Wheel Hub Generator Integrating Rotor to Eliminate Gears

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for generating electric current using small wheels, such as those on suitcases, require complex gear systems and structural modifications to achieve high angular velocity, leading to increased production complexity and cost due to the need for mechanical connections through the wheel axis, which compromises the integrity and usability of the transportation device.

Innovation Solution

A combined system of toothed wheels mechanically connected to the surface of the wheel, rather than the axis, integrated within a single box frame, utilizing an elastic component to transmit force and minimize space, allowing for a compact and sealed design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a sequence of gears is used to achieve high angular velocity for current generation, then the required rotational speed is achieved, but the device complexity and structural modification requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular velocity of rotorVSAvoidcomplexity of gear system
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wheel and the generator rotor into a single integrated structure where the rotor is directly mounted on the wheel hub. This eliminates the need for separate gear transmission systems while maintaining the required rotational speed for electricity generation, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving the speed requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If the generator rotor is made small to fit within the wheel structure, then space requirements are reduced, but the transmission ratio requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of generator rotorVSAvoidtransmission ratio requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wheel and rotor into a single integrated unit where the rotor is directly mounted on the wheel hub. This direct coupling eliminates transmission ratio requirements entirely, allowing the use of small rotors without needing complex gear systems to achieve the necessary rotational speed for electricity generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If mechanical connection is made through the wheel axis, then the generator can be driven by the wheel, but the seal integrity of the transportation device is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection for power transmissionVSAvoidseal integrity of suitcase
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the generator assembly from the interior of the suitcase and mounts it on the external wheel hub. This external mounting eliminates the need for transmission shafts that would penetrate the suitcase body, thereby preserving the seal integrity and waterproofing of the suitcase while still enabling mechanical power transmission from the wheel

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This solution enables efficient electric current generation without the need for complex gear systems, maintaining the structural integrity and usability of the transportation device while integrating all components within a single frame, thus simplifying production and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a body to generate current, mechanically connected to the wheel guide due to the force exerted by an elastic component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic component: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

Many of the known systems use small magnetic current generators actuated by suitable gears that allow to reach the angular speeds suitable to obtain specific intensity of electric current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3186873B1Apparatus for generating electric current
Publication Date: 2018.06.20 SMART INNOVATION SRL
  • EP3186873B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3186873B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3186873B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

Is described an apparatus for the generation of electric current, consisting of an hull wheel (2), of a guide wheel (3), of a current generator body (4) and of a second toothed wheel. The apparatus may be mounted on a suitcase or other vehicles or devices suitable for the transport of goods or people without compromising the ease of production and the available space.