Linear Motion Energy Harvesting Using Magnetic Rolling Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion devices face challenges in efficiently harvesting electrical energy from kinetic motion, particularly due to the inefficiency of current energy harvesting technologies such as friction wheels, piezoelectric materials, and thermoelectric generators.
Innovation Solution
A system for generating electrical energy in a linear motion device that utilizes rolling elements made of magnetically permeable materials, a static magnetic field generated by a permanent magnet, and an induction coil to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If batteries are used to supply power to sensors on the moving device component, then the need for cable connections is eliminated, but the batteries have to be replaced from time to time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-powered operation by harvesting mechanical energy from the linear motion device itself. The rolling elements interact with magnetic fields to generate electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, which is then stored in a capacitor or battery to power sensors and other electrical components on the moving device component, eliminating the need for external cable connections or periodic battery replacement.
2Use of energy by moving object
If friction wheels or pressure wheels are used for energy harvesting, then mechanical energy can be converted to electrical energy, but the conversion efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical energy conversion (friction wheels or pressure wheels) with an electromagnetic induction system. Rolling elements made of magnetically permeable material interact with magnetic fields generated by permanent magnets or electromagnets, inducing electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. This substitution significantly improves energy conversion efficiency by eliminating friction losses and directly converting mechanical motion into electrical energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes energy conversion by changing the physical parameters of the rolling elements (using magnetically permeable materials with specific magnetic properties) and adjusting magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, and configuration). These parameter changes enable more efficient electromagnetic induction and higher energy harvesting effectiveness compared to conventional friction-based methods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If piezoelectric materials are used for energy harvesting, then mechanical energy can be converted to electrical energy, but the generated energy is insufficient for practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric energy conversion with electromagnetic induction-based energy harvesting. The rolling elements moving through magnetic fields generate electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, which is more effective for linear motion applications. This substitution enables generation of sufficient electrical power for practical applications by leveraging the continuous motion and larger force characteristics of rolling elements compared to the compression-based piezoelectric effect.
4Use of energy by moving object
If thermoelectric generators are used for energy harvesting, then electrical energy can be generated from temperature differences, but the energy generation is insufficient for linear motion devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermoelectric generation with electromagnetic induction-based energy harvesting tailored for linear motion devices. The system utilizes the mechanical motion of rolling elements through magnetic fields to generate electrical energy, which is more suitable for dynamic linear motion applications than thermoelectric generators that rely on temperature gradients. This substitution enables sufficient power generation by directly coupling the energy harvesting mechanism to the motion characteristics of the linear device.
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 mechanical energy into electrical energy, reducing the need for external power sources, extending battery life, and integrating seamlessly into existing linear motion devices without additional moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
the rolling elements consist of a magnetically permeable material, so that the rolling elements are suitable for influencing the magnetic field depending on the position of the rolling elements in the one spatial region; and at least one induction coil with at least one coil turn, wherein the at least one induction coil is arranged stationary relative to the device for generating a static magnetic field such that the induction coil (or the at least one coil winding) experiences a change in a magnetic flux due to a change in the position of the rolling elements during a movement of the rolling elements along the direction of movement through the one spatial region, which change induces an electrical voltage in the at least one coil winding
Data Source
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AI summary
The system for generating electrical energy enables the generation of electrical energy in a linear motion device having a first device component and a second device component, wherein the second device component is supported on the first device component via rolling elements (WK), such that the second device component is linearly movable relative to the first device component. The system for generating electrical energy comprises: the rolling elements (WK), which are movable along a direction of movement (BR) during operation of the linear motion device;a device (PM) for generating a static magnetic field in a spatial region (RB) which the rolling elements (WK) must traverse one after the other during operation of the linear motion device during a movement along the direction of movement (BR), wherein the rolling elements (WK) consist of a magnetically permeable material, so that the rolling elements (WK) are suitable for influencing the magnetic field depending on the position of the rolling elements (WK) in the one spatial region (RB);and at least one induction coil (IS) with at least one coil turn, wherein the at least one induction coil (IS) is arranged stationary relative to the device (PM) for generating a static magnetic field in such a way that, due to a change in the position of the rolling elements (WK) during a movement of the rolling elements (WK) along the direction of movement (BR) through the one spatial region (RB), it experiences a change in a magnetic flux which induces an electrical voltage (Uind) in the at least one coil turn;