Buoyancy Apparatus Multiplying Lift Forces via Riser Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buoyancy devices are limited by their dependence on specific locations with waves or moving water, resulting in inconsistent power output and are often complex, costly, and inefficient due to their design, requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising two units with a differential air mass exchanger, outer and inner risers, and a pod, which utilizes liquid columns and air pressure to multiply lift forces across multiple surfaces, allowing for consistent power capture from buoyancy forces in any body of water, reducing complexity and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If existing buoyancy devices are installed at specific locations with waves or moving water, then they can capture buoyancy forces, but their power output becomes inconsistent due to fluctuations in waves, tides, and seasonal water level variations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent buoyant elements (first buoyant element and second buoyant element) that can operate independently. Each element has its own set of columns acting on separate surfaces, allowing the system to capture buoyancy forces from different water level changes simultaneously, thereby consistent power output while reducing location dependency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from capturing buoyancy from a single water level change to capturing buoyancy from multiple independent water level changes across different columns and surfaces. By multiplying the buoyant force through multiple columns acting on multiple surfaces, the system achieves consistent power output regardless of location-specific wave or tide patterns
2Power
If existing buoyancy devices are designed with multiple components to capture buoyancy forces, then they can generate power, but the device complexity increases leading to frequent maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple buoyant elements and their associated columns into an integrated system where the first buoyant element with its columns and the second buoyant element with its columns work together. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining power generation capability through the multiplied buoyant force on multiple surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Each buoyant element serves multiple functions: it provides buoyancy force, drives multiple columns, and acts on multiple surfaces simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining effective power generation from buoyancy forces
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing buoyancy devices use complicated designs to capture buoyancy forces, then they can operate in various water conditions, but the efficiency decreases and reliability suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different configurations of columns and surfaces to different buoyant elements based on local water conditions. Each buoyant element can be optimized for specific water conditions while the overall system maintains adaptability across various environments, improving reliability through localized optimization rather than universal complexity
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 apparatus enables consistent power generation from buoyancy forces in various water bodies, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs by leveraging the multiplication of lift forces across multiple surfaces, thus overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The properties of buoyancy have been explored as a source of renewable or 'green' energy because of the ability to use buoyancy forces in existing bodies of water
Implementation Method 2
differential air mass exchanger, outer and inner risers, and a pod, which utilizes liquid columns and air pressure to multiply lift forces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a tank with an open top, a tank wall, and a closed bottom. A first ringwall extends from the bottom such that a first annular space is defined by the first ringwall and the tank wall, and a second annular space is defined by the first ringwall. A second ringwall extends in the second annular space and defines a third annular space between the first ringwall and the second ringwall and further defines a cylindrical space. A conduit extends into the cylindrical space. A pod disposed into the cylindrical space has a closed chamber and a displacement chamber. An inner riser disposed in the third annular space has an open bottom, and an outer riser is disposed in the first annular space and has a closed top, a wall, and an open bottom.