Electric Linear Machine Direct Energy Recovery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy recovery systems suffer from high energy losses and complex system structures due to multiple conversions of kinetic energy into electrical energy, particularly in shock absorbers and linear machines.

Innovation Solution

An energy recovery system incorporating an electrical linear machine that directly converts translational kinetic energy into electrical energy at the point of generation, eliminating the need for additional converters and reducing system complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If multiple energy conversions are used to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, then the system can achieve energy recovery, but the energy losses increase and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the intermediate conversion components (hydraulic pump, motor, gear mechanism) from the energy recovery system. By directly coupling the linear generator with the damper piston rod, the system removes unnecessary conversion steps that cause energy losses and increase complexity, achieving direct conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the shock absorber function and energy generation function into a single integrated linear generator device. The damper piston rod directly drives the linear generator without intermediate mechanisms, combining what were previously separate systems into one unified structure that reduces both energy losses and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If multiple energy conversions are used (kinetic to rotational to electrical), then the system can recover energy, but the system structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversion lossesVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical conversion system (gear mechanism converting translational motion to rotational motion) with a direct electromagnetic conversion system. The linear generator converts the translational kinetic energy of the damper piston directly into electrical energy, eliminating the need for mechanical gear conversions and reducing both energy losses and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If additional converters are added to convert translational kinetic energy into electrical energy, then energy recovery is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy yieldVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linear generator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the shock absorber damping mechanism and the energy generation device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate converters and components, achieving energy recovery while maintaining simple system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach significantly reduces energy losses and simplifies the system by enabling direct and immediate energy recovery and conversion, enhancing energy yield while minimizing the need for multiple energy conversions.

Implementation Method 1

An energy recovery system is proposed that comprises an electric linear motor. This motor is designed such that it can be used in generator mode as a shock absorber for direct energy recovery... converting it into electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3680511A1Energy recovery system
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 MML SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • EP3680511A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3680511A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3680511A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An energy recovery system is proposed which has an electric linear machine (2, 4) which is designed in such a way that it can be used in generator mode as a shock absorber for direct energy recovery in the event of dynamic impacts and/or hydrodynamic restoring forces and/or in the event of almost static displacements, or in motor mode as an actuator for setting the desired dynamics.