Foldable Flywheel Mechanism for Portable Field Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a compact and efficient means to harness and convert rotational energy from outdoor and human-generated movements into usable power for tools and devices in remote or field settings, such as during outdoor activities or military operations.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible flywheel mechanism that operates between planar and sinusoidal positions, coupled with a transfer fitting, allows for the conversion of rotational energy into power for tools, using wind, water, gravity, or body movement to rotate the flywheel, which in turn operates a transfer fitting to power devices like cutting tools, generators, and filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a traditional fixed flywheel is used to store and convert rotational energy, then energy generation capability is improved, but device portability and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be folded relative to each other. These segments are connected through hinges or joints, allowing the flywheel to be collapsed into a compact configuration for transport and deployed into a full circular shape for energy generation. This segmentation enables the device to transition between portable and functional states without compromising the structural integrity or energy storage capability.
2Volume of moving object
If the flywheel is made collapsible to improve portability, then device compactness is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel segments are designed to nest within each other when collapsed, similar to nested dolls. Each segment can be folded inward and positioned within the space occupied by adjacent segments, maximizing compactness. The nesting mechanism utilizes the existing flywheel structure itself as the containment space, eliminating the need for separate carrying cases or additional structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel incorporates dynamic joints and hinges that allow smooth transition between collapsed and expanded states. These mechanical connections enable the segments to rotate and reposition relative to each other, transforming the rigid circular structure into a flexible, collapsible form. The dynamic elements are designed to maintain structural stability during both collapsed and operational states while enabling easy deployment.
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 the efficient and portable generation of power for various tools and devices in field settings, enhancing convenience and utility during outdoor activities and military operations by effectively harnessing movement energy.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the flywheel biases the axial fitting toward the planar position
Data Source
AI summary
A utility power generator includes a flywheel that includes an outer perimeter that is operable between a planar position and a plurality of sinusoidal positions. A hub is concentrically positioned within the flywheel, wherein the hub defines a rotational axis of the flywheel. An axial fitting traverses relative to the hub and along the rotational axis in an axial direction as the flywheel operates between the planar position and the plurality of sinusoidal positions. The flywheel, the hub and the axial fitting are rotationally linked to synchronously rotate about the rotational axis. Rotation of the flywheel biases the axial fitting toward the planar position. A transfer fitting is coupled to at least one of the flywheel, the hub and the transfer fitting. Rotation of the flywheel about the rotational axis operates the transfer fitting to operate a tool.