Energy Conversion Apparatus with Segmented Bellows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy conversion apparatuses fail to efficiently generate and utilize pressure differences to induce piston reciprocation and convert kinetic energy into electrical power, lacking effective methods for forming and maximizing pressure differences.
Innovation Solution
An energy conversion apparatus with a cylinder divided into two pressure spaces, utilizing bellows in each space connected by a fluid movement pipe, and driven by motors to alternately compress and expand, creating a pressure difference without the need for a vacuum pump.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional pneumatic/hydraulic pressure conversion using stored compressed air is used, then energy storage and conversion is achieved, but the pressure difference generation efficiency is insufficient and no effective method for maximizing pressure difference exists
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder is divided into two separate pressure spaces (first and second pressure spaces) with a piston in between. Each pressure space contains its own bellows (first and second bellows), allowing independent compression and expansion actions. This segmentation enables simultaneous creation of pressure difference across the piston, maximizing the force generation efficiency and resolving the contradiction between pressure difference generation efficiency and energy conversion efficiency.
2Power
If a vacuum pump is used to form vacuum in cylinder space, then vacuum state is achieved, but the system complexity and device requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows are designed to automatically create vacuum states through their compression and expansion cycles. When the bellows expand, they create a vacuum in the connected pressure space without requiring external vacuum pumps. The system uses its own operational cycles (driven by the motors compressing and expanding the bellows) to generate the necessary vacuum conditions, thereby eliminating complex vacuum pumping equipment while maintaining vacuum formation capability.
3Power
If bellows are inserted into bulky cylinder to occupy volume, then pressure difference formation is improved, but the cylinder volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second bellows are inserted into the cylinder space in a nested arrangement, with each bellows occupying a portion of the cylinder volume. The bellows are positioned such that they can compress and expand within the cylinder without requiring excessive external space. This nesting approach allows the bellows to occupy the cylinder volume efficiently, maximizing pressure difference formation while minimizing the overall cylinder size requirement.
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
Efficiently generates kinetic energy and converts it into electrical power by forming a pressure difference between the vacuum and pneumatic states, allowing for effective energy conversion without the limitations of vacuum pumps.
Implementation Method 1
the reciprocating motion of the piston may be induced due to a pressure difference therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a first bellows containing a fluid therein and provided in the first pressure space to be compressed and expanded
Implementation Method 3
electric power is generated using this reciprocating motion
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the pressure space of the cylinder is bisected into a vacuum state and a pneumatic state to alternately form a pressure difference, it is possible to generate the kinetic energy of the piston and convert the kinetic energy into other necessary energy. To this end, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an energy conversion apparatus including an energy conversion module including a piston, a piston rod provided on one side of the center of the piston, a cylinder divided into a first pressure space and a second pressure space to be relatively varied with the piston interposed therebetween, and an external air opening/closing part selectively opening and closing the external air to the first pressure space and the second pressure space, respectively; a first bellows containing a fluid therein and provided in the first pressure space to be compressed and expanded; a second bellows containing a fluid therein and provided in the second pressure space to be compressed and expanded; a fluid movement pipe which is positioned outside the cylinder and connects the first bellows and the second bellows to each other to form a closed space, and through which the fluid accommodated therein moves by pressure; a first bellows pressing part for pressing one side of the first bellows; second bellows pressing part for pressing one side of the second bellows; a first motor transmitting a driving force to the first bellows pressing part; and a second motor transmitting a driving force to the second bellows pressing part.