Wave Inertial-Force Generator for Vertical and Lateral Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave electricity generating technologies are limited by their inability to harness lateral wave forces, insufficient structural strength, high construction and maintenance costs, and lack of coastal protection, leading to inefficient electricity generation and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A wave inertial-force electricity generating apparatus comprising a main body unit, mass unit, and energy conversion unit that converts the inertial force of a mass body within an accommodating space to generate electricity, while providing coastal protection and withstanding strong winds and waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the float body moves vertically to drive the drive assembly, then the vertical wave force is utilized for electricity generation, but the lateral wave force cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mechanism where the drive assembly can move both vertically and laterally within the float body. The drive assembly includes a drive wheel that can rotate in response to lateral wave forces, converting these forces into rotational motion for electricity generation. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to harness both vertical and lateral wave energy components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the connector allows the pipe member to move vertically, then the wave force can be absorbed, but the structure cannot withstand strong winds and high waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the pipe member is positioned inside the float body, and the drive assembly is nested within the pipe member. This nested arrangement protects the moving components from direct exposure to harsh external conditions while allowing them to absorb wave forces through controlled internal movement. The float body acts as a protective outer shell that shields the internal mechanism from strong winds and high waves.
3Productivity
If the wave electricity generating apparatus is a single offshore entity, then electricity generation is limited, but construction and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wave electricity generating apparatus to perform multiple functions: it generates electricity from both vertical and lateral wave forces, provides coastal protection by reducing wave impact on the shoreline, and creates an artificial reef environment for marine ecosystems. This multi-functionality increases the value proposition of each installed unit, justifying the construction costs through diverse benefits beyond mere electricity generation.
4Reliability
If the wave electricity generating apparatus floats vertically, then it cannot withstand wave impact force, but it also cannot protect the coastline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electricity generation function with the coastal protection function in a single integrated apparatus. The float body and its internal mechanism serve dual purposes: generating electricity through wave-induced motion while simultaneously acting as a barrier that dissipates wave energy before it reaches the coastline. This combination of functions allows the apparatus to both withstand wave impact and provide coastal protection.
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 effectively generates electricity from both lateral and vertical wave forces, withstands harsh marine conditions, reduces construction costs, and protects the coastline by integrating with marine ecosystems.
Implementation Method 1
a mass body (41) movably disposed in the accommodating space (32), and the mass body (41) is pushed by the main body (31) to move inertially in the accommodating space (32)
Implementation Method 2
an electricity generating module (51) disposed at the main body (31) and connected to the mass body (41), and the electricity generating module (51) absorbs an inertial force of the mass body (41)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a wave inertial-force electricity generating apparatus configured to receive an energy of a wave on a water surface and including a main body unit, a mass unit, and an energy conversion unit. The main body unit includes a main body disposed on the water surface, a surrounding wall disposed at the main body and enclosing an accommodating space, and a fixed body connected to the main body, where the main body is pushed by the wave to move with respect to the fixed body, and the fixed body is configured to limit a movement range of the main body. The mass unit includes a mass body movably disposed in the accommodating space, where the mass body is pushed by the main body to move inertially in the accommodating space. The energy conversion unit includes an electricity generating module disposed at the main body and connected to the mass body, where the electricity generating module absorbs an inertial force of the mass body and converts the inertial force to electricity. Therefore, a wave force can be obtained for electricity generation while the coastline is protected.