Fluid-Filled Pipe Power Transmission for Long-Distance Low-Loss Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical power transmission devices suffer from significant friction losses and are costly or impractical for long-distance power transmission.

Innovation Solution

A power transmission device utilizing a fluid-filled pipe with reciprocally moving pistons at both ends, which transmits power through fluid movement, minimizing mechanical friction and allowing adaptable, cost-effective transmission over various distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If mechanical transmitting means (e.g., chain) are used for power transmission, then power can be transmitted continuously, but friction losses occur and mechanical parts must be moved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission lossVSAvoidmechanical parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical chain transmission system with a fluid-based transmission system. Instead of using mechanical links that physically connect and move, the invention uses a fluid-filled pipe where pressure waves or fluid movement transmit power from the first piston to the second piston, eliminating the need for complex mechanical connecting parts and reducing friction losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic principles by using a fluid (liquid or gas) as the transmitting medium. The fluid is contained in a pipe and responds to pressure changes generated by the first piston, transmitting this pressure change to the second piston to produce motion. This approach replaces solid mechanical transmission with fluid-based transmission, reducing friction and simplifying the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Length of stationary object

If mechanical transmitting means are used for long-distance power transmission, then power can be transmitted, but it becomes costly or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing mechanical chain or rod transmission with a fluid-filled pipe system, the patent enables cost-effective long-distance power transmission. The pipe can be easily routed over long distances and around obstacles, and the fluid transmission mechanism remains simple and inexpensive compared to mechanical alternatives that would require increasingly complex and costly components for longer spans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission system is segmented into modular components: a pipe that can be laid in sections, filling stations for the fluid, and piston units that can be independently installed. This segmentation allows the system to be manufactured and installed in manageable sections, making long-distance transmission economically feasible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Power

If mechanical transmitting means are used, then power transmission is possible, but the transmitting elements must be moved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidtransmitting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for heavy mechanical transmitting elements by using a lightweight fluid as the power transmission medium. The fluid has negligible weight compared to mechanical chains or rods, and the pipe containing it can be supported along its length, significantly reducing the weight of moving components while maintaining power transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a fluid is used as power transmitting element, then transmission losses are reduced and adaptability to distance is improved, but the device requires a pipe system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to distanceVSAvoidpipe system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe system serves multiple functions: it contains the fluid, guides the fluid movement, provides structural support, and can be routed in various configurations to adapt to different installation spaces and distances. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device complexity despite the pipe system's presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution reduces transmission losses, enables efficient power transmission over long distances, and allows for flexible geometric configurations, making it suitable for diverse applications such as vehicles and wind power plants.

Implementation Method 1

power is transmitted by non-mechanical means... power transmission to the outer surface of the first piston (10) so as to set the piston into said reciprocal longitudinal translation in the first cylinder (7), which causes a movement of the fluid (14) within the pipe (12) which, in turn, causes a reciprocal longitudinal translation of the second piston (10') within the second cylinder (7')

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4239218A1Power transmission device
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 FNF INNOVATION SH P K
  • EP4239218A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239218A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239218A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a power transmission device for continuous transmission of power comprising a pipe (12) which is filled with a fluid (14) and which comprises, at the first end of the pipe, a first cylinder (7) in fluid connection with the pipe in which a first piston (10) for continuous reciprocal longitudinal movement is provided, and, at the second end of the pipe, a second cylinder (7') also in fluid connection with the pipe in which a second piston (10') for continuous reciprocal longitudinal movement is provided, and to an according process.