Reciprocating Fiber Generator for Battery-Free Life Jackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Life-saving equipment, such as life jackets, face challenges with battery-powered electronic devices due to limited battery life and the need for periodic battery replacement, which can hinder their functionality in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
An electricity generating module that includes a cylinder, a piston, and a power generating fiber with one end fixed to the piston and the other end to the cylinder, where the length of the fiber varies as the piston reciprocates, generating electricity from the changed potential value, and is applicable in fluid environments like seawater, allowing semi-permanent power generation for devices like GPS and LEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery is used to power electronic devices in life-saving equipment, then the devices can function, but the battery has limited capacity and finite lifespan requiring periodic charging and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The power generating fiber enables the life-saving equipment to generate its own electricity through reciprocating motion in water, eliminating the need for external charging or battery replacement. The system serves itself by converting mechanical motion from water movement into electrical energy, making the equipment self-sufficient for power needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (battery) with a mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system. The power generating fiber converts mechanical reciprocating motion from water movement directly into electrical energy, substituting the battery-based power supply with a motion-based generation system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various electronic devices are added to life-saving equipment, then the equipment gains more functions, but the need for battery replacement increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power generating fiber enables the life-saving equipment to generate its own electricity through reciprocating motion in water, eliminating the need for external charging or battery replacement. The system serves itself by converting mechanical motion from water movement into electrical energy, making the equipment self-sufficient for power needs.
3Device complexity
If a fixed-length power generating fiber is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot generate electricity under varying piston positions
Solution Approach 1:
The power generating fiber transitions from a fixed-length structure to a variable-length structure that dynamically adjusts based on piston position. The fiber is configured to be longer than the maximum piston stroke, allowing it to maintain tension and generate electricity throughout the entire reciprocating cycle, thereby ensuring reliable power generation under varying conditions.
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
The module provides semi-permanent power to electronic devices, enhancing the survival probability of victims by continuously generating electricity through the reciprocating motion of the piston in seawater, reducing the need for battery replacement and ensuring device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a power generating fiber (300) having one end (301) fixed to the piston (200) and an opposite end (302) fixed to the cylinder (100), in which a length of the power generating fiber (300) varies as the piston (200) reciprocates, wherein a potential value of the power generating fiber (300) varies as the length of the power generating fiber (300) varies, and electricity is generated by using the varied potential value of the power generating fiber (300)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electricity generating module. The electricity generating module comprises: a cylinder; a piston that reciprocates inside the cylinder; and a power generating fiber of which one end is fixed to the piston and the other end is fixed to the cylinder, and of which the length varies according to the reciprocating of the piston, wherein, as the length of the power generating fiber varies, a potential value of the power generating fiber varies, and electricity is generated by using the varied potential value of the power generating fiber.