Remote Control Power Module With Locked Rotor Energy Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Power generation modules face energy loss and degraded operationability due to generator rotation during energy storage and the need for continuous power generation, leading to inefficiencies and user discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A power generation module with an input part, elastic member, generator, rotatable member, and lock part, where the elastic member stores energy input, the generator produces power when the rotor is rotated by the rotatable member, and the lock part restricts rotor rotation until the energy is released, enhancing efficiency and operationability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the generator rotates during energy storage, then energy can be stored, but energy loss occurs and operationability degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoidoperationability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power generation module is divided into distinct functional segments: an elastic member for energy storage, a lock part for restricting rotor rotation, and a transmission part for power transmission. This segmentation allows the generator to remain stationary during energy storage while still capturing energy through the elastic member, eliminating energy loss and improving operationability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member performs preliminary energy storage action before the generator rotates. The lock part restricts rotor rotation during the energy input phase, allowing the elastic member to store energy first. Only after energy is stored does the lock part release, allowing the generator to rotate and generate power, thus preventing energy loss during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If the generator does not rotate during energy storage, then energy loss is reduced, but power cannot be generated until force is released

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoidpower generation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member performs preliminary energy storage action before the generator rotates. The lock part restricts rotor rotation during the energy input phase, allowing the elastic member to store energy first. Only after energy is stored does the lock part release, allowing the generator to rotate and generate power, thus preventing energy loss during storage while ensuring power generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the input force and the generator. Instead of directly rotating the generator, the input force first energizes the elastic member, which then releases energy to rotate the generator. This intermediary mechanism decouples the energy storage and power generation phases, allowing energy to be stored without immediate generator rotation while still enabling subsequent power generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the lock part restricts rotor rotation during energy input, then energy storage efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock part and transmission part are merged into an integrated mechanism. The transmission part not only transmits power but also works in conjunction with the lock part to control rotor rotation. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the energy storage restriction function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission part serves multiple functions: it transmits power from the elastic member to the generator and also cooperates with the lock part to restrict rotor rotation during energy storage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving energy storage efficiency.

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

The solution reduces energy loss and improves power generation efficiency by storing energy without rotor rotation during input and releasing it for power generation, maintaining stable operation and reducing user discomfort from abnormal noises.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member configured to store energy input to the input part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a generator generating power when a rotor of the generator is rotated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4329162A1Power generation module and remote control device
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 TOTO LTD
  • EP4329162A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4329162A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4329162A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power generation module includes an input part, an elastic member, generator, a rotatable member, a transmission part, and a lock part. The elastic member stores energy input to the input part. The generator generates power when a rotor of the generator is rotated. The rotatable member rotates the rotor. The transmission part transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotatable member. The lock part restricts a rotation of the rotor by the transmission part. The energy is stored in the elastic member by the lock part restricting the rotation of the rotor while the input part moves from an initial position to a prescribed position. The restriction of the rotor by the lock part is released and the rotor is rotated by the energy stored in the elastic member when the input part moves to the prescribed position.