Wiring Diagram:

Now that you have an overview of our proposed Green Rabbit Machine and understand how we plan to implement it into daily life, let’s take a look at the wiring diagram of our GRM prototype. 

(Also see the Photo Gallery for actual pictures)

Explanation:

After studying the wiring diagram, you’ll notice there are several traditional “light switches” implemented within the circuit.  Two of them will have no major significance in the actual implementation or our product and were built into our prototype mainly for testing purposes.  The function of third one (labeled Switch A); however, will have great significance.  When tied into a circuit, an alternator is always consuming electrical current.  This is because alternators do not have “permanent” magnates built into them – consequently they rely on the aid of an electromagnetic field to produce their power.  In order for this electromagnetic field to exist, alternators will actually use a small amount of energy in the process.  When the alternator is turning, the fact that its consuming energy is not much a concern because the alternator will generate substantially more energy then it will consume (meaning that it can sustain itself).  When the alternator is not turning (which occurs when no one is using the GRM) this is when things become problematic.  Some sort of switch is needed to prevent unnecessary drainage from our battery supply. 

Automation:

While the switch mentioned above is manually operated in our prototype, it could easily be automated through the same basic principles of an emergency exit door alarm.  When an emergency door is closed, a magnet placed within the door itself keeps the circuit disconnected.  When the door is propped open, the actual switch (located within the door jam) is freed of magnetic contact (causing a small metal rod inside to drop), hence connecting the circuit and setting off the alarm.  Let’s now take this same principle and apply it under the seat of our bicycle.  The seat itself can be raised slightly by a weak spring (while the GRM is not in operation).  Then, when an exerciser sits down, the seat can connect two contact points together, powering our alternator’s magnetic field just in time for that individual to begin their exercise routine.  Once the person gets up to speed, instead of draining the battery, the battery will actually be getting charged from the energy given off by the alternator (which is also the same power we would use for applying a load). 

In our prototype, switches A and B (also viewable in our photo gallery) were never congruently on, because if so, we would be charging the battery and powering our load at the same time – which while trying to take measurements, was not useful.  Our prototype operated by using a battery to “jump start” the electromagnetic field on our alternator.  Then, once going, we would use switch A to disconnect the battery (so that we weren’t charging it), and then use switch B to connect our load – such that we were only powering our load and the alternators magnetic field).