Linear Propulsion Device with Omnidirectional Wave Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for harnessing energy from marine waves primarily focus on vertical movement, missing out on the significant energy contained in omnidirectional and chaotic wave motions, which limits their efficiency in converting kinetic energy into propulsion for marine craft.
Innovation Solution
A device with individually-pivoted substantially planar blades operating in both vertical and horizontal planes, where each blade produces reactive forces to omnidirectional fluid flows, providing both propulsion and buoyancy, with integrated pivot means and limiting mechanisms to optimize energy conversion and reduce drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If devices focus on capturing vertical wave movement energy, then the device structure is simpler, but energy conversion efficiency is reduced because less than half of the total wave energy is captured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-plane (vertical) wave energy capture to multi-plane capture by adding horizontal plane blades that rotate about vertical axes. This dimensional expansion allows the device to capture omnidirectional wave energy components, converting approximately 70% of total wave energy compared to traditional vertical-only devices that capture less than 50%.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates blades that can respond to wave motions from any direction (omnidirectional capture). The horizontal plane blades work in conjunction with vertical plane blades to create a universal wave energy capture system that functions effectively regardless of wave approach direction, enhancing overall energy conversion efficiency.
2Productivity
If devices are designed to capture omnidirectional wave energy, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple blades operating in different planes
Solution Approach 1:
The wave energy capture device is divided into separate functional segments: vertical plane blades for capturing vertical wave components and horizontal plane blades for capturing horizontal wave components. Each segment operates independently with its own pivot mechanism, allowing simplified design and maintenance of individual components while achieving complex omnidirectional energy capture collectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges vertical plane blade mechanisms with horizontal plane blade mechanisms into a single integrated device. The horizontal blades rotate about vertical axes passing through the vertical blade pivot points, creating a combined system where both blade types work synergistically to capture omnidirectional wave energy, achieving high efficiency without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
3Device complexity
If single-plane propulsive devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy conversion from omnidirectional water flows is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion device extends from single-plane operation to multi-plane operation by incorporating horizontal plane blades that rotate about vertical axes. This dimensional expansion enables the device to extract kinetic energy from water flows in all directions, converting approximately 70% of available omnidirectional wave energy compared to traditional single-plane devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves universal responsiveness to water flows from any direction through the combination of vertical and horizontal plane blades. This multi-functional capability allows the propulsion system to effectively utilize kinetic energy regardless of wave approach direction, significantly improving energy conversion efficiency.
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 enables efficient conversion of chaotic omnidirectional wave energy into thrust, enhancing propulsion efficiency while minimizing drag and complexity, suitable for various marine applications from small models to large vessels.
Implementation Method 1
a first individually-pivoted substantially planar blade that is capable of producing a reactive force by self-attenuating in response to an incoming fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
the device must offer a resistive force that interacts with a water particle's movement in any plane
Implementation Method 3
capable of producing a reactive force by self-attenuating in response to an incoming fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A device for linear propulsion (1) comprises a support structure (2) for carrying a payload, and one or more wave propulsion modules (3). The or each wave propulsion module (3) comprises a first individually-pivoted substantially planar blade (4) and a second individually-pivoted substantially planar blade (5). The first individually-pivoted substantially planar blade (4) is capable of producing a reactive force by self-attenuating by spring or dynamics of buoyancy means in response to an incoming fluid flow in the horizontal plane (6). The second individually-pivoted substantially planar blade (5) is capable of producing a reactive force by self-attenuating by spring or dynamics of buoyancy means in response to an incoming fluid flow in the vertical plane (7).