Energy Harvesting Hinge for Wireless Gate Signaling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate hinges lack a reliable, battery-free mechanism to signal gate opening, which complicates installation and increases costs due to the need for hard-wired electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A two-component hinge with an energy harvesting switch that includes a cam mechanism, causing a plunger to depress and emit a radio frequency signal when the gate is opened, eliminating the need for batteries and electrical wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery-powered wireless signaling system is used for gate opening detection, then wireless signal transmission is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to required electrical wiring and power supply infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism serves itself by generating electrical energy through its own mechanical movement. The cam and plunger assembly converts the kinetic energy of gate opening into electrical energy to power the wireless transmitter, eliminating external power requirements while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery-powered signaling system with an energy harvesting mechanism that converts mechanical motion directly into electrical energy. The cam-operated plunger generates electrical impulses that power the wireless radio frequency transmitter, substituting external electrical infrastructure with self-generated mechanical energy.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If hard-wired electrical connections are provided for gate signaling, then reliable power supply is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism serves itself by generating electrical energy through its own mechanical movement. The cam and plunger assembly converts the kinetic energy of gate opening into electrical energy to power the wireless transmitter, eliminating external power requirements while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply function from external electrical infrastructure and relocates it to the mechanical hinge mechanism itself. The energy harvesting components (cam, plunger, spring) are extracted from traditional hinge design to create a self-powered signaling system that requires no external wiring or battery installation.
3Ease of operation
If an energy harvesting switch with cam mechanism is integrated into the hinge, then wireless signaling without batteries is achieved, but hinge structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge structural components with the energy harvesting mechanism. The cam is integrated into the hinge body, the plunger is positioned within the hinge assembly, and the wireless transmitter is mounted on the hinge structure. This consolidation creates a unified component that performs both mechanical support and energy generation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly becomes a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides mechanical support for the gate, generates electrical energy through its cam-plunger mechanism, and transmits wireless signals. The single hinge structure performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components, reducing overall system complexity despite the added energy harvesting features.
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
Enables wireless signaling of gate opening without batteries, simplifying installation and reducing costs by using a self-sustaining energy harvesting mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A two-component hinge with an energy harvesting switch that includes a cam mechanism, causing a plunger to depress and emit a radio frequency signal when the gate is opened
Implementation Method 2
A two-component hinge with an energy harvesting switch that includes a cam mechanism, causing a plunger to depress and emit a radio frequency signal when the gate is opened, eliminating the need for batteries and electrical wiring
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge has a first component that pivotally supports a second component of the hinge. The first hinge component carries an energy harvesting switch having a movable operator such as a spring-projected plunger that is positioned to be depressed or otherwise moved by the second hinge component in response to relative pivotal movement of the first and second hinge components. If a gate is fastened to the second hinge component, at least some of the weight of the gate is transferred from the second hinge component to the first hinge component. When the gate is pivoted away from a closed orientation toward an open orientation, the second hinge component moves the operator of the energy harvesting switch thereby causing the energy harvesting switch to emit a radio frequency signal.