Gravity Energy Storage Cable Adapter for Modular Mass Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional gravity energy storage systems face challenges in terms of storage speed, energy consumption, and flexibility due to high costs and land requirements for construction and operation.

Innovation Solution

A cable system assembly and adapter that connect the cable system to a conveyer system, allowing for efficient transportation and storage of mass modules, thereby enhancing the speed and flexibility of energy storage and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional water-based gravity energy storage systems are used, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but storage speed is slow and land requirements are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage speedVSAvoidland requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional water-based mechanical gravity storage system with a cable-based system that uses controlled cable tension and pulley mechanisms. This substitution enables faster response times and higher storage speeds while requiring significantly less land area, as the cable system can be vertically integrated rather than requiring large horizontal surfaces for water reservoirs.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters from water mass movement to cable tension control. By using controllable cable tensioning mechanisms and modular mass modules, the system achieves variable storage speeds and reduced spatial requirements compared to fixed water-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional gravity energy storage systems are used, then energy storage is achieved, but energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidstorage speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable system incorporates regenerative braking mechanisms where the descent of mass modules generates electrical energy that is fed back into the system. This self-service approach reduces net energy consumption by recovering energy during the energy release phase, while the controlled cable mechanisms maintain high storage speeds through efficient energy recycling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional gravity energy storage systems are used, then basic energy storage functionality is provided, but flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the energy storage system into modular mass modules that can be independently controlled and positioned. Each module can be attached to or detached from the cable system, allowing flexible configuration and adaptation to different energy storage requirements without redesigning the entire system, thereby increasing versatility while managing complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable system employs dynamically adjustable tensioning mechanisms and controllable pulley systems that can adapt their operation in real-time. This dynamic control allows the system to flexibly respond to varying energy storage demands, speeds, and configurations, enhancing adaptability while the control system manages the inherent complexity through automated regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4542032A1Cable system assembly of a gravity energy storage system, and an adapter thereof
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 NORDIC GRAVITY ENERGY STORAGE TECH OY
  • EP4542032A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4542032A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4542032A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Adapter (24) for connecting a cable system (3) to a conveyer system (11), the adapter comprising a first platform (25) arranged to be connected to the cable system, a second platform (26) arranged to be connected to the conveyer system, an adjustable connector (27), rotatably connected to the first platform and the second platform, said adjustable connector configured to lengthen and shorten based on the height of the second platform in relation to the first platform.