Dual-Paddle Material Mover for Reversible Flow and Energy Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods for moving gases, fluids, and particulates are inefficient in both forward and backward directions, and lack the capability to efficiently generate energy from material flow.
Innovation Solution
A material mover assembly comprising a chamber with a first paddle rotating circumferentially and a second paddle that can also rotate or be inserted/retracted, along with a planetary gear assembly and differential gearbox, allowing for variable speed and synchronized rotation to efficiently pull and push materials through the chamber in a forward direction and potentially generate energy in the reverse direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional movers or pumps are used to move gases, liquids, or particulates, then material transport function is achieved, but efficiency in both forward and backward directions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic paddle elements that can rotate circumferentially within the chamber, allowing the geometry and configuration of the moving parts to change during operation. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the interaction between paddles and material flow, improving transport efficiency in both forward and reverse directions while reducing energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential rotation of paddles creates periodic action patterns that systematically move material through the chamber. This periodic motion ensures consistent material handling and energy transfer, improving overall productivity while maintaining efficient energy utilization through repeated optimized cycles
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pumps are used for material transport, then unidirectional flow is achieved, but capability to generate energy from material flow is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the paddle and chamber system to perform multiple functions: it can transport material in the forward direction, reverse flow when needed, and generate energy by converting material flow into rotational motion of the paddles. This multi-functionality achieves both adaptability and energy generation capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system can operate in reverse mode where material flow drives the paddles to rotate, converting kinetic energy into useful work. This inversion of the conventional pump operation allows the device to function as an energy generator, capturing energy from material flow that would otherwise be wasted
3Device complexity
If simple paddle rotation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronized variable speed control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The planetary gear assembly with variable speed control implements feedback mechanisms that monitor and adjust paddle rotation speeds. This ensures synchronized operation of multiple paddles at optimal speeds, achieving precise control capability while managing device complexity through systematic gear train design
Data Source
AI summary
A material mover assembly, comprising a chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a first paddle; and a second paddle, wherein the first paddle is positioned in and configured to rotate circumferentially in the chamber, the second paddle is positioned in and configured to rotate circumferentially in the chamber, or is configured to be inserted into and retracted out of the chamber, and wherein relative motion of the first paddle and the second paddle causes material to be pulled into the chamber via the inlet and pushed out of the chamber via the outlet in a forward direction. A material mover assembly may be reversible in pumping direction and further may be used as an energy generator in either direction.