Variable Capacitor Plate Spacing for Higher Voltage Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitors face limitations in efficiently varying potential across the capacitor by changing the distance between plates, which affects energy storage and retrieval, as they often require mechanical energy to separate plates, leading to inefficiencies in energy conversion and storage.
Innovation Solution
A variable capacitor system with distance-movable plates, where a linkage maintains plates in a parallel and opposed relationship, utilizing a drive mechanism to increase separation distance, and a bidirectional current transfer circuit or DC-DC converter to charge and discharge the capacitor, allowing for adjustable potential output by reducing capacitance while maintaining constant electrostatic charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If the distance between capacitor plates is increased to increase potential output, then the potential across the capacitor increases, but mechanical energy is required to separate the plates leading to energy conversion inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drive mechanism with an electromagnetic actuator system. The electromagnetic actuator converts electrical energy directly to linear motion to move the movable capacitor plate, eliminating the need for mechanical gears, belts, or linkages. This substitution reduces mechanical energy losses through friction and inefficiencies in mechanical transmission components, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency while achieving the desired increase in capacitor plate separation and potential output.
2Length of moving object
If a traditional mechanical drive mechanism is used to separate capacitor plates, then plate separation is achieved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical drive mechanisms (gears, belts, linkages) by employing an electromagnetic actuator that directly converts electrical energy to linear motion. This single integrated component achieves plate separation without requiring multiple mechanical parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the capability to achieve the required separation distance between capacitor plates.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the driving force for plate separation, acts as a positioning control mechanism, and integrates the drive and control functions in a single component. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the system, simplifying the device structure while achieving the desired plate separation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rotary plates are used for variable capacitance, then R-C resonance tuning is achieved, but energy storage capability is limited compared to distance-movable plate configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically adjustable capacitor plate distance mechanism that allows continuous variation of capacitance by changing the separation distance between plates. This dynamic configuration enables the system to optimize both R-C resonance tuning and energy storage capability, as the capacitance can be adjusted in real-time to match resonant frequency requirements while simultaneously maximizing energy storage through increased plate separation when needed.
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 approach enables a linear increase in potential across the plates with increased separation distance, resulting in proportional energy storage, enhancing energy efficiency and output potential, and allowing for series and parallel connections to further increase output potential.
Implementation Method 1
In a capacitor, the energy is stored in a system with low capacitance with constant electrostatic charges such that the potential (voltage) is changed to a higher value
Implementation Method 2
An increase in separation distance renders a decreased capacitance, such that, with the capacitive plates charged relative to each other, the increase in separation distance renders an increase in potential across the capacitive plates
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive system provides adjustable electrical potential output using first and second capacitive plates maintained in a parallel and opposed relationship, while permitting the separation distance of the first and second capacitive plates to change. A drive mechanism is used to increasing the separation distance between the capacitive plates, so that an increase in separation distance renders a decreased capacitance, and with the capacitive plates charged relative to each other, the increase in separation distance renders an increase in potential across the capacitive plates. A bidirectional DC-DC voltage converter transfers current to and from the capacitor. By providing the initial charge to the capacitor at a first separation, the increase in separation provides the increase in potential across the capacitive plates, and in the output mode, the bidirectional DC-DC voltage converter outputs increased potential from the capacitor, thereby increasing the output potential of the capacitor in the output mode.