Recirculating Linear Generator With Coaxial Coils for Balanced Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear generators face inefficiencies in converting back-and-forth motion into electrical energy, particularly in maintaining balanced torque and minimizing non-linear motion, which affects current induction and power generation.
Innovation Solution
A recirculating linear generator design incorporating a pulley system with a driver and take-up pulley, ferromagnetic masses, and coaxially arranged coil structures, where a belt couples the pulleys and ferromagnetic masses traverse through the coils, inducing a current that is collected via positive and negative leads, and optionally rectified to DC using an AC-to-DC converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a linear generator converts back-and-forth motion directly into electrical energy, then the need for crank or linkage mechanisms is eliminated, but inefficiencies occur in maintaining balanced torque and minimizing non-linear motion
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into multiple stationary coil structures arranged coaxially, with ferromagnetic masses attached to a reciprocating rod. This segmentation allows each coil to be independently positioned to optimize magnetic flux interception, improving torque balance and reducing energy losses during the back-and-forth motion cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional rotary motion conversion to linear reciprocating motion by arranging coil structures along the axis of motion. This dimensional change eliminates the need for crank mechanisms and allows direct conversion of linear motion into electrical energy, maintaining balanced torque throughout the stroke.
2Power
If ferromagnetic masses traverse through coil structures to induce current, then electrical energy is generated, but non-linear motion affects current induction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Each coil structure is positioned at specific locations along the reciprocating path, with varying dimensions and orientations optimized for local magnetic flux conditions. This local optimization ensures that each coil operates at peak efficiency during specific phases of the reciprocating motion, compensating for non-linear velocity variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple ferromagnetic masses attached to the reciprocating rod, creating a distributed magnetic field interaction pattern. This dynamic arrangement ensures continuous current induction throughout the motion cycle, maintaining high productivity even during acceleration and deceleration phases where non-linear motion occurs.
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 design enhances power generation efficiency by balancing torque, minimizing non-linear motion, and optimizing current induction, enabling effective conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy for storage or use in batteries and electronics.
Implementation Method 1
When a magnet moves in relation to an electromagnetic coil, a change in magnetic flux passing through the coil induces an electric current
Data Source
AI summary
A recirculating linear generator comprises a motor, a pulley system, two series of coil structures each arranged coaxially, a positive lead, and a negative lead. The pulley system includes a driver pulley driven by the motor and a take-up pulley. A belt couples to the driver pulley and the take-up pulley, so when driven, the belt travels along the driver pulley and the take-up pulley rotates. A series of ferromagnetic couple to the belt. The belt and masses traverse through a center (i.e., an axis) of the first series and second series of coil structures, and the first series and second series of coil structures each comprise a single electrical path. The positive lead couples to positive ends of the first and second series of coil structures, and the negative lead couples to negative ends of the first and second series of coil structures.