Dielectric Elastomer Membrane Generator for Linear Wave Energy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wave harvesting technologies for marine vessels are impractical due to their bulkiness and inefficiencies in converting linear to rotational acceleration, and they do not effectively utilize the continuous energy available from ocean waves.

Innovation Solution

A dielectric elastomer-based generator system with a stack of funnel-shaped membrane layers and a rigid connector rod, where linear forces cause alternating stretching and relaxation of membrane layers to generate electrical energy, efficiently converting linear kinetic energy from waves without the need for rotational conversion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional electromagnetic turbines are used for wave harvesting, then energy can be generated from wave motion, but the system becomes too heavy and bulky for practical marine vessel applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic turbines with a dielectric elastomer generator system that directly converts linear wave motion into electrical energy through electrostatic induction, eliminating the need for heavy rotational mechanical components while maintaining energy generation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible dielectric elastomer membranes as the core energy harvesting element, which are lightweight thin films that can stretch and deform with wave motion to generate electrical charge, replacing bulky electromagnetic turbine structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Power

If conventional electromagnetic turbines are used for wave harvesting, then energy can be generated from wave motion, but the device complexity and bulkiness increase making it cost-inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electromagnetic conversion mechanisms with a simpler electrostatic system using stretchable dielectric membranes, reducing the number of moving parts and overall system complexity while maintaining power generation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the energy harvesting function into multiple independent dielectric membrane layers that can operate in parallel, allowing modular scaling of power output without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If conventional wave harvesting technologies are used, then rotational acceleration can be harvested, but linear wave accelerations are converted inefficiently due to the rotational conversion requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss during conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes rotational mechanical harvesting with direct linear electrostatic harvesting, where dielectric membranes stretch and compress in response to linear wave accelerations, eliminating energy losses associated with rotational conversion mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameter from rotational motion to linear stretching motion, allowing direct utilization of linear wave accelerations without conversion losses by designing dielectric membranes that respond directly to linear force application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a lightweight, efficient, and cost-effective means to harness continuous wave energy, offering energy densities up to 100 times greater than conventional electromagnetic systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and providing a stable power supply.

Implementation Method 1

Each membrane layer can be configured to accumulate electrical charge when cyclically stretched and relaxed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric elastomer stretching and relaxation: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

Each membrane layer can be configured to accumulate electrical charge when cyclically stretched and relaxed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250207567A1Devices and methods for harvesting kinetic energy

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 VOLTAI INC

AI summary

Devices and methods are provided for harvesting kinetic energy. The devices can include a plurality of dielectric elastomeric membranes, a rigid connector rod, and a mountable support base. Membrane layers have a funnel-shape with a narrow opening portion and a wide perimeter portion. Membrane layers are adjacent to other membrane layers having an opposite orientation defined by the narrow opening portion and the wide perimeter portion. The narrow opening portions are coupled to a first end portion of the connector rod. The wide perimeter portions are fixed in relation to the support base. Application of linear force at a second end portion of the connector rod in a first direction causes at least a first membrane layer to stretch. Application of the force in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes at least a second membrane layer adjacent to the first membrane layer to stretch.