GB2530758A

GB2530758A - Method and device for harnessing energy

Info

Publication number: GB2530758A
Application number: GB1417294.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tom Collings; Richard Hall; Robert George Milner
Original assignee: Cambridge Consultants Ltd
Current assignee: Cambridge Consultants Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-30
Filing date: 2014-09-30
Publication date: 2016-04-06
Also published as: GB201417294D0; WO2016051178A1

Abstract

An arrangement is disclosed for converting user actions performed during normal use of a device into electrical energy in a controlled and consistent manner, using an energy harnessing mechanism. The device may be a medical device e.g. dosing, injecting or diagnostic devices or a door or hinged lid and the action may include removing a cap or lid, dispensing from a container or setting a parameter. In an injection pen, the linear removal/replacement of the cover causes the cam track 103 formed in the cover to reciprocate the actuator 135 via the follower projection 133a, the actuator operating lever 139 of the generator 137. Slots 155a constrain actuator movement perpendicularly to the movement of the cap. The cam tract profile controls the number of oscillations of the actuator, each oscillation generating a predetermined and consistent quantity of energy which may be used for storage or communication of information, display or sensing functions. In an alternative embodiment the cam track 703 is formed on the interior of a container screw closure 701, the follower 733 extending though a slot 755 on the container body 721 (fig7b not shown).

Description

Method and device for harnessing energy

Technical Field

The present invention relates to methods of and apparatus for harnessing energy and in particular, but not limited to, harnessing energy from handheld electronic devices, for example medical devices such as dosing devices, injector devices and diagnostic devices.

Background

There is an increasing desire amongst industry and consumers to incorporate smart' functionality into handheld devices, as evidenced by smart phones, fitness trackers and blood glucose meters. This functionality can include the tracking and reporting of data such as: how frequently the device is being used, how the device is being used, level of activity of the device, location of the device.

To achieve this functionality requires electronics, which itself requires a power source. One option is to provide a battery but this is unwelcome for reasons including: limited life of charge during storage, limited electrical storage capacity, environmental concerns, safety issues, cost, design constraints and the need for removal and separate controlled disposal (WEEE regulations).

Systems are known in which electrical energy is generated on-board from movement of the system (e.g. by shaking or winding). Such systems are typically based on a magnet and coil of wire, whereby a change in magnetic flux from moving the magnet or coil generates current in the coil.

However, known systems exhibit a lack of control over the amount of electrical power generated by the on-board movement, in particular as the amount of electrical power generated is largely user dependent -for example how vigorously the system is shaken or Further, the need to generate sufficient energy to power an electronic system can add to the complexity of the procedure that a user must perform to use a device successfully. For example, if information relating to the use of the device needs to be transmitted, the user cannot be sure of when sufficient energy has been generated, resulting in a user performing additional wasted actions to be on the safe side. Providing additional circuitry to provide indications of sufficient energy input tends to add unwelcome cost and complexity to devices and also adds to the overall energy consumption.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least partially alleviate one or more of the above issues.

Statements of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for use in performing a task, the device comprising: means for generating electrical energy from a discrete movement of a moveable portion, wherein said generating means is operable to generate a predetermined quantum of said electrical energy corresponding to said discrete movement; a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are configured to be movable relative to one another; wherein at least one of said first and second portions S comprises means for transforming, during operation of said device, a single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion into a predefined number of discrete movements of said moveable portion for conversion, by said generating means, into a predetermined amount of said electrical energy corresponding substantially to the number of said discrete movements multiplied by said quantum.

The first and second portions may be configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is required to enable said task to be performed.

The second portion may comprise a closure (e.g. a cap, lid, cover or the like) for the first portion and the first and second portions may be configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion occurs while performing at least one of: removing said closure from said first portion; and placing said closure on said first portion.

The first and second portions may be configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is a single uninterrupted linear motion.

The first and second portions may be configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is a single uninterrupted rotational motion.

The means for generating may be operable to generate said electrical energy from discrete movements arising from the oscillation (e.g. reciprocation) of said moveable portion, and the means for transforming may be operable to transform said single motion into a plurality of oscillating (e.g. reciprocating) movements whereby to cause the generation of said predetermined amount of said electrical energy by said generating means.

The means for transforming may comprise at least one track forming a path for defining movement of said moveable portion such that said moveable portion undergoes said plurality of discrete movements during said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion.

The moveable portion may comprise a lever forming part of generating means, and the track may be arranged to cause movement of said lever during said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion, and movement of said lever may cause generation of said quantum of said electrical energy.

At least one said track may provide a corresponding channel and said moveable portion may comprise a follower for engaging in said channel and said follower may be configured to couple to said lever whereby to generate said plurality of discrete movements.

The at least one track may provide a corresponding channel and said moveable portion may comprise a follower for engaging in said channel and said follower may be configured to couple to said lever whereby to generate said plurality of discrete movements.

The follower may be configured to couple to said lever via an actuator for actuating movement of said lever.

The device may comprise a medical device for performing a medical task. The medical device may comprise at least one of: a dosing device (e.g. an inhaler); an injector device; pharmaceutical structural packaging and a diagnostic device.

The predetermined amount of said electrical energy produced by said generating means may be used for at least one of: powering circuitry for storing information to a memory included in said device; powering circuitry for communicating information from said device to a further device; powering an electronic visual display included in said device for displaying information relating to said device; and powering circuitry for carrying out sensing functions relating to said device.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a medical device for use in performing a medical task, the device comprising: means for generating electrical energy from movement; a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are configured to be movable relative to one another during normal operation of said device to perform said medical task; wherein at least one of said first and second portions comprises means for transforming, during said normal operation of said device to perform said medical task, a single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion into movement for conversion into electrical energy by said generating means.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of generating electrical energy comprising using a device according to any of the above aspects, said method comprising the steps of: moving said first and second portions relative to one another whereby to generate said predetermined amount of said electrical energy.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a device according to the first aspect, said method comprising the steps of: fabricating said first and second portions and assembling said first and second portions together with said generating and transforming means to produce said device.

Advantageously, the above aspects allow a device to produce electrical energy during use without a user having to perform any additional energy generating actions which are not required to perform the task (e.g. the medical task).

Brief Description of Figures

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, in which: Figure 1 shows an injection pen including an energy harnessing mechanism, according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a cut-away axonometric view of the injection pen of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a further cut-away axonometric view of the injection pen of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the injector pen of Figure 1; Figures 5a and Sb illustrate exemplary track profiles which can be used in the injection pen of Figure 1; Figures 6a -6d illustrate an exemplary sequence of operation of the injection pen of Figure 1; Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a second exemplary embodiment comprising a container including a screw closure.

Overview Described herein are devices which convert user actions performed during normal use of a device into electrical energy in a controlled and consistent manner, using an energy harnessing mechanism. The devices produce a quantifiable, tuneable amount of electrical energy as an unavoidable result of normal device operation. This is particularly suitable to devices for use in regulated markets such as healthcare and medicine. The energy harnessing mechanism can, beneficially, replace a lithium coin cell or other such battery.

The action by the user of moving one element of a handheld or other device, either linearly or rotationally, relative another element causes reciprocating (or oscillating) movement of an actuator of the energy harnessing mechanism via a cam track and a follower provided respectively on one element of the device and the actuator. The reciprocating movement of the actuator causes, in a generator, an associated change in the magnetic field with respect to an electrical coil, in order to generate electrical current. Each oscillation of the actuator causes the generator to generate a predetermined and consistent amount of electrical energy. Beneficially, therefore, the total amount of electrical energy generated can be precisely and consistently controlled by setting the number of reciprocations performed by the actuator, using an appropriate design of the profile of the cam track.

As a result of the generation of a known amount of electrical energy, a minimum amount of energy supply can be guaranteed through normal operation of a device. This means the device can be relied upon to perform critical functions including storing information to memory, communicating information to other devices, displaying information on the device or carrying out sensing functions within the device.

The profiles of the cam track and follower can therefore be designed effectively to tune' the configuration of the device to the energy requirements of the electrical circuitry within it, taking account of the expected relative displacement of the device elements by the user, and the number of oscillations achievable within the bounds of the space envelope and frictional losses.

First Embodiment Figure 1 shows an injection pen 1 including an energy harnessing mechanism, according to a first embodiment. The injection pen 1 is a handheld device which allows a user to inject a pre-set amount of drug into the body. The injection pen 1 is an example of a handheld device which, in use, involves necessary user action -in this case the removal and/or replacement of a cap.

Removal of the cap constitutes a necessary user action because it is performed as part of the normal operation of the device.

Figure 1 shows an axonometric view of the injection pen 1 having a cap 101 at a proximal end of the injection pen 1. The cap 101 is configured to be slidably received on, and to be coupled to, a main portion 121 of the injection pen 1. Figure 1 shows a view of the injection pen 1 where the cap 101 has been removed from the main portion 121, partially exposing a pre-filled drug cartridge 111 to which a disposable needle (not shown) can be attached. The main portion 121 includes a housing 123 which contains, amongst other things, components for controlling the delivery of a drug from the drug cartridge 111.

The cap 101 includes two extended portions 107a and 107b, which extend from the distal end of the cap 101 in a distal direction. The extended portions 107a and 107b are located on opposing sides of the cap 101. Furthermore, the main portion 121 includes two recesses 127a and 127b which complement the two extended portions 107a and 107b. Therefore, when the cap 101 is placed on the main portion 121 the extended portions 107a, 107b are received by the recesses 127a, 127b. This arrangement advantageousy provides an increased amount of overlap between the main portion 121 and the cap 101. This is beneficial in the energy harnessing mechanism, as explained below.

The cap 101 includes two cam tracks 103 each comprising a channel formed in the inside surface of each of the extended portions 107a, 107b. The channels have a waveform shape; in the present embodiment the cam tracks 103 have an approximately triangular waveform, but the waveform may be of any suitable shape. The main portion 121 of the injection pen 1 includes two followers 133a and 133b (133b not shown) each in the form of a projection protruding outwards from each of the recesses 127a, 127b. The followers 133 are provided near the proximal end of the main portion 121 and of the recesses 127a, 127b. The cam tracks 103 and the followers 133a, 133b form part of the energy harnessing mechanism of the injection pen 1.

The cam tracks 103 and the followers 133a, 133b are arranged such that when the cap 101 is attached to or removed from the main portion 121 the followers 133 travel along the cam tracks 103, following the path defined by the cam tracks. The path defined by each of the cam tracks 103 causes the followers to oscillate with a linear motion. This oscillating motion is converted into electrical energy by a generator (not shown) disposed within the main portion 121.

Providing the cam tracks 103 in extended portions 107a, 107b of the cap which have a substantial overlap with the main portion 121 means that a greater length of cam track will pass over the proximal end of the main portion 121 and over the followers 133a, 133b when the cap 101 is placed onto or removed from the main portion 121. This in turn causes more oscillation of

S

the followers 133a, 133b and thus more energy generated by the generator connected to the followers 133a, 133b.

In use, the drug cartridge 111 and proximal end of the pen are initially covered with the cap 101.

The cap is removed by the user, much like a writing pen. Removal of the cap 101 causes movement of the cam tracks 103 relative to the followers 133a, 133b, causing the follows to oscillate as they follow the path defined by the cam track 103.

With the cap 101 removed, the injection pen 1 may be used to administer an injection of a medicament to a patient. In this example, the delivered dose of drug can be determined by the user via a dial mechanism 125.

Typically, prior to use the disposable needle is stored separately from the injection pen 1 and is only attached to the pre-filled drug cartridge 111 immediately prior to administration, once the cap 101 has been removed.

In a typical use of the injector pen 1, a user will first remove the cap 101, then self-administer injection of the medicament held in the drug cartridge 111, and finally replace the cap 101 for safe storage or disposal of the injector pen 1. The pen 1 can be disposable or reusable, in which case the drug cartridge 111 can be removed and replaced when empty.

The energy-harnessing mechanism of the injector pen 1 will be further described with reference to Figures 2,3 and 4.

Figure 2 is a cut-away axonometric view of the injection pen 1. In this view, the drug cartridge 111 is omitted, along with an upper part of the housing 123. Figure 3 is also a cut-away axonometric view of the injection pen 1, in this case showing components of the energy harnessing mechanism in more detail. Figure 4 is an exploded view of the injector pen 1, showing each element separately.

As shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, the main portion 121 includes an actuator 135 to which the followers 133 are connected. In this embodiment, the actuator 135 is generally plate shaped and the followers 133 are formed as projections protruding from opposing edges of the actuator 135.

The housing 123 of the main portion 121 includes two slots 155a and 155b through which the followers 133a and 133b respectively pass. The slots extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cap 101 when the cap is removed or replaced. Therefore, the actuator 135 and followers 133 are constrained to move, in general, only in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cap 101 when the cap is removed or replaced.

The actuator 135 connected to an energy generator 137 via a lever 139. The actuator 135 is coupled to a proximal end of the lever 139, such that oscillations of the actuator, in the form of linear translations, cause the lever to oscillate back and forth with generally rotary motion.

In turn, the oscillations of the lever 139 provides mechanical power to the energy generator 137, allowing electrical energy to be generated.

Preferably, the energy generator 137 is configured such that the lever 139 moves a magnetic element from a first position, where it is held by a mechanical spring or magnetic force, to a second position, which leads to a rapid change in magnetic flux through a part of a magnetic circuit around which a coil is wound, in turn leading to the induction of current in the coil. The magnetic element then returns to the first position (preferably under bias), causing another change in magnetic flux and induction of current, completing a single oscillation of the magnetic element and the lever 139.

As explained below, each oscillation of the lever 139 generates a predictable and consistent amount of electrical energy to be generated by the generator. Therefore, the track profile of the cam tracks 103a, 103b can be used to control exactly how much energy is generated by the user during removal or replacement of the cap 101.

Track Profiles The cam track 103 profile (i.e. the shape of the waveform) controls the oscillations of the followers 133a, 133b and thus the actuator 135. The total number of the oscillations performed by the actuator 135 during removal or replacement of the cap 101 is thus controlled by the track profile.

Figures 5a and Sb illustrate exemplary track profiles which can be used in the cap 101. Each of Figures Sa and Sb show part of the extended portion 107 of the cap 101, including respective tracks 613 and 623, each of which has a different track profile.

The track 613 is configured to cause the follower 133 to undergo four oscillations, by having a profile defining four peaks and troughs. The track 623 is configured to cause the follower 133 to undergo five oscillations, by having a profile defining five peaks and troughs. If E denotes the energy generated by the generator from one oscillation of the actuator 135 and lever 139, then track 613 results in 4E of energy being generated, while track 623 results in SE of energy being generated.

Although it depends on the particular type of generator used, in general n oscillations of the actuator 135 in turn causes n oscillations in the energy generator in order to produce n bursts of electric current, where n is an integer.

The amplitude of the track waveform is selected to ensure that each oscillation of the actuator is sufficient to cause the generator to perform a full energy-generating oscillation (preferably where the magnetic element moves from the first position to the second position and back again), therefore generating the predetermined amount of electrical energy.

Sequence of Operation Figures 6a -6d illustrate an exemplary sequence of operation of the injection pen 1, in which the incidental, necessary removal the cap 101 acts as a power source for generating electrical energy using the energy harnessing mechanism.

Figure Ga shows the cap 101 being removed by a user, as indicated by the arrow A. Removal of the cap 101 causes the cam track 103, shown in Figure Gb, to travel past the followers 133. As each follower 133 extends into the channel of the cam track 103, the followers 133a, 133b follow the path of the track as it travels past them. The followers 133a, 133b are constrained by the slots 155a, 155b to move in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of movement of the cap as it is removed, and therefore the followers 133a, 133b follow the transverse displacement of the path of the cam tracks 103. This causes the followers and therefore the actuator 135 to oscillate, as indicated by arrow B in Figure 6c. In this way, removal of the cap 101 drives oscillation of the actuator 135.

Figure 6d shows the oscillation of the actuator 135, indicated by arrow C. The actuator 135 in turn causes oscillation of the lever 139, which causes electrical current to be generated by the energy generator 137.

Second Embodiment Figures 7a and 7b illustrate a second exemplary embodiment, in this case a container including a screw closure 701, the container incorporating an energy harnessing mechanism.

Figure 7a is a section through the closure 701 of the container, while Figure 7b is a partial side view of a top part of a body 721 of the container.

The closure 701 includes a groove 741 in the form of an internal helical thread, the groove disposed on an inside surface of the closure 701. The groove 741 is configured to receive an external helical ridge 743 disposed around the top portion of the body 721 of the container. Co-operation of the groove 741 and ridge 743 provide a screw-fit between the closure 701 and the body 721.

The closure 701 also includes a cam track 703 which comprises a channel formed in the inside surface of the closure 701. The channel has a waveform shape, and extends around the inside surface along an axis indicated by a dotted and dashed line in Figure 7a. The axis of the cam track 703 extends around the inside surface of the closure 701 in a generally helical manner, with the pitch of the axis of the cam track 703 being substantially the same as the pitch of the groove 741.

The body 721 includes a slot 755 through which a follower 733 extends. The slot 755 and follower 733 are provided next to the helical ridge 743 of the body 721. The cam track 703 and the follower 733 form part of the energy harnessing mechanism of the container.

The cam track 703 and the follower 733 are arranged such that when the closure 701 is attached to or removed from the body 721 in a screw-fit fashion, the follower 733 travels along the cam track 703, following the path defined by the cam track 703. The path defined by the cam track 703 causes the follower to oscillate with a linear motion as the inner surface of the closure 701 passes the follower 733 with rotating motion. This oscillating motion is converted into electrical energy by a generator (not shown) disposed within the body 721, the generator being coupled to the follower 733.

In a similar way to the previous embodiment, the cam track 103 profile controls the oscillations of the follower 733 and thus the generator. The total number of the oscillations performed by the follower 733 during removal or replacement of the closure 701 is thus controlled by the track profile, and this allows control and tuning of how much energy is produced by the generator during the total amount of rotation performed by the closure 701 relative to the body 721 in order to removed/replace the closure 701. The energy generated by the energy harnessing mechanism of the container can be used to, for example, power transmission circuitry which transmits information relating to the usage of the container -this could be useful, for example, in medicine containers.

Further Embodiments While the energy harnessing mechanism described above can be used in injection pens and other injector devices, the present invention is not limited to injector devices. The described energy harnessing mechanism can be incorporated into any type of device which involves necessary user action involving relative movement between parts of the device, particularly handheld devices. This relative movement provides an energy source from which electrical energy can be produced.

In particular, the described mechanism can be used for harnessing energy in handheld electronic devices, for example medical devices such as dosing devices, injector devices and diagnostic devices.

Preferred examples of handheld devices include devices which involve the removal and/or replacement of a cap (or lid) as a conventional user step. By providing a track in the cap and a corresponding follower in the part of the device to which the cap attached (or vice versa), the present invention allows energy to be generated from the movement of the cap without affecting the normal look and feel of the cap.

Further preferred examples of sources of mechanical energy from which electrical energy can be harvested include the twisting of two parts of a device (e.g. to remove a lid from a container, set a parameter -e.g. in the manner of a thermostat or the like, or to dispense something held within a container -e.g. in the manner of a pepper mill or the like).

Further still, the opening of a door or hinged lid may act as an energy source (e.g. having an arcuate member, comprising a cam track, that extends as the door/lid is opened and/or returns as the door/lid shut to drive energy generation).

In many examples, the described energy harnessing mechanism can be packaged into a conventional handheld device usually without changing core, mechanical, device functionality.

In preferred embodiments, incorporating energy harnessing mechanism requires typically one additional part (actuator), with other functionaUty (e.g. track) being designed into components typically found in a device.

Although the tracks 613 and 523 are shown in the cap 101 of the injector pen, these exemplary track profiles can be applied to any device which involves normal, necessary user action involving relative movement between parts of the device.

By selecting an appropriate track profile, such as one of the profiles illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, the profiles of the cam tracks 103 and followers 133a, 133b can be tuned to match the expected displacement of the element of the device which is moved by the user, and the number of oscillations achievable within the bounds of the space envelope and frictional losses..

Furthermore, because each cycle of the generator generates a predictable and consistent amount of electrical energy, the track profile of the cam tracks used on any device can be designed to control precisely how much energy is generated by the relevant user action performed as part of normal use of the device.

Use of generated electrical energy The electrical energy generated by the energy harnessing mechanism can be used for any purpose, for example to power smart' functionality integrated into a handheld device such as an injector, fitness tracker or blood glucose meter. Examples include, but are not limited to, storing information to memory, communicating information to other devices, displaying information on the device or carrying out sensing functions within the device.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrical energy is used to power radio communications circuitry for communicating information relating to usage of the device in which it is implemented.

The electrical energy may be temporarily stored in one or more capacitors or similar storage devices prior to being used to power radio communications circuitry Modifications & Alternatives Detailed embodiments have been described above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a number of modifications and alternatives can be made to the above embodiments whilst still benefiting from the inventions embodied therein.

The waveform of the cam tracks may be of any shape, for example sinusoidal, square or sawtooth waveforms.

Although two cam tracks 103 and two complementary followers 133a, 133b are described, the injector pen or other device may include any number of cam tracks and followers. For example, only one of each may be provided, and consequently an injector pen example may only include one extended portion of the cap and one recess. In this example, the cap and main portion may be configured such that the cap can only be fitted onto the main portion in one orientation (in general the number of tracks and followers may be matched to the number of orientations in which the cap can be fitted onto the main portion). Particularly in examples where three or more followers are provided, the followers may be coupled to different actuators. In any device, multiple actuators and/or generators may be provided.

The injector pen (or other devices) may have more cam tracks than followers. This may be useful in a situation where the cap can be placed on the main portion in two or more orientations, because fewer followers can be provided (minimising cost and complexity) while it can be ensured that whenever the cap is placed on the main portion a cam track of the cap will engage with and translate the follower.

The actuator may have any suitable shape. Any of the actuator, the followers and the lever may be combined -in particular the lever itself may perform the functions of the actuator and followers.

The cam track may be provided in any suitable form which will cause oscillation of the follower (or its equivalents). In particular, the cam track may be provides as a projection having a wave form, or the edge of a component may be shaped in a wave form in order to provide the cam track.

Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for use in performing a task, the device comprising: means for generating electrical energy from a discrete movement of a moveable portion, wherein said generating means is operable to generate a predetermined quantum of said electrical energy corresponding to said discrete movement; a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are configured to be movable relative to one another; wherein at least one of said first and second portions comprises means for transforming, during operation of said device, a single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion into a predefined number of discrete movements of said moveable portion for conversion, by said generating means, into a predetermined amount of said electrical energy corresponding substantially to the number of said discrete movements multiplied by said quantum.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second portions are configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is required to enable said task to be performed.
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second portion comprises a closure (e.g. a cap, lid, cover or the like) for the first portion and wherein said first and second portions are configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion occurs while performing at least one of: removing said closure from said first portion; and placing said closure on said first portion.
4. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first and second portions are configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is a single uninterrupted linear motion.
5. The device according to any of claims ito 4, wherein said first and second portions are configured such that said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion is a single uninterrupted rotational motion.
6. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said means for generating is operable to generate said electrical energy from discrete movements arising from the oscillation (e.g. reciprocation) of said moveable portion, and wherein said means for transforming is operable to transform said single motion into a plurality of oscillating (e.g. reciprocating) movements whereby to cause the generation of said predetermined amount of said electrical energy by said generating means.
7. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said means for transforming comprises at least one track forming a path for defining movement of said moveable portion such that said moveable portion undergoes said plurality of discrete movements during said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein said moveable portion comprises a lever forming part of generating means, wherein said track is arranged to cause movement of said lever during said single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion, and wherein movement of said lever causes generation of said quantum of said electrical energy.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein at least one said track provides a corresponding channel and said moveable portion comprises a follower for engaging in said channel and wherein said follower is configured to couple to said lever whereby to generate said plurality of discrete movements.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said follower is configured to couple to said lever via an actuator for actuating movement of said lever.
11. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a medical device for performing a medical task.
12. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said predetermined amount of said electrical energy produced by said generating means is used for at least one of: powering circuitry for storing information to a memory included in said device; powering circuitry for communicating information from said device to a further device; powering an electronic visual display included in said device for displaying information relating to said device; and powering circuitry for carrying out sensing functions relating to said device.
13. A medical device for use in performing a medical task, the device comprising: means for generating electrical energy from movement; a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are configured to be movable relative to one another during normal operation of said device to perform said medical task; wherein at least one of said first and second portions comprises means for transforming, during said normal operation of said device to perform said medical task, a single motion of said first portion relative to said second portion into movement for conversion into electrical energy by said generating means.
14. A method of generating electrical energy comprising using a device according to any preceding claim, said method comprising the steps of: moving said first and second portions relative to one another whereby to generate said predetermined amount of said electrical energy.
15. A method of manufacturing a device according to claim 1, said method comprising the steps of: fabricating said first and second portions and assembling said first and second portions together with said generating and transforming means to produce said device.