Wave Hammer Generator for Low-Wave, High-Torque Energy Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Installing and maintaining offshore energy systems for ocean wave energy generation is challenging and expensive, and generating sufficient power to justify these costs is a significant obstacle.

Innovation Solution

A wave hammer generator apparatus that includes a float coupled to an arm, which moves a weight up and down with wave action, transferring kinetic energy to an output device through a shaft system, utilizing a gear reduction system and one-way bearings to capture and convert wave energy into rotational energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If offshore energy systems are installed to generate wave energy, then energy generation capability is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy generation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical offshore systems with a simplified wave hammer mechanism that uses basic mechanical components (float, arm, weight, shaft) to convert wave motion directly into rotational energy, eliminating the need for expensive offshore infrastructure while maintaining energy generation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by using a counterweight system that amplifies the energy from small wave movements, allowing the system to generate sufficient power from low wave states without requiring large-scale offshore installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If complex offshore systems are used to generate sufficient power, then power output is improved, but system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wave hammer generator is divided into simple, independent functional segments (float for wave capture, arm for motion transfer, counterweight for energy amplification, shaft for power output), each performing a single function that collectively achieves high power output without complex integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex mechanisms to directly convert wave motion to electricity, the patent inverts the approach by using a counterweight system that stores and releases energy, converting small wave movements into high-torque rotational motion that can drive generators efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If traditional wave energy systems are deployed, then energy capture is improved, but maintenance difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy capture efficiencyVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential energy capture function from complex offshore systems, isolating it in a simple wave hammer mechanism that can be deployed from land or simple structures, making maintenance accessible and straightforward while maintaining high energy capture efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses simple, easily replaceable components (float, arm, weight, shaft) that can be manufactured at low cost and quickly replaced if needed, eliminating the need for expensive maintenance operations and reducing overall maintenance difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 apparatus efficiently generates kinetic and rotational energy from low wave states, reducing installation and maintenance costs while providing a high amount of torque and electrical power output.

Implementation Method 1

a float configured to sit atop or be submerged under, a surface of a body of water. The float moves up and down with a wave action

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

The movement of the weight up and down generates kinetic energy that is transferred to the output device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy:

Implementation Method 3

A shaft is coupled to the plurality of arms. The shaft rotates in response to one or more of the arms moving via the movement of the floats

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS20250250957A1Wave hammer generator

Publication Date: 2025.08.07 NEWGENT MICHAEL

AI summary

A wave hammer generator converts wave energy into mechanical energy. The wave hammer generator is positioned adjacent a water source with wave energy. As waves pass under a float, a vertical arm is moved by the wave energy. The energy transferred into the vertical arm may be transferred to other mechanisms that drive a weight (“the hammer”) upward. The kinetic energy of the weight falling back toward gravity is then captured and transferred to an output.