Linear Motion Rollers for Self-Powered Sensor Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motion devices face challenges in efficiently generating electrical energy from kinetic motion, particularly in applications where sensors require continuous power, leading to costly and unreliable cable connections or frequent battery replacements.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates rolling elements with a magnetically permeable material, a static magnetic field generator, and an induction coil, allowing the mechanical energy of the linear motion device to be converted into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable connections are used to supply electrical energy to sensors on the movable device component, then the sensors can be continuously powered, but the system becomes expensive and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy generation function from the stationary part and places it directly on the movable device component. The moving component itself generates electrical energy through its motion, eliminating the need for external cable connections and making the system self-sufficient in terms of power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable device component serves itself by generating the electrical energy it needs through its own motion. The rolling elements and magnetic field generator work together to convert the kinetic energy of movement directly into electrical power, allowing the component to be self-powered without external intervention.
2Ease of operation
If batteries are provided on the movable device component to supply energy, then cable connections are eliminated, but the batteries need frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on finite battery power that requires replacement, the system generates its own electrical energy continuously through the motion of the movable device component. This self-generating approach eliminates the need for battery replacement and provides unlimited operational duration as long as the component is in motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy supply parameter from stored chemical energy (batteries) to generated electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. This parameter change transforms the system from consuming finite energy to continuously generating energy, fundamentally extending the operational duration.
3Productivity
If rolling elements are used to reduce friction, then linear motion is achieved with high efficiency, but the system lacks the capability to generate electrical energy
Solution Approach 1:
The rolling elements serve dual functions: they reduce friction during linear motion and simultaneously act as magnetic poles that generate electrical energy when moving through the magnetic field. This multi-functionality allows the same component to achieve both mechanical efficiency and electrical energy generation without adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the mechanical function of friction reduction with the electrical function of energy generation by integrating the magnetic field generator with the rolling element mechanism. The rolling elements are positioned within the magnetic field, combining their mechanical motion with electromagnetic induction to produce electricity while maintaining smooth linear motion.
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 system efficiently converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, reducing the need for external power sources, extending battery life, and minimizing maintenance, while providing a cost-effective and reliable energy harvesting solution for linear motion devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one induction coil with at least one coil winding, wherein the at least one induction coil is arranged stationarily relative to the apparatus for generating a static magnetic field in such a way that, due to a change in the position of the rolling elements during a movement of the rolling elements through the one spatial region along the direction of movement, the induction coil (or the at least one coil winding) experiences a change of a magnetic flux, which induces an electric voltage in the at least one coil winding
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating electrical energy generates electrical energy in a linear motion device having a first component and a second component supported by rollers thereon to enable the second component to be moved linearly relative to the first component. The system includes: the rollers moveable along a movement direction during linear motion device operation; a generator for generating a static magnetic field in a spatial region, which the rollers must successively traverse while moving along the movement direction. The rollers include a magnetically permeable material influencing the magnetic field depending on roller position in the region; and at least one induction coil with at least one winding arranged stationarily relative to the magnetic field generator so that a change in roller position through the region along the movement direction causes a magnetic flux change in the coil, which induces an electric voltage in the at least one winding.