Road Surface Power Generation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing vehicle traffic generates a large amount of unused energy from gravitational pressure and kinetic energy, which existing technologies have not effectively harnessed for electric power generation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus installed under the road surface utilizes pressing means, such as mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic systems, to convert the combined forces of vehicle weight and kinetic energy into rotary motion, which is then amplified and transferred to electric generators like alternators or dynamos for power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If electric power generating devices are installed beneath the road bed as disclosed in prior art, then energy from vehicle traffic can be harvested, but the construction cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressing means with a direct gravitational weight system. Vehicles themselves provide the pressing force through their weight on the road surface, eliminating the need for separate mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic pressing devices. This substitution dramatically simplifies the system while maintaining energy harvesting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential energy conversion function from complex road bed systems. Instead of installing complete pressing and transmission systems beneath the road, it isolates the gravitational force application and direct rotary conversion, removing unnecessary intermediate mechanical components and simplifying the overall structure.
2Productivity
If complex pressing and rotary multiplier systems are installed to convert vehicle energy, then electric power generation efficiency improves, but maintenance difficulty and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicles themselves to provide the pressing force through their weight, eliminating the need for separate maintenance-intensive pressing mechanisms. The gravitational force is naturally provided and requires no maintenance, while the rotary conversion system is simplified to minimal essential components that are easier to service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more robust components that can be easily replaced rather than complex precision mechanisms requiring meticulous maintenance. The direct rotary conversion system uses durable elements that can be serviced using conventional methods, reducing both capital investment and ongoing maintenance costs.
3Loss of energy
If gravitational pressure and kinetic energy are combined through complex pressing means, then energy recovery completeness improves, but system reliability and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vehicle's own weight as the counterbalancing force, creating a naturally stable system where gravitational pressure is directly applied through the road surface. This eliminates the need for complex counterweight mechanisms that could fail, improving reliability while capturing both gravitational and kinetic energy components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active mechanisms to apply pressure, the system inverts the approach by allowing passive gravitational force to act directly through the road structure. This inversion from active to passive force application simplifies the system, enhances safety by eliminating active pressing components, and maintains complete energy recovery capability.
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 efficiently recovers and converts previously unused energy into electric power, providing a reliable, safe, and cost-effective solution with minimal capital investment, capable of being serviced using conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a gravitational pressure of a body on a surface
Implementation Method 2
a mechanical potential and kinetic energy of a vehicle in transit on a road
Implementation Method 3
rotary multiplier means connected to the electric generating means
Implementation Method 4
electric generating means in turn comprise alternators, dynamos or other like electric power generating devices
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus for generating electric power from vehicles moving on a road comprises a movable element or assembly, arranged at a road surface, and thereon operate the wheels of a vehicle driven on the road surface, the movable element or assembly being operatively coupled to pressing means operating on electric current generating means.