Spring-Locked Power Generation Module for Low-Loss Remote Input

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power generation modules face energy loss and degraded operationability due to generator rotation during energy input, leading to inefficient power generation and prolonged operation times.

Innovation Solution

A power generation module with an elastic member to store energy, a generator, a rotatable member, a transmission part, and a lock part that restricts rotor rotation until a prescribed position is reached, allowing energy to be stored and released for efficient power generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the generator rotates during energy input, then power generation can occur, but energy loss increases and operationability degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidenergy loss of operating force

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member stores energy in advance during the input phase while the lock part prevents rotor rotation. This preliminary energy storage allows the generator to rotate and generate power only when energy is released, not during energy input, thereby eliminating energy loss during the input phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The operation is divided into two distinct phases: energy input phase (where the lock part restricts rotor rotation and elastic member stores energy) and energy release phase (where the lock part releases and rotor rotates to generate power). This segmentation prevents simultaneous energy input and generation, eliminating energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If the generator rotates during energy input, then power generation can occur, but operationability degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidoperationability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member stores energy in advance during the input phase while the lock part prevents rotor rotation. This preliminary energy storage allows the generator to rotate and generate power only when energy is released, not during energy input, thereby eliminating energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The operation is divided into two distinct phases: energy input phase (where the lock part restricts rotor rotation and elastic member stores energy) and energy release phase (where the lock part releases and rotor rotates to generate power). This segmentation prevents simultaneous energy input and generation, eliminating energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If the lock part restricts rotor rotation during energy storage, then energy loss is suppressed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy lossVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the transmission part and the rotor. It selectively restricts or releases rotor rotation based on the operational phase, enabling energy storage without generator rotation during input and power generation during release, thereby suppressing energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock part is extracted as a separate functional component from the transmission system. This dedicated locking mechanism independently controls rotor rotation, allowing the transmission part to focus on energy transmission while the lock part manages rotation restriction, simplifying the overall control logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution suppresses energy loss and enhances power generation efficiency by restricting rotor rotation during energy storage, enabling stable and continuous power generation with reduced cogging torque and improved user operationability.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member configured to store energy input to the input part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a generator generating power when a rotor of the generator is rotated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12549067B2Power generation module and remote control device

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 TOTO LTD

AI summary

A power generation module includes an input part, an elastic member, generator, a rotatable member, a transmission part, and a lock part. The elastic member stores energy input to the input part. The generator generates power when a rotor of the generator is rotated. The rotatable member rotates the rotor. The transmission part transmits the energy stored in the elastic member to the rotatable member. The lock part restricts a rotation of the rotor by the transmission part. The energy is stored in the elastic member by the lock part restricting the rotation of the rotor while the input part moves from an initial position to a prescribed position. The restriction of the rotor by the lock part is released and the rotor is rotated by the energy stored in the elastic member when the input part moves to the prescribed position.