TORQUE GENERATOR AND SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE OF THE SAME

A torque generator and a system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the torque generator, a pair of frames are positioned in a spaced, offset relationship. Each of the frames includes a central hub with arm rails radially extending therefrom. Momentum arms having weighted ends are secured to the pair of frames to form a lattice-like structure. Each of the momentum arms faces the same direction and maintains a position parallel to the ground during rotation of the torque generator, which may be mechanically coupled to a drive unit for the transfer of torque thereto.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in general, to the field of products for the conservation of energy and, in particular, to a torque generator and system and method for use of the same that, assisted by gravity, may absorb energy from a power source during a portion of a revolution and deliver the energy as useful work during a remaining portion of the revolution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mechanical devices may be specifically designed to use the conservation of angular momentum so as to efficiently store rotational energy, which is a form of kinetic energy proportional to the product of its moment of inertia and the square of its rotational speed. One class of these mechanical devices, gravitational motion devices, provide for the continued motion of one or more bodies with the assistance of gravity. As a result of limitations in existing technology, there is a need for improved systems and methods for providing the generation of torque utilizing gravitational motion devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be advantageous to achieve a torque generator, with a system and method for use of the same, that efficiently produces power. It would also be desirable to enable a mechanical-based solution that, with the assistance of gravity, would enable the reliable generation of power. To better address one or more of these concerns, a torque generator and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the torque generator, a pair of frames are positioned in a spaced, offset relationship. Each of the frame includes a central hub with arm rails radially extending therefrom. Momentum arms having weighted ends are secured to the pair of frames to form a lattice-like structure. Each of the momentum arms faces the same direction and maintains a position parallel to the ground during rotation of the torque generator, which may be mechanically coupled to a drive unit for the transfer of torque thereto.

In another embodiment of the torque generator, a pair of spaced frames each have a central hub aligned with a common axis. Radial arms extend from the central hubs and linkage members respectively join the arm rails. Each of the linkage members includes a contra-rotating differential gear box having a drive shaft therethrough with a pair of one-way bearings mounted at each end of the drive shaft. Momentum arms having weights are secured to each of the drive shafts. Each of the momentum arms faces the same direction and maintains a position parallel to the ground during rotation of the torque generator, which may be mechanically coupled to a drive unit for the transfer of torque thereto. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially toFIG. 1, therein is depicted one embodiment of a system10that utilizes a torque generator12or more than one torque generators12, in a daisy chain connection, to generate power. As shown, an input I, such as gravitational acceleration by way of gravity, acts on the torque generator12to drive an output O, such as torque, acting on a load L, which may be a drive unit. The drive unit may be a unit selected from electric motors, internal combustion engines, hydraulic motors, aerostatic engines, gear boxes, and flywheels, for example. The drive unit may further be a unit utilized in an application selected from the group consisting of pumping, propelling, powering, spinning, drilling, mining, crushing, pulverizing, ventilating, and gearing supporting repetitive motion.

By way of additional explanation, pumping may relate to water wells, oil wells, and gas wells, as well as other fluid capture and distribution. Propelling may relate to large shipping locomotion and other transport. Powering may relate to super-efficient motor components to power remote or decentralized, off-grid applications, like extraction field sites, kiosk power stations or backup power supplies, for example. Spinning may relate to boosting turbine-driven applications like power plants (carbon-based, nuclear, wind turbines, ocean wave power generation), and industrial turbine applications. Drilling and/or mining may relate to applications for exploration and extraction (oil, gas, minerals and natural resources), and industrial drilling application. Crushing and/or pulverizing may relate to rock, quarry operations, concrete operations, wood pulp operations, and recycled waste products operations, for example. Ventilating may relate to exhaust and ventilation systems. Lastly, repetitive motion through proper gearing may relate to efficiently generating a variety of continuous motion applications, such as industrial conveyor belt or mixing operations.

Referring now toFIG. 2throughFIG. 9, one embodiment of the torque generator12is depicted. A frame includes a central hub20with a horizontal axis A1therethrough. The central hub20includes an interior surface and an exterior surface24. An arm rail26having a proximal end28and a distal end30is coupled to the central hub20at the proximal end28to radially extend from the central hub20. Similarly, an arm rail36having a proximal end38and a distal end40is coupled to the central hub20at the proximal end38. Likewise, an arm rail46with a proximal end48and a distal end50; an arm rail56with a proximal end58and a distal end60; and an arm rail66with a proximal end68and a distal end70are coupled to the central hub20at the respective proximal ends48,58,68.

A frame74includes a central hub80with a horizontal axis A2therethrough. The central hub80includes an interior surface82and an exterior surface84. An arm rail86having a proximal end88and a distal end90is coupled to the central hub80at the proximal end88to radially extend from the central hub80. Similarly, an arm rail96having a proximal end98and a distal end100is coupled to the central hub80at the proximal end98. Likewise, an arm rail106with a proximal end108and a distal end110; an arm rail116with a proximal end118and a distal end120; and an arm rail126with a proximal end128and a distal end130are coupled to the central hub80at the respective proximal ends108,118,128.

As depicted, the frames14,74are located in a spaced, offset relationship with a cavity140therebetween, such that the interior surface22of the hub20opposes the interior surface82of the hub80. Further, the frames14,74may include an eccentric positioning. As shown, the frames14,74are positioned in parallel with horizontal axis A1being parallel to the horizontal axis A2. As one skilled in the art may appreciate, each of the frames14,74may be mounted to a shaft. Further, as shown, a drive unit150may be secured to the frame14, for example. The drive unit150may include a gear box and specifically a counter-rotating gear box152.

Linkage members170,172,174,176,178respectively pivotally couple the arm rails26,86; the arm rails36,96; the arm rails46,106; the arm rails56,116; and the arm rails66,126. With respect to the linkage member170, as an exemplary linkage member, the linkage member170includes an upper end192and a lower end193. A pair of spaced vertical connection bars194,196are provided with horizontal connection bars198spanning the space between the pair of spaced vertical connection bars194,196. The pair of spaced vertical connection bars194,196and the horizontal connection bars198form a rigid structure200.

A pivot pin assembly202is located at the upper end192to pivotally connect the linkage member170to the distal end30of the arm rail26. The pivot pin assembly202includes an opening204at the distal end30of the arm rail26and an opening206in the upper end192of the linkage member170with a pivot pin208therethrough. Similarly, a pivot pin assembly212is located at the lower end193to pivotally connect the linkage member170to the distal end90of the arm rail86. The pivot pin assembly212includes an opening214at the distal end90of the arm rail86and an opening216in the lower end193of the linkage member170with a pivot pin218therethrough. A momentum arm220having a connection end222and a weighted end224is secured by the connection end222in the illustrated embodiment proximate to lower end193of the linkage member170. A weight226is secured to the weighted end224of the momentum arm220. The linkage member170maintains the momentum arm220parallel to the ground during rotation. It should be appreciated that although one particular embodiment of linkage member is shown and described with respect to the linkage member170, the linkage member may include any linkage means, such as a wheel member, for example, for maintaining the momentum arm220parallel to the ground.

With respect to the linkage members172,174,176,178, a momentum arm230having a weight232is secured to the linkage member172; a momentum arm234having a weight236is secured to the linkage member174; a momentum arm238having a weight240is secured to the linkage member176; and a momentum arm242having a weight244is secured to the linkage member178. As shown, each of the momentum arms220,230,234,238,242faces the same direction, with each of the momentum arms220,230,234,238,242being parallel to the ground with an axis of rotation A3parallel to the horizontal axis A1and the horizontal axis A2.

Referring now toFIG. 10AandFIG. 10B, as shown by the arrow R and points of rotation P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, which respectively correspond to the momentum arms220,230,234,238,242, in response to gravitational acceleration G acting on the weights226,232,236,240,244of the momentum arms220,230,234,238,242, the points P1, P2, P3, P4, P5are caused to fixedly rotate about the axis of rotation A3while the weights226,232,236,240,244are parallel to the ground. A relative displacement of the weights226,232,236,240,244is thereby caused with respect to the frames14,74to drive creation of torque.

Therefore, in the illustrated example, the torque generator12, mounted with respect to points of rotation P1, P2, P3, P4, P5has the torque for the momentum arm220as follows:

with a coupling result which includes opposing forces of equal magnitude; that is Torque P1·r1is the drive torque and 0.5·P3·r3+0.5·P4·r4is the contrary torque;

wherein the following is presented:G1is a weight of the weight226;O is a centrifugal weight of the weight226;r1is a distance from point of rotation P1at the connecting line O, which equals a vertical distance of the weight G1on the point of P1; and9.557N/n, which represents a gravitational constant.

Similar equations apply for each of the other momentum arms,230,234,238,242, as follows:

Mt4=G4·[r]=P4·r4·9.557N/n=0.5·P1·r1+0.5·P2·r2; and

Therefore, the following is true:

That is, the sum of the powers at the input I is equal to the power at the output O, less friction losses and the rotary movement is transformed into a rotary movement without reaction, i.e., into an absolute movement of a torque coupling without reaction.

Accordingly, the torque generator12, along with the system10and method for use of the same, are provided that efficiently produce power. The mechanical-based solution that, with the assistance of gravity, enables the reliable generation of power with high efficiency and is ideal for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to high torque, low rpm applications and remote location applications with limited infrastructure. In some embodiments, the torque generator12provides a highly efficient, 100% duty cycle, “gravity powered” motor amplifying renewable or traditional energy solutions. The torque generator12may be utilized and implemented anywhere there is gravity—in the highest of mountains, or the deepest waters, as well as scorching deserts. By way of example, the torque generator12may be used to power pumps to irrigate the deserts or power large cargo ships across the oceans.

The versatility of the torque generator12offers limitless configurations. As mentioned in the discussion ofFIG. 1, in order to further customization to accommodate multiple situations, the torque generator12may include a power output increase by enlarging the size of the engine or by “daisy chaining” several engines together to increase the overall power output. With the scaling and customization, the torque generator12remains transportable. The torque generator12may be carried onto oilfield operations to power communications and monitoring systems or even to disaster areas immediately following the disaster.

Referring now toFIG. 11, in one embodiment of the system10, electronics300, including electromechanical components, may be integrated with the torque generator12. In the illustrated embodiment, a processor302, memory304, storage306, inputs308, outputs310, and electromechanical components312are interconnected by a bus architecture314within a mounting architecture. The processor302may process instructions for execution within a computing device, including instructions stored in the memory304or in the storage306. The memory304stores information within the computing device. In one implementation, the memory304is a volatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory304is a non-volatile memory unit or units. The storage306provides capacity that is capable of providing mass storage. The inputs308and the outputs310provide connections to and from the computing device, wherein the inputs308are the signals or data received, and the outputs310are the signals or data sent. The electromechanical components312may include motors or generators, for example, that are positioned on the torque generator12, including on the drive unit150or associated therewith, such as being positioned on a flywheel, as will be described inFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B. By way of further example, the electromechanical components may include a linear motor secured to at least one of the frame14and the frame74. In this configuration, the linear motor may provide an initial force to begin a rotational movement of the torque generator12.

The memory304and the storage306are accessible to the processor302and include processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the processor302to execute a series of operations. The processor-executable instructions cause the processor to analyze data for defaults and store resultant self-diagnostic data. The processor-executable instructions also cause the processor to store the data, which may include information such as duty cycles, torque generated, and rotational speed, for example. The processor-executable instructions may also cause the processor to send the data, or a portion thereof, periodically or continuously or in response to a request from a server, for example.

Referring now toFIG. 12AandFIG. 12B, as previously discussed, the electromechanical components312may be integrated with the torque generator12. As shown, with respect to the torque generator12, a flywheel350is mechanically coupled to the drive unit150, which, in turn, is secured to the frame14by mechanically coupling. The flywheel350includes a central hub352having radially extending arms354,356,358,360. The electromechanical components312, including, but not limited to microgenerators, are secured to the radially extending arms354,356,358,360to monitor operation, as well as act as a brake to capture torque. Additionally, as shown, the flywheel350is a counter-rotating flywheel.

With respect to power generation, the power couples which act on the flywheel350have collinear vectors, and therefore may be added algebraically, in a similar manner to that discussed above, such that:

Nv. . . Σ of the powers of the rotatable related to armatures present in the torque generator12.

In this instance, the multiplier of kinetic energy has the moment of inertia:

IQmoment of inertia of the weigh;

Immoment of inertia of the mass; and

Φ angular acceleration of the rotation of the flywheel350.

The acceleration of the multiplier of kinetic energy of the flywheel350is calculated from the comparison:

After displacement of the flywheel into the optimum direction of rotation:

ωzis the angular velocity of the flywheel350with the accumulated kinetic energy growing with the linear growth of time “t” such that:

Therefore, the capacity of the flywheel may be presented as:

wherein k is a constant.

By way of further example of the applications of the torque generator12, the torque generator12may be utilized with windmill applications, where operators can retrofit existing wind turbine or windmill applications with the torque generator12to furnish an efficient means to control and/or create movement within the wind turbine increasing performance while saving both operating and maintenance costs. The torque generator10may also be utilized in “nodding donkey applications” where a pumpjack is the overground drive for a submersible pump in a borehole in a walking beam application.

By way of still further examples, the torque generator12may be utilized in shipping or locomotion applications by being integrated into rotational movement designs of the cargo ship propeller systems or locomotive freight trains. Both applications, as well as similar applications, benefit from the high torque, low rpm nature of the torque generator12to significantly lower operating costs. The torque generator12may also be utilized in electric car charging station applications, where in providing a variety of different electric-powered automobiles for consumers, a growing number of issues have arisen: (1) installing recharging stations at existing gas stations; (2) connecting to the area's existing power grid; and (3) providing charging equipment at a reasonable cost. Configured and integrated, the torque generator12directly addresses these issues.

Referring now toFIG. 13throughFIG. 19, another embodiment of the torque generator12is depicted. A frame414includes a central hub420with a horizontal axis A4therethrough. The central hub420includes an interior surface422and an exterior surface424. An arm rail426having a proximal end428and a distal end430is coupled to the central hub420at the proximal end428to radially extend from the central hub420. Similarly, an arm rail436having a proximal end438and a distal end440is coupled to the central hub420at the proximal end438. Likewise, an arm rail446with a proximal end448and a distal end450; and an arm rail456with a proximal end458and a distal end460are coupled to the central hub420at the respective proximal ends448,458.

A frame474includes a central hub480with the horizontal axis A4therethrough. The central hub480includes an interior surface482and an exterior surface484. An arm rail486having a proximal end488and a distal end490is coupled to the central hub480at the proximal end488to radially extend from the central hub480. Similarly, an arm rail496having a proximal end498and a distal end500is coupled to the central hub480at the proximal end498. Likewise, an arm rail506with a proximal end508and a distal end510; and an arm rail516with a proximal end518and a distal end520are coupled to the central hub480at the respective proximal ends508,518. Linkage members520,522,524,526respectively mechanically couple the arm rail426to the arm rail486; the arm rail436to the arm rail496; the arm rail436to the arm rail506; and the arm rail446to the arm rail516. Momentum arms530,532,534,536having weighted ends or weights540,542,544,546, respectively, are secured to the pair of frames414,417to form a lattice-like structure.

As depicted, the frames414,474are located in a spaced, offset relationship with a cavity550therebetween, such that the interior surface422of the hub420opposes the interior surface482of the hub480. Further, the frames414,474may include an eccentric positioning. As shown, the frames414,474are positioned in parallel with horizontal axis A4. As one skilled in the art may appreciate, each of the frames414,474may be mounted to a shaft. Further, a drive unit may be secured to the frame414, for example.

As shown, as a component of the linkage members520,522,524,526, contra-rotating gearboxes570,572,574,576respectively pivotally couple the arm rails426,486; the arm rails436,496; the arm rails446,506; and the arm rails456,516. With respect to the contra-rotating gearbox570, as an exemplary linkage member, contra-rotating gearbox570includes a gearbox housing580having a drive shaft582drivingly connected to a gear584, which is journaled by a bearing586, which may be a one-way bearing, within the gearbox housing580. A gear588meshes at a perpendicular angle to the gear584with the gear588also be journaled by a bearing590within the gearbox housing580. A gear592meshes at a perpendicular angle to the gear588such that the gear592contra-rotates with respect to the gear584. As shown, the gear592opposes the gear584and is journaled by a bearing594, which may be a one-way bearing, at a drive shaft596within the gearbox housing580. As also shown, a drive shaft598connects the gear584to the gear592. It should be appreciated that the drive shaft582, the drive shaft596, and/or the drive shaft598may be at least partially integrated.

Wheel members602,604,606are associated with a horizontal axis A4through the drive shaft582and the drive shaft596to provide balance to the contra-rotating drive shafts582,596, parallel to the horizontal axis A3. Each of the wheel members602,604,606may support a timing belt610. As best seen in one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15, the timing belt610is positioned about the wheel member606as well as seven other wheel members collectively forming wheel member set640. The timing belt610may synchronize the rotation or contra-rotation of the frames414,474. It should be appreciated that more than one timing belt may be utilized. By way of example, a timing belt may include the wheel member602and seven other wheels collectively forming wheel member set642. Additionally, parasitic power generators, such as parasitic power generator660, may be positioned at various positions on the frames414,474to capture energy.

As shown by arrows R0and Rccand points of rotation P1, P2, P3, P4, which respectively correspond to the momentum arms530,532,534,536, in response to gravitational acceleration G acting on the weights540,542,544,546of the momentum arms530,532,534,536, the points P1, P2, P3, P4are caused to fixedly rotate about the axis of rotation A4while the weights540,542,544,546are parallel to the ground. A relative displacement of the weights540,542,544,546is thereby caused with respect to the frames414,474to drive creation of torque.

Referring now toFIG. 20throughFIG. 22, another embodiment of the torque generator12is depicted. A frame702includes a central hub704with a horizontal axis A5therethrough. Arm rails706,708,710,712extend from the central hub704. Similarly, a frame722includes a central hub724with the horizontal axis A5therethrough and arm rails726,728,730,732extending therefrom. Momentum arm members734,736,738,740are secured to the pair of frames702,722. More particularly, the momentum arm members734,736,738,740, which may be considered as momentum arms, include momentum arms734a,736a,738a,740ahaving weighted ends or weights742a,744a,746a,748a, respectively, are secured to the pair of frames702,722to form a lattice-like structure. Further, momentum arms734b,736b,738b,740bhaving weighted ends or weights742b,744b,746b,748b, respectively, are secured to the pair of frames702,722to form a lattice-like structure.

As shown, as a component of linkage members750,752,754,756, contra-rotating gearbox pairs760,762,764,766respectively pivotally couple the arm rails706,726; the arm rails708,728; the arm rails710,730; and the arm rails712,732. Motor sets784,786,788,790, such as servo or induction motors, are respectively positioned near the ends of the arm rails706,726; the arm rails708,728; the arm rails710,730; and the arm rails712,732to generate energy on downward movements. Frames702,722may have wheel member sets802,808, respectively. As best seen in one embodiment illustrated inFIG. 22, a timing belt806is positioned about the wheel member set808. It should be appreciated that a timing belt may similarly be positioned about the wheel member set802.

As previously discussed, the contra-rotating differential gear boxes760,762,764,766may have a drive shaft therethrough with a pair of one-way bearings mounted at each end of the drive shaft such that the frame702rotates a direction and the frame722rotates contra-direction. Also, as previously discussed, each of the momentum arms734,736,738,740face the same direction and are parallel to the ground. In response to gravitational acceleration acting on the weights of the momentum arms734,736,738,740, which each may include a pair of momentum arm members, are caused to fixedly rotate about the axis of rotation while being parallel to the ground, thereby causing a relative displacement of the weights with respect to the frames702,722to drive creation of torque.

Accordingly, the torque generator12, along with the system10and method for use of the same, are provided that efficiently produce power. The mechanical-based solution that, with the assistance of gravity, enables the reliable generation of power with high efficiency and is ideal for a variety of applications. As presented above, in some embodiments, the torque generator may include two parallel-spaced frames each having a central hub. Pairs of arm rails radially extend from each central hub with momentum arms secured to the ends thereof. Each of the momentum arms faces the same direction with each of the momentum arms being parallel to the ground.

The order of execution or performance of the methods and data flows illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, elements of the methods and data flows may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and that the methods may include more or less elements than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular element before, contemporaneously with, or after another element are all possible sequences of execution.