Power supply device for ocean monitoring equipment
By designing a dual-power generation component driven by ocean wave motion and a ratchet and pawl unidirectional transmission structure, the problems of power interruption and limited adaptability of traditional power supply methods are solved, realizing continuous power supply and flexible adaptation of marine monitoring equipment throughout its entire life cycle.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BINZHOU OCEAN DEV RES INST
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
Traditional battery power supply has limited endurance, while solar and wind power supply are highly constrained by natural conditions and cannot provide continuous power around the clock, resulting in high maintenance costs for marine monitoring equipment and environmental pollution.
The design incorporates a multi-pillar platform and independent column structure, employs dual power generation components symmetrically distributed vertically and vertically, and a ratchet and pawl unidirectional transmission mechanism. By leveraging the interaction between wave motion and the gravity of the load, it achieves efficient conversion of the mechanical energy of the waves into electrical energy throughout their entire lifecycle.
It enables continuous power supply for marine monitoring equipment throughout its entire lifecycle, adapts to the needs of equipment of different sizes, reduces operation and maintenance costs, avoids environmental pollution, and is suitable for both large and small marine monitoring equipment.
Smart Images
Figure CN122014485A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of power supply technology for marine monitoring equipment, and in particular to a power supply replenishment device for marine monitoring equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Power supply devices for marine monitoring equipment are core supporting facilities for ensuring the smooth operation of marine environmental monitoring, ecological protection, and disaster early warning. They need to provide continuous and stable power support for various monitoring devices (such as water quality sensors and environmental monitoring buoys) deployed in different areas such as nearshore and offshore waters, directly affecting the continuity and reliability of monitoring data. With the expansion of marine monitoring scope and the miniaturization and diversification of equipment, traditional power supply devices can no longer meet actual needs and have many significant shortcomings: First, the traditional battery power supply mode has limited endurance and requires frequent replacement at sea, which not only results in extremely high maintenance costs, but also easily causes marine pollution from discarded batteries; Second, solar and wind power supply are highly constrained by natural conditions, with significant power outages on cloudy or rainy days and during periods of no wind, making it impossible to achieve continuous power supply around the clock. To address this, the present invention proposes a power supply device for marine monitoring equipment. By designing two differentiated structures—a multi-pillar platform and an independent column—and combining them with dual power generation components D and E symmetrically distributed vertically, the device employs a ratchet and pawl unidirectional transmission mechanism and a precise matching structure between a flat wire O-chain and a sprocket with protrusions and slots. Relying on the natural undulating motion of ocean waves and the gravity of the load, it achieves efficient conversion of the mechanical energy of ocean waves into electrical energy throughout the entire cycle, thus solving the pain points of power interruption and limited adaptability of traditional devices. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The technical problems to be solved: the limited range of traditional battery power supply and the strong constraints of natural conditions on solar and wind power supply.
[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a power supply device for marine monitoring equipment, thereby solving the technical problems mentioned in the background section.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A power supply device for marine monitoring equipment includes a floating platform B deployed in the middle of multiple pillars A, and two power generation components D and E distributed vertically are installed inside each of the multiple pillars A; Multiple high-strength chains are connected to the outside of the floating platform B. Each chain starts from the floating platform B and passes through the power generation component E below and the power generation component D above the adjacent support A in sequence. The end of each chain away from the floating platform B is fixedly connected to a load C. Both power generation component D and power generation component E include a generator and a sprocket. The output shaft of the generator is connected to the sprocket via a ratchet and a pawl. The sprocket has internal protrusions and slots, and the chain is a flat wire O-chain.
[0006] In one possible implementation, the power generation component D is located above the floating platform B on the upper side of the sea surface, and the power generation component E is located below the floating platform B on the lower side of the sea surface.
[0007] In one possible implementation, each O-link of the chain engages with a slot inside the sprocket, and a protrusion on the sprocket passes through the internal cavity of the O-link.
[0008] In one possible implementation, when the sprockets of power generation components D and E rotate counterclockwise, they cause the pawl to engage with the ratchet.
[0009] In one possible implementation, a column M with a solid lower end and a hollow upper part is also included, with an annular hollow floating platform N fitted on the outside of the column M.
[0010] In one possible implementation, power generation components D and E are installed inside the column M, arranged vertically.
[0011] In one possible implementation, a high-strength chain is fixedly connected to the outside of the floating platform N. The chain starts from the floating platform N and passes through the lower power generation component E and the upper power generation component D in sequence. A load C is fixedly connected to the end of the chain away from the floating platform N.
[0012] Beneficial effects compared to existing technologies: 1. This solution achieves high-efficiency power generation throughout the entire cycle, solving the problem of continuous power supply for marine monitoring. By relying on the natural undulation of ocean waves and the gravity of the load, and combining it with symmetrically distributed dual power generation components D and E and a ratchet and pawl unidirectional transmission structure, continuous power generation is achieved throughout the entire cycle of ocean wave movement. When the wave rises, the floating platform pulls the chain upward, driving the lower power generation component E to generate electricity; when the wave falls, the gravity of the load pulls the chain downward, driving the upper power generation component D to generate electricity. No additional energy is required to drive it, and mechanical energy is efficiently converted into electrical energy. This fundamentally solves the pain points of difficult power supply and high resupply costs for monitoring equipment in remote marine areas, providing stable power support for long-term deployed equipment. 2. In this solution, differentiated structural adaptation covers the needs of monitoring equipment in multiple scenarios. By designing two differentiated structures, namely the multi-pillar platform type and the independent column type, it achieves wide compatibility with marine monitoring equipment of different sizes while adhering to the unified core power generation principle. The multi-pillar platform type relies on a large marine monitoring platform and is compatible with large monitoring equipment that needs to be deployed for a long time. The independent column type adopts a compact independent column design, which can be deployed independently without relying on a large platform. It is precisely compatible with miniaturized and lightweight portable monitoring equipment, flexibly covering a variety of application scenarios such as shallow sea and nearshore, and makes up for the scenario limitations of a single structure. Attached Figure Description
[0013] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the device according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the power generation equipment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ratchet and pawl of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sprocket of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the positions of the column M and the floating platform N of the present invention.
[0015] Legend: 1. Generator; 2. Sprocket; 3. Ratchet; 4. Pad; 5. Protrusion; 6. Slot. Detailed Implementation
[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can also be implemented in various different forms, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. In addition, for the purpose of more clearly describing the present invention, parts not connected to the invention will be omitted from the drawings. The technical solution in this application embodiment is to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, and the overall idea is as follows: Example
[0017] This embodiment describes the specific structure of a power supply device for marine monitoring equipment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the core of this device is to efficiently convert mechanical energy into electrical energy by relying on the continuous wave motion in the marine environment, providing a stable and continuous power supply for monitoring equipment deployed in the ocean for a long time, fundamentally solving the problems of difficult power supply and high supply cost for monitoring equipment in remote marine areas; like Figure 1 As shown, the power supply device is based on a marine monitoring platform. The monitoring platform is equipped with multiple evenly distributed pillars A, which are set perpendicular to the sea surface. In the area enclosed by the multiple pillars A, there is a hollow floating platform B. The floating platform B is made of lightweight and corrosion-resistant polymer material. With its hollow design, it can float stably on the sea surface and can detect vertical displacement changes caused by wave undulations to the greatest extent.
[0018] like Figure 2 As shown, two power generation components, labeled power generation component D and power generation component E, are precisely arranged vertically inside each of the multiple support pillars A. Multiple high-strength chains are connected to the outside of the floating platform B. Each chain starts from the floating platform B and passes through the power generation component E below and the power generation component D above the adjacent support pillar A in sequence, forming a complete transmission path. A load C is fixedly connected to the end of each chain away from the floating platform B. The load C is made of high-density metal material, and its weight has been precisely calculated to generate sufficient traction when the chain is pulled, without causing the floating platform B to be unable to rise and fall normally with the waves due to excessive weight. It is important to clarify that the installation positions of power generation components D and E are clearly distinguishable: power generation component D is located above the sea surface, that is, above the floating platform B; power generation component E is located below the sea surface, that is, below the floating platform B. This symmetrical layout is the key structural design for realizing subsequent bidirectional power generation.
[0019] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the structures of power generation components D and E are completely identical, both including four key components: generator 1, sprocket 2, ratchet 3, and pawl 4. Among them, generator 1, as the core unit of energy conversion, transmits power to sprocket 2 through ratchet 3 and pawl 4. Specifically, ratchet 3 is firmly fixed to the output shaft of generator 1 by a key connection, ensuring that the two can rotate synchronously. Sprocket 2 and pawl 4 form an integrated structure. Pawl 4 is installed on the inner side of sprocket 2 by an elastic connector and can rotate slightly around a fixed axis. The key to achieving unidirectional power generation lies in the special structural design of the ratchet 3 and pawl 4: the inner side of the ratchet 3 has evenly distributed unidirectional tooth grooves, and the end shape of the pawl 4 perfectly matches the tooth grooves; when the sprocket 2 in the power generation components D and E rotates counterclockwise, the sprocket 2 will drive the pawl 4 to move synchronously. At this time, under the action of inertia and elastic force, the pawl 4 is precisely engaged in the tooth groove of the ratchet 3 and locked, thereby driving the output shaft of the generator 1 to rotate synchronously through the ratchet 3. The electromagnetic induction structure inside the generator 1 then works, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy and completing the power generation process; conversely, when the sprocket 2 rotates clockwise, the pawl 4 will slide along the inclined surface of the tooth groove of the ratchet 3 and cannot form an effective engagement. At this time, the pawl 4 and the ratchet 3 are in a relatively free-spinning state and cannot transmit power to the output shaft of the generator 1, so the generator 1 cannot perform power generation.
[0020] To ensure the stability and effectiveness of power transmission between the chain and sprocket 2, two key structures, protrusion 5 and groove 6, are specially designed inside sprocket 2. Protrusion 5 and groove 6 are evenly distributed alternately along the inner circumference of sprocket 2, and their positions precisely match the chain structure. The chain connecting the floating platform B and the load C uses a flat-wire O-chain. This type of chain features a closed O-shape for each link, and the link body is designed with flat wire, ensuring both chain flexibility and improved fit with sprocket 2. During assembly, each O-shaped link of the chain engages tightly with the groove 6 inside sprocket 2, while the protrusion 5 on sprocket 2 precisely passes through the internal cavity of the O-shaped link. This double-fit structure effectively prevents slippage and misalignment of the chain during movement. When sprocket 2 rotates under the drive of the chain, the protrusion 5 generates a continuous thrust on the chain links, thus stably driving the entire chain along a preset path, achieving efficient power transmission.
[0021] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the operation of this power supply device relies entirely on the natural movement of the ocean waves, requiring no additional human intervention. The specific workflow is as follows: In the marine environment, the waves constantly rise and fall. As the floating platform B floats on the sea surface, when the waves are rising, the waves exert an upward thrust on the floating platform B, causing it to move upward synchronously. During the upward movement of the floating platform B, it exerts an upward pulling force on the multiple chains connected to its surface. Under the action of the pulling force, the chains move upward along the preset path inside the support column A, thereby driving the sprocket 2 of the power generation component E, which is meshed with it, to rotate counterclockwise. At the same time, due to the linkage of the chains, the sprocket 2 of the power generation component D located above will rotate clockwise synchronously.
[0022] At this time, the sprocket 2 of the power generation component E is rotating counterclockwise. The sprocket 2 will drive the pawl 4 to lock the ratchet 3, thereby driving the output shaft of the generator 1 to rotate. The generator 1 starts the power generation operation, converting the mechanical energy of the floating platform B moving upward into electrical energy. Meanwhile, the sprocket 2 of the power generation component D is rotating clockwise. The pawl 4 cannot effectively engage with the ratchet 3, the power transmission is interrupted, and the generator 1 does not generate electricity.
[0023] As the floating platform B moves upward and pulls the chain, the end of the chain furthest from the floating platform B simultaneously pulls the load C upward. At this time, the load C does work against its own gravity, storing some energy as potential energy. When the waves reach the descending stage, the upward thrust of the waves on the floating platform B disappears, and the floating platform B moves downward under its own gravity and the downward movement of the waves. At this time, the chain connecting the floating platform B and the load C gradually changes from a taut state to a relaxed state. The load C, having lost the upward pull of the chain, begins to fall under its own gravity. During the fall, it generates a downward traction force on the chain, pulling the chain to move in the opposite direction. The reverse movement of the chain will drive the sprocket 2 of the power generation component E to rotate clockwise, and at the same time drive the sprocket 2 of the power generation component D to rotate counterclockwise. Similarly, when the sprocket 2 of the power generation component E is rotating clockwise, the pawl 4 cannot engage the ratchet 3, and the generator 1 cannot obtain power, so it does not generate electricity; while when the sprocket 2 of the power generation component D is rotating counterclockwise, the pawl 4 precisely engages the ratchet 3 during the movement, thereby driving the output shaft of the generator 1 to rotate, and the generator 1 restarts the power generation operation, converting the gravitational potential energy released during the fall of the load C into electrical energy.
[0024] Therefore, this device utilizes the kinetic energy of the rising and falling waves: when the wave rises, the floating platform B moves upward, driving the power generation component E to generate electricity; when the wave falls, the weight C pulls down, driving the power generation component D to generate electricity. The two power generation components work alternately and complement each other, completely covering the entire cycle of wave motion. This ensures uninterrupted power generation by the power generation equipment during the continuous cycle of rising and falling waves, thus providing a stable and continuous power supply for the marine monitoring equipment. Example
[0025] Given that the power supply device provided in Embodiment 1 is based on a multi-pillar marine monitoring platform, its overall size is large and its deployment scenarios are limited, making it difficult to adapt to miniaturized and lightweight marine monitoring equipment, this embodiment specifically proposes a compact and flexible power supply device. Based on the core power generation principle of Embodiment 1, miniaturization and adaptation are achieved by optimizing the overall structure. The specific structure and operating logic are as follows: This device uses an independent column structure as its core carrier, such as Figure 6As shown, it includes a columnar structure M that can stand stably on the sea surface. The design of column M fully considers the balance between stability and buoyancy. Its lower end is a solid structure, which can provide sufficient weight to ensure that column M is vertically rooted in the shallow sea area below the sea surface, avoiding tilting or displacement due to wave impact. The upper part of column M is a hollow structure. The hollow section has reserved cavity for the installation of power generation components and chain drive channel. This not only reduces the overall weight of the column, but also balances the buoyancy generated by the hollow structure with the weight of the lower solid section, ultimately achieving a vertical standing state of column M on the sea surface. It can be deployed independently without relying on a large monitoring platform. The upper part of column M protruding above the sea surface can be used to deploy and install the required marine monitoring equipment.
[0026] An annular hollow floating platform N is fitted on the outer side of the column M. Two power generation components, namely power generation component D and power generation component E, are precisely arranged vertically inside the column M. Their structures are completely consistent with the power generation components in Embodiment 1. Among them, power generation component E is located in the lower region inside the column M, and power generation component D is located in the upper region inside the column M. Their installation positions correspond to the lower and upper parts of the annular floating platform N, respectively, providing precise connection for the power transmission when the floating platform N moves up and down.
[0027] A high-strength chain is fixedly connected to the outside of the floating platform N. The chain starts from the floating platform N, enters the interior of the column M through the pre-set through hole in the side wall of the column M, and then passes through the lower power generation component E and the upper power generation component D in sequence along the internal transmission channel. The end of the chain away from the floating platform N is fixedly connected to a load C. Similar to Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the chain connecting the floating platform N and the load C is still a flat wire O-chain. The sprockets 2 in the power generation components D and E are also equipped with protrusions 5 and slots 6. Each O-shaped link of the chain is tightly engaged through the slots 6, while the protrusions 5 precisely pass through the internal cavity of the link. This double-fit structure effectively prevents the chain from slipping or shifting during movement, ensuring the stability of power transmission.
[0028] Specifically, in the marine environment, the continuous rise and fall of ocean waves will generate a vertical thrust on the annular floating platform N. When the waves are rising, the upward thrust of the waves on the floating platform N is greater than the weight of the platform itself, causing the floating platform N to slide upward along the outer wall of the column M. When the floating platform N moves upward, it generates an upward pulling force on the chain through the connecting lugs. Under the action of the pulling force, the chain moves upward along the internal transmission channel, thereby driving the sprocket 2 of the power generation component E that is meshed with it to rotate counterclockwise. At the same time, due to the linkage characteristics of the chain, the sprocket 2 of the power generation component D located above rotates clockwise synchronously.
[0029] Similarly, as the floating platform N moves upward and pulls the chain, the end of the chain away from the floating platform N will simultaneously pull the load C upward. When the load C reaches the descent stage of the wave movement, the upward thrust of the wave on the floating platform N disappears, and it begins to fall downward under its own weight. During the fall, it generates a continuous downward pulling force on the chain, pulling the chain to move in the opposite direction along the transmission channel inside the column M. The reverse movement of the chain will drive the sprocket 2 of the power generation component E to rotate clockwise, and at the same time drive the sprocket 2 of the power generation component D to rotate counterclockwise.
[0030] The core working principle of power generation components D and E is consistent with that of Embodiment 1. Both consist of a generator 1, a sprocket 2, a ratchet 3, and a pawl 4, forming a power transmission and energy conversion unit. The ratchet 3 is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the generator 1, and the sprocket 2 is linked to the pawl 4. Relying on the unidirectional tooth groove of the ratchet 3 and the matching structure of the pawl 4, unidirectional power generation is achieved: when the sprocket 2 rotates counterclockwise, the pawl 4 engages the ratchet 3 and drives the output shaft of the generator 1 to rotate, completing power generation; when the sprocket 2 rotates clockwise, the pawl 4 slides along the tooth groove of the ratchet 3, unable to transmit power, and the generator 1 does not work.
[0031] Through the complete motion cycle described above, this device, with the help of the reciprocating motion of the annular floating platform N and the gravitational traction of the load C, realizes the alternating power generation of the power generation components D and E. Regardless of the rise and fall of the waves, it can continuously convert the mechanical energy of the waves into electrical energy, providing a stable and continuous power supply for small marine monitoring equipment. At the same time, the device adopts an independent column structure, which is compact and flexible in deployment. It can be adapted to small monitoring equipment in various scenarios such as shallow sea and nearshore, effectively making up for the shortcomings of Embodiment 1 in miniaturized application scenarios.
[0032] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.
Claims
1. A power supply device for marine monitoring equipment, characterized in that, This includes a floating platform B deployed in the middle of multiple pillars A, and two vertically distributed power generation components D and E installed inside each of the multiple pillars A; Multiple high-strength chains are connected to the outside of the floating platform B. Each chain starts from the floating platform B and passes through the power generation component E below and the power generation component D above the adjacent support A in sequence. The end of each chain away from the floating platform B is fixedly connected to a load C. Both power generation component D and power generation component E include a generator (1) and a sprocket (2). The output shaft of the generator (1) and the sprocket (2) transmit power through a ratchet (3) and a pawl (4). The sprocket (2) has a protrusion (5) and a groove (6) inside, and the chain is a flat wire O-chain.
2. The power supply device for marine monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Power generation component D is located above the sea surface, i.e., above floating platform B, while power generation component E is located below the sea surface, i.e., below floating platform B.
3. The power supply device for marine monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each O-shaped link of the chain engages with a groove (6) inside the sprocket (2), and a protrusion (5) on the sprocket (2) passes through the internal cavity of the O-shaped link.
4. The power supply device for marine monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the sprockets (2) of power generation components D and E rotate counterclockwise, they drive the pawl (4) to engage with the ratchet (3).
5. A power supply device for marine monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a column M with a solid structure at the bottom and a hollow structure at the top, with an annular hollow floating platform N fitted on the outside of the column M.
6. The power supply device for marine monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Inside column M are installed power generation components D and E arranged vertically.
7. A power supply device for marine monitoring equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A high-strength chain is fixedly connected to the outside of the floating platform N. The chain starts from the floating platform N and passes through the power generation component E below and the power generation component D above in sequence. A load C is fixedly connected to the end of the chain away from the floating platform N.