Hydrokinetic Wheel with Pivoting Counterbalance Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic machines for converting hydrokinetic energy into usable formats face challenges in reducing carbon dioxide pollution, noise, and aesthetic issues, while also requiring complex installations and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular hydrokinetic energy transfer apparatus featuring a large diameter hydrokinetic water wheel with 36 curved blades, a pivotally mounted frame, and a counterbalance system that allows for easy installation, maintenance, and energy conversion from flowing water, reducing environmental impact and operational complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large mechanical structure is used to capture hydrokinetic energy, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrokinetic wheel is divided into multiple curved blades (36 blades) arranged radially around the rotation axis. Each blade independently captures hydrokinetic energy from the flowing water, allowing the large-diameter wheel to efficiently capture energy while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular blade design
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is designed as a pivotally mounted structure that can dynamically adjust its position. The frame includes a first end connected to the hydrokinetic wheel and a second end connected to a counterbalance, with a bearing at the vertex allowing rotational movement. This dynamic positioning capability enables the large mechanical structure to adapt to varying water flow conditions while simplifying installation and maintenance operations
2Productivity
If the hydrokinetic wheel is positioned away from the riverbank, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but ease of operation for maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotally mounted frame allows the hydrokinetic wheel to be dynamically positioned at optimal distances from the riverbank. The counterbalance system enables easy movement of the wheel between operational positions (away from bank for maximum energy capture) and maintenance positions (closer to bank for accessible servicing), resolving the contradiction between energy capture efficiency and maintenance accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
A counterbalance is connected to the second end of the frame to offset the weight of the large-diameter hydrokinetic wheel. This counterbalance system reduces the effort required to move and position the wheel, making maintenance operations easier while allowing the wheel to be positioned optimally for energy capture when in operation
3Ease of manufacture
If a modular design with multiple components is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrokinetic wheel is constructed from multiple identical curved blades that can be manufactured separately and then assembled onto the wheel structure. This segmentation allows for standardized, simplified manufacturing of individual blade components while creating an efficient large-diameter wheel when assembled, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure serves multiple functions: it supports the hydrokinetic wheel, provides pivotal movement capability, incorporates a counterbalance system, and enables both operational positioning and maintenance access. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while managing overall device complexity
4Ease of operation
If the frame is pivotally mounted with counterbalance, then ease of operation for maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A counterbalance is connected to the second end of the frame to offset the weight of the hydrokinetic wheel. This counterbalance system significantly reduces the effort required to move and position the wheel during maintenance operations, making the system easier to operate while adding only one additional component to the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The frame design merges the support structure, pivotal movement mechanism, and counterbalance system into a single integrated assembly. The frame includes a first end for the wheel, a second end for the counterbalance, and a vertex with a bearing for pivotal movement, combining multiple functions into one structure to minimize overall device complexity while maintaining ease of maintenance
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
The apparatus efficiently captures and converts hydrokinetic energy into clean energy, providing a cost-effective and quiet solution for municipalities, with reduced carbon footprint and simplified maintenance, enabling independent energy management.
Implementation Method 1
The water wheel converts the inertia from tons of moving water into clean energy
Implementation Method 2
The water wheel converts the inertia from tons of moving water into clean energy
Implementation Method 3
The frame is adapted to move the hydrokinetic wheel and the counterbalance in opposite vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrokinetic energy interface device includes a hydrokinetic wheel and a moveable support structure with an angled frame. The angled frame mounted upon the moveable support structure connects between a hydrokinetic wheel and a counterbalance. A bearing is mounted at a vertex between a first end and a second end of the angled frame. The angled frame pivots to move the hydrokinetic wheel and the counterbalance in opposite vertical direction. The hydrokinetic wheel maintains vertical alignment as the angled frame pivots. The hydrokinetic wheel can be formed with interconnectable rim sections. The hydrokinetic wheel may be cantilevered out away from a riverbank by the counterbalance. The hydrokinetic wheel may be raised or lowered by actuation. The movable support structure supporting the hydrokinetic wheel may be rolled away from a free-flowing river for maintenance, repairs, or modification.