Pivotable Buoyant Plates for Shallow Tidal Current Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tidal power generation technologies face challenges in reliably operating in shallow ocean regions with varying tidal currents and depths, requiring complex mechanisms and high manufacturing costs, and are not efficient in handling changes in tidal current direction.
Innovation Solution
A power generation apparatus with a vertical rotary shaft and pivotable pressure receiving plates, specifically designed to generate buoyancy and rotate efficiently in shallow waters, using a simple structure with stoppers to maintain rotation and handle directional changes in tidal currents, ensuring stable power generation without advanced technology or high precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a waterwheel model with horizontal axis is laid flat and immersed in flowing water, then the structure is simple with small manufacturing cost, but the wheel will not turn as it is
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the blades pivotable rather than fixed. The blades can dynamically adjust their angle relative to the mounting frame, allowing them to automatically orient themselves to receive water current effectively. This dynamic adjustment enables the simple horizontal-axis waterwheel structure to actually rotate and generate power without requiring complex fixed guide plate systems.
2Ease of operation
If water guide plates are installed to make the wheel turn, then the wheel will rotate, but installation at actual ocean flow is excessive in cost and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing blades that automatically adjust their own angle through pivoting action. The blades self-orient to receive water current effectively without requiring external water guide plates or complex installation systems. The pivoting mechanism allows the blades to adapt automatically to the flowing water, eliminating the need for impractical ocean installation of fixed guide structures.
3Productivity
If blades are raised by stopper parts within a predetermined range of angle, then fluid receiving parts are formed, but if placed in sea where flow direction reverses, fluid cannot be constantly guided and power generation becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the directional adaptability issue by making the blades dynamically pivotable rather than fixed at predetermined angles. The blades can continuously adjust their orientation to face the water current regardless of flow direction changes. This dynamic adaptation ensures stable power generation even when tidal currents reverse, as the blades automatically reorient themselves to maintain effective fluid reception.
4Productivity
If a gear mechanism is used to adjust mounting angle of vanes, then part of vanes can be made perpendicular to flow, but the mechanism is complicated and breaks down due to force acting on vanes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex gear mechanism entirely and replacing it with a simple pivoting connection. The blade mounting structure directly allows angular adjustment through pivoting without any intermediate transmission mechanisms. This eliminates the reliability issues of gear mechanisms breaking down under ocean forces while maintaining the ability to optimize blade orientation for efficient power generation.
5Productivity
If mounting angle adjustment mechanism is used, then vanes can be oriented optimally, but energy loss is great and efficient power generation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by allowing the blades to automatically pivot into their optimal orientation through the action of water current itself, without requiring energy-consuming adjustment mechanisms. The pivoting connection enables the blades to self-adjust to the most efficient angle relative to the flow, minimizing energy loss while maximizing power generation 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 apparatus achieves reliable and long-term durable power generation by utilizing buoyancy and rotational phases of pressure receiving plates to maintain consistent torque, reducing costs and complexity, and effectively handling changes in tidal current direction.
Implementation Method 1
a specific gravity of the pressure receiving plates is set slightly smaller than the specific gravity of the seawater or freshwater where the apparatus is set so as to enable generation of buoyancy in the pressure receiving plates in the sea and freshwater body
Data Source
AI summary
To an installation base fixed to the seabed surface, a vertical cylindrically shaped rotating body is attached to be able to rotate. Mounting frames are attached in a radially manner from the outer circumference of the rotary body. At the top side positions of the mounting frames, pressure receiving plates of flat plate shapes, of a specific gravity slightly smaller and lighter than seawater, and giving rise to buoyancy are attached by butterfly joints to be able to pivot. Further, stoppers and stoppers stopping the pressure receiving plates to within an angular range from slightly below the horizontal or 4° to the substantially vertical or 90° are provided. The rotation of the rotary body is increased to turn the power generator.