Disc Spring Energy Storage With Roller Screw Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastic energy storage devices using helical springs are inefficient for high-power applications due to low specific deformation energy, necessitating large numbers of springs, which is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a roller screw mechanism with disc springs and a motor-generator system, where disc springs store and release energy efficiently, managed by circuit breakers to prevent overloading, and a brake for long-term storage, converting elastic energy into electrical energy using a synchronous motor-generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If helical springs are used for elastic energy storage, then the device can store energy, but the specific deformation energy is small requiring a very large number of springs which is impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the type of spring from helical to disc springs, which have different deformation characteristics and higher specific deformation energy. This parameter change in the spring geometry and deformation mode allows achieving the same energy storage with fewer springs, directly resolving the contradiction between quantity required and power density achieved
2Use of energy by moving object
If a very large number of helical springs are used to achieve practical energy storage, then the energy storage capacity increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase which is not justified
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from helical springs to disc springs, the patent achieves higher energy storage capacity per unit volume and per component. This parameter change in spring geometry fundamentally improves the energy density, allowing practical energy storage without requiring a very large number of components, thus reducing device complexity
3Power
If disc springs are used instead of helical springs, then the specific deformation energy increases, but the device requires a roller screw mechanism and circuit breaker system which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy storage function (disc springs) with the energy conversion function (roller screw mechanism) into an integrated system. The roller screw mechanism serves dual purposes: it converts the deformation of disc springs into rotational motion and simultaneously provides mechanical advantage to amplify the force. This merging reduces overall system complexity despite adding components, as the roller screw mechanism is essential for the conversion process anyway
4Loss of energy
If the device stores large amounts of elastic energy, then the energy conversion efficiency improves, but the circuit breaker must prevent overloading which adds control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker is integrated with the roller screw mechanism to provide automatic feedback control. When the disc springs reach their maximum deformation or when overloading conditions are detected, the circuit breaker automatically disconnects the motor-generator, preventing damage to the system. This feedback mechanism ensures safe operation and maintains high energy conversion efficiency by preventing energy loss through overloading, while adding only minimal control 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 device achieves high energy conversion efficiency, enabling the storage and conversion of up to several million newton meters of elastic energy, generating 5-10% more power than the installed generator, suitable for industrial applications with compact size and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
Threaded roller nuts move pressure plates and deform disc springs. The accumulation of deformation energy of the disc spring system is limited by a circuit breaker
Implementation Method 2
To convert the accumulated elastic energy into electrical energy, the motor-generator is connected as a generator
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the accumulation of elastic energy and converting it into electrical energy, which provides the highest possible efficiency of energy storage and conversion. The device uses a high load capacity and efficiency of the roller screw mechanism and the ability of disc springs to store and release energy with the greatest possible specific elastic deformation. The device is equipped with a brake, which makes it possible to maintain the accumulation of elastic energy for a long time. In the state of energy storage, the motor-generator works as a motor, and to convert the stored elastic energy into electrical energy, it works as a generator.