Door Energy Harvesting Assembly With Roller Bolt and Bevel Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesting solutions integrated with door locks often compromise lock action sensitivity, making door operation laborious when energy harvesting is emphasized, or insufficient energy is harvested when operation is convenient.
Innovation Solution
A separate energy harvesting arrangement comprising a counter plate and harvesting unit with a spring-loaded roller bolt and mechanism, allowing effortless door opening while effectively harvesting energy through a roller moving on a bevel surface and a spring-loaded control wedge system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If batteries are used to power electronic components in vehicles, then the electronic components can be powered, but the batteries add weight and require periodic maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system harvests mechanical energy from door movement during normal vehicle operation to recharge the battery, making the power system self-sustaining. The door movement, which would otherwise be wasted mechanical energy, is converted back into electrical energy to maintain battery charge without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers mechanical energy from door movement that would otherwise be discarded. The door's kinetic energy during opening and closing is captured through the damper mechanism and converted back into electrical energy, preventing energy waste and reducing the need for large batteries.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If batteries are used to power electronic components, then continuous power can be supplied, but the batteries require periodic maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is continuously recharged through energy harvested from door movement, making the system self-maintaining. This reduces the frequency and need for battery maintenance and replacement, as the harvested energy keeps the battery in optimal charge states.
3Ease of operation
If conventional dampers are used for door closure, then door control is achieved, but energy is dissipated as heat without recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful energy dissipation of conventional dampers into a beneficial resource. The mechanical energy that would be wasted as heat during door closure is instead captured and converted back into electrical energy through the piezoelectric or regenerative mechanism, turning energy loss into energy recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a damper mechanism (pneumatic or hydraulic) to control door closure while simultaneously harvesting energy from the movement. The damper provides the necessary friction control for smooth closure while the integrated energy conversion mechanism captures the mechanical work.
4Loss of energy
If energy harvesting components are integrated into door assemblies, then energy can be recovered from door movement, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy harvesting components are integrated into the existing door assembly structure, merging multiple functions (door closure control, energy harvesting, electrical generation) into a single unified system. This reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall architecture despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, controlling door closure, harvesting mechanical energy, and generating electrical power. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate systems and minimizes overall 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
Harvests sufficient energy during door opening without affecting lock sensitivity, enabling effortless operation and providing a reliable energy source for door functions or external use.
Implementation Method 1
the door movement may be used to drive a generator to generate electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
A piezoelectric element may be used which generates an electrical charge in response to an applied mechanical stress
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~11
AI summary
The energy harvesting arrangement according to the invention harvests energy from door movement. It comprises a counter plate (2) to be installed in a door frame and a harvesting unit (1) to be installed in a door. The counter plate (2) has a bevel surface (4) by the opening. The harvesting unit (1) comprises a frame (10), which comprises a spring-loaded roller bolt (3) and a harvesting mechanism (8), which has a spring (9). Energy is harvested in the spring from opening the door.