Wobble Plate Motor Fluid Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wobble plate motors in existing technologies often require complex mechanical systems to apply force to the wobble plate, leading to inefficiencies and a higher number of moving parts, whereas the proposed solution directly applies a fluid pressure differential to an inclined plate mounted on a bent rotatable shaft, allowing for a simpler and more efficient mechanism.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves an inclined plate mounted on a bent rotatable shaft, where a pressure differential is applied to induce rotation, utilizing a non-skid track and seal mechanisms to manage fluid pressure, with the option of using low-pressure steam as the motive fluid, thereby reducing the number of moving parts and enhancing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanical systems are used to apply force to the wobble plate, then the force application is reliable, but the device complexity increases and the number of moving parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce application reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical force application systems with a fluid pressure differential system. Fluid pressure is applied directly to the inclined plate through sealed compartments, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical linkages, pistons, and cylinders. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts while maintaining reliable force application to the wobble plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses fluid pressure (pneumatics or hydraulics) to apply force to the inclined plate. High-pressure fluid is delivered to one side of the plate while low pressure is maintained on the other side, creating a pressure differential that generates the necessary force. This approach replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with a simpler fluid-based actuation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stability of the object's composition

If fluid pressure is applied to multiple segments of the wobble plate, then the force distribution is balanced, but the torque output decreases due to opposing forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce distribution balanceVSAvoidtorque output
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies fluid pressure to specific localized segments of the inclined plate rather than uniformly across the entire plate. By controlling which segments receive high-pressure fluid and which remain at low pressure, the system creates an asymmetric force distribution that generates rotational torque. This local differentiation of pressure zones maximizes torque output while maintaining adequate force distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention deliberately creates asymmetric pressure distribution on the inclined plate by applying high pressure to one side and maintaining low pressure on the other side. This asymmetry in fluid pressure application generates a net force that produces rotational torque, converting linear fluid pressure into rotational motion effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If a non-skid track is used for the inclined plate, then the rolling motion is efficient, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverolling motion efficiencyVSAvoidtrack manufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a curved or circular track geometry for the inclined plate to roll upon. The curved path naturally guides the rolling motion and accommodates minor manufacturing variations in the track surface. The spherical or circular motion pattern is more tolerant of imperfections compared to linear guides, maintaining rolling efficiency without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration results in a wobble plate motor with fewer moving parts and increased torque output, as demonstrated by the application of high-pressure steam to specific segments of the plate, effectively driving work consumers like generators or pumps with improved efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an inclined plate is mounted on a bent rotatable shaft and subjected to a pressure differential on one or more segments of the plate that induce rotation in the same direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the plate rolls on a base or track and causes rotation of the shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling motion: Friction

Implementation Method 3

A seal between the two plates reduces leaking of the pressure fluid to manageable levels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 4

nozzles direct a propulsion fluid only onto segments of the plate that drive it in the same direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid jet propulsion: Jet

Data Source

PatentUS8545176B2Wobble plate motor
Publication Date: 2013.10.01 WILLIS JERRY F
  • US8545176B2 patent drawing
  • US8545176B2 patent drawing
  • US8545176B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wobble plate motor comprises a rotatable shaft having a bent end rigid with the shaft and an inclined plate journalled on the bent end. When only one side of the inclined plate is directly subjected to high pressure, the plate rolls on a base in the manner of a spinning coin as it decays, i.e. as its spin rate falls to a value where the coin is inclined to the axis of rotation. As the plate rotates, torque is generated on the rotatable shaft so the shaft may drive a work consumer such as a generator, pump or compressor.