Annular Roller Generator for Cable Railway Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable car systems face challenges in efficiently generating electrical energy while moving, as existing solutions require additional components like friction wheels or generators that protrude and are prone to moisture ingress, complicating the system design.
Innovation Solution
A roller or support roller with a cylindrical tube section and annular bearings housing an annular electrical generator, comprising an induction coil stator and a rotatable permanent magnet rotor, integrated within the roller body to generate electricity when twisted, thus avoiding external generator components and protecting against moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a generator is mounted on the outside of the roller, then electricity can be generated during movement, but the generator is exposed to moisture and requires additional protective measures
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is nested within the hollow interior of the roller, with the stator mounted on the inner wall and the rotor integrated with the roller body. This nesting arrangement protects the generator components from moisture while enabling electricity generation during roller rotation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a friction wheel with generator is added to the cable car chassis, then electricity can be generated during movement, but the running gear becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The roller serves multiple functions: it supports the cable car chassis, enables movement along the cable, and generates electricity through its integrated generator. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate friction wheels with generators, simplifying the running gear.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is merged with the roller structure itself, combining the support function and power generation function into a single integrated component rather than separate elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the generator is located on the outside of the roller, then it can be easily accessed, but it requires additional space and affects the structural design
Solution Approach 1:
The generator components are nested within the hollow roller structure, utilizing the internal cavity space. The stator is mounted on the inner wall while the rotor integrates with the roller body, eliminating the need for external mounting and reducing structural design complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If accumulators are made larger to increase capacity, then more electrical energy can be stored, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own electrical energy through the roller-integrated generator during movement, reducing or eliminating the need for large-capacity accumulators. The generated electricity can directly power electrical devices or charge smaller accumulators.
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 efficient electricity generation for electrical devices and accumulators without additional technical complexity, maintaining system integrity and protecting against environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
the roller is formed with an annular electrical generator (4), which is located within a cavity surrounded by the roller body and the two annular bearings... the annular stator, which is carried by the pipe section, being located radially outside the pipe section and in the axial direction between the two annular bearings, and the at least one permanent magnet, which is located radially outside of the stator, is connected to the roller body, which can be rotated relative to the pipe section
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A roller, in particular a running roller (3) or support roller (3a) for use in cable car systems, comprising a radially inner cylindrical tube section (31), two annular bearings (32) located radially outside the tube section (31) and axially spaced apart from each other, and a roller body (33) located radially outside the annular bearings (32), which is formed with a running ring (34) and with two flanges (36) located laterally thereto. The roller (3, 3a) is formed with an annular electric generator (4) which is located within a cavity (30) surrounded by the roller body (33) and the two annular bearings (32). (FIG.3)