Fluidic Kinetic Energy Recovery Device

Abstract

A fluidic kinetic energy recovery device, over which a moving body travels, and which has a pumping assembly, in turn having a cavity and a membrane defining a variable-volume chamber with the cavity. The fluidic device has a first plate defining the cavity; a second plate connected to the first plate and defining a seat located on the opposite side of the membrane to the cavity; and an actuating member housed in the seat to cooperate with the membrane, and movable between a rest position, in which the volume of the chamber is maximum, and a work position, in which the volume of the chamber is minimum.

1 ) A fluidic kinetic energy recovery device, over which a moving body travels, and which comprises a pumping assembly, in turn comprising a cavity and a membrane defining a variable-volume chamber with said cavity; wherein said device further comprises a first plate defining said cavity; a second plate connected to said first plate and defining a seat located on the opposite side of said membrane to said cavity; and an actuating member housed in said seat to cooperate with said membrane, and movable between a rest position, in which the volume of said chamber is maximum, and a work position, in which the volume of said chamber is minimum. 
   
   
       2 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said actuating member is maintained in said rest position by said membrane. 
   
   
       3 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 2 , and further comprising a limit stop arrangement for preventing withdrawal of said actuating member from said seat. 
   
   
       4 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , and further comprising a non-return valve arrangement connected fluidically to said cavity; and an intake circuit and a delivery circuit connected fluidically to said cavity by said non-return valve arrangement. 
   
   
       5 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 4 , and further comprising a third plate connected to said first plate, on the opposite side to said second plate, and supporting at least one valve of said non-return valve arrangement and at least one of said intake circuit and said delivery circuit. 
   
   
       6 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 5 , and further comprising a fourth plate connected to said third plate and integrally defining said intake circuit and said delivery circuit. 
   
   
       7 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , and further comprising a further membrane covering said second plate. 
   
   
       8 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said further membrane comprises a connecting portion connected rigidly to said actuating member. 
   
   
       9 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said connecting portion comprises a reinforcing insert. 
   
   
       10 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said second plate defines a support for said further membrane when said actuating member is in said work position. 
   
   
       11 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said cavity and said actuating member are elongated in shape. 
   
   
       12 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said actuating member and said first and second plate is made of metal or composite or polymer or polyurethane material, and at least said membrane is made of elastomeric or polyurethane or shape-memory material. 
   
   
       13 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said further membrane is made of sheet metal or music wire steel or stainless steel. 
   
   
       14 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said cavity is formed integrally in said first plate. 
   
   
       15 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said cavity and said actuating member define respective complementary contours. 
   
   
       16 ) A kinetic energy recovery device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said membrane comprises a peripheral edge compressed by said second plate on said first plate to define a fluidtight seal.