Counter-Rotating Generator Shaft for Oscillating Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy conversion devices are inefficient in harnessing oscillating motion, such as vehicle vibrations or wave energy, and fail to generate electrical power effectively from these sources, leading to high fuel consumption and limited renewable energy generation.
Innovation Solution
An energy conversion device with a shaft having interlocking portions and one-way bearings that allow the rotor and stator to rotate in opposite directions, converting oscillating motion into electrical energy by rotating magnets relative to coils, thereby increasing power generation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional generators are used in hybrid vehicles, then electrical power can be generated to recharge the battery, but the fuel consumption increases and energy conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into a first portion and a second portion that can rotate relative to each other, allowing independent rotation of the rotor and stator. This segmentation enables the generator to effectively harness oscillating motion from the crankshaft, converting it into electrical energy with higher efficiency and reducing overall energy loss in the hybrid vehicle system.
2Power
If the rotor and stator rotate in the same direction, then the structure is simpler, but the power generation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is segmented into rotatable portions that enable the rotor and stator to rotate in opposite directions. This segmentation allows the complex counter-rotation mechanism to be achieved through modular design, where each portion of the shaft can be independently engineered to facilitate the desired rotational motion for maximum power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft structure incorporates dynamic elements including one-way bearings that allow the rotor and stator to rotate in opposite directions when crankshaft oscillations occur. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to varying operating conditions and maximize power generation efficiency without requiring a completely rigid and complex structure.
3Productivity
If one-way bearings are used to enable counter-rotation, then power generation from oscillating motion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
One-way bearings are used as intermediary elements between the crankshaft and the rotor-stator assembly. These bearings mediate the transmission of rotational motion, allowing the rotor and stator to rotate in opposite directions during crankshaft oscillations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The one-way bearings enable the complex motion pattern without requiring a completely complex bearing system.
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 device effectively generates electrical power from oscillating motion, reducing fuel consumption and enhancing renewable energy capture by allowing vehicles to produce power continuously from vibrations and waves, with increased efficiency and reduced battery stress.
Implementation Method 1
a first one-way bearing coupled to the first portion of the shaft configured to transfer rotational input to the first portion of the shaft in a first direction. The device may also include a second one-way bearing coupled to the second portion of the shaft configured to transfer rotational input to the second portion of the shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The device may also include a generator including a rotor and a stator, wherein the rotor is coupled to the first portion of the shaft and the stator is coupled to the second portion of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An energy conversion device may include a shaft including a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion of the shaft is configured to rotate relative to the second portion of the shaft. A rotor may be coupled to the first portion of the shaft and a stator may be coupled to the second portion of the shaft. A first one-way bearing may be coupled to the first portion of the shaft and configured to transfer rotational input to the first portion of the shaft in a first direction. A second one-way bearing may be coupled to the second portion of the shaft and configured to transfer rotational input to the second portion of the shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction.