Hydroelectric Power Device Friction Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and relocation of small-sized hydroelectric power generation apparatuses in water channels are costly and restrictive due to the need for anchor bolts, which also limit their placement based on water flow variations.

Innovation Solution

A hydroelectric power generation apparatus that uses a compact, lightweight design with a rotary blade, gear box, and power generator, supported by beams and fixed to the water channel using a bolt and L-shaped angles, eliminating the need for anchor bolts by utilizing frictional force for attachment, allowing for easy relocation and installation without construction work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anchor bolts are used to fix the hydroelectric power generation apparatus to the water channel, then the apparatus can be reliably fixed and not swept away by water currents, but the installation cost increases due to the need for driving anchor bolts and processing water channel walls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the anchor bolt component from the fixing system and replaces it with a clamp-like structure that uses frictional force. The clamp has fixing portions that contact the water channel walls and generate frictional force to prevent the apparatus from being swept away, eliminating the need for anchor bolts and associated installation work

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing structure uses simple clamp components that can be easily installed and removed without permanent modifications to the water channel. The clamp relies on frictional force rather than permanent anchoring, making it a temporary but effective fixing solution that reduces installation cost and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If anchor bolts are used to fix the hydroelectric power generation apparatus, then the apparatus is securely attached to the water channel, but the apparatus cannot be easily relocated when water flow conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidrelocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure transitions from a static permanent anchor bolt connection to a dynamic clamp-based system that can be easily adjusted and relocated. The clamp maintains secure attachment through frictional force during operation but can be quickly removed and repositioned when water flow conditions change, providing both reliability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If anchor bolts are driven into the water channel walls to install the apparatus, then the apparatus is firmly fixed, but construction work is required that damages the water channel surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidwater channel surface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful action of drilling anchor bolts into a beneficial friction-based contact system. The clamp exerts pressing force against the water channel walls, generating frictional force that provides secure fixing without penetrating or damaging the channel surface. The harmful mechanical intrusion is replaced by a benign surface contact mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 installation costs, enables flexible placement, and allows for efficient power generation by simplifying the installation process and enabling relocation, particularly in emergency situations, without damaging the water channel surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing frictional force for attachment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrictional force: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3418553B1Hydroelectric power generation device
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 NTN CORP
  • EP3418553B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3418553B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3418553B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A hydroelectric power generation apparatus includes a hydroelectric power generation module, a beam (4a) as a supporting part, and a fixing part. The hydroelectric power generation module includes a rotary blade (1) and a power generator (3) that generates power by rotation of the rotary blade (1). The supporting part supports the hydroelectric power generation module. The fixing part fixes the supporting part to a water channel. The fixing part includes a bolt (5a) to press a surface of a wall portion (8) of the water channel to fix the supporting part to the water channel. The hydroelectric power generation apparatus can dispense with a work performed around the water channel to install the apparatus and also be relocated easily and inexpensively.