Unbalanced Rotor Cradle for Oscillation-to-Rotation Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to efficiently convert the oscillatory motion of objects, such as ships or floating platforms, into continuous rotation for energy capture due to the oscillatory nature of their motion, which makes it difficult to achieve effective energy extraction.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a frame with rotor assemblies, each having a cradle and a rotor with an unbalancing weight, pivotably carried by the frame, and a return actuator, such as a counterweight or biasing member, to pivot the cradle within a limited range, converting oscillatory motion into continuous rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a weight member is rotated while reciprocating according to the direction of movement, then electricity can be generated, but the energy extraction efficiency is reduced compared to continuous rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed to pivot dynamically between a first position and a second position, transforming the oscillatory reciprocating motion into continuous rotation of the rotor. This dynamic repositioning enables the rotor to maintain continuous rotational motion despite the oscillating input motion, thereby resolving the contradiction between reciprocating motion constraints and continuous rotation requirements for efficient energy extraction.
2Productivity
If continuous rotation is pursued, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to achieve due to the oscillatory nature of the motion
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle pivots dynamically between positions to convert oscillatory motion into continuous rotation, achieving continuous rotational capability without requiring complex control systems or additional actuators. The gravity-driven pivot mechanism provides a simple yet effective solution that maintains continuous rotation while avoiding excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The unbalancing weight on the rotor creates a counterbalancing effect that assists the cradle in pivoting between positions. This counterweight mechanism simplifies the overall system by using the rotor's own mass to facilitate the cradle's reciprocating motion, thereby achieving continuous rotation without requiring complex external actuation systems.
3Power
If the cradle is pivotably carried by the frame, then oscillatory motion can be converted to rotation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle's pivotable connection to the frame enables dynamic conversion of oscillatory motion into continuous rotation through gravity-driven pivoting. This simple mechanical linkage achieves effective energy conversion without requiring complex transmission mechanisms, motors, or control systems, thereby maintaining low structural complexity while improving power conversion efficiency.
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 device effectively converts oscillatory motion into continuous rotation, allowing for efficient energy capture through mechanical or electrical means, enhancing energy extraction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor comprises an unbalancing weight to unbalance rotation of the rotor relative to the cradle
Implementation Method 2
the counterweight(s) being mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly (or assemblies) whereby sliding motion of the counterweight(s) relative to the frame pivots the cradle of the rotor assembly (or assemblies) about the cradle pivot axis
Implementation Method 3
A generator is driven by the rotational force of the rotational shaft and connected to an upper end of the rotational shaft to produce electric power
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for capturing energy from an oscillating object, in which at least one unbalanced rotor is oscillated to rotate the rotor(s) while reciprocally pivoting each of the rotor(s) about a respective counter-oscillation axis that is substantially perpendicular to both a rotation axis of the rotor and the oscillation axis for the oscillating object. Reciprocally pivoting the rotor(s) about the respective counter-oscillation axis urges the rotor to rotate continuously instead of reciprocally, and energy from rotation of the rotor can be captured, for example mechanically or electrically. Optionally, the counter-oscillation axis may be moved to maintain the counter-oscillation axis perpendicular to the oscillation axis for the oscillating object.