Wave-Powered Winch Assembly for Offshore Monitoring Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring devices in aquaculture pens face challenges in obtaining reliable power due to their remote, off-shore locations, which are often out of reach of traditional power grids, and existing technologies fail to address this challenge.
Innovation Solution
The wave powered winch assembly converts natural aquatic motion into power using a winch assembly that includes a housing, battery, and motor assembly, which captures wave energy to operate devices like cameras by converting motion into current or voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional power grid is used to power monitoring devices in aquaculture pens, then reliable power supply is achieved, but the system cannot be deployed in remote off-shore locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own power through wave energy conversion, eliminating dependence on external power grids. The motor assembly functions as a generator that converts wave-induced mechanical motion into electrical energy, which is stored in the battery for powering monitoring devices independently at remote locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wave energy conversion system is implemented, then power independence is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly serves dual functions: as a motor for deploying and retrieving the camera assembly, and as a generator for converting wave energy into electrical power. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving power independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power generation system with the existing winch mechanism by utilizing the motor assembly's capability to function in both motor and generator modes. The housing integrates the battery, motor assembly, and control electronics into a single unit, consolidating multiple functions into one compact system.
3Productivity
If motor assembly converts motion to electrical energy, then power generation efficiency is improved, but energy loss during conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of wave motion, which causes instability and movement of the camera assembly, into a beneficial resource for generating electrical energy. The wave-induced motion that would otherwise be a disturbance is captured and transformed into usable power through the motor assembly's generation capability.
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 wave powered winch assembly provides a sustainable and clean power source for devices in aquaculture pens, enabling their operation and self-sufficiency, even during adverse weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The motor assembly may be configured to convert the motion to a current or voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an aquatic powered winch assembly. The assembly includes a winch comprising a housing, a battery, and a motor assembly coupled to the battery. The battery and the motor assembly are disposed in the housing. The motor assembly includes a first motor and a second motor. A first winch line is coupled to the first motor, and a second winch line is coupled to the second motor. A device is movably coupled to the first winch line. The device is configured to transfer a motion to the motor assembly when a wave moves the device. The motor assembly is configured to convert the motion to a current or voltage.