Electrostatic Motor Voltage Generator Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic motors in timepieces face inefficiencies due to high energy consumption and parasitic charge issues, which are not optimized for minimum energy expenditure, especially when integrated with limited battery power sources.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic motor with a voltage generator that adjusts pulse duration and voltage levels to match energy needs, featuring bypass means to discharge electrodes at complete displacement and a charge pump that disconnects when optimal capacity is reached, minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the actuator is supplied with a lot of energy to ensure maximum actuation speed, then the actuation time is minimized, but the energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed voltage signals to drive the electrostatic actuator. Instead of continuous high energy supply, the actuator receives periodic voltage pulses that are synchronized with the motor's operational cycle. This allows the actuator to achieve necessary actuation speed during the pulse duration while consuming minimal energy during idle periods, directly resolving the contradiction between actuation speed and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the voltage amplitude and pulse duration based on the motor's operational state. The control system modifies these parameters to match the instantaneous energy requirements of the motor, ensuring high actuation speed when needed while minimizing energy consumption during low-demand phases. This adaptive parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by optimizing the energy-speed relationship in real-time.
2Reliability
If control pulses are extended to ensure complete actuation cycle, then the motor completes its cycle reliably, but the energy consumption increases due to prolonged charging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the motor's position and operational state to determine the optimal moment to terminate voltage pulse application. The control system uses this feedback information to stop charging the electrode structures as soon as the motor completes its actuation cycle with sufficient speed, preventing unnecessary extended charging that would waste energy while ensuring reliable cycle completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing voltage pulses that are sufficient to achieve the required actuation speed and complete the motor cycle reliably, but not excessively long or intense. The control system calculates and applies the minimum necessary pulse duration and amplitude to achieve reliable operation, avoiding the energy waste associated with excessive action while maintaining actuation reliability.
3Power
If the voltage generator charges the electrode structures for a longer duration, then the electrostatic energy supplied is increased, but the parasitic losses in the insulating film increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the electrode structures to the required voltage level before the actuation cycle begins, and by using bypass means to discharge residual charges immediately after actuation completion. This preliminary preparation and immediate discharge prevent prolonged voltage application that would cause parasitic charge accumulation in the insulating film, thereby reducing parasitic losses while ensuring sufficient electrostatic energy is available when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful parasitic charge from the insulating film by incorporating bypass means that actively discharge accumulated charges after each actuation cycle. This extraction of parasitic charge prevents the buildup that would otherwise increase energy losses, allowing the system to maintain high electrostatic energy supply efficiency while minimizing parasitic losses through active charge removal.
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 energy loss and enhances efficiency by optimizing pulse duration and voltage levels, achieving a higher percentage of energy conversion into mechanical energy while minimizing parasitic losses.
Implementation Method 1
a generator connected between the fixed electrode structure and the movable electrode structure and arranged to cyclically charge said electrode structures... the electrode structures having an electrostatic capacity which varies as a strictly increasing function of the path traversed by the movable electrode structure
Implementation Method 2
bypass means connected between the fixed electrode structure and the movable electrode structure and arranged to cyclically discharge said electrode structures so as to remove said electrostatic force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The motor has a generator connected between fixed and movable electrode structures of an electrostatic actuator. The generator is a voltage generator for generating difference of determined potential. The generator stops charging of the electrode structures when the generator is supplied with electrostatic energy required to complete actuating cycle of the motor with sufficient speed before the movable electrode structure does not attain a complete displacement position.