Wave-Driven Ship Propulsion via Variable Volume Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ship propulsion systems relying on fossil fuels cause environmental pollution, and alternative eco-friendly energy sources like tidal and wind energy are unstable due to weather conditions, necessitating a method to efficiently convert wave force into thrust for continuous and reliable ship propulsion.
Innovation Solution
A ship propulsion system utilizing a submerged tube with a variable volume, elastic members, air discharge and suction units, and a controller to directly convert wave force into thrust, minimizing energy loss and enabling efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If fossil fuel is used for ship propulsion, then sufficient thrust and power are obtained, but environmental pollution is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fossil fuel combustion system (chemical energy conversion) with a wave energy conversion system that directly transforms wave motion into mechanical thrust through buoyancy and pressure differential mechanisms, eliminating harmful emissions while maintaining propulsion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by employing air-filled tubes that expand and contract in response to wave-induced pressure changes, creating thrust through controlled air discharge and suction cycles that convert hydraulic wave energy into mechanical propulsion without environmental pollution
2Object-affected harmful factors
If wind force or sunlight is used for ship propulsion, then eco-friendly energy is utilized, but energy supply stability deteriorates due to weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent harnesses the periodic nature of wave motion to generate thrust through rhythmic expansion and contraction cycles of the tubes, converting the naturally periodic wave energy into continuous propulsive action that is more stable than wind or solar energy
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural kinetic energy of waves directly without requiring external control or conversion infrastructure, allowing the ship to self-propel by exploiting the inherent motion of water waves, thereby achieving both eco-friendliness and improved energy stability
3Loss of energy
If multiple energy conversion steps are used to convert wave force into thrust, then energy conversion is achieved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates intermediate conversion steps from the energy transformation chain, directly converting wave mechanical energy into propulsive thrust through buoyant tubes and pressure differential mechanisms, thereby minimizing energy loss and maximizing propulsion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the system by using variable volume tubes that expand and contract in response to wave pressure, directly translating pressure changes into thrust generation without intermediate energy conversions, thus reducing energy loss
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 provides eco-friendly and economical ship propulsion by directly converting wave force into thrust, reducing energy conversion losses and ensuring continuous operation without the limitations of weather-dependent energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
a restorer including at least elastic members pushing down a bottom of the tube to apply restoring force to the tube
Implementation Method 2
a tube fixed to the hull to be at least partially submerged in water and having a variable volume
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a ship equipped with a propulsion system using wave force, the ship including: a hull; a tube fixed to the hull to be at least partially submerged in water and having a variable volume; a restorer including weights disposed on a bottom in the tube and elastic members pushing down the bottom of the tube to apply restoring force to the tube so that the volume of the tube is restored; an air discharge unit including an air discharge pipe connected to the tube with an end exposed in water and a first valve disposed on the air discharge pipe to open and close the air discharge pipe; and an air suction unit including an air suction pipe connected to the tube with an end exposed to the atmosphere and a second valve disposed on the air suction pipe to open and close the air suction pipe.