Wave Energy Buoy With ADMC Gears for Bidirectional Motion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oceanic wave motion power generation systems are inefficient due to intricate motion conversion mechanisms, high maintenance costs, and limited ability to capture bidirectional motion, leading to increased expenses and mechanical wear, especially in deep sea operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a buoy with concave faces to capture wave motion, a recoil mechanism for energy storage, and an Alternating-to-Direct Motion Converter (ADMC) with gravitationally self-erecting unidirectional collapsible gear teeth to convert bidirectional motion into unidirectional motion, reducing the need for torsional or elastic forces and enhancing energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional motion conversion mechanisms are used, then bidirectional wave motion can be captured, but the system becomes intricate to manufacture with high maintenance costs and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex motion conversion mechanism from the system by using a direct-drive generator that connects directly to the buoy without intermediate conversion components. This eliminates the need for intricate gears, linkages, and motion transformation devices, thereby reducing maintenance costs and mechanical wear while maintaining the ability to capture bidirectional wave motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of converting bidirectional motion to unidirectional motion through complex mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by using a generator that can directly handle bidirectional rotational input. The generator is designed to produce electricity regardless of rotation direction, eliminating the need for traditional motion conversion components and significantly simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If two tensile force transmitting members are used to extend from buoy to sea floor, then wave motion can be transmitted, but extra expense is initiated especially in deep sea operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple tensile force transmitting members into a single mooring line that can handle both directional forces. The mooring line is designed with sufficient strength and flexibility to transmit wave motion forces in both upward and downward directions, eliminating the need for separate tensile members and reducing installation costs, especially in deep sea operations.
3Ease of operation
If only one direction of motion is transmitted as output, then unidirectional motion is achieved, but the other direction of motion is blocked from being transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using a generator that accepts bidirectional rotational input directly, eliminating the need for mechanical components that block one direction of motion. The generator converts both clockwise and counter-clockwise rotations into electrical energy, ensuring that energy from both directions of wave motion is captured rather than lost.
4Ease of operation
If traditional ADMC with multiple moving parts is used, then bidirectional to unidirectional conversion is achieved, but the system is susceptible to frequent wear and decreased efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex ADMC mechanism with multiple moving parts entirely by using a direct-drive generator that can handle bidirectional input. This extraction of the motion conversion subsystem eliminates the gears, linkages, and other mechanical components that are susceptible to wear, thereby improving reliability and maintaining efficiency over time.
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 system efficiently and economically converts both directions of oceanic wave motion into unidirectional motion, reducing maintenance and operational costs while effectively harnessing horizontal and vertical wave forces for consistent power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a buoy flotation device... to capture and linearize oceanic motion
Implementation Method 2
gravitationally self-erecting unidirectional collapsible gear teeth to convert bidirectional motion into unidirectional motion
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed which provides for power generation from oceanic wave motion which utilize: a double concave sided buoy flotation device, a recoil mechanism, an alternating-to-direct motion converter with gears having gravitational unidirectional collapsible teeth thereon and an underwater ramp to direct waves toward the buoy.