Electrostatic Machine Electrodes with Contoured Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrostatic machines face limitations in mechanical output and power transfer timing due to the design of electrode surfaces, which affect the balance of electrostatic forces and charge distribution between rotor and stator electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The use of contoured electrode surfaces with varying radii of curvature and swept edges on both rotor and stator electrodes, allowing for optimized power transfer and storage by shifting the phase of the power band and altering the effective dielectric strength and ionic conductivity between electrode pairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flat electrode surfaces are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mechanical output and power transfer timing are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the electrode surfaces by defining the inner curved edge with a varying radius of curvature instead of a straight or constant radius line. This curved geometry optimizes the overlap area between rotor and stator electrodes during rotation, enhancing the electrostatic forces and improving mechanical output while managing the complexity through systematic geometric design
2Productivity
If the inner curved edge has a constant radius of curvature, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the power transfer timing and electrostatic force balance are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the inner curved edge from a constant radius to a varying radius of curvature. This parameter variation allows optimization of the electrode overlap area throughout the rotation cycle, improving power transfer timing and electrostatic force balance. The varying radius can be designed to compensate for rotational effects and maintain optimal performance across different operating conditions
3Force
If the electrode overlap area is increased, then the electrostatic force is enhanced, but the torque fluctuations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different geometric characteristics for different parts of the electrode. The outer curved edge has a constant radius providing stable overall structure, while the inner curved edge has a varying radius that locally adjusts the overlap area at different angular positions. This localized geometric variation optimizes electrostatic force generation while smoothing torque fluctuations through careful design of the radius variation profile
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 configuration enhances mechanical output, stabilizes output voltage, and reduces material strain on the rotor by optimizing the overlap area and charge distribution, leading to improved power transfer efficiency and reduced torque fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive sections on each of the faces may carry electric charges, and the interaction of these electric charges may be used to rotate a central shaft that extends through the rotors and stators
Implementation Method 2
the electrostatic machine may be used to generate power, such as, for example, by mechanical rotation of the central shaft, which results in a current being induced via the electrodes in the rotors and stators
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for modified dimensions, configurations, and structure for rotor electrodes and stator electrodes to improve power transfer between such electrodes. Swept-forward, swept-backward, and Yin-Yang shaped electrodes can be used to shift the power response of the motor forwards or backwards in the rotation of the rotor electrode. Modifying the leading edge of the rotor electrode and/or the pitches of the rotor and/or stator electrodes relative to one another may be used to further change various characteristics of the motor, including the power transfer efficiency, the relative locations of the peak overlap between electrodes, and locations of maximum and minimum mechanical strain on the rotors. A curved power feed structure associated with the rotor electrode may be used to distribute the electric charges over a larger area and protect against arcing from the rotor electrode.