Background study

For this project, we have decided to install a removable piezo sole into a shoes where mobile
charger can be plugged in and can be fixed into different size of shoes. With that, several existing
models are looked into as a basis for this project.

There are several researches applied the piezoelectric mechanism into the shoes. The first existing
model that we review on is the in-sole generator that invented by a 15 years old inventor, Angelo
Casimiro. It is able to coverts footsteps in the form of kinetic energy into piezoelectric energy. This
harnessing mechanism by peoples steps known as piezoelectric. It allows users to power up their
phones while walking. In addition, it could provide energy for those who are at off grid or those living
in developing countries. However, there are some downsides on this in-sole generator. Firstly, this insole generator can only be used on specific shoe. This will be caused the increment of the cost on this
generator. Therefore, we implemented pluggable concept on our project. Secondly, the generator is
not comfort due to the size of the piezoelectric generator. Hence, we modified the piezoelectric to
make our product more comfortable compared with this in-sole generator. However, some functions
can be adapted for our product.

The second product to look into is self-charging battery both generates and
stores energy by a group of researches. In this project, they introduced a new
approach in battery technology because it is not only can harvest energy from
footsteps but it also able to store it in the form of electrical energy. In order to

fabricate the self-charging power cell, the researches started with a coin-type Liion battery and replaced the polyethylene separator which normally separates
the two electrodes with PVDF film. This piezoelectric material is able to generate
a charge when it is under pressure. Because of its position between electrodes, it
causes the positive Li ions to migrate from cathode to anode and the migration
process able to maintain charge equilibrium across the battery. Based on this
mechanism, the ion migration process can charge the battery without the need
for any external sources in the form of voltage. Since the PVDF separator
provides the potential difference between electrodes. Hence the battery is
essentially can be self-charging. Based on this mechanism, it would be able to
generate the electricity from walking once it attached onto the shoes. Hence, our
product has adopted some of the functions from this self-charging battery by
fully utilising the piezoelectric mechanism. From that, we can be enhances the
function of piezoelectric with a minimum size.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Electricity-Generating-Footwear/?ALLSTEPS
http://phys.org/news/2012-08-self-charging-battery-energy.html