Magnetic Power Generation Device with Sequential Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power generation devices require a significant operation force due to their structural design, leading to discomfort and inefficiency, as they necessitate an operation force greater than the sum of magnetic forces, which is not ideal for usability or power generation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The power generation device employs a rotation member supported by a magnetic force at predetermined portions, allowing the operation force to act on specific magnetic forces in a sequential manner, reducing the overall required force and enhancing efficiency without enlarging the device or extending the operation stroke.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the armature rotates with the central part as the supporting point, then the power generation device can be compact, but the operation force required becomes significantly large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoperation force
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the supporting function into multiple protrusions (first protrusion and second protrusion) that sequentially support the armature at different positions during rotation. This segmentation allows the armature to rotate with reduced operation force while maintaining compact device dimensions, resolving the contradiction between compact size and high operation force requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the operation force is increased to overcome the magnetic forces, then the armature can be actuated, but the power generation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoidpower generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention dynamically changes the supporting point of the armature during rotation by using multiple protrusions at different positions. This dynamic support mechanism allows the armature to be actuated with reduced operation force, improving ease of operation while minimizing energy loss and enhancing power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If the distance from the central part to the operation position is extended to apply leverage, then the operation force is reduced, but the device size and operation stroke increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation forceVSAvoidoperation stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending the operation stroke in one dimension, the invention introduces a new dimension by adding multiple protrusions at different angular positions. This allows the armature to rotate with reduced operation force while maintaining a compact device size and short operation stroke, effectively resolving the contradiction between reduced operation force and increased device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables power generation with a smaller operation force than conventional devices, achieving higher power generation efficiency while maintaining the same power output, thus improving usability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a supporting member configured to support the rotation member by attracting the rotation member with a magnetic force exerted at each of first and second portions of the supporting member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

configured to induce a current to a coil by causing a magnetic flux of a permanent magnet passing through the coil to fluctuate in cooperation with the rotation of the rotation member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2763297B1Power generation device, transmission device and switching device
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 OMRON CORP
  • EP2763297B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2763297B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2763297B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5D

AI summary

A power generation device (10) comprising a rotation member (1) rotatable by an operation force and a supporting member (2a, 2b) supporting the rotation member (1) by attracting the rotation member (1) with a magnetic force, the power generation device inducing a current to a coil by a magnetic flux of a magnet caused by rotation of the rotation member (1), and where, when the operation force is applied in a first state in which the rotation member (1) is supported by the supporting member (2a, 2b) by being attracted to a first and second portions of the supporting member (2a, 2b) at respective first and second positions, the rotation member (1) transitions to a second state by rotating with the first position of the supporting member (2a, 2b) as a first supporting point, and further transitions to a third state by rotating with a position of the supporting member different from the first position as a second supporting point.