Displacement Device Using Counterweight to Reduce Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for cyclically lifting a vertically-oriented column of water in a bi-level tank require substantial power due to the heavy weight of the water column, making them inefficient and costly, especially when continuously accommodating multiple objects.
Innovation Solution
A displacement system that alternately occupies the same volume with air or a solid mass in the bi-level tank, using a pressurized air tank and a piston plate with a pressure differential to displace water, reducing the power required to move the water column by operating against a lower pressure differential.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a machine directly lifts a vertically-oriented column of water in a bi-level tank, then the water column can be cycled continuously, but the power requirement becomes substantial due to the heavy weight of the water column
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism where a mass is positioned to balance the water column's weight. The counterweight moves in opposition to the water column, reducing the net force required to lift the water. This allows continuous cycling with significantly reduced power consumption, as the system only needs to overcome the weight difference rather than the full weight of the water column.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary mechanism (such as a pulley system or lever) between the power source and the water column. This intermediary transfers and transforms the applied force, allowing a smaller force to move the heavy water column by mechanical advantage. The intermediary system enables continuous operation while keeping power requirements manageable.
2Productivity
If a machine lifts a heavy water column to accommodate multiple objects, then continuous operation is enabled, but the cost and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight mechanism enables continuous operation by balancing the water column's weight, allowing the system to cycle repeatedly without requiring substantial energy input for each cycle. The counterweight stores and releases potential energy, reducing the net energy consumption per cycle and improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action where the water column and counterweight oscillate in a cyclical manner. This periodic motion allows the system to maintain continuous operation by utilizing the kinetic energy generated during the downward stroke to assist in the upward stroke, thereby reducing energy losses and improving efficiency.
3Force
If existing systems lift the water column with high pressure, then the water can be moved, but the system becomes inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight mechanism reduces the force requirement by balancing the water column's weight. Instead of applying high pressure to overcome the full weight, the system only needs to overcome the weight difference, allowing for simpler, less expensive components and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a high-pressure mechanical lifting system with a lower-pressure system that utilizes gravitational force through the counterweight mechanism. This substitution reduces the complexity of pressure control systems, valves, and pumps, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and simplifying the overall system design.
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 solution significantly reduces the power needed to lift and cycle a vertically-oriented water column, allowing for continuous operation with multiple objects while maintaining a height differential, making the system more efficient and commercially viable.
Implementation Method 1
using a pressurized air tank and a piston plate with a pressure differential to displace water, reducing the power required to move the water column by operating against a lower pressure differential
Implementation Method 2
a volume of air or a solid mass that corresponds to the object's volume is injected into (i.e. created in) the bi-level tank. The purpose here is to displace water in the bi-level tank by lifting a column of water toward the upper surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system for cyclically lifting a large volume of water includes a piston plate having first and second sides. The water to be lifted exerts a water pressure on the second side of the piston plate, while compressed air held in a pressurized tank exerts an air pressure on the first side of the piston plate. The resultant pressure differential Δp is such that the piston plate is biased to move in a particular direction. A force actuator is provided that periodically exerts a force F on the piston plate to overcome the bias of Δp and thereby lift the volume of water.