Wheel-Driven Generator for Battery-Free Mobility Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Personal mobility devices, such as scooters and bicycles, face challenges in providing powered features like lighting and phone connectivity without relying solely on battery power, as battery power is limited and may require significant recharging, and there is a need for functionality on unpowered devices.

Innovation Solution

A personal mobility device equipped with a generator device that frictionally engages with the wheel, generating electrical energy through wheel rotation, which powers load components like lighting and can also charge an electrical storage component or provide energy to external devices via a regulated output connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If battery power is used to power load components, then powered functionality is provided, but power supply is limited and recharging time is significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply capabilityVSAvoidusage time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the battery power system with a kinetic energy recovery system (regenerative braking). The generator device is integrated with the wheel assembly to capture kinetic energy during braking and convert it to electrical energy, merging two power sources to extend operational duration without requiring frequent recharging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-charging through regenerative braking, where the kinetic energy that would otherwise be lost during braking is captured and converted to electrical energy to recharge the battery. This self-service mechanism extends usage time by continuously replenishing power during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If battery power is used for load components, then powered features are enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepowered functionalityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The generator device serves multiple functions: it acts as a braking mechanism to control wheel speed, generates electrical energy to power load components, and recharges the battery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby managing device complexity while enabling powered features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The regenerative braking system uses the motor/generator as both a motor during propulsion and a generator during braking, eliminating the need for separate braking mechanisms in some configurations. This self-service approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining powered functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Power

If frictional engagement is used between generator and wheel, then electrical energy is generated, but friction losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy generationVSAvoidfriction loss

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the harmful effect of friction during braking (which normally dissipates kinetic energy as heat) into a beneficial effect by using the frictional engagement between the generator and wheel to generate electrical energy. The energy that would be lost is now captured and stored, turning a loss into a gain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical friction braking with a generator-based frictional engagement system. Instead of using friction purely for deceleration, the friction is harnessed to drive the generator, converting mechanical energy to electrical energy and reducing overall energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables continuous operation of load components without battery power, extending usage time and providing a sustainable energy source for features like lighting and connectivity, while allowing energy transfer to external devices.

Implementation Method 1

The generator device is configured to frictionally engage against the wheel such that a rotation of the wheel causes the generator device to generate electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the generator device comprises a rotor and a stator and the rotor is configured to frictionally engage against the wheel such that the rotation of the wheel causes the rotor to rotate about the stator. The stator is configured to generate the electrical energy based at least in part on the rotation of the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240253720A1Personal mobility device having kinetic powered load component

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 JETSTREAM BRANDS LLC

AI summary

In an embodiment, a personal mobility device is disclosed. The personal mobility device includes a wheel, a support structure coupled to the wheel, a load component and a generator device coupled to the support structure. The generator device is configured to frictionally engage against the wheel such that a rotation of the wheel causes the generator device to generate electrical energy. The personal mobility device is configured to power the load component based at least in part on the generated electrical energy.