A vibrational energy harvesting apparatus comprising: a substrate having a
plurality of integral compliant regions; at least two ferromagnetic
masses each coupled to a corresponding one or more of the integral
compliant regions such that at least one of the ferromagnetic masses
moves with respect to the substrate responsive to substrate acceleration,
each ferromagnetic mass having an inner magnetic pole disposed such that
the inner magnetic poles are separated by a gap, wherein the magnetic
polarities of the inner magnetic poles on the opposing sides of the gap
are similar; wherein the inner magnetic poles form a steep flux gradient
region in and around the gap; and a coil coupled to the substrate and
disposed within the steep flux gradient region where it is exposed to a
changing magnetic flux arising from motion of at least one of the
ferromagnetic masses with respect to the substrate.