Bendable Wave Receiving Arm for High-Force Wave Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wave power generation systems face challenges in dealing with waves of varying heights, leading to potential damage from high-force waves, as existing mechanisms struggle to effectively parry excessive forces without increasing size or manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A wave receiving mechanism with a bendable arm configuration, featuring a first and second arm portion coupled by a bendable portion with engaging and disengaging components, allows the arm to bend and disengage when excessive force is applied, preventing damage by redirecting wave force and maintaining operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wave energy converters are fixed to the seabed or positioned in deep water, then wave energy generation capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The wave energy converter is designed to be dynamically positioned rather than fixed, allowing it to move with waves while maintaining operational effectiveness. The system uses active positioning control to maintain optimal location without permanent seabed anchoring, reducing installation complexity while preserving energy generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vessel serves multiple functions: it generates wave energy through its converter system, positions itself autonomously using dynamic positioning technology, and can operate in various water depths. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized fixed installations for different locations
2Device complexity
If wave energy converters are installed in shallow water, then installation cost decreases, but wave energy generation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic positioning system enables the converter to operate effectively in shallow water by actively maintaining optimal positioning and orientation, compensating for the reduced wave energy availability through precise control and positioning adjustments
3Stability of the object's composition
If mooring lines are used to position wave energy converters, then device stability is improved, but wave energy absorption is reduced due to line flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical mooring line system is replaced with an electro-hydraulic push-rod actuator system that provides rigid, controlled positioning. This substitution eliminates the flexing and energy loss associated with mooring lines while maintaining device stability through active electro-hydraulic control
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-hydraulic push-rod actuator uses hydraulic pressure to provide rigid positioning forces, replacing the flexible mechanical connection of mooring lines. This hydraulic system maintains stability while allowing efficient wave energy transfer without the energy-dissipating flexing of traditional mooring lines
4Power
If wave energy converters are fixed in position, then wave energy absorption is improved, but adaptability to different locations and depths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The converter employs dynamic positioning technology that allows it to adapt to different locations and water depths while maintaining optimal wave energy absorption. The system actively adjusts its position and orientation in real-time to maximize energy capture regardless of environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system can change its operational parameters including position, orientation, and depth to adapt to different locations and wave conditions. This parameter flexibility allows the converter to optimize wave energy absorption across varying environmental conditions without being fixed in a single configuration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The mechanism effectively parries high wave forces, preventing damage to the wave receiving member and hydraulic pump, while maintaining system efficiency and reducing manufacturing costs by allowing simple disengagement and absorption of bending, thus enabling the system to handle large waves without size increases.
Implementation Method 1
the bendable portion allows the second arm portion to bend relative to first arm portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A wave receiving mechanism includes: a shaft connected to a hydraulic pump and supported so as to be turnable, the shaft being configured to drive the hydraulic pump by turning toward a first side or second side in a circumferential direction; and a wave receiving member including an arm and a wave receiving plate, the arm being attached to the shaft so as to be unrotatable relative to the shaft, the wave receiving plate being provided at the arm so as to receive force of waves, the wave receiving member being configured to swing about the shaft by receiving the force of the waves and make the shaft turn by the swinging. The arm includes a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a bendable portion, the first arm portion being attached to the shaft so as to be unrotatable relative to the shaft, the second arm portion being provided at the wave receiving plate, the bendable portion being configured to couple the first arm portion and the second arm portion to each other. When a swing angle of the first arm portion is less than a first predetermined angle, the bendable portion makes the first arm portion and the second arm portion swing integrally. When the swing angle of the first arm portion is the predetermined angle, the bendable portion allows the second arm portion to bend relative to first arm portion.