Self-Powered Gas Spring Sensor Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas pressure springs rely on external energy sources like batteries or inductive power, which have limited lifespans and are difficult to implement, especially in tools and machines, limiting their service life and requiring extensive wiring.
Innovation Solution
Integration of means within the gas pressure spring to generate electrical energy from relative movement, pressure changes, and heat, using components like coils, magnets, piezo elements, and Peltier elements, allowing for self-sustaining power supply and eliminating external wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external energy sources like batteries or accumulators are used to power the sensor, then the sensor can be supplied with energy, but the service life of the gas pressure spring is limited by the limited service life of the battery or accumulator
Solution Approach 1:
The gas pressure spring system generates its own electrical energy through the relative movement between the piston and housing, which drives a generator. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external batteries or accumulators, allowing the sensor to be powered indefinitely as long as the gas pressure spring is operational, thus resolving the service life limitation imposed by finite energy storage devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries/accumulators) with a mechanical energy conversion system. The relative mechanical movement between the piston and housing is converted into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction in the generator, providing a sustainable power source that leverages the existing operational mechanics of the gas pressure spring
2Reliability
If inductive power supply is used, then mains-independent power can be provided, but it is difficult to implement with gas springs built into tools or machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation function directly into the existing gas pressure spring structure by integrating a generator within the housing. The generator utilizes the relative movement already present in the system between the piston and housing, combining the mechanical oscillation of the gas spring with electrical energy generation in a single integrated component, thereby achieving mains-independent power without complex external inductive coupling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The relative movement between the piston and housing serves dual functions: it performs the primary gas compression spring function and simultaneously drives the generator to produce electrical energy. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve inductive-like power independence while using a simpler, more manufacturable integrated design that can be easily incorporated into tools and machines
3Reliability
If a cable is provided to supply power to the sensor, then the sensor can be powered, but it requires a lot of wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation capability from external sources and embeds it directly within the gas pressure spring housing. By integrating the generator and connecting it directly to the sensor, the system eliminates the need for external cables and complex wiring harnesses, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable power supply to the sensor
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 a mains-independent power supply that extends the service life of gas pressure springs, reducing reliance on batteries and simplifying installation by generating energy internally, thus enhancing operational reliability and reducing maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the means for generating electrical energy are formed from the relative movement between the piston and the housing
Implementation Method 2
the pressure sensor having a piezoelectric crystal as a pressure sensor, which can also act as an energy supply for an evaluation unit
Implementation Method 3
a Peltier element with a first side and a second side, which is arranged in the housing, in particular in the base part, in such a way that the first side is in thermal conductive contact with the housing and the second side is in thermal conductive contact with the outside air
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gas spring (10, 10', 10") with a cylindrical housing (20) which has a wall (22), a bottom part (24) and a cover part (26) having an opening (28) as well as a longitudinal axis (1), and with a piston (30) displaceable in the housing (20) along the longitudinal axis (1) having an outer surface (32) and an end face (34), wherein a gas compression chamber (40) is formed between the piston (30) and the housing (20) and wherein the gas spring (10, 10', 10") has at least one sensor (50) for detecting at least one physical quantity, wherein the gas spring (10, 10', 10") has means (70, 80, 90) for generating at least part of the energy required to power the at least one sensor (50).