Vehicle Grille Wind Harness for Onboard Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies have not effectively harnessed wind energy to generate electricity for vehicles, despite the potential for wind force to increase with vehicle speed.
Innovation Solution
A wind harness system integrated into a vehicle's grille, featuring a chute with angled vanes and ducts that direct airflow towards turbines, generating electricity as the vehicle moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a wind turbine is installed on a vehicle to generate electricity, then electrical energy can be generated from wind force, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wind turbine generator with the vehicle's existing grille structure, merging two separate functions (aerodynamic air intake and electrical energy generation) into a single integrated component. The grille serves both as a structural element for air intake and as a mounting structure for the turbine blades and generator, eliminating the need for separate wind turbine housing and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating electrical energy from wind force, maintaining aerodynamic flow through the vehicle, and integrating with the grille's structural role. The generator is positioned to serve both as an energy conversion device and as part of the grille's support structure, allowing one component to fulfill multiple roles in the vehicle system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a wind turbine is installed on a vehicle to generate electricity, then electrical energy can be generated from wind force, but the available space on the vehicle is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine blades are integrated directly into the grille openings, using the existing grille space as the turbine housing. The generator is positioned within the grille structure itself, utilizing the vertical and horizontal space already allocated for aerodynamic components. This merging approach allows the wind energy generation system to occupy no additional external space beyond what is already required for the vehicle's front grille and air intake systems.
3Productivity
If the chute is angled to direct air flow toward the turbine, then air flow efficiency improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed with an asymmetric angle relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, optimized to direct air flow at the optimal angle for turbine blade engagement. This asymmetric configuration maximizes the conversion of horizontal wind force into rotational motion of the turbine, improving air flow efficiency and energy generation while the angle itself serves as a straightforward geometric parameter for manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The chute angle is optimized as a specific geometric parameter to balance air flow efficiency and manufacturing feasibility. By selecting an optimal angle that provides sufficient flow direction control while remaining within standard manufacturing tolerances for sheet metal or composite fabrication, the design achieves high productivity without requiring extreme precision that would significantly increase manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 wind harness system effectively converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy, providing a supplementary power source for vehicles while they are in motion.
Implementation Method 1
At least one turbine is positioned at the second end of the chute. The turbine is activated by the air flow to generate electricity.
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of vanes includes a wedge directing the air flow toward the turbine. The plurality of vanes are angled in the flow direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind harness for a vehicle has a chute with a first end and a second end. A plurality of vanes, in the chute, extend from the first end of the second end of the chute. A plurality of ducts, in the chute, extend from the first end to the second end of the chute to direct air flow from the first to the second end. At least one turbine is positioned adjacent the second end of the chute. The turbine is activated by the air flow to generate electricity.