Kinetic Energy Conversion System for Low-Frequency Ambient Vibration Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently convert low-frequency ambient energy into electrical energy, limiting the power generation capabilities of portable devices in situations where battery charging is impractical, such as military operations, space exploration, and emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A system that harvests energy from low-frequency ambient motions by amplifying the energy over a longer period and transferring it impulsively to a resonant electrical generator, using a kinetic energy conversion system with a ratcheting mechanism and biasing elements to store and release potential energy, thereby increasing the efficiency of electrical energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing systems attempt to convert low-frequency ambient energy directly to electrical energy, then the conversion process is simple, but the efficiency of electrical energy generation is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resonant electrical generator that utilizes mechanical vibration at resonant frequencies to amplify the conversion of ambient energy to electrical energy. The resonant oscillation of the generator's moving mass enhances the electromagnetic induction effect, thereby improving electrical energy generation efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a ratcheting mechanism that operates through periodic cyclic motion, accumulating ambient energy over multiple cycles and releasing it impulsively to drive the resonant generator. This periodic action allows the system to build up sufficient energy from low-frequency ambient sources to effectively power the generator, resolving the efficiency challenge.
2Productivity
If the system harvests energy over a longer period to amplify low-frequency ambient energy, then the energy conversion efficiency improves, but the response time and immediacy of power generation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The ratcheting mechanism performs preliminary energy accumulation during ambient motion cycles, storing energy in its mechanical structure before impulsive release. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare sufficient energy in advance, improving conversion efficiency while the impulsive release mechanism ensures timely power delivery when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous energy harvesting through the ongoing ratcheting mechanism that constantly accumulates ambient energy, while the resonant generator continuously converts available energy to electrical form. This continuous operation ensures both high conversion efficiency and sustained power availability without significant time loss.
3Productivity
If a ratcheting mechanism with biasing elements is used to store and release potential energy, then the electrical energy generation efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ratcheting mechanism, biasing elements, and resonant electrical generator into a unified system where components work together synergistically. The biasing elements are combined with the ratcheting structure to provide both energy storage and mechanical advantage, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining high energy conversion efficiency.
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 system effectively converts low-frequency ambient energy into high-frequency oscillations, enhancing the generation of electrical energy and extending the operational time of portable devices without the need for frequent battery charging.
Implementation Method 1
A kinetic energy conversion system couples to a resonant electrical generator. The kinetic energy conversion system may include a moving mass, a ratcheting mechanism, and a biasing element. The biasing element may be configured to store mechanical energy from ambient motion and release the stored energy impulsively to drive resonant oscillations of the electrical generator
Implementation Method 2
A resonant electrical generator converts the oscillations to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating electrical energy from ambient energy such as the energy of ambient motion and acoustic vibrations. The system has at least two stages, a resonating electrical generator and a kinetic energy conversion system. The stages have differing resonant frequencies to enable harvesting energy from lower frequency ambient motion and converting the energy to higher frequency resonant oscillation for efficiently generating electrical energy. A multiaxial system having a plurality of systems for generating electrical energy from ambient motion each oriented to be responsive to motion along a different axis. An embodiment of a system for generating electrical energy from ambient motion for which the resonating electrical generator is at least part of a driving mass of the kinetic energy conversion system.