Pulsed Air to Electric Generator for Diaphragm Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diaphragm pumps and other devices with pulsed air exhaust face challenges in operating their electronic controls in environments unsuitable for electrical power by cable, necessitating a means to convert pulsed air into electric energy for universal employment.
Innovation Solution
An electric power generator system comprising a housing, a stator, a magnetic member, and a biasing member that interacts magnetically to generate electrical energy from pulsed air input, powering the control electronics of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical power by cable is used to operate control electronics, then reliable power supply is achieved, but the device cannot be used in environments unsuitable for electrical cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The device generates its own electrical power by converting the kinetic energy of its own pulsed air exhaust into electrical energy through a magnetic generator system, eliminating dependence on external power sources and enabling operation in environments where electrical cabling is unsuitable
Solution Approach 2:
The pulsed air exhaust, which is typically a waste byproduct of diaphragm pump operation, is converted into a useful resource by channeling it through a magnetic generator to produce electrical power, thereby transforming an environmental constraint into a power source
2Loss of time
If pulsed air exhaust is converted into electrical energy, then self-sustaining operation is achieved, but additional components (stator, magnetic member, biasing member) are added to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic generator components serve dual functions: the stator and magnetic member generate electrical power from pulsed air exhaust, while also potentially serving as structural or functional elements within the diaphragm pump system, thereby minimizing the net increase in device complexity
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
Enables the operation of diaphragm pumps and other devices by converting pulsed air exhaust into electrical energy, allowing for self-sustaining operation without external electrical power sources, enhancing versatility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the stator and the magnetic member magnetically interact to generate electrical energy by the magnetic member axially advancing from a resting position in a first direction through the stator in response to a pulsed air input and returning to the resting position in a second direction through the stator in response to the biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
An electric generator includes a housing with a stator positioned thereabout. A rotor (i.e., magnetic member) is positioned within the housing and is adapted to move within the housing in response to a pulsed air input, such as from a pulsed-air exhaust device. The pulsed air input creates a pressure chamber between the pulsed air input and the magnetic member, which forces the magnetic member to axially advance in a first direction through the housing to magnetically interact with the stator to generate electric current therein. A biasing member may be positioned within the housing and in operative communication with the magnetic member. The magnetic member may compress the biasing member in the first direction, but the biasing member may exert a spring-back force against the magnetic member to force the magnetic member in a second direction through the stator to magnetically interact therewith to generate additional electric current therein.