210). In some embodiments, the lefthand side main sprocket (260) may be keyed to the left-hand side shaft (220). In a specific embodiment, the left-hand side shaft (220) and the right-hand side shaft (210) may be composed of hardened steel. In one embodiment, the right-hand side shaft (210) may be coupled to a right-hand side oscillating pin (270) via a right-hand side crank bracket (280), a right-hand side connecting rod (290). In such an embodiment, the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) may be secured to a right-hand side support (300).

Furthermore, in some embodiment, the left-hand side shaft (220) may be coupled to a left-hand side oscillating pin (310) via a left-hand side crank bracket (320), a left-hand side connecting rod (330). In such an embodiment, the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) may be secured to a left-hand side support (340). In a specific embodiment, center to center distance between the right-hand side crank bracket (280) and the left-hand side crank bracket (320) may determine the locus of the reciprocating motion. In one embodiment, the right-hand side connecting rod (290) may convert the rotary motion of the right-hand side crank bracket (280) into a reciprocating motion of the right-hand side oscillating pin (270). In one embodiment, the lefthand side connecting rod (330) may convert the rotary motion of the left-hand side crank bracket (320) into a reciprocating motion of the left-hand side oscillating pin (310). In one embodiment, the input drive unit (20) may include at least one of a rotating cam, screw rod units, hydraulic mechanism and pneumatic mechanism. Operational arrangement of a cradle structure (40) and a base structure (50) associated with the input drive unit (20) may be described in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of operational arrangement of the cradle structure (40) and the base structure (50) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) also includes a cradle structure (40) mechanically coupled to the input drive unit (20) and pivoted to a base structure (50). The cradle structure (40) is adapted to provide a rocking motion about the base structure (50) corresponding the reciprocating motion provided by the input drive unit (20). In one embodiment, the cradle structure (40) is pivoted to the base structure (50) through one or more pad plates (90), one or more rocking shaft (100), and one or more rocking bearing blocks (110). In such an embodiment, the one or more rocking bearing blocks (110) may include corresponding one or more bearings (120) to provide smooth rotation of the rocking shaft (100). In one embodiment, the cradle structure (40) may be composed of steel structures capable of withstanding torsional stresses and bending stresses during the rocking motion of the cradle structure (40).

Moreover, in one embodiment, the cradle structure (40) may be symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis. In one embodiment, the one or more pad plates (90) may include corresponding holes to secure the corresponding one or more rocking shaft (100) by welding. In one embodiment, the one or more rocking shaft (100) may be coupled to a midpoint of the cradle structure (40). In some embodiment, the one or more rocking bearing blocks (110) may be welded to the base structure (50). In a specific embodiment, the one or more rocking bearing blocks (110) may include corresponding one or more ball bearings or one or more cylindrical roller bearings to minimize friction during the rocking motion of the cradle structure (40). In one embodiment, left-hand side support (340) and the right-hand side support (300) may be secured to left hand side and right-hand side of the cradle structure (40) respectively. In a specific embodiment, the base structure (50) may be grouted to the ground. In one embodiment, the gearbox may be coupled with a variable frequency drive to control a speed of rotation and rocking frequency of the cradle structure (40) to provide an oscillatory frequency matching the natural frequency of the pendulum unit (60) to attain resonance thereby providing resonant oscillations. Operational arrangement of a pendulum unit (60) associated with the cradle structure (40) may be described in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of operational arrangement of the pendulum unit (60) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) further includes a pendulum unit (60) mechanically coupled to the cradle structure (40). The pendulum unit (60) is adapted to provide resonant oscillations corresponding the rocking motion provided by the cradle structure (40). In one embodiment, the prime mover (30) may be associated with a variable frequency drive adapted to control the reciprocating motion of the input drive unit (20) to enable the pendulum unit (60) to provide resonant oscillations. In one embodiment, the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit (60) may be transmitted to an output drive unit (70) through an oscillating arm (130). In one embodiment, the pendulum unit (60) may include a pendulum bearing block (350), a pendulum shaft (360), a pendulum top bracket (370), a pendulum bob support pipe (380), a pendulum bob (390), and the oscillating arm (130).

Additionally, in some embodiment, the pendulum bearing block (350) may be welded to a vertical frame of the cradle structure (40) on either sides to enable the pendulum shaft (360) to freely rotate along an axis of the pendulum shaft (360). In one embodiment, the pendulum bearing block (350) may include one or more bearings to minimize friction during an oscillation of the pendulum bob (390). In a specific embodiment, the pendulum bob (390) may be secured on the pendulum shaft (360) and the pendulum shaft (360) may be composed of hardened steel. In such an embodiment, the pendulum shaft (360) diameter may be selected as to withstand stresses developing due to the oscillation of the pendulum bob (390). In one embodiment, the pendulum bob (390) may be secured to the pendulum shaft (360) through the pendulum bob support pipe (380) and the pendulum top bracket (370). In such an embodiment, a center of the pendulum shaft (360) and the center of the pendulum top bracket (370) may be concentric to each other. In one embodiment, weight of the pendulum bob (390), an angle of swing of the pendulum bob (390) and length of the pendulum shaft (360) may be selected based on an output torque required by the output drive unit (70) for continuous operation of the alternator (80).

Also, in one embodiment, the pendulum bob support pipe (380) may be a hollow steel section with one or more flanges welded on both sides. In such an embodiment, the pendulum bob (390) may be bolted to one or more flanges located at a bottom side of the pendulum bob (390) support pipe (380). In one embodiment, period of oscillation of the pendulum bob (390) may depend upon a length of the pendulum bob (390) support pipe (380). In a specific embodiment, an oscillating arm (130) may be secured to the pendulum shaft (360) to transmit the oscillating motion of the pendulum unit (60) to an output drive unit (70). Operational arrangement of the output drive unit (70) may be described in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of operational arrangement of the output drive unit (70) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (10) also includes the output drive unit (70) mechanically coupled to the pendulum unit (60). The output drive unit (70) is adapted to provide rotary motion corresponding to the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit (60). In one embodiment, output drive unit (70) may include one or more racks (140) and corresponding one or more pinions (150) adapted to convert the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit (60) into rotary motion of an output shaft (160). In such an embodiment, the one or more racks (140) may be adapted to provide reciprocating motion corresponding to the resonant oscillations transmitted by the oscillating arm (130) and the corresponding one or more pinions (150) may be adapted to provide rotary motion corresponding the reciprocating motion provided by the one or more racks (140).

Further, in some embodiments, the one or more racks (140) may be coupled to a first end (180) of the oscillating arm (130) and a second end (190) of the oscillating arm (130) provides mutually opposite reciprocating motion at a time. In one embodiment, the rotary motion provided by the one or more pinions (150) may be converted into unidirectional rotary motion by a plurality of clutch bearings (170). In one embodiment, the output unit may include a first rack (400) and a second rack (410) mechanically coupled to a first pinion (420) and a second pinion (430) respectively. In such an embodiment, the first rack (400), and the second rack (410) may convert the oscillating motion of the oscillating arm (130) in to corresponding linear motion and the first pinion (420) and the second pinion (430) may convert the linear motion of the first rack (400) and the second rack (410) into corresponding rotary motion respectively.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first rack (400) and the second rack (410) may be enclosed in a first gearbox cover (450) and a second gearbox cover (460). In a specific embodiment, length of the first rack (400) and the second rack (410) may be twice a linear distance traveled by the oscillating arm (130). In some embodiments, the first rack (400) and the second rack (410) may be standard hardened steel rack gears having guide slots on three sides to enable sliding of the first rack (400) and the second rack (410) in the first gearbox cover (450) and the second gearbox cover (460) respectively. In such an embodiment, the first gearbox cover (450) and the second gearbox cover (460) may include corresponding guideways located in inner periphery to facilitate the sliding of the first rack (400) and the second rack (410) respectively. In one embodiment, the first gearbox cover (450) and the second gearbox cover (460) may be secured to the first gearbox bottom housing (470) and the second gearbox bottom housing (480) respectively. In one embodiment, the first pinion (420) and the second pinion (430) may be standard pinion type gears with matching teeth profiles with the first rack (400) and the second rack (410) respectively.

Moreover, in one embodiment, the first pinion (420) and the second pinion (430) may include corresponding bearing steps to accommodate a first clutch bearing (490) and a second clutch bearing (500) inside. In such an embodiment, the first pinion (420) and the second pinion (430) may include corresponding keyways machined inside the bearing steps to lock the rotational movement of the first clutch bearing (490) and the second clutch bearing (500). In one embodiment, the first clutch bearing (490), and the second clutch bearing (500) may be adapted to transmit the torque in a single direction to streamline an up and down movement of the first rack (400) and the second rack (410) into a single direction of rotation of the first pinion (420) and the second pinion (430) respectively.

Additionally, in one embodiment, rotary motion of the first clutch bearing (490) and the second clutch bearing (500) may be transmitted to an output gear through a first pinion shaft (510) coupled to a first rotary gear (520) and a second pinion shaft (530) coupled to a second rotary gear (540). In one embodiment, the first pinion shaft (510) and the second pinion shaft (530) may be supported by first pinion shaft bearings (550) and the second pinion shaft bearings (560) provided at each ends of the first pinion shaft (510) and the second pinion shaft (530) respectively. In such an embodiment, the first pinion shaft bearings (550) and the second pinion shaft bearings (560) may be attached to the first gearbox bottom housing (470) and the second gearbox bottom housing (480) via corresponding bearing steps. In one embodiment, the first gearbox bottom housing (470) may accommodate the first pinion (420) shaft, the first pinion shaft bearings (550) and the first pinion (420). In a specific embodiment, the second gearbox bottom housing (480) may accommodate the second pinion shaft (530), the second pinion shaft bearings (560) and the second pinion (430). In some embodiments, the first gearbox bottom housing (470) and the second gearbox bottom housing (480) may include corresponding tapped holes for providing bolting of the first gear box cover (450) and the second gearbox cover (460) respectively.

Also, in one embodiment, the first rotary gear (520) and the second rotary gear (540) may have similar teeth count and may be keyed to the first pinion shaft (510) and the second pinion shaft (530) respectively. In such an embodiment, the first rotary gear (520) and the second rotary gear (540) is adapted to transmit the torque to the output gear alternatively for the oscillatory motion provided by the oscillating arm (130) thereby achieving a unidirectional rotary motion of the output gear (570). In one embodiment, the unidirectional rotary motion of the output gear (570) may be transmitted to an alternator (80) through an output shaft (160), a gear increaser box (FIG. 5, 580), and a flywheel (FIG. 5, 590). In one embodiment, the output shaft (160) may include a keyway to mount the output gear (570) at a first side and the gear increaser box (580) at a second side. The system (10) further includes an alternator (80) mechanically coupled to the output drive unit (70). Also, in one embodiment, the alternator (80) at full or partial load may be adapted to provide constant damping to the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit (60) thereby constantly limiting the occurring resonance and increase of amplitude of the swing of the pendulum bob (390) at a desired level required for continues operation of the system. The alternator (80) is adapted to provide electrical energy corresponding the rotary motion provided by the output drive unit (70). In such an embodiment, the output shaft (160) may be supported by bearings provided on the first side and the second side. In one embodiment, the gear increaser box (580) may include a combination of spur gears adapted to increase a rotations per minute of the output shaft (160) to obtain the rotations per minute required for working of the alternator (80). In one embodiment, the alternator (80) may be coupled to a flywheel (590) adapted to provide uninterrupted intermittent mechanical power to the alternator when velocity of the pendulum unit (60) is zero. In one embodiment, a flywheel (590) may be provided in between the gear increaser box (580) and the alternator (80) to provide smooth and uninterrupted power flow to the alternator (80). The alternator (80) may be getting power from the flywheel (590) even when there is no torque at the output gear (570) since the pendulum unit (60) may not provide torque when the pendulum bob (390) reaches extreme ends of a trajectory followed by the pendulum bob (390) during the oscillatory motion.

Also, in one embodiment, the alternator (80) may include, but not limited to, a single-phase alternator (80), a three-phase alternator (80), and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the alternator (80) may be a permanent magnet de alternator (80). In a specific embodiment, the alternator (80) may be operating in a low rotations per minute (RPM) compared to the gear increaser box (580). In one embodiment, the alternator (80) may be coupled to the gear increaser box (580) or the flywheel (590) directly. In one embodiment, the output drive unit (70) and the gear increaser box (580) may be mounted on the cradle structure (40) maintaining left hand side weight of the cradle structure (40) is equal to the right-hand side weight of the cradle structure (40) with respect to the vertical axis. Operation of the system (10) may be described in FIG 5.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a system (10) for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Initially, the cradle structure (40) may be positioned parallel to ground level and a vertical axis of the cradle structure (40) may be perpendicular to the ground level. The pendulum bob (390) may be at rest and hanging from top center of the cradle structure (40). One complete oscillation of the pendulum bob (390) may be divided into four parts for an ease of understanding. In a first part of the oscillation, in order to make the pendulum bob (390) to oscillate, the prime mover (30) may drive the input sprocket (200) in a clockwise direction. The input sprocket (200) may drive the right-hand side main sprocket (230) in the clockwise direction since the input sprocket (200) is connected to the right-hand side main sprocket (230) by the chain drive (240).

Further, the right-hand side main sprocket (230) in turn drives the right-hand side shaft (210) in the clockwise direction since the right-hand side main sprocket (230) is keyed to the righthand side shaft (210). The right-hand side shaft (210) may drive the right-hand side auxiliary sprocket (250) in the clockwise direction since the right-hand side auxiliary sprocket (250) is keyed and locked positively to the right-hand side shaft (210). The right-hand side auxiliary sprocket (250) may drive the left-hand side main sprocket (260) in the clockwise direction since the left-hand side main sprocket (260) is connected to the right-hand side auxiliary sprocket (250) by means of the chain drive (240). Hence the right-hand side shaft (210) and the left-hand side shaft (220) may turn in the clockwise direction simultaneously at same speeds.

Furthermore, the right-hand side shaft (210) and the left-hand side shaft (220) in turn may drive the right-hand side crank bracket (280) and the left-hand side crank bracket (320) respectively in the clockwise direction. Consider a scenario in which an initial position of the left-hand side crank bracket (320) is at 180 degrees and the position of the right-hand side crank bracket (280) is at 0 degrees. On assuming a rotation of 90 degrees for the left-hand side shaft (220) and the right-hand side shaft (210) in the clockwise direction, the left-hand side crank bracket (320) may rotate from a 180-degree position to a 90-degree position and the right-hand side crank bracket (280) may rotate from a 0-degree position to a 270-degree position. In response to the rotation of the left-hand side crank bracket (320), the left-hand side connecting rod (330) may move up, thereby pushing the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) and the left-hand side support (340) to displace upwardly following a path of an arc. Hence, the cradle structure (40) on the left-hand side rocks upwards along with the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) and the lefthand side support (340) welded to the cradle structure (40). The left-hand side of the cradle structure (40) may now reach a topmost position of a rocking trajectory of the cradle structure (40) from the initial position parallel to the ground. Moreover, on the other hand, simultaneously, the right-hand side connecting rod may be pushed down by the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) and the right-hand side support (300). Hence, the cradle structure (40) on the right-hand side may rock downwards along with the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) and the right-hand side support (300) welded to the cradle structure (40). The right-hand side of the cradle structure (40) may now reach a bottom most position of the rocking trajectory of the cradle structure (40) from the initial position which is parallel to the ground. Due to shifting of the vertical axis of the cradle structure (40) from a center position to an extreme right position, position of the pendulum bob (390) may shift towards a new offsetted center position of the cradle structure (40) under an influence of weight, gravity and inertia of the pendulum bob (390). Shifting of the position by the pendulum bob (390) may create a rotary motion in the pendulum shaft (360) through the pendulum bracket (370) and the pendulum support pipe (380).

Additionally, the pendulum shaft (360) may start rotating in the anti-clockwise direction when the pendulum bob (390) reaches a first extreme side. Rotation of the pendulum shaft (360) in the anti-clockwise direction may create a downward motion of the oscillating arm (130) towards left-hand side and an upwards motion in right-hand side. The oscillating arm (130) may travel from the initial position to an extreme high position on the right-hand side and an extreme low position on the left-hand side. This in turn may cause the first rack (400) to be pulled up by the oscillating arm (130) and pushing the second rack (410) down. Hence, the second pinion (430) may turn in the anticlockwise direction and the first pinion (420) may turn in the clockwise direction.

Also, due to the first clutch bearing (490) and the second clutch bearing (500) associated with the first pinion (420) and the second pinion (430) respectively, the torque may be transmitted unidirectionally. Accordingly, the first pinion (420) transmits the torque to the first pinion (420) shaft through the first clutch bearing (490) making the rotary gear to rotate in the clockwise direction. The second pinion (430) may slip on the second pinion shaft (530) due to clutch action of the second clutch bearing (500). Hence, no torque may be transmitted to the second pinion shaft (530). The output gear (570) which meshes with the first rotary gear (520) may turn in the anti-clockwise direction thereby rotating the output shaft (160) in the anti-clockwise direction. The output shaft (160) may turn the gear increaser box (580) through a coupling attached to a shaft of the gear increaser box (580) and thereby running both the alternator (80) and the flywheel (590) thereby completing the first part of the oscillation. Further, in a second part of the oscillation the prime mover (30) may further drive the input sprocket (200) in the clockwise direction. The right-hand side shaft (210) and the left-hand side shaft (220) may continue to drive the right-hand side crank bracket (280) and the left-hand side crank bracket (320) in the clockwise direction. The revised position of the left-hand side crank bracket (320) may be at 90 degrees and the revised position of the right-hand side crank bracket (280) may be at 270 degrees after the first part of the oscillation. Assuming rotation of the lefthand side shaft (220) and the right-hand side shaft (210) by 90 degrees in the clockwise direction. The left-hand side crank bracket (320) may move from the 90 degree position to a 0 degrees position and the right-hand side crank bracket (280) may move from the 270 degree position to a 180 degree position. Accordingly, the left-hand side connecting rod (330) may move down pushing the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) and the left-hand side support (340) to displace downwardly following the path of an arc. Hence, the cradle structure (40) on the left-hand side may rocks downwardly along with the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) and the left-hand side support (340).

Furthermore, the left-hand side of the cradle structure (40) may now reach a mid-position of the trajectory followed by the cradle structure (40) during the rocking movement from a highest position from the ground. On the other hand, simultaneously, the right-hand side connecting rod (290) is pushed up by the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) and the right-hand side support (300). Hence, the cradle structure (40) on the right-hand side rocks upwardly along with the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) and the right-hand side support (300). The righthand side of the cradle structure (40) may now reach the mid position of the rocking trajectory followed by the cradle structure (40) during the rocking movement from a lowest position from the ground. Due to shifting of the vertical axis of the cradle structure (40) from the extreme right position to the middle position, the pendulum bob (390) may shift the position creating the rotary motion in the pendulum shaft (360) through the pendulum bracket (370) and pendulum support pipe (380). The pendulum shaft (360) may now rotate in the clockwise direction.

Additionally, rotation of the pendulum shaft (360) in the clockwise direction may cause the oscillating arm (130) to travel upwards on the left-hand side and travel downwards on the righthand side. The oscillating arm (130) may travel till the axis of the oscillating arm (130) becomes parallel to the ground. Hence, the second pinion (430) may turn in the clockwise direction and the first pinion (420) may turn in the anti-clockwise direction. The second pinion (430) transmits the torque to the second pinion shaft (530) through the second clutch bearing (500), thereby making the second rotary gear (540) to turn in the clockwise direction. The first pinion (420) may slip on the first pinion shaft (510) due to the clutch action of the first clutch bearing (490) hence no torque is transmitted to the first pinion shaft (510). The output gear (570) which meshes with the second rotary gear (540) may now turn in the anti-clockwise direction thereby rotating the output shaft (160) in the anti-clockwise direction. The output shaft (160) may now rotate the gear increaser box (580) thereby running both the alternator (80) and the flywheel (590) thereby completing the second part of the oscillation.

Moreover, in a third part of the oscillation, the prime mover (30) may further drive the input sprocket (200) in the clockwise direction. The right-hand side shaft (210) and the left-hand side shaft (220) may continue to drive the right-hand side crank bracket (280) and the left-hand side crank bracket (320) in the clockwise direction. The revised position of the left-hand side crank bracket (320) is at the 0-degree position and the revised position of the right-hand side crank bracket (280) is at the 180-degree position after the second part of the oscillation. Assuming the clockwise direction of rotation of the left-hand side shaft (220) and right-hand side shaft (210) by further 90 degrees. The left-hand side crank bracket (320) may move from the 0- degree position to a 270-degree position and the right-hand side crank bracket (280) may move from the 180-degree position to a 90-degree position. Movement of the left-hand side crank bracket (320) may force the left-hand side connecting rod (330) to further move down pushing the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) and the left-hand side support (340) to displace downwardly following the path of an arc. Hence the cradle structure (40) on the left-hand side may rocks downwardly along with the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) and the left-hand side support (340).

Also, the left-hand side of the cradle structure (40) may now reach the lowest position of the trajectory followed by the cradle structure (40) during the rocking movement from the position parallel to the ground. On the other hand, simultaneously, the right-hand side connecting rod (290) is further pushed up by the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) and the right-hand side support (300). Hence, the cradle structure (40) on the right-hand side may rock upwardly along with the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) and the right-hand side support (300). The righthand side of the cradle structure (40) may now reach the highest position of the rocking trajectory followed by the cradle structure (40) from the position parallel to the ground. Since, the vertical axis of the cradle structure (40) shifted to the extreme left, position of the pendulum bob (390) may shift towards the new center of the cradle structure (40) creating the rotary motion of the pendulum shaft (360). The pendulum shaft (360) may now rotate further in the clockwise direction and the oscillating arm (130) may travel further upward on the left-hand side and further downward on the right-hand side.

Additionally, the oscillating arm (130) may travels from the current position to an extreme low position on the right-hand side and an extreme high position on the left-hand side. Hence the second pinion (430) turns further in the clockwise direction and the first pinion (420) turns further in the anticlockwise direction. The first pinion (420) may slip on the first pinion shaft (510) hence no torque is transmitted to the first pinion shaft (510). The output gear (570) which meshes with the second rotary gear (540) may now turn in the anti-clockwise direction thereby rotating the output shaft (160) in the anti-clockwise direction. The output shaft (160) (160) may now turn the gear increaser box (580) and thereby driving both the alternator (80) and the flywheel (590) thereby completing the third part of the oscillation.

Besides, in a fourth part of the oscillation, the prime may further drive the input sprocket (200) in the clockwise direction. The right-hand side shaft (210) and the left-hand side shaft (220) may continue to drive the right hand side crank bracket and the left hand side crank bracket in the clockwise direction. The revised position of the left-hand side crank bracket (320) is at the 270 degree position and the revised position of the right-hand side crank bracket (280) is at 90 degree position after third part of the oscillation. Assuming rotation of the left-hand side shaft (220) and the right-hand side shaft (210) by further 90 degrees in the clockwise direction. The left-hand side crank bracket (320) may move from the 270-degree position to the 180-degree position and the right-hand side crank bracket (280) may move from the 90-degree position to the 0-degree position. Accordingly, the left-hand side connecting rod may move up pushing the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) and the left-hand side support (340) to displace upwardly following the path of the arc. Hence the cradle structure (40) on the left-hand side rocks upwards along with the left-hand side oscillating pin (310) and the left-hand side support (340).

Also, the left-hand side of the cradle structure (40) may now reach parallel to the ground. On the other hand, simultaneously, the right-hand side connecting rod may be pushed downward by the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) and the right-hand side support (300) following the path of the arc. Hence the cradle structure (40) on the right-hand side rocks downwardly along with the right-hand side oscillating pin (270) and the right-hand side support (300). The righthand side of the cradle structure (40) may now reach parallel to the ground. Due to shifting of the vertical axis of the cradle structure (40) to the middle position from the extreme left position, the pendulum bob (390) may shift position towards the new center of the cradle structure (40) creating the rotary motion of the pendulum shaft (360) through the pendulum bracket (370) and the pendulum support pipe (380). The pendulum shaft (360) may now rotate in the anti-clockwise direction. The oscillating arm (130) may travel downwardly on the lefthand side and travel upwardly on the right-hand side. The oscillating arm (130) may travel till the axis of the oscillating arm (130) becomes parallel to the ground. Hence, the second pinion (430) turns in the anti-clockwise direction and the first pinion (420) turns in the clockwise direction.

Further, the first pinion (420) may transmit the torque to the first pinion shaft (510) through the first clutch bearing (490) making the first rotary gear (520) to turn in the clockwise direction. The second pinion (430) slips on the second pinion shaft (530) due to the clutch action of the second clutch bearing (500) hence, no torque is transmitted to the second pinion shaft (530). The output gear (570) which meshes with the first rotary gear (520) now turns in the anti-clockwise direction thereby rotating the output shaft (160) in the anti-clockwise direction. The output shaft (160) may now turn the gear increaser box (580) and thereby driving both the alternator (80) and the flywheel (590) thereby completing the oscillation. Upon continuing the oscillation, the pendulum bob (390) may achieve resonance condition and the amplitude of the oscillation may increase. The surplus energy produced due to the resonance may be provided to the alternator (80) to generate electricity. The alternator (80) may provide constant damping to the system (10) by tapping only the surplus power generated thereby maintaining resonant oscillations. The input drive unit (20) may tap power from the alternator (80) once the pendulum unit (60) achieves resonance. The input drive unit (20) may require external power to oscillate the cradle structure (40) till the pendulum unit (60) achieves resonance and the alternator (80) is capable of running at full load. Position of the pendulum bob (390), the left hand side crank bracket (320), and the right hand side crank bracket (280) during the first part of the oscillation, the second part of the oscillation, the third part of the oscillation and the fourth part of the oscillation is shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9 respectively.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method (700) for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (700) includes providing reciprocating motion corresponding a rotary motion of the prime mover in step 710. In one embodiment, providing reciprocating motion corresponding a rotary motion of the prime mover includes providing reciprocating motion corresponding a rotary motion of the prime mover by an input drive. In one embodiment, the input drive unit may include an input sprocket mechanically coupled to the prime mover. In such an embodiment, the prime mover may be an input gear box providing rotary motion to the input sprocket. In one embodiment, the input sprocket may provide rotary motion to a right-hand side shaft which in turn provide the rotary motion to the left-hand side shaft of the input drive unit. In one embodiment, the rotary motion of the input sprocket may be transmitted to the right-hand side shaft through a right-hand side main sprocket and a chain drive. In a specific embodiment, the rotary motion of the right-hand side shaft may be transmitted to the left-hand side shaft through a right-hand side auxiliary sprocket, and a lefthand side main sprocket coupled together via the chain drive.

Further, in one embodiment, teeth count of the right-hand side main sprocket, right hand side auxiliary sprocket, and the left-hand side main sprocket may be same. In a specific embodiment, the right-hand side main sprocket, and the right-hand side auxiliary sprocket may be keyed to the right-hand side shaft. In some embodiments, the left-hand side main sprocket may be keyed to the left-hand side shaft. In a specific embodiment, the left-hand side shaft and the right-hand side shaft may be composed of hardened steel. In one embodiment, the righthand side shaft may be coupled to a right-hand side oscillating pin via a right-hand side crank bracket, a right-hand side connecting rod. In such an embodiment, the right-hand side oscillating pin may be secured to a right-hand side support. In some embodiment, the left-hand side shaft may be coupled to a left-hand side oscillating pin via a left-hand side crank bracket, a left-hand side connecting rod. In such an embodiment, the left-hand side oscillating pin may be secured to a left-hand side support.

Also, in a specific embodiment, centre to centre distance between the right-hand side crank bracket and the left-hand side crank bracket may determine the locus of the reciprocating motion. In one embodiment, the right-hand side connecting rod may convert the rotary motion of the right-hand side crank bracket into a reciprocating motion of the right-hand side oscillating pin. In one embodiment, the left-hand side connecting rod may convert the rotary motion of the left-hand side crank bracket into a reciprocating motion of the left-hand side oscillating pin. The method (700) also includes providing a rocking motion about the base structure corresponding the reciprocating motion provided by the input drive unit in step 720. In one embodiment, providing a rocking motion about the base structure corresponding the reciprocating motion provided by the input drive unit includes providing a rocking motion about the base structure corresponding the reciprocating motion provided by the input drive unit by a cradle structure. In one embodiment, the input drive unit may include at least one of a rotating cam, screw rod units, hydraulic mechanism and pneumatic mechanism. In one embodiment, the cradle structure is pivoted to the base structure through one or more pad plates, one or more rocking shaft, and one or more rocking bearing blocks. In such an embodiment, the one or more rocking bearing blocks may include corresponding one or more bearings to provide smooth rotation of the rocking shaft. In one embodiment, the cradle structure may be composed of steel structures capable of withstanding torsional stresses and bending stresses during the rocking motion of the cradle.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the cradle structure may be symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis. In one embodiment, the one or more pad plates may include corresponding holes to secure the corresponding one or more rocking shafts by welding. In one embodiment, the rocking shaft may be coupled to a midpoint of the cradle structure. In some embodiment, the one or more rocking bearing blocks may be welded to the base structure. In a specific embodiment, the one or more rocking bearing blocks may include corresponding one or more ball bearings or one or more cylindrical roller bearings to minimize friction during the rocking motion of the cradle structure. In one embodiment, left hand side support and the right-hand side support may be secured to left hand side and right-hand side of the cradle respectively. In a specific embodiment, the base structure may be grouted to the ground. In one embodiment, the gearbox may be coupled with a variable frequency drive to control a speed of rotation and rocking frequency of the cradle structure to provide an oscillatory frequency matching the natural frequency of the pendulum to attain resonance thereby providing resonant oscillations.

The method (700) further includes providing resonant oscillations corresponding the rocking motion provided by the cradle structure in step 730. In one embodiment, providing resonant oscillations corresponding the rocking motion provided by the cradle structure includes providing resonant oscillations corresponding the rocking motion provided by the cradle structure by a pendulum unit. In one embodiment, the prime mover may be associated with a variable frequency drive adapted to control the reciprocating motion of the input drive unit to enable the pendulum unit to provide resonant oscillations. In one embodiment, the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit may be transmitted to an output drive unit through an oscillating arm. In one embodiment, the pendulum unit may include a pendulum bearing block, a pendulum shaft, a pendulum top bracket, a pendulum bob support pipe, a pendulum bob, a pendulum bob supporting pipe, and a moving arm.

Also, in some embodiment, the pendulum bearing block may be welded to a vertical frame of the cradle structure on either sides to enable the pendulum shaft to freely rotate along an axis of the pendulum shaft. In one embodiment, the pendulum bearing block may include one or more bearings to minimize friction during an oscillation of the pendulum bob. In a specific embodiment, the pendulum bob may be secured on the pendulum shaft and the pendulum shaft may be composed of hardened steel. In such an embodiment, the pendulum shaft diameter may be selected as to withstand stresses developing due to the oscillation of the pendulum bob. In one embodiment, the pendulum bob may be secured to the pendulum shaft through the pendulum bob support pipe and the pendulum top bracket. In such an embodiment, a centre of the pendulum shaft and the centre of the pendulum top bracket may be concentric to each other.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the pendulum bob support pipe may be a hollow steel section with one or more flanges welded on both sides. In such an embodiment, the pendulum bob may be bolted to one or more flanges located at a bottom side of the pendulum bob support pipe. In one embodiment, period of oscillation of the pendulum bob may depend upon a length of the pendulum bob support pipe. In a specific embodiment, an oscillating arm may be secured to the pendulum shaft to transmit the oscillating motion of the pendulum unit to an output drive unit. In one embodiment, weight of the pendulum bob, an angle of swing of the pendulum bob and length of the pendulum shaft may be selected based on an output torque required by the output drive unit for continuous operation of the alternator.

The method (700) also includes providing rotary motion corresponding the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit in step 740. In one embodiment, providing rotary motion corresponding the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit includes providing rotary motion corresponding the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit by an output drive. In one embodiment, output drive unit may include one or more racks and corresponding one or more pinions adapted to convert the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit into rotary motion of an output shaft. In such an embodiment, the one or more racks may be adapted to provide reciprocating motion corresponding the resonant oscillations transmitted by the oscillating arm and the corresponding one or more pinions may be adapted to provide rotary motion corresponding the reciprocating motion provided by the one or more racks. In some embodiments, the one or more racks may be coupled to a first end of the oscillating arm and a second end of the oscillating arm provides mutually opposite reciprocating motion at a time.

Moreover, in one embodiment, the rotary motion provided by the one or more pinions may be converted into unidirectional rotary motion by a plurality of clutch bearings. In one embodiment, the output unit may include a first rack and a second rack mechanically coupled to a first pinion and a second pinion respectively. In such an embodiment, the first rack, and the second rack may convert the oscillating motion of the oscillating arm in to corresponding linear motion and the first pinion and the second pinion may convert the linear motion of the first rack and the second rack into corresponding rotary motion respectively. In one embodiment, the first rack and the second rack may be enclosed in a first gearbox cover and a second gearbox cover. In a specific embodiment, length of the first rack and the second rack may be twice a linear distance travelled by the oscillating arm.

Further, in some embodiments, the first rack and the second rack may be standard hardened steel rack gears having guide slots on three sides to enable sliding of the first rack and the second rack in the first gearbox and the second gearbox respectively. In such an embodiment, the first gearbox and the second gearbox may include corresponding guideways located in inner periphery to facilitate the sliding of the first rack and the second rack respectively. In one embodiment, the first gearbox and the second gearbox may be secured to the first gearbox bottom housing and the second gearbox bottom housing respectively. In one embodiment, the first pinion and the second pinion may be standard pinion type gears with matching teeth profiles with the first rack and the second rack respectively. In one embodiment, the first pinion and the second pinion may include corresponding bearing steps to accommodate a first clutch bearing and a second clutch bearing inside. In such an embodiment, the first pinion and the second pinion may include corresponding keyways machined inside the bearing steps to lock the rotational movement of the first clutch bearing and the second clutch bearings.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first clutch bearing, and the second clutch bearing may be adapted to transmit the torque in a single direction to streamline an up and down movement of the first rack and the second rack in a single direction of rotation of the first pinion and the second pinion respectively. In one embodiment, rotary motion of the first clutch bearing and the second clutch bearing may be transmitted to an output gear through a first pinion shaft coupled to a first rotary gear and a second pinion shaft coupled to a second rotary gear. In one embodiment, the first pinion shaft and the second pinion shaft may be supported by first pinion shaft bearings and the second pinion shaft bearings provided at each ends of the first pinion shaft and the second pinion shaft respectively. In such an embodiment, the first pinion shaft bearings and the second pinion shaft bearings may be attached to the first gearbox bottom housing and the second gearbox bottom housing via corresponding bearing steps.

Moreover, in one embodiment, the first gearbox bottom housing may accommodate the first pinion shaft, the first pinion shaft bearings and the first pinion. In a specific embodiment, the second gearbox bottom housing may accommodate the second pinion shaft, the second pinion shaft bearings and the second pinion. In some embodiments, the first gearbox bottom housing and the second gearbox bottom housing may include corresponding holes for providing bolting of the first gear box and the second gearbox respectively. In one embodiment, the first rotary gear and the second rotary gear may have similar teeth count and may be keyed to the first pinion shaft and the second pinion shaft respectively. In such an embodiment, the first rotary gear and the second rotary gear is adapted to transmit the torque to the output gear alternatively for the oscillatory motion provided by the moving arm thereby achieving a unidirectional rotary motion of the output gear. In one embodiment, the unidirectional rotary motion of the output gear may be transmitted to an alternator through an output shaft, a gear increaser box, and a flywheel. In one embodiment, the output shaft may include a keyway to mount the output gear at a first side and the gear increaser box at a second side.

The method (700) further includes providing electrical energy corresponding the rotary motion provided by the output drive unit in step 750. In one embodiment, providing electrical energy corresponding the rotary motion provided by the output drive unit includes providing electrical energy corresponding the rotary motion provided by the output drive unit by an alternator. In one embodiment, the alternator may be adapted to provide constant damping to the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit. The alternator is adapted to provide electrical energy corresponding the rotary motion provided by the output drive unit. In such an embodiment, the output shaft may be supported by bearings provided on the first side and the second side. In one embodiment, the gear increase may include a combination of spur gears adapted to increase a rotations per minute of the output shaft to obtain the rotations per minute required for working of the alternator. In one embodiment, the alternator may be coupled to a flywheel adapted to provide uninterrupted mechanical power to the alternator when velocity of the pendulum unit is zero.

Also, in one embodiment, a flywheel may be provided in between the gear increaser box and the alternator to provide smooth and uninterrupted power flow to the alternator. The alternator may be getting power from the flywheel even when there is no torque at the output gear since the pendulum unit may not provide torque when the pendulum bob reaches extreme ends of a trajectory followed by the pendulum bob during the oscillatory motion. In one embodiment, the alternator may include, but not limited to, a single -phase alternator, a three-phase alternator, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the alternator may be a permanent magnet de alternator. In a specific embodiment, the alternator may be operating in a low rotations per minute (RPM) compared to the gear increaser box. In one embodiment, the alternator may be coupled to the gear increaser box or the flywheel directly. In one embodiment, the output drive unit, and the gear increaser box may be mounted on the cradle structure in such a way that, left hand side weight of the cradle structure is equal to the right-hand side weight of the cradle structure with respect to the vertical axis.

Various embodiments of the system and a method for continuous energy harvesting from constant damping of resonant oscillations described above enable various advantages. The alternator is adapted to generate electricity by utilizing surplus energy generated by the resonant oscillations provided by the pendulum unit. Power required by the input drive unit maybe tapped from the alternator once the pendulum unit achieves resonance, so that no separate power provision is required for the input drive unit. Provision of the fly wheel ensures continuous mechanical energy input to the alternator even when the torque produced by the pendulum unit becomes zero at extreme points of oscillation. The system is capable of providing green energy in a cost effective manner. Energy may be produced in large scale by cascading the system as multiple units.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.