Abstract:
A gravity-assisted rotational mechanism and a generator device cooperating therewith. The gravity-assisted rotational mechanism includes multiple concentric rotational members having different sizes and rotatable about the same rotational center, several link members having equal weights for driving the same, and at least one connection member for pivotally connecting the rotational members with the link members. The rotational members can symmetrically push/pull each other. The link members and connection member are respectively mounted on interference sections of at least some of the rotational members to absorb gravitational energy. The energy of the link members is transmitted via the interference sections to the rotational members to form a cycle of energy storage and transmission. The generator device serves to convert the gravitational energy and minimize the rotational inertia loss and increase yield rate of electrical energy.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/744,797, filed 18 Jan. 2013, currently pending. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a gravity-assisted rotational mechanism and a generator device cooperating therewith. The gravity-assisted rotational mechanism has precisely designed weight arrangement. After an initial force is applied to the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism to make it rotate, the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism has energy fully converted from gravity so as to reduce rotational energy loss. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A conventional decorative or entertaining self-rotating article such as a top or a bamboo dragonfly is manually driven to swivel so as to achieve visual effect and entertaining or educational or other added function. However, the self-rotating article will contact the ground or air and gradually turn from a fast rotating state to a still state due to friction. The lasting time of the rotation of the article varies with the article&#39;s own configuration and weight arrangement. 
     The so-called “Newton&#39;s cradle” is another often seen decoration working in the Law of Conservation of Energy. A Newton&#39;s cradle includes multiple metal balls suspended from a rack via strings. The metal balls are originally still and arranged side by side. When a first metal ball is lifted and then released and dropped to hit a second metal ball, the kinetic energy is sequentially transmitted from the second metal ball to a last metal ball. At this time, the last metal ball bounds up to transform the kinetic energy into potential energy. The conversion between the kinetic energy and the potential energy is repeated, whereby the Newton&#39;s cradle can lastingly operate. 
     The above self-rotating mechanism or decoration is driven by external force or operate in the Law of Conservation of Energy. The above decorations can be modified to have longer operation time and wider application range. For example, in condition of minimum energy loss or full conversion of other energy during operation, the self-rotating article can operate more lastingly in different pattern to achieve more novel and funny visual effect. In addition, by means of the ingenious energy conversion during rotation, a generator device can be provided to generate power at higher electrical energy yield rate and lower loss. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to providea gravity-assisted rotational mechanism and a generator device cooperating therewith. 
     To achieve the above and other objects, the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism includes multiple concentric rotational members having different sizes and rotatable about the same rotational center, several link members having equal weights for driving the same, and at least one connection member for pivotally connecting the rotational members with the link members. The rotational members can symmetrically push/pull each other. The link members and the connection member are respectively mounted on interference sections of at least some of the rotational members to transform the interference. The energy of the link members is transmitted via the interference sections to the rotational members and the connection member to form a cycle of energy transmission and convert the energy coming from gravity during the cycle so as to minimize energy loss. 
     In the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism, the torque applied to the rotational members varies with the distances between the rotational members and the rotational shaft. Especially, a forward force helpful to the rotation is applied to the rotatable member of the rotational mechanism to produce forward torque. The backward force that may resist against the rotation is applied to the rotational center of the entire rotational mechanism so as not to produce backward torque. Therefore, the energy loss of the backward rotational torque is minimized, whereby the total rotational amount of the rotatable member of the entire rotational mechanism is increased. In a preferred embodiment, the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism includes four metal rings with different sizes. The four metal rings are concentrically arranged. When the weight of a link member is applied to the rotational members, a larger torque is applied to the rotational member that has a larger size and is spaced from the rotational shaft by a longer distance. This helps the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism to revolve in a direction of the torque applied to the larger rotational member. Accordingly, at least one assembly of symmetrical link member and connection member is arranged around the concentric rotational members and the torque directed in the rotational direction of the rotational mechanism is all larger than the backward rotational torque, whereby the backward rotation is reduced so as to lower the power loss. 
     The generator device cooperating with the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism is able to effectively convert the energy for prolonging the rotational operation time of the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism so as to increase the electrical energy yield rate. 
     The present invention can be best understood through the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein: 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective assembled view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front assembled view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view according to  FIG. 3 , showing the operation of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the present invention, showing that two gravity-assisted rotational mechanisms are assembled with the same rotational center or shaft with an angle difference; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing that a generator device is connected to the rotational shaft of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a plane view according to  FIG. 6 ; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view according to  FIG. 6 , showing that a power storage device is further connected to the generator. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Please refer to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . The gravity-assisted rotational mechanism  1  of the present invention includes a first rotational ring  10 , a second rotational ring  11 , a third rotational ring  12  and a rotational disc  13 , which are rotatable about the same rotational center or shaft  20 . The gravity-assisted rotational mechanism  1  of the present invention further includes at least two link members  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33  connecting with the first, second and third rotational rings  10 ,  11 ,  12  and the rotational disc  13 . The rotational disc  13  has a smallest diameter. The third rotational ring  12  is positioned around the rotational disc  13 . The second rotational ring  11  is positioned around the third rotational ring  12 , while the first rotational ring  10  is further positioned around the second rotational ring  11 . The link members are symmetrically arranged at at least 180 degree intervals and connected between the above rotational members. 
     The rotational disc  13  is formed with a central hole  130  in which the rotational center or shaft  20  is drivingly fitted. The rotational disc  13  is further formed with first pivot points  131 ,  132 , which are symmetrically arranged opposite to each other. The rotational disc  13  is further formed with symmetrical pivotal fitting sections  133 ,  134 . The rotational disc  13  is further provided with symmetrically outward extending first guide plates  135 ,  136 . An outer circumference of the rotational disc  13  is formed with first engagement sections  137 ,  138 . The third rotational ring  12  is provided with symmetrically oppositely outward extending second guide plates  121  corresponding to the first guide plates  135 ,  136 . The third rotational ring  12  is further formed with second engagement sections  123 ,  124  corresponding to the first engagement sections  137 ,  138 . The third rotational ring  12  is further provided with outward extending connection plates  125 ,  126 , which are spaced from the second guide plates  121 ,  122  by a certain angle. An outer circumference of the third rotational ring  12  is formed with third engagement sections  127 ,  128 . Several push/pull sections  129  are disposed on one face of the third rotational ring  12 . The second guide plates  121 ,  122  are formed with insertion slots  1210 ,  1220  in which the first guide plates  135 ,  136  are inserted and received. 
     An inner circumference of the second rotational ring  11  is formed with fourth engagement sections  110 ,  111  corresponding to the third engagement sections  127 ,  128 . Multiple first interference sections  112  are disposed on two faces of the second rotational ring  11  to provide supporting force in a first rotational direction. In this embodiment, the first interference sections  112  are L-shaped plates bent in one single direction. 
     Multiple second interference sections  101  are disposed on two faces of the first rotational ring  10  corresponding to the first interference sections  112  to provide supporting force in a second rotational direction reverse to the first rotational direction. The number of the second interference sections  101  is equal to that of the first interference sections  112 . The second interference sections  101  can have the form as the first interference sections  112 . 
     According to the above arrangement, the first guide plates  135 ,  136  of the rotational disc  13  are inserted in the insertion slots  1210 ,  1220  of the second guide plates  121 ,  122 . The free ends of the first guide plates  135 ,  136  are pivotally connected on the second rotational ring  11 . The free ends of the second guide plates  121 ,  122  of the third rotational ring  12  are pivotally connected on the first rotational ring  10 . The free ends of the connection plates  125 ,  126  are also pivotally connected on the first rotational ring  10 . The engagement sections  110 ,  111 ,  127 ,  128 ,  123 ,  124 ,  137 ,  138  are engaged with each other by means of engagement members  14 . 
     Each of the link members  30 ,  31 ,  32 ,  33  is composed of a link bar  302 ,  312 ,  322 ,  332  and a weight body  301 ,  311 ,  321 ,  331  connected with an outer end of the link bar. Weight materials can be placed in the weight bodies  301 ,  311 ,  321 ,  331  to micro-adjust the weight thereof. The weight bodies  301 ,  311 ,  321 ,  331  are assembled with the rotational members and substantially positioned around the first rotational ring  10 . The link bars  302 ,  312 ,  322 ,  332  are formed with through holes  303 ,  313 ,  323 ,  333  near inner ends of the link bars  302 ,  312 ,  322 ,  332  corresponding to the rotational center or shaft  20  for pivotally connecting the link bars  302 ,  312 ,  322 ,  332  with the rotational center or shaft  20 . In addition, the link bars  302 ,  312 ,  322 ,  332  are respectively formed with stabilization points  304 ,  314 ,  324 ,  334  for pivotally connecting with the first pivot points  131 ,  132  of the rotational disc  13 . The inner ends of some symmetrical link bars  302 ,  322  additionally have outward extending sections  3021 ,  3221  for pivotally connecting with the second rotational ring  11 . Moreover, different sections of the link bars  302 ,  312 ,  322 ,  332  are respectively restricted within the first and second interference sections  112 ,  101 . Multiple rod-shaped restriction members  34  are loosely fitted through the second interference sections  101  and affixed to the link bars  302 ,  312 ,  322 ,  332 . The rod-shaped restriction members  34  are further fixedly fitted through the first interference sections  112 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, in order to keep the positional relationship between the respective components of the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism  1  in a good stabilized state in operation, multiple elastic members  40 ,  41  are provided between the pivotal fitting sections  133 ,  134  of the rotational disc  13  and the push/pull sections  129  of the third rotational ring  12  and between the restriction members  34  and the rotational center or shaft  20 . The elastic members  40 ,  41  serve to provide elastic push effect to eliminate the loosening of the respective components and the gaps therebetween so as to stabilize the operation of the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism  1 . In addition, the elastic push effect relationship between the elastic members  40  is such that the rotational center thereof acts on the pivotal fitting sections  133 ,  134  of the rotational disc  13  and the two free swing ends respectively act on the rotational center or the rotational shaft  20  and the push/pull sections  129  of the third rotational ring  12 . During rotation, one of the two free swing ends elastically acts on the rotational center or rotational shaft  20  nearly without any effect to the forward and backward rotation. The other of the two free swing ends provides rotational assistant force for the third rotational ring  12 . Similarly, the elastic members  41  acting on the restriction members  34  and the rotational center or shaft  20  serve to provide rotational assistant force for the first rotational ring  10  during rotation to enhance the ability to continuously rotate. The rotational resistance of the front and rear elastic members  40 ,  41  is minimized to smoothen the rotation. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 5 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, two gravity-assisted rotational mechanisms are assembled with the same rotational center or shaft  20  with an angle difference. In this case, the rotational inertia can be more smoothly continued. 
     Please now refer to  FIGS. 6 to 8 . A working device or a generator device  5  can be further connected to the rotational center or shaft  20 , whereby the generator device  5  can fully utilize the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism to reduce the loss and convert the energy into electrical energy so as to save energy. The generator device  5  includes a coupling wheel (or gear)  50  mounted on the rotational center or shaft  20 . The coupling wheel  50  is coupled with an actuation device  51  (such as a motor) and a coupling section of a generator  52 . The generator  52  is further coupled with an electrical control device  53 , which is electrically connected to an electrical conversion device  54  (such as a rectifier or a transformer) and a power storage device  55  (such as a battery). The power storage device  55  can further provide electrical energy to external devices or the actuation device  51  via the electrical conversion device  54 . Sensors  56  are disposed at the rotational center or shaft  20  and the central rotary shaft  522  of the generator  52  for measuring the rotational speed to turn on the actuation device  51  again in proper time and keep an optimal rotational speed for power generation. The power storage device  55  or an external energy source or prime mover can supply necessary energy for the actuation device  51 . 
     In order to ensure the function of the gravity-assisted rotational mechanism of the present invention, the applicant has further performed a test on Oct. 25, 2013. According to the design content of the present invention, a sample device is manufactured. In addition, Taiwan Test Technologies Co., Ltd. has issued a SGS test certificate (as the Attachment) on behalf of the applicant. A “flywheel circulation power generation” SGS test report has been completed. It is found from the content of the test report that the flywheel device manufactured according to the content of the present invention is connected with a 7½ HP motor for inputting power to drive the flywheel device. In addition, a 50 KW generator is driven by the flywheel device to generate power and supply power via a stabilizer and a current transformer. When the motor is powered on by a civil power input power 0.5 (KW), the generator can be driven to output power of 14.3(KW). Alternatively, when a battery supplies a power of 1.3(KW) for the input end to drive the motor, the generator can be driven to output power of 16.3(KW). The detailed relevant data are shown in the test result data tables G.2.2.1 and G.2.2.2 of Attachment  2 . The test results prove that the present invention truly can enhance the power generation efficiency. 
     The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, not intended to limit the scope thereof. Many modifications of the above embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.