Tide-Adaptive Anchoring Device Using Volute Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wave energy power generation devices face challenges with high costs and complex structures when adapting to tide level changes, particularly due to the reliance on hydraulic self-lifting systems and complex control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical energy storage anchoring device with a cylindrical housing, volute springs, and a shaft lock system that uses chain drives and bevel gears to automatically adjust anchor chains with tide levels, allowing for stable operation across varying tidal ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic self-lifting systems are used to adapt to tide level changes, then the wave energy power generation device can maintain stable operation, but the cost increases and repair difficulty increases when failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic self-lifting system with a purely mechanical anchoring device consisting of anchor chains, hoisting wheels, and bevel gears. This mechanical substitution eliminates complex hydraulic components while achieving the same function of adapting to tide level changes, thereby reducing cost and repair difficulty while maintaining stable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device automatically adjusts anchor chain length based on tide level changes through the interaction of hoisting wheels and bevel gears, without requiring external hydraulic control systems. The device self-regulates its position relative to water level changes, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic self-lifting mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches or PLC controllers with level gauges are used to control motor fluctuation based on tide level, then the device can adapt to tide changes, but the structure becomes complex and water-proof requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems (switches, PLC controllers, level gauges) with a purely mechanical control mechanism using bevel gears and hoisting wheels. The mechanical interaction between components automatically responds to tide level changes without requiring sensors, controllers, or electrical systems, thereby simplifying structure and reducing water-proof requirements while maintaining tide level adaptability
3Device complexity
If mechanical energy storage controlled anchoring device is used, then the structure complexity and cost are reduced, but the mechanism requires precise mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the anchoring device into independent modular components: multiple anchor chains, separate hoisting wheels for each chain, and distributed bevel gears. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a monolithic system while maintaining structural simplicity
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 anchoring device enables stable operation of wave energy power generation devices by automatically stretching and retracting anchor chains with tide levels, reducing complexity and costs while ensuring safety and reliability in large tidal ranges.
Implementation Method 1
two ends of the central main shaft are respectively rigidly connected to a volute spring; when the tide level rises, the volute springs on both ends of the central main shaft shrink and store energy
Implementation Method 2
the first chain wheel and the second chain wheel are connected by a chain drive
Implementation Method 3
a vertical bevel gear is fixedly installed on each horizontal shaft; and a transverse bevel gear meshing with the vertical bevel gear
Implementation Method 4
a shaft lock and a central main gear capable of driving the central main shaft to rotate are mounted on the central main shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An anchoring device for adapting to tide level for a wave energy power generation device comprises: a housing, wherein a central main shaft is provided at the center thereof, two ends of the central main shaft are respectively rigidly connected to a volute spring, and the interior of the housing is divided into several independent compartments, including a central compartment accommodating the central main shaft; a shaft lock and a central main gear capable of driving the central main shaft to rotate mounted on the central main shaft; and a plurality of hoisting wheel compartments arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential array around the central main shaft. A hoisting wheel is provided in each of the hoisting wheel compartments, and an anchor chain wound on the hoisting wheel protrudes out of the housing through an opening at the bottom of the hoisting wheel compartment.