Flexible Lever Arm Drive Assembly for Wave Energy Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wave energy converters face limitations in reliably harnessing wave power over the long term, as they struggle to efficiently transfer wave energy to energy converters due to design constraints and environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

A drive assembly comprising a lever arm that moves between defined positions to transfer wave energy captured by a buoyant wave energy capturing member to an energy converter, utilizing rotation or flexion to store elastic potential energy and drive the converter, with adjustable height and mooring mechanisms for optimal performance in varying conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid lever arm is used to transfer wave energy, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to varying wave conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidadaptability to varying wave conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lever arm transitions from a rigid structure to a flexible structure that can dynamically adapt its configuration. The flexible lever arm can bend and flex to accommodate varying wave conditions while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the lever arm changes from rigid to flexible, altering its mechanical properties. This parameter change allows the lever arm to simultaneously maintain strength while gaining adaptability to different wave conditions through elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible lever arm is used to transfer wave energy, then adaptability to varying wave conditions is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying wave conditionsVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lever arm is constructed using composite materials that combine flexibility with structural strength. These composite materials enable the lever arm to flex and adapt to varying wave conditions while maintaining the necessary structural integrity to withstand operational loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If the lever arm is kept simple in design, then ease of manufacture is improved, but energy transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidenergy transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever arm is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual components while the combined structure achieves the necessary energy transfer efficiency through the coordinated movement of segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances the efficiency and reliability of wave energy conversion by effectively transferring wave energy to energy converters, improving longevity and adaptability to different sea conditions, thereby optimizing energy capture and conversion.

Implementation Method 1

the lever arm may be biased toward one of the first or second position on the rotation arc, said biasing providing a means of storing elastic potential energy by the lever arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a wave energy capturing member; and a lever arm coupled to the wave energy converting member... the wave energy capturing member is arranged to move the lever arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS12253058B2Drive assembly

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 MARINE POWER SYST

AI summary

A drive assembly is provided suitable for aiding in the conversion of wave energy to useful energy. The drive assembly of the present invention is arranged to transfer wave energy to an energy converter, the drive assembly comprising a wave energy capturing member; and a lever arm coupled to the wave energy capturing member, the lever arm being movable between a first stroke position and a second stroke position to define a working stroke; wherein the lever arm is arranged to be coupled to an energy converter and is further arranged to transfer energy from the wave energy capturing member to said energy converter; further wherein the wave energy capturing member is arranged to move the lever arm between the first stroke position and the second stroke position; and wherein the first stroke position and the second stroke position define distal end points of the working stroke; the working stroke arranged so as to drive said energy converter.