Power Generator With Single Spring For Bidirectional Movement

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power generators require multiple spring members to move a movable member in both directions, complicating the structure and increasing size, which hinders simplification and miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

A power generator design featuring a movable member with holding portions and a spring member that uses the same spring to generate restoring force for bidirectional movement, eliminating the need for separate springs and simplifying the structure while maintaining stability in electricity generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate spring members are provided to move the movable member in both directions, then the power generator can achieve stable bidirectional movement, but the structure becomes complex and the overall size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of bidirectional movementVSAvoidnumber of spring members

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate spring members into a single spring member that can provide restoring force in both directions. The single spring member is configured to be compressed from either end, allowing it to replace the functionality of two separate springs while reducing structural complexity and overall size of the power generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single spring member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be compressed from the first end to restore the movable member to the first position, and compressed from the second end to restore the movable member to the second position. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate spring members for each direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If two separate spring members are provided to move the movable member in both directions, then the power generator can achieve stable bidirectional movement, but the overall size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of bidirectional movementVSAvoidoverall size of power generator

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate spring members into a single spring member that can provide restoring force in both directions. The single spring member is configured to be compressed from either end, allowing it to replace the functionality of two separate springs while reducing structural complexity and overall size of the power generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If two separate spring members are provided, then the movable member can be moved in both directions with good stability, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of movable memberVSAvoidnumber of spring members

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate spring members into a single spring member that can provide restoring force in both directions. The single spring member is configured to be compressed from either end, allowing it to replace the functionality of two separate springs while reducing structural complexity and overall size of the power generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design allows for a stable and efficient generation of electricity with reduced component complexity and size, ensuring uniform movement and electricity production in both directions.

Implementation Method 1

The permanent magnet generates magnetic attraction to hold the movable member at each of the first position and the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The power generating unit includes a mover moving in conjunction with the movable member and converts kinetic energy of the mover into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

The spring member is configured to generate restoring force that causes the movable member to move toward the second position when compressed by the first pressing portion, and to move toward the first position when compressed by the second pressing portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic restoring force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11056961B2Power generator, input device, and lock device with sensor

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A power generating unit includes a mover moving in conjunction with the movable member and converts kinetic energy of the mover into electrical energy. As an operating member moves in such a direction that a first pressing portion comes closer toward a second holding portion while the movable member is located at a first position, a spring member is compressed by the first pressing portion and the second holding portion and generates restoring force that causes the movable member to move toward a second position. As the operating member moves in such a direction that the second pressing portion comes closer toward the first holding portion while the movable member is located at the second position, the spring member is compressed by the second pressing portion and the first holding portion and generates restoring force that causes the movable member to move toward the first position.