Wave Energy Converter Float Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for harnessing sea wave energy are complex, expensive, unsafe, and not economically viable for industrial use, lacking a practical and cost-effective solution for converting wave motion into usable electric energy.
Innovation Solution
A sea wave energy converter using a float connected by knuckle joints to a vertical metal beam, which transfers vertical motion through a metal rectangular triangle to horizontal motion via gear chains, ultimately driving a generator, with a simplified design reducing metal parts and weight, and allowing for direct conversion of wave motion to rotational energy without the need for intermediate storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If previous wave energy conversion methods are used, then wave energy can be converted to electricity, but the construction becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a float for wave capture, a vertical beam for motion transfer, a horizontal beam for rotational conversion, and a generator for electricity production. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall construction and maintenance of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to convert horizontal wave motion to vertical motion first, then to rotation, this invention inverts the approach by directly converting vertical float motion to horizontal saw motion, which then directly drives rotational gears. This inverted sequence simplifies the mechanical path and reduces the number of intermediate components.
2Power
If previous wave energy conversion methods are used, then wave energy can be converted to electricity, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simple, easily manufacturable components such as standard gears, chains, and beams that can be produced at low cost. The float can be made from inexpensive buoyant materials, and the mechanical components are designed to be replaced if needed, reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the device into standardizable modules, each component can be manufactured independently using conventional fabrication methods, reducing tooling costs and allowing for economies of scale in production.
3Power
If previous wave energy conversion methods are used, then wave energy can be converted to electricity, but safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates safety features such as flexible couplings between components that can absorb unexpected loads, and the modular structure allows isolated components to fail without compromising the entire system. The generator is positioned to minimize exposure to harsh marine environments.
4Power
If previous wave energy conversion methods are used, then wave energy can be converted to electricity, but the operational difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to operate autonomously with the float automatically following wave motion and the mechanical components self-regulating through their inherent mechanical properties. The direct coupling of the saw motion to the generator eliminates the need for complex control systems, making operation simple and maintenance straightforward.
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 solution reduces costs and increases productivity by simplifying construction and operation, enabling efficient energy conversion from sea waves to electric power without requiring large waves or complex seabed configurations, allowing for standardization and mass production of units.
Implementation Method 1
a float (1) which moves vertically up and down with the waves
Implementation Method 2
The float (1) is connected with two knuckle joints (19) with the vertical metal beam (2)
Implementation Method 3
transfers the vertical motions of the float, to horizontal and immediately to rotational directly to the electrical generator
Implementation Method 4
The chains (6) are acted upon by two pairs of gears (7)
Implementation Method 5
converted into a rotational motion directly to the electrical generator (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The waves of the sea move a float vertically upwards and downwards. These motions are transferred and converted to rotational along a horizontal shaft. The float (1/1) of a spherical or cylindrical shape made with plastic or metal material, empty filled with ballast, floats half emerged and as is moved by the forces of the waves, transfers these vertical motions to a vertical metal beam (1/2) which can be increased or decreased in order to deal with the tidal changes of the sea level. The vertical beam is attached with knuckle joins, at the one end with the float and at the other with the horizontal beam of a rectangular metal triangle which transfers the vertical motions at the horizontally moving forwards and backwards saw (1/5) with the two chains (1/6) and (3/20) which rotate two pairs of gears each gear of a pair to the diametrically opposite side, so that with every movement one gear produces action while the other gear of the pair moves freely. The gears rotate the horizontal shaft which is fitted on them (3/8) and the shaft gives motion to the generator. Thus, every movement of the float, whether upwards or downwards, small or big, rotates the shaft and energizes the generator. This device, from the float to generator forms a unit. Many units, placed in parallel side by side one next to the other, act each one on its own generator or two to three units act together on a common shaft which activates one common more powerful generator. The floats are restricted inside metal cages or inside recesses build in piers so that they will not be carried away by the waves while they are not impede either their vertical motion or the free passage of the seawater. Thus, the device acts as a multi-cylinder petrol engine where the cages in the recesses act as the cylinders and the floats as the pistons with the only difference that this converter uses the endlessly renewable sea water instead of the inflammable, expensive and polluting fossil fuels.