Flexible Arm Wheel Generator for Reliable Groove Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric vehicle charging systems, both wired and wireless, are inconvenient and inefficient, with issues such as energy degradation, location dependency, and inefficiencies during energy transfer.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates energy from vehicle wheel rotation using rollers and generators, where rollers contact the wheel groove and are connected via flexible arms to a generator, allowing for continuous energy production while maintaining contact with the wheel, even on uneven terrain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired charging connections are used, then energy transfer can be established, but the system requires physical cable connections and specific locations for charging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcharging convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle generates its own energy through wheel-driven generators, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure. The kinetic energy from wheel rotation is converted to electrical energy, allowing the vehicle to charge itself during operation without requiring cables, connectors, or stationary power supplies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If wireless charging connections are used, then energy transfer can be established without cables, but the system requires antenna structures and specific locations with wireless power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidenergy transfer loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle generates its own energy through wheel-driven generators, eliminating the need for external wireless power supplies and antenna structures. The kinetic energy from wheel rotation is converted to electrical energy, allowing the vehicle to charge itself during operation without requiring external wireless charging infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If stationary charging systems are used, then energy can be transferred to the vehicle, but the system requires specific locations and has degradation during energy transference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidlocation independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle generates its own energy through wheel-driven generators, eliminating the need for stationary charging systems and external power supplies. The kinetic energy from wheel rotation is converted to electrical energy, allowing the vehicle to charge itself during operation at any location without degradation from energy transference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of energy

If rollers are rigidly connected to the generator, then energy transfer is efficient, but the system cannot maintain contact with the wheel on uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcontinuous contact reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses flexible arms with springs instead of rigid connections to couple the rollers to the generator. The springs allow the rollers to dynamically adjust their position and maintain continuous contact with the rotating wheel, while still efficiently transferring rotational energy to the generator. This dynamic coupling resolves the contradiction between rigid energy transfer and flexible contact maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides a more efficient and convenient method for electric vehicle charging by harnessing kinetic energy from wheel rotation, reducing energy loss and eliminating the need for stationary charging, while maintaining contact with the wheel for consistent energy transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a generator connected to the roller housing... generating, via a generator, an electrical output based on the rotation of the roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the flexible arm undergoes a movement when the wheel is displaced vertically such that the downward force is maintained on the wheel. In some embodiments, the movement requires the flexible arm to bend.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11919387B1Flexible arm generator

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 MACALUSO ANTHONY

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to an apparatus or a system for generating energy in response to a vehicle wheel rotation. The apparatus or the system may include a roller configured to be positioned in substantial physical contact within a groove of a wheel of the vehicle. The roller may be configured to rotate in response to a rotation of the wheel. The apparatus or the system may further include a flexible arm rotatably couplable to the roller such that rotation of the roller causes the flexible arm to rotate. The flexible arm may be configured to exert a downward force on the roller to increase the friction between the roller and the groove of the wheel. The apparatus or the system may further include a first generator operably coupled to the flexible arm and configured to generate an electrical output based on the rotation of the flexible arm shaft and convey the electrical output to an energy storage device or vehicle motor.