Bidirectional Transmission System for Wave Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing unidirectional motion systems using bi-directional transmission systems, such as free wheels or coupling bearings, experience instability when subjected to opposite rotational directions, leading to uncontrolled motion in applications like wave-energy harvesting turbines.

Innovation Solution

A transmission system with an input and output shaft, utilizing multiple coupling mechanisms like cogged wheels, pinion gears, and unidirectional rotation devices, which ensures that rotational forces of different magnitudes and directions are converted into a consistent unidirectional motion without relying on blade rotation, using gears, belts, and chains for efficient motion transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If free wheels or coupling bearings are used to convert bidirectional rotation into unidirectional rotation, then unidirectional motion is obtained, but instability occurs when rotation in the opposite direction locks the mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidcontrolled operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The input shaft is segmented into multiple independent rotation elements that can rotate in different directions independently. Each element is coupled to the output shaft through separate transmission paths, allowing bidirectional input forces to be processed separately and combined into unidirectional output motion without mutual interference or locking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using conventional unidirectional mechanisms (free wheels, pawls) that lock in reverse direction, the patent inverts the approach by using bidirectional coupling elements that remain operational in both rotation directions, eliminating the locking instability while maintaining unidirectional output through the coupling mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If bidirectional turbines are used to harvest wave energy, then both directions of wave motion can be utilized, but uncontrolled rotation occurs when the turbine is freely rotating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidrotation control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The turbine is divided into multiple independent input shaft elements that can rotate in different directions. Each element processes wave energy from its respective direction independently, preventing uncontrolled free rotation while maintaining the ability to harvest energy from both bidirectional wave motions through the coupled output shaft

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the bidirectional input shaft elements and the unidirectional output shaft. It mediates the bidirectional rotation forces, converting them into controlled unidirectional output motion that drives the generator, thereby preventing uncontrolled rotation while maintaining energy harvesting from both directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system stabilizes unidirectional motion, preventing instability and ensuring controlled operation in applications like wave-energy harvesting, by effectively converting bi-directional forces into unidirectional motion on the output shaft, enhancing efficiency and reducing unnecessary friction.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission system with an input and output shaft, utilizing multiple coupling mechanisms like cogged wheels, pinion gears

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

using gears, belts, and chains for efficient motion transfer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

utilizing multiple coupling mechanisms like cogged wheels, pinion gears, and unidirectional rotation devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRatchet mechanism: Ratchet

Data Source

PatentUS10753428B2Device, transmission, and universal mechanical coupling of forces having different magnitudes and direction (D.T.U.M.C.)

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 RODRIGUEZ RAMIREZ MARCO ANTONIO

AI summary

A device, transmission and universal mechanical coupling which allows transforming rotating forces of different magnitudes and directions being applied on the same rotating shaft (1) and obtaining a unidirectional motion in an output shaft (2) which can be used in any environment. The device consists of an input shaft (1), an output shaft (2) and two linking means (3 and 5) and (4, 9, and 6) between these two shafts (1 and 2) which are provided with at least a unidirectional coupling device (7a and 7b) each, and which, in the most basic form thereof lacks of a rotation inverter (15a ).