Pneumatic Tool Supercapacitor Battery Energy Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic tools with discontinuous movements face inefficiencies in converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, leading to energy loss and limited autonomy for attached equipment like lights and sensors, especially in industrial settings where continuous power is needed for improved visibility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A portable tool equipped with a pneumatic motor and a kinematic chain, utilizing a supercapacitor and battery system to store and regulate electrical energy generated from kinetic energy, allowing for efficient power supply to accessories such as lights, communication devices, and sensors, even when the tool is not in motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a dynamo is used to generate electrical energy from the rotating motor, then electrical energy can be produced to power a light source, but significant energy is lost because the dynamo generates high current in jerks that is clipped and not practical for charging a battery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical energy productionVSAvoidenergy loss during conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A supercapacitor is introduced as an intermediary energy storage device between the dynamo and the battery. The supercapacitor absorbs the jerky high-current output from the dynamo during tool operation and releases it smoothly to charge the battery, eliminating the need to clip the energy and reducing overall energy loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical parameters through the supercapacitor, which can rapidly accept and release high currents without damage. This parameter transformation allows the jerky dynamo output to be converted into a smooth charging current for the battery, maximizing energy utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If a portable battery-powered lamp is attached to the tool, then the work area can be illuminated well, but the autonomy depends on the battery capacity and requires frequent removal and recharging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework area illuminationVSAvoidlamp autonomy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is merged with the tool's existing energy conversion system. The same dynamo that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy also charges the lighting battery through the supercapacitor, creating an integrated energy ecosystem that extends autonomy without adding external power sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool becomes self-sufficient for lighting needs by using its own operational energy to charge the lighting battery. The system automatically manages energy transfer from the dynamo through the supercapacitor to the battery, eliminating the need for external charging operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrical energy is supplied to a capacitor to charge a battery for powering equipment, then equipment can operate independently of tool motion, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment operation independenceVSAvoidenergy storage system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supercapacitor serves as a manageable intermediary that simplifies the overall system architecture. Rather than directly connecting the jerky dynamo output to the battery, the supercapacitor mediates the energy transfer, making the system both more versatile and practically manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Maximizes energy recovery and storage for prolonged use, enabling reliable operation of accessories with improved visibility and functionality in industrial settings, reducing the need for frequent recharging and extending tool autonomy.

Implementation Method 1

a means for generating an energy electricity from the kinetic energy of the moving element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one supercapacitor capable of storing the electrical energy produced by the generating means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

at least one battery, said battery being at least charged by the supercapacitor when the generating means no longer produces electric energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3670083B1Portable tool equipped with a pneumatic engine and a supercapacitor for charging a battery supplying equipment
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 ETABLISSEMENT GEORGES RENAULT SAS
  • EP3670083B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3670083B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a portable tool (1) with discontinuous operation, equipped with a pneumatic motor and an element driven intermittently by the motor via a kinematic chain, comprising a means (10, 11) for generating electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the moving element. The tool further comprises at least one supercapacitor (14) capable of storing the electrical energy produced by the generating means, and at least one battery (17), said battery being charged by the supercapacitor (14) when the generating means (10, 11) no longer produces electrical energy. In this way, the combined use of a supercapacitor and a battery allows for longer powering of accessories mounted on the tool or electrically connected to it.The tool recovers the maximum amount of electrical energy produced by the movements and stores it in an on-board battery so that it can be used at any time afterwards.