Piezoelectric Roller Assembly for Self-Powered Cargo Handling

Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing power demands of cargo handling systems and aircraft, driven by smart electric systems and active sensors, lead to weight and efficiency issues due to conventional power generation methods.

Innovation Solution

An energy harvesting roller system that incorporates a piezoelectric member vibrating in response to rotation, converting vibrational energy into electrical energy and storing it in a storage device, which can then power sensors, lights, and other components within the cargo handling system or aircraft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional power generation methods are used to meet increasing power demands, then power supply is improved, but system weight increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The roller assembly generates its own power through piezoelectric energy conversion from its rotational motion, eliminating the need for external power sources or heavy batteries. The system serves its own power needs by converting mechanical energy from cargo movement into electrical energy through piezoelectric elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical power generation systems (engines, motors, fuel tanks) with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system that converts mechanical vibration and rotation directly into electrical energy, eliminating complex mechanical power trains and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If conventional power generation methods are used to meet increasing power demands, then power supply is improved, but system efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller assembly generates its own power through piezoelectric energy conversion from its rotational motion, eliminating the need for external power sources or heavy batteries. The system serves its own power needs by converting mechanical energy from cargo movement into electrical energy through piezoelectric elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical power generation systems (engines, motors, fuel tanks) with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system that converts mechanical vibration and rotation directly into electrical energy, eliminating complex mechanical power trains and reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If piezoelectric members are added to the roller assembly, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy harvesting capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller assembly serves multiple functions: it transports cargo while simultaneously generating electrical energy through piezoelectric conversion. The same rotational motion used for cargo handling also drives the energy harvesting process, eliminating the need for separate energy generation equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric elements are integrated within the roller assembly structure itself, with piezoelectric members embedded in the roller body or shell. This nested integration allows energy harvesting components to occupy the same space as the transport function, minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 energy harvesting roller provides a supplementary power source, reducing the reliance on conventional power sources, thereby enhancing system efficiency and performance while minimizing weight and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric member coupled to the sleeve... the piezoelectric member may be configured to vibrate in response to the shell rotating about the shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12057792B2Energy harvesting roller assembly

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 GOODRICH CORP

AI summary

An energy harvesting roller for a cargo handling system may comprise a shaft and a sleeve located on the shaft. A piezoelectric member may be coupled to the sleeve. A shell may be located radially outward of the piezoelectric member and configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. A radially inward surface of the shell may define at least one of a plurality of grooves or a plurality of protrusions.