U-Shaped Induction Generator for Wireless Switch Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction generators for miniaturized wireless switches face challenges in generating a high level of electrical energy from mechanical actuation within a small size, as previous solutions are inefficient in energy conversion and size reduction.

Innovation Solution

The proposed induction generator features a U-shaped coil core with a magnetic element that undergoes linear movement between contact positions, interacting with mechanical spring accumulators to store and release energy, allowing for flux direction reversal and efficient energy generation, utilizing a guide device for precise movement and a web-shaped spring element for compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the induction system is miniaturized to reduce size, then the device becomes more compact and suitable for wireless switches, but the amount of electrical energy generated from mechanical actuation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of induction systemVSAvoidelectrical energy generated
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the magnetic element to undergo rapid acceleration and deceleration movements between contact positions. The mechanical spring accumulator stores and releases energy to create high-speed linear movement of the magnetic element, which dynamically changes the magnetic flux through the coil core. This dynamic movement generates sufficient electrical energy despite the miniaturized size of the induction system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by introducing a mechanical spring accumulator that stores and releases energy to achieve high acceleration of the magnetic element. The system also utilizes flux direction reversal at contact positions to maximize the rate of change of magnetic flux. These parameter changes (acceleration, flux reversal) enable high energy generation from a compact induction system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If mechanical spring accumulators are introduced to store and release energy for accelerated movement, then energy generation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generationVSAvoidstructure of induction generator
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mechanical spring accumulator with the induction system in a compact integrated design. The spring accumulator is positioned to directly interact with the magnetic element, and the guide device is combined with the coil core structure. This merging reduces overall complexity despite adding energy storage functionality, as components are closely integrated rather than separately assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic element serves multiple functions: it acts as the moving component that changes magnetic flux, interacts with the spring accumulator for energy storage and release, and engages with the guide device for constrained movement. The coil core also serves dual purposes as both the induction coil structure and part of the guide device. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.

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

3Power

If the magnetic element undergoes rapid accelerated movement between contact positions, then flux direction reversal and energy generation improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy outputVSAvoidmovement control of magnetic element
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device is designed to automatically guide the magnetic element along a predetermined linear path between contact positions. The structure of the guide device and coil core works together to self-constrain the movement, reducing the need for high-precision external control mechanisms. The system uses its own structural components to ensure precise, repeatable movement for flux direction reversal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a simpler structural guidance mechanism. Instead of using motors, sensors, or active control systems to achieve precise movement, the guide device uses passive mechanical constraints built into the coil core structure to guide the magnetic element's movement, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This design enables the generation of a large amount of energy relative to the miniaturized size, allowing for a compact and efficient induction generator that can be used in radio switches, achieving high energy output with minimal size and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an induction generator for a wireless switch (1) with a magnetic element (2) and an induction coil (4) with a coil core (5), the coil core (5) being U-shaped, with a first and a second contact position on the legs (6, 7) of the coil core (5) being defined for the magnetic element (2), with a change between which in each case a flux direction reversal takes place in the coil core (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic element (2) for the mechanically accelerated movement between the contact positions interacts with a first mechanical spring accumulator (12), which stores triggering energy up to a certain energy level, with the magnetic element (2) being released from the first or second contact position after the contact position has been left when the energy level is exceeded can be released to accelerate the magnetic element (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic energy storage: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2550725B1Induction generator
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP2550725B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2550725B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP2550725B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An induction generator (1) for a radio switch (2) having a magnet element (2) as well as an induction coil (4) with a coil core (5), characterized in that the coil core (5) is U-shaped, wherein a first contact position (Y1) and a second contact position (Y2) for the magnet element (2) are defined on the limbs (6, 7) of the coil core (5), with a flux direction reversal taking place in each case in the coil core (5) when a change takes place between said positions, wherein the magnet element (2) is arranged such that it can move in a defined manner linearly between the contact positions (Y1, Y2) on the induction generator (1) in a direction (Y) in which the limbs (6, 7) are adjacent to one another.