Abstract
Wearable motion sensors find a great number of applications in the biomedical field by recording real-time movements and transferring data to mobile electronics. Patients with hyperkinetic movements is a group of interest for such sensors to survey their conditions for long periods. Longer and more frequent recording intervals are necessary to diagnose and treat patients’ disease. Mobile battery-operated motion sensors have a limited recording span, and they need to be charged frequently, which is inconvenient for most of the patients. In this study, vibration energy harvesters are employed to extend the battery life of motion sensors: one step closer to make autonomous sensors without chargers. A vibration energy harvester is designed for a motion sensor to harvest energy from involuntary movements of patients with hyperkinetic movements. An analytical model for charging and discharging cycles is developed to predict the battery life based on the amount of harvested power. Preliminary data from commercial devices are used as a foundation for the design and the current feasibility study.
