Seesaw Hydroelectric Turbine Structure for Continuous Power Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power face challenges due to weather dependence and geographical limitations, leading to inconsistent electricity generation, while hydropower faces site restrictions and noise issues.

Innovation Solution

A seesaw-type hydroelectric power generation device with a working fluid-filled elongated container, a pivot structure, and a jacking mechanism that allows for continuous electricity generation by tilting the container to drive an impeller and power generator, utilizing a hydroelectric turbine module to convert fluid flow into electricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If solar or wind energy is used to generate electricity, then electricity can be produced from renewable sources, but the generation is affected by weather conditions and cannot be steady or continuous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteady electricity generationVSAvoidweather dependence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a dynamic seesaw mechanism that continuously oscillates between two positions, enabling uninterrupted water flow through the turbine. This dynamic operation ensures steady electricity generation regardless of external weather conditions, as the system self-regulates through its mechanical oscillation rather than relying on environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the weight difference of water between compartments to automatically drive the seesaw motion and generate electricity. The water itself serves as both the working fluid and the driving force, creating a self-sustaining system that operates continuously without external input or weather dependence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If wind power generation is implemented, then renewable electricity can be produced, but site restrictions and installation difficulties arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectricity generationVSAvoidsite restrictions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed as a universal system that can be deployed in multiple locations including land-based installations and water tanks. The modular container design with standardized components allows flexible placement without strict site requirements, making it adaptable to various environments for electricity generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into modular components including the elongated container, pivot structure, and turbine assembly. This segmentation allows easy transportation, installation, and configuration in different locations, eliminating the site restrictions that plague traditional wind power installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If a hydroelectric turbine is used to generate electricity from water flow, then continuous power can be produced, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power generationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the water storage function, the driving mechanism, and the power generation system into a single integrated device. The elongated container serves both as the water reservoir and the seesaw arm, while the turbine is directly coupled to the oscillation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex subsystems and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the natural weight difference of water between compartments to automatically drive the oscillation and power generation processes. The water flow itself provides the driving force, eliminating the need for external motors or complex control mechanisms, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 continuous and uninterrupted electricity generation, adaptable to various locations, with adjustable power output and storage capabilities, and requires minimal effort to operate, overcoming weather and geographical constraints.

Implementation Method 1

the working fluid flows reciprocally in the water flow passage and drives the impeller to rotate to generate electricity by the power generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydroelectric turbine conversion: Turbine

Implementation Method 2

the elongated container is tilted by pivoting around the pivot structure and alternately jacked through the jacking structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever principle: Lever

Implementation Method 3

an effort-saving effect is achieved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12473895B2Seesaw-type hydroelectric power generation device
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 CHEN SHIH HSIUNG
  • US12473895B2 patent drawing
  • US12473895B2 patent drawing
  • US12473895B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A seesaw-type hydroelectric power generation device is provided, including an elongated container (10), a hydroelectric turbine module (20), a pivot structure (30) below the elongated container (10), and a jacking structure (40) placed on both sides of the pivot structure (30). The elongated container (10) includes a first compartment (13) and a second compartment (14), and a water flow passage (15) connecting them. The hydroelectric turbine module (20) includes an impeller (22) and a power generator (21), the impeller (22) disposed in the water flow passage (15). When force is applied to the elongated container (10), it tilts around the pivot structure (30). The working fluid (WF) flows reciprocally through the water flow passage (15), driving the impeller (22) to rotate and thus generating electricity.