Power generation systems and methods for wheeled objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power sources for wheeled vehicles, such as motors, engines, and battery systems, are heavy, noisy, and require frequent refueling or recharging, making them unsuitable for indoor use and inefficient in providing continuous power, especially for vehicles like shopping carts that rely on manual propulsion.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system integrated into the wheel of a wheeled object, utilizing a generator to convert rotational energy into electrical energy, which is stored in high-capacity capacitors for later use, along with a control circuit to regulate charging and discharging, enabling self-sustaining power for on-board systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional power sources (motors, engines, battery systems) are used in wheeled vehicles, then power can be provided to on-board systems, but the vehicle becomes heavy, noisy, and requires frequent refueling or recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The system harvests kinetic energy from the wheel's rotation during normal operation to generate electrical power, making the vehicle self-sufficient for powering on-board systems without external fuel sources or heavy batteries. The generator converts mechanical rotational energy directly into electrical energy during wheel rotation, and the capacitor stores this energy for later use when the wheel is stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces conventional mechanical power sources (motors, engines) with an electromagnetic energy conversion system. The generator uses electromagnetic induction to convert mechanical rotation into electrical power, eliminating the need for combustion engines or electric motors that require external power sources.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional power sources are used in wheeled vehicles, then power can be provided to on-board systems, but the system becomes noisy and unsuitable for indoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the wheel's own motion to generate power, eliminating the need for noisy motors or engines. The generator produces electricity silently through electromagnetic induction during wheel rotation, and the capacitor maintains power supply during stationary periods without requiring any active components.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery systems are used to power wheeled vehicles, then continuous power can be provided, but the batteries require frequent recharging or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously harvests energy during wheel rotation and stores it in the capacitor, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. The capacitor maintains electrical charge during stationary periods, and the generator automatically recharges it during motion, creating a continuous power cycle without interruption or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically recharges the capacitor during wheel rotation without user intervention. The generator continuously converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, and the capacitor self-regulates its charge level, eliminating the need for external recharging infrastructure or battery replacement.
4Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are used to power wheeled vehicles, then power can be provided, but insufficient power is available indoors or at night
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different operating conditions by harvesting energy during wheel rotation regardless of location or time of day. Unlike solar cells that depend on external light conditions, the generator produces power whenever the wheel rotates, providing reliable power availability in all environments including indoors and at night.
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
This solution provides a lightweight, quiet, and efficient means of powering wheeled vehicles by harnessing kinetic energy, reducing the need for external power sources and enabling continuous operation, even when the vehicle is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
a generator mechanically coupled to one or more of the object's wheels to convert wheel rotational energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
the electrical storage device comprises a bank of high-capacity capacitors connected in series
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A power generation system for wheeled objects comprises a generator mechanically coupled to one or more of the object's wheels to convert wheel rotational energy into electrical energy. The power generation system may comprise an electrical storage device configured to store the electrical power produced by the generator. Power from the generator and/or the electrical storage device can be used to provide power to other electrical systems in or on the object. In certain preferred embodiments, the electrical storage device comprises a bank of high-capacity capacitors connected in series. Some embodiments use a control circuit, for example, to regulate the charging and discharging of the capacitor bank and to provide suitable voltages for other systems. In some embodiments, the power generation system is configured to be disposed within the object's wheel.