Undulating Motion Mechanism Using Flexible Sheet and Vertebra Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical devices that create repetitive and undulating motions for energy conversion are limited in their ability to efficiently harness and convert mechanical or electrical energy, particularly in propulsion and energy generation systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible sheet-like members deformed by applied forces, maintained by restraining components such as vertebra plates, which are elastically or variably coupled to a central rigid tube, utilizing materials like electroactive polymers, magnetostrictive materials, or hydraulic/pneumatic pistons to create undulating motion and convert energy between mechanical and electrical forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flexible sheet-like members are deformed and restrained to create undulating motion, then propulsion or energy generation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components (vertebrae plates, elastic couplings, transducers)
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet-like member is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, with vertebrae plates attached at intervals. This segmentation allows each section to deform independently, creating the undulating motion pattern while distributing the mechanical stress across multiple points, thereby achieving efficient propulsion without requiring a completely rigid complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The vertebrae plates serve multiple functions: they restrain the flexible member to maintain deformation, they couple elastic materials to transmit forces, and they provide attachment points for transducers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving the desired propulsion or energy generation
2Use of energy by moving object
If elastic or variable coupling components are used to transmit forces, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic coupling components are designed with variable stiffness characteristics that can be adjusted or tuned. By changing the physical parameters of these couplings (such as thickness, length, or material properties), the system can optimize energy transmission for different operating conditions without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, thus balancing energy efficiency with manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling components are designed to be dynamically adaptive, allowing their mechanical properties to change during operation. This dynamic behavior enables the system to maintain high energy conversion efficiency across varying operating conditions while tolerating broader manufacturing variations, as the system self-adjusts rather than relying on precise fixed dimensions
3Duration of action of stationary object
If deformations are maintained through restraining components, then continuous undulating motion is achieved, but loss of substance increases due to material deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic actuation of the flexible sheet-like member, creating a wave-like undulating motion that propagates along its length. This periodic action allows the material to cyclically deform and recover, maintaining continuous motion over time while minimizing cumulative plastic deformation through controlled elastic cycling
Solution Approach 2:
The vertebrae plates and elastic coupling components are positioned and designed to cushion and distribute the deformation stresses before they can cause permanent damage to the flexible member. This protective arrangement allows the system to operate continuously by preventing material fatigue and degradation
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 solution enables continuous undulating motion for propulsion and energy generation, allowing for efficient conversion of energy between mechanical and electrical forms, independent of specific actuator or generator technologies, and can be applied in various fluid and wind power applications.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic coupling components may, in some implementations, be constructed of and/or incorporate an electroactive polymer or other electroactive material
Implementation Method 2
The elastic coupling component may incorporate transducing components which convert this force into electrical energy. The elastic coupling components may, in some implementations, be constructed of and/or incorporate an electroactive polymer or other electroactive material able to convert mechanical strain into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
The elastic coupling components may, in various implementations, be comprised of electroactive polymer material, a magnetostrictive material
Implementation Method 4
The elastic coupling components may, in various implementations, be comprised of electroactive polymer material, a magnetostrictive material, metal coil passing through a magnetic field, hydraulic pistons, pneumatic pistons, shape memory alloy elements
Data Source
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AI summary
Mechanisms are described which receive and transfer forces via transducers having one or more persistent deformations in changeable locations. Actuator or propulsion embodiments are powered by elastic or variable length transducers that exert forces on the deformed members which in turn exert forces onto ambient fluid such as air or water. Generator embodiments receive forces from ambient moving fluid via deformed members which transfer those forces to elastic or variable length transducers which convert those forces into electrical energy.