Vertical Axis Windmill with Dynamic Controller for Self-Starting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windmills face challenges such as difficulty in self-starting, inconsistent performance across various wind conditions and directions, and lack of effective overload and over-speed protection mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A vertical axis windmill design featuring working members with a controller system that includes a radial cam and a slidable assembly with a coil spring, allowing temporary disengagement during overload or over-speed conditions, enabling self-starting and operation across all wind conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed working member design is used, then the structure is simple, but the windmill cannot self-start and cannot adapt to varying wind conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to wind conditionsVSAvoidcontroller mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The working members are designed with dynamic control capability through the controller mechanism, allowing them to change their engagement state with the drive shaft based on wind conditions. The follower tip can move between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling the working member to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than remaining fixed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller mechanism operates automatically using centrifugal force generated by the rotating rotor and elastic force from the coil spring to control the follower tip's engagement with the cam. This self-regulating system eliminates the need for external control inputs, allowing the windmill to autonomously adapt to varying wind conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the working member remains continuously engaged, then power transmission is continuous, but overload and over-speed damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against overload and over-speedVSAvoidenergy production continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller mechanism enables periodic engagement and disengagement of the working member with the drive shaft. During normal operation, the follower tip remains engaged for power transmission. When overload or over-speed conditions occur, the follower tip automatically disengages, creating a periodic interrupt pattern that protects the system while allowing operation to resume when conditions normalize.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The coil spring provides elastic cushioning force that keeps the follower tip engaged under normal conditions but allows disengagement when excessive centrifugal force occurs. This pre-configured elastic element acts as a safety mechanism that cushions against overload and over-speed damage before they can cause structural failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the working member disengages under negative wind impact, then damage is avoided, but energy loss occurs during disengagement periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to negative wind impactVSAvoidenergy loss during disengagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The controller mechanism is designed to disengage the working member only when necessary (under excessive centrifugal force from overload or over-speed), rather than disengaging during all adverse conditions. This partial action approach maintains engagement during normal negative wind impacts, minimizing energy loss while still providing protection when truly needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 windmill achieves reliable self-starting and operation across all wind directions with effective overload and over-speed protection, ensuring continuous energy production while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

an assembly of the controller with a follower tip elastically coupling into the inwardly indentation of the cam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the centrifugal force developed by the rotating rotor also tends to push the follower outwardly from the central axis to cause a disengaging movement in case of over-speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

the torque encountered tends to push the follower tip out of the indentation of the cam to make a disengaging of the respective working part in case of overload

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS9284947B2Responsive windmill

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 XIA ZHONG AI

AI summary

A windmill rotates on a vertical axis, with plural articulated working members circling around. Each working member has a pivotal edge like a vane, a flag or a hinged door, swings on its own axis and is also rotatable around the central axis. On the axis of each working member is furnished a joint controller to restrain the movement of each, flipping and engaging the favorable wind in about ¾ turn of the central axis but disengaging in the rest ¼ turn. The engagement of the controller is elastically releasable on excessive load or over-speeding, allowing the respective working member to skip the engaging temporarily during each rotation.