Wave Power Generator Chain Drive Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a wave power generator that can effectively convert wave energy into electrical power, providing a sustainable and cost-effective solution for energy production.
Innovation Solution
A wave power generating device is installed on a stationary platform, utilizing a retractable chain or belt connected to a float, which drives an electrical power generating device through a gear pulley system, harnessing the up and down motion of waves to generate power. The system includes a retractable cord device with weights or springs to maintain tension and facilitate power generation in one or both directions of chain movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a wave power generator is installed on a stationary platform, then the device can effectively convert wave energy into electrical power, but the device requires complex anchoring systems to prevent movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wave energy conversion mechanism and the anchoring system into a single integrated structure. The stationary platform serves dual purposes: it provides the base for mounting the power generator and simultaneously functions as the anchoring system through its fixed installation on the sea bed, eliminating the need for separate complex anchoring components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the structural support for the wave power generator, as the anchoring system that prevents device movement, and as the mounting base for the electrical generator. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining power generation effectiveness.
2Productivity
If a retractable chain or belt is used to connect the float to the generator, then the wave motion can be effectively transmitted, but the system requires additional components such as pulleys and tensioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate transmission components from the system. By directly connecting the float's vertical motion to the generator's rotational motion through a simplified mechanical linkage, the design removes redundant pulleys, belts, and tensioning mechanisms while maintaining effective wave energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct mechanical coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the float and generator. This mediator efficiently transmits the wave-induced vertical motion of the float into rotational motion of the generator shaft without requiring complex intermediate transmission components, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If the device is secured from movement relative to the sea bed, then power generation stability is improved, but installation and maintenance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wave power generation system into modular segments: the stationary platform section that remains fixed on the sea bed, and the wave-driven generator section that can be independently accessed. This segmentation allows the fixed platform to provide stability while the modular generator components can be easily removed and replaced for maintenance, reducing installation and maintenance difficulties despite the secured configuration.
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 device efficiently converts wave motion into electrical energy, providing a reliable and sustainable power source with minimal maintenance costs, as it is anchored to prevent movement and utilizes a mechanical system to drive the generator effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the float (18) moves upwardly and downwardly at the water surface by wave action
Implementation Method 2
the retractable chain or belt is pulled outwardly from the wave generating device by the float rising
Implementation Method 3
the retractable device configured for allowing the retractable chain to be pulled out of the retractable device under tension and retracting the retractable chain under tension
Implementation Method 4
a retractable device configured for allowing the retractable chain to be pulled out of the retractable device under tension and retracting the retractable chain under tension
Implementation Method 5
a gear pulley connected to input shaft of the electrical power generating device; a retractable chain cooperating with the gear pulley of the electrical power generating device to drive the electrical power generating device
Data Source
AI summary
A wave power generator comprising a chain drive arrangement. The wave power generator comprising a float connected to one end of a retractable chain and a retractable device connected to an opposite end of the retractable chain.