Kinetic Energy Capture Device With Spring Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently capturing and converting unpredictable wind and wave kinetic energy into stable electrical energy due to the unpredictability of wind and wave motion, and the need for cost-effective and practical energy capture devices.
Innovation Solution
A kinetic energy capture and storage device utilizing an oscillating or rotating weight to wind a coil spring, which is then used to generate electricity through a gear system and electromagnetic rotor, with a computer-assisted brake to control the rotor speed and prevent excessive spring tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wind and wave energy capture devices are designed to directly convert unpredictable kinetic energy into electricity, then the device structure becomes complex and costly, but the energy conversion efficiency and reliability remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a spring mechanism to pre-store kinetic energy before conversion. The oscillating weight winds the spring during kinetic energy capture, storing energy in advance. This allows the system to decouple the unpredictable kinetic energy input from the electricity generation process, improving reliability while maintaining simpler device structure. The spring acts as a buffer that smooths out the variability of wind and wave energy.
2Device complexity
If direct conversion from kinetic energy to electrical energy is implemented, then the device can be simpler, but the energy supply becomes unstable due to unpredictable wind and wave motion
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism performs preliminary energy storage, capturing kinetic energy when available and releasing it when needed. This preliminary action creates a stable energy supply from unpredictable sources, maintaining both device simplicity and energy stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary between the oscillating weight and the generator. Instead of directly converting kinetic energy to electricity, the spring mediates the energy transfer, storing and releasing energy in a controlled manner. This intermediary mechanism stabilizes the energy supply while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
3Power
If high power generation is achieved through direct kinetic energy conversion, then the device requires complex control systems, but cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves as a passive intermediary that naturally regulates energy flow without requiring complex electronic control systems. This mechanical mediation achieves power generation while maintaining manufacturing cost-effectiveness, as the spring-based regulation is simpler and more reliable than active electronic controls.
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 device provides a seamless and constant supply of energy by converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, addressing the unpredictability and cost concerns of wind and wave energy capture, and allowing for scalable energy capture and conversion.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillating weight assembly arranged in the housing and connected to the proximate end and operatively arranged to wind the spring
Implementation Method 2
a spring arranged in the housing and connected to the rotor
Implementation Method 3
a rotor rotatably arranged in the housing, a stator fixedly secured to the housing and concentrically arranged around the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
An energy capture, storage, and conversion device, including a housing, a rotor rotatably arranged in the housing, a stator fixedly secured to the housing and concentrically arranged around the rotor, a spring arranged in the housing and connected to the rotor, and an oscillating weight assembly operatively arranged in the housing to wind the spring.