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Key Points

Two HPU professors have secured a UK patent for their energy-harvesting shoe insole that converts footsteps into electricity. The functional prototype integrates piezoelectric materials to power devices like phones and fitness trackers. Dr. Thakur, a serial innovator, previously patented behavior-tracking chairs and digital billboards. The university leadership praised this interdisciplinary breakthrough in sustainable wearable tech.

Key Points: HPU Professors Win UK Patent for Energy Harvesting Smart Shoe Insole

  • Fully functional prototype uses piezoelectric materials
  • Charges phones & wearables without external power
  • Collaboration with Maharaja Agrasen University
  • Dr. Thakur holds 3 patents including digital billboard tech
2 min read

HPU professors granted international design patent for fully functional prototype of Energy Harvesting Smart Shoes Insole

HPU's Dr. Ranbir Singh Thakur & Dr. Manish Khangta secure UK design patent for smart shoe insole converting footsteps into electricity.

"This insole turns kinetic energy from walking into usable electrical energy for charging devices. - Press Release"

Shimla, June 25

Dr Ranbir Singh Thakur and Dr Manish Khangta, assistant professors of Himachal Pradesh University, were granted an international design patent for the interdisciplinary invention titled "Energy Harvesting Smart Shoes Insole" from the Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Intellectual Property Office, Government of the United Kingdom (UK).

According to a press release, this design patent is the result of collaboration with the researchers of Maharaja Agrasen University, Himachal Pradesh. A fully functional prototype of the "Energy Harvesting Smart Shoes Insole" is also developed using a combination of piezoelectric materials and innovative energy conversion mechanisms, demonstrating the technology's potential for real-world applications.

Anyone can easily fit this innovative smart shoe insole into any type of shoe. This insole turns kinetic energy generated from walking or running into usable electrical energy and stores it in an inbuilt battery. This smart shoe insole aims to charge devices such as mobile phones, fitness trackers, or other smart gadgets without the need for external charging, the release said.

According to the press release, Dr Ranbir Singh Thakur previously obtained design patents for the innovation titled "Employee Behaviour Tracking Chair" and Digital Billboard in the years 2021 and 2023, respectively. Dr Ranbir Singh Thakur is a passionate promoter of interdisciplinary collaborations and continues to explore new frontiers in future technologies for the advancement of both academia and industry. Besides this, he has also done a solar power installation course from the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology, Calicut. He has also published over 40 research papers in reputed journals/edited books and attended over 60 national and international seminars. He has written four books on diverse subjects and is working as an editor and reviewer for several international journals of repute.

Dr Manish Khangta is an accomplished researcher with a strong academic background and experience in interdisciplinary studies to tackle complex global challenges. He has published 28 research papers and 3 books so far. He has also attended many national and international seminars and conferences. He has presented his research papers in countries like Dubai, Singapore, Sharjah and Malaysia.

The vice chancellor of Himachal Pradesh University, Prof. Mahavir Singh and Registrar, Gian Sagar Negi, congratulated them on their accomplishment.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Wow! This is truly innovative and makes me proud as an Indian. 👏 Our professors are showing the world what we're capable of. Just imagine charging your phone while walking to work - perfect for our busy Indian lifestyles where power cuts still happen sometimes. Hope this gets commercialized soon!
P
Priya M.
Amazing work by HPU professors! But I wonder about the cost - will this be affordable for common people? Also, how much walking is needed to charge a phone fully? Still, great to see Indian innovation getting global recognition. Jai Hind!
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Amit S.
First the 'jugaad' charging solutions at railway stations, now this! 😄 Seriously though, this could be revolutionary for rural areas where electricity is scarce. Hope the government supports scaling up this technology. Dr. Thakur and Dr. Khangta deserve all the praise.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who walks 10,000 steps daily, I'd love to try this! But will it make the shoes heavier? Comfort is important too. Great to see Indian women in STEM getting recognition through collaborations like this. More power to our scientists!
V
Vikram J.
While this is impressive, I hope they've considered durability. Indian roads and walking conditions can be tough on shoes. Also, will it work with traditional footwear like chappals? Nevertheless, congratulations to the team for this achievement!
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Neha T.
This is why we need to invest more in our universities! HPU is showing that you don't need to be from IIT to do groundbreaking work. The professors' publication records are inspiring - proves that consistent hard work pays off. 🇮🇳
K

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