Conductive Polymer Train Wheel for Static Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timepiece mechanisms face issues with static electricity generation between resin and metal wheels, leading to increased frictional resistance and potential motor module stoppages due to insufficient conductivity at the tooth tips.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conductive polymer and carbon powder into the first wheel, with a conductive train wheel bridge and main plate to ensure equal potential and prevent Coulomb, Johnson Rahbeck, and gradient forces, effectively discharging static electricity through connection to a high-capacity electrostatic source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carbon fibers are mixed into a resin material of a wheel, then the electrical resistance of the resin material is reduced, but the carbon fibers do not reach the tooth tips of the wheel, so sufficient conductivity may not be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the form of conductive material from long carbon fibers to fine carbon powder, which can uniformly distribute and reach the tooth tips of the wheel. This parameter change in the physical state of the conductive additive enables sufficient conductivity at critical areas that were previously inaccessible to fiber-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining resin with both carbon fibers and carbon powder, along with conductive polymer. This multi-component composite approach allows the carbon powder to fill gaps and reach tooth tips while carbon fibers provide overall structural conductivity, achieving comprehensive conductivity coverage.
2Weight of moving object
If the first wheel is configured by a resin material to suppress moment of inertia, then the weight is reduced, but static electricity is generated between the first wheel and second wheel, causing frictional resistance to rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of resin, carbon fibers, carbon powder, and conductive polymer. The resin base maintains low weight and low moment of inertia, while the conductive additives (carbon powder and conductive polymer) eliminate static electricity generation, simultaneously achieving both weight reduction and static electricity prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical properties of the resin material by adding conductive components, transforming it from an insulating material to a conductive composite material. This parameter change allows the wheel to maintain its lightweight resin structure while acquiring the ability to dissipate static electricity.
3Weight of moving object
If the main plate and train wheel bridge are configured by resin material to reduce weight, then the overall weight is reduced, but they polarize easily due to accumulated charge, causing wheels to stick
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the main plate and train wheel bridge conductive by incorporating carbon fibers and conductive polymer into the resin material. This creates equipotential surfaces that prevent charge accumulation and polarization, eliminating the Coulomb forces that cause wheels to stick to the support structure.
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
This configuration enhances conductivity at the tooth tips, reduces static electricity accumulation, and prevents motor module stoppages by maintaining sufficient strength and conductivity, while also improving abrasion resistance and shock resistance.
Implementation Method 1
static electricity is generated between the first wheel and the second wheel at times such as when there is friction between the teeth of both wheels and when the teeth which mesh with each other separate from each other
Implementation Method 2
the powdered carbon and the conductive polymer are filled to all of the tooth tips and it is possible to effectively secure the conductivity of the first wheel
Implementation Method 3
it is possible to render the train wheel bridge, the first wheel, and the second wheel the same potential. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the generation of not only the Coulomb force between the first wheel, the second wheel, and the train wheel bridge, but also a Johnson Rahbeck force and a gradient force
Implementation Method 4
the wheels stick to the train wheel bridge and the frictional resistance greatly rises due to a Coulomb force which is generated between the wheels and the train wheel bridge which has a particularly close distance to the wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A train wheel unit is provided with a first wheel which is configured by a material including a conductive polymer and a carbon powder, and a second wheel which is configured by a metal material. The train wheel unit transmits a drive force of an electric motor module which is driven using a battery as an electrical power source.