Inclined Plane Lifting System with Off-Center Fulcrums

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for generating energy from gravity are inefficient due to high costs and energy loss in raising objects, particularly in regions relying on alternative energy sources like solar and wind, which are not always available, and do not effectively utilize the shape and size of the lifted materials for mechanical advantage.

Innovation Solution

The use of a carriage with off-center fulcrums positioned equidistant from a second linear axis, allowing it to pivot and rotate in circular motions along an inclined ramp, leveraging the shape and weight of the carriage to efficiently raise potential energy, which can be converted into kinetic and then electrical energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional lifting systems are used to raise objects against gravity, then potential energy is created, but significant energy loss occurs during the lifting process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy loss in liftingVSAvoidenergy required to raise object

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an inclined plane to create a gradual elevation path, allowing the carriage to move along a slope rather than being lifted vertically. This distributes the energy requirement over a longer distance at reduced force, minimizing energy loss during the elevation process while still achieving the desired potential energy gain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting process is divided into multiple small increments as the carriage moves step-by-step up the inclined plane through circular motion. This segmentation allows the system to overcome gravity in manageable portions rather than a single large lift, reducing energy loss through friction and mechanical inefficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If alternative energy sources like solar and wind are used, then energy can be generated, but availability is limited by time and environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of energyVSAvoidtime constraints for energy generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the weight of the carriage itself as the lifting mechanism through the inclined plane and off-center fulcrum system. The carriage's own mass provides the mechanical advantage needed to move it up the incline, eliminating the need for external power sources during the lifting phase. Only minimal energy is needed to initiate the circular motion, making the system reliably operable without time-dependent renewable sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If traditional lifting mechanisms are used, then objects can be raised to desired heights, but the shape and size of the material are not utilized for mechanical advantage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of liftingVSAvoidutilization of material shape

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to accommodate the specific shape and size characteristics of the carriage load. The inclined plane angle and fulcrum positioning can be optimized for different carriage configurations, allowing the mechanical advantage to be tailored to the actual geometry of the material being transported, thereby improving lifting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 method enhances energy efficiency by utilizing the mechanical advantage of the carriage's shape and size to raise objects on an inclined plane, providing a sustainable and readily available source of electrical energy, independent of time constraints.

Implementation Method 1

Gravitational energy is the potential energy associated with gravitational force, where potential gravitational energy is obtained by elevating the object against Earth's gravity away from a surface of the earth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

A mechanical advantage may be realized by utilizing the shape and size of the object being lifted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9982660B2Lifting system and method for an inclined plane

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 CAMP BILLY D

AI summary

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for efficiently and effectively raising a carriage to create potential energy, and converting the potential energy into electric energy. In embodiments, the carriage may be raised utilizing multiple fulcrums, wherein the fulcrums are positioned off center from a first linear axis of the carriage. In embodiments, the fulcrums may be positioned equidistance from a second linear axis of the carriage.