Miniature Mechanical Reserve Power Source for Munitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing miniature electrical generators and power sources for munitions and low-power applications face challenges in providing long shelf life, low cost, and scalability, with chemical reserve batteries being expensive and complex to produce, and lacking alternatives for low-power requirements.
Innovation Solution
Development of miniature mechanical reserve power sources that store potential mechanical energy in elastic elements, which can be released to generate electrical energy through mechanisms like rotary magnet and coil generators or piezoelectric elements, allowing for manual operation or event-initiated energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If chemical reserve batteries are used to provide electrical energy for munitions, then power density and duration are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical energy storage systems (batteries) with a mechanical energy storage system consisting of a spring-loaded flywheel assembly. The spring stores mechanical potential energy and transfers it to the flywheel, which then drives the electrical generator through mechanical rotation, eliminating the need for complex chemical battery systems while providing the required electrical energy for munitions operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates the essential function of energy storage from the complex battery system by using a separate spring mechanism specifically dedicated to storing mechanical potential energy. This extracted mechanical energy storage function is then coupled to the electrical generator, simplifying the overall system by removing the need for chemical electrolytes, electrodes, and associated battery management systems
2Volume of moving object
If miniature electrical generators are made smaller for low-power applications, then device size is reduced, but power generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic operation of the electrical generator by utilizing the rotational kinetic energy of the flywheel to drive the generator at optimized speeds. The spring-loaded mechanism provides dynamic energy release, allowing the miniature generator to operate at peak efficiency despite its small size, thereby maintaining adequate power generation capability for low-power munitions applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action through the oscillating spring mechanism that repeatedly stores and releases mechanical energy to the flywheel-generator system. This periodic energy input allows the miniature generator to produce electrical energy in controlled pulses, accumulating sufficient total power output despite the small generator size and intermittent operation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If reserve batteries are stored for long periods, then shelf life is extended, but activation reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable spring mechanism that is designed to be pre-loaded and stored in a stable, inert state for extended periods. The spring maintains its mechanical potential energy without degradation over long storage durations, and upon activation, reliably converts this stored energy to mechanical motion to drive the electrical generator, ensuring consistent performance even after years of storage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-loading the spring mechanism with mechanical potential energy during manufacturing or before deployment. This pre-stored energy remains stable during long-term storage and is automatically released upon activation, eliminating the need for complex activation sequences and ensuring reliable operation after extended storage periods
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
These power sources provide a cost-effective, long-shelf-life solution for low-power applications by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy efficiently, suitable for munitions and industrial uses, with the ability to power fuzing electronics and other low-power devices without the need for chemical reserves.
Implementation Method 1
potential mechanical energy is stored a priori or during activation phase such as by pushing of a button or actuating of a switching mechanism in elastic elements such as springs
Implementation Method 2
rotate a magnet and coil rotary generator
Implementation Method 3
harvested by mechanical to electrical energy conversion elements such as piezoelectric elements
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating electrical power, the method including: storing potential energy in an elastic element having one end attached to a shaft and another end attached to a structure upon rotation of the shaft relative to the structure in a first angular direction; and moving a retaining mechanism between an engaged position for retaining the shaft from rotating in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction and a power generating position permitting the shaft to rotate in the second angular direction; wherein when the retaining mechanism is moved to the power generating position, the stored potential energy in the elastic element is converted to kinetic energy to rotate the shaft which in turn rotates a generator operatively coupled to the shaft so as to produce electrical power.