Molded Energy-Harvesting Mat With Integrated Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies are inefficient in capturing and converting kinetic energy from moving vehicles into electrical energy, particularly in high-traffic areas, leading to energy wastage and reliance on conventional power sources.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular energy capture mat with integrated fluid flow channels and a pressure storage system, including a hydro turbine and generator, that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy by using a bladder to store and regulate fluid pressure, with a manifold system for efficient energy transfer and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If kinetic energy from vehicles is captured and converted into electrical energy, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to integrated fluid channels and pressure storage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates fluid flow channels directly into the molded mat body structure, combining the energy capture surface with the fluid transport system. This merging eliminates separate hoses or tubes and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining energy harvesting efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded mat body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the energy capture surface for vehicle tires, provides structural support, and contains integrated fluid channels for energy transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Manufacturing precision
If fluid channels are formed directly within the molded body, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channels are formed as integral parts of the molded mat body during the manufacturing process. This combining of the channel structure with the mat body ensures precise alignment and formation of channels while eliminating the need for separate assembly steps, thereby reducing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process utilizes molding parameters to directly form the fluid channels within the mat body. By controlling the molding process parameters, precise channel geometry is achieved during manufacturing, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing channel creation and reducing overall device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If pressure storage system is built within the mat, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure storage bladder is nested within the molded mat body structure, with the bladder contained inside the mat's internal cavity. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization by placing the storage system within the existing mat volume while the molding process ensures precise positioning and integration.
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 captures and converts kinetic energy from vehicles into electrical energy, optimizing energy harvesting in high-traffic areas, reducing dependency on conventional power sources and enhancing sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
Stored pressurized fluid drives the hydro turbine
Implementation Method 2
the hydro turbine drives a generator to produce electricity
Implementation Method 3
the hydro turbine drives a generator to produce electricity
Implementation Method 4
The pressure storage system comprises a bladder. The bladder separates the tank into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The air chamber is configured to be pre-charged to a predetermined pressure level.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure pertains to a device for capturing and converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. The device comprises a unitary molded mat body that includes a first plurality of parallel primary fluid flow channels integrally formed within its structure, where adjacent channels share dividing walls. These channels are arranged in a uniform, repeating pattern across the width of the mat. A first edge manifold channel extends along one edge of the mat, while a second edge manifold channel extends along the opposite edge. Each of the primary fluid flow channels is in fluid communication with both edge manifold channels, which are configured to connect to a pressure storage system. This configuration ensures efficient energy transfer, with fluid flow facilitated by the interconnected manifold and primary channels. The device's unitary construction optimizes durability and performance in converting kinetic energy into electrical energy.