GB2527102A

GB2527102A - Gravity oscillating system

Info

Publication number: GB2527102A
Application number: GB1410456.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shakeel Ahmed Pervez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-12
Filing date: 2014-06-12
Publication date: 2015-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-12
Also published as: GB2527102B; GB201410456D0

Abstract

A gravity oscillating system comprises a looped track 4 around which a moving mass travels freely and which is supported from above or below to gyrate as the mass travels around. A power transfer mechanism 7 is linked to the track 4 and an electrical generator/dynamo 8 so that track oscillations 4 are used to generate electrical power. An electromagnetic drive comprising a plurality of electromagnets 9b in an array around the track 4 are momentarily energized to move the track 4 down ahead of the rolling mass. The electromagnets 9b when energized may attract a corresponding counter-part magnet or magnetisable element 9a on the track 4 to pull that part of the track downwards. A controller may automatically control operation of the electromagnets 9b so that each is on for a brief period or pulse to assist movement of the track 4 around the region of influence of the next electromagnet 9b in the array before it is energized. The power transfer mechanism 7 may comprise at least one crank pin 7b and linkage 7a that touches a surface of the track to follow its downward motion as it oscillates.

Description

Gravity Oscillating System

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a gravity oscillating system, having a weight that falls under gravity and where part of the system has an s oscillating motion.

Background to the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved gravity oscillating system, where part of the system oscillates or gyrates due to the force of gravity and that may be used for a wide range of different applications such as, for example, as an educational tool, a toy, a means for generating electrical power or combinations of these. The system may be used for harvesting potential and kinetic energy from the falling weight.

Gravity-using oscillating systems have been proposed in the past and include the system of US patent US 244,799 which concerns the use of a revolving circular tread carrying both a massive ball and a horse or other beast of burden both to travel around the circular tread in procession and which is balanced on a fulcrum to oscillate and coupled by chains to pistons of a pumping system to raise water or perform other work. The weight and motion of the horse directly contacting and standing on and moving around the tread is the prime mover of the system and the ball as it rolls is intended to supplement the energy from the prime mover. The massive ball is shackled to the apparatus and the beast of burden, and is not free, so that it is constrained to roll around the circular tread a substantially fixed distance from the beast of burden in attempt to supplement the kinetic energy from the horse. This system fails to substantially augment the power of the horse as the horse's momentum is for a large part of the time at odds with the momentum of the ball the two opposing each other rather than augmenting each other.

US patent US 5048356 proposes a gravity-using oscillating system that comprises a circular platform supported centrally on a fulcrum to wobble! oscillate and in which a trolley is shackled by an arm to a central axle through the platform. As the trolley rolls around the circumferential perimeter of the platform it will turn the axle and thence a generator. The trolley is not free. The platform is also constrained in its movement by cables that are attached to opposing points on the perimeter of the platform to alternately pull the platform down there. The cables are paid out from a winching mechanism and the turning of the winching mechanism is driven by electric motor which may be energized by the generator.

US patent application US 2013047754 proposes a gravity-using oscillating system that comprises a circular track supported centrally on a fulcrum to wobble! oscillate and in which an electric motor driven heavy trolley is shackled by an arm to a central axle through the circular track. The trolley here is shackled by the arm, not free-wheeling and constrained by its electric motor drive. The trolley! heavy mass may be un-wheeled but supported and driven around the track by mag-lev instead but it is not free-rolling! free-moving around the track.

None of the afore-mentioned systems operates efficiently and effectively to optimize energy recovery relative to energy use. There is a need for a better gravity-using oscillating system that reduces the energy inputs and losses of the system.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a gravity oscillating system or generator system which comprises a looped track around which a mass travels freely in use, the track being supported from above or below to oscillate up and down as the mass travels around the track, and there being a power transfer mechanism linked to the track to be moved by the track as the track oscillates, the power transfer mechanism being linked to an electrical generator! dynamo whereby the movement is used to generate electrical energy and wherein the system has an oscillating electromagnetic drive comprising a plurality of electromagnets in an array around the track and which are successively momentarily energized to urge the successive part of the track around the track in a direction, upwards or downwards, to cause the track to dip down ahead of the rolling mass, without the drive contacting the track.

We have found that by a system using a freely moving mass and with non-contact rapid small adjustments of tilt of successive sections of the track around the track's circumference the energy inputs and losses of the system can be minimised and the system can provide considerable improvements in operating efficiency and effectiveness over the existing systems.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the electro-magnetic drive alternately urges a part of the track downwardly ahead of the rolling mass running around the track. Suitably each electromagnet is below the track and attracts and pulls the track downwardly at its location.

The track, or an extension of the track -eg a below-lying plate! platform, has at least one counterpart! co-operating magnet or magnetisable element, preferably a permanent magnet. The electro-magnet arrangement is suitably provided as an annular array and preferably a plurality of counterpart magnets or magnetisable elements provided on the track or an extension of the track (eg underside and! or radially inner part of plate where the track is at the circumferential perimeter of a circular plate). The track or track extension may conversely but less preferably carry the electromagnet arrangement! array and the counterpart!cooperating magnet or magnetisable element be on the underlying structure! plate or platform.

The operation of each electromagnet is suitably subject to automated control whereby the electromagnet is on for a brief period or pulse suitably sufficient only to assist movement of the track around to the region of influence of the next successive electromagnet in the array before that next electromagnet is switched on for a brief period instead and so on.

An arrangement of micro-switches is preferably provided for the automated control of the electromagnets. The apparatus may have a control processor and may in some embodiments have sensors to sense position of the track and/or ball and/or sense rate of oscillation or gyration.

The moving mass is particularly preferably a rolling mass and is preferably a ball. The looped track is a loop, or ring, preferably being substantially circular, but could be a more elongate oblong form with rounded ends, for

example.

Preferably the looped or substantially circular track has at its loop centre a is universal joint! ball joint and preferably it is at the upper end of an underlying support pillar to support the track from below. The track gyrates. It is suitably supported at an acute angle to horizontal plane so that it rolls on its circumferential perimeter, gyrating around the loop central axis (like a coin that is spinning on the spot prior to lying flat).

Preferably the track is formed at the perimeter of a circular disc, circular plate or an annulus. In one preferred embodiment the track is a ring or torus that encircles the perimeter of a disc or plate that is substantially co-planar with the ring or torus.

The moving mass / ball is suitably massive, suitably being of a weight of 1kg or more. It suitably considerably exceeds the weight of the track / plate and suitably exceeds the static friction! static inertia of the plate and power transfer mechanism.

In one preferred embodiment the power transfer mechanism comprises a crank shaft.

The power transfer mechanism has crank pins, linkages or pistons that

S

touch a surface of the track or touch or attach to a surface extending from the track (eg underside and! or radially inner part of plate where the track is at the circumferential perimeter of a circular plate) and which pins, connecting rods, linkages or pistons follow the downwards and upwards motion of respective parts of the track. Preferably the pins, connecting rods, linkages or pistons are attached to said surface.

In many preferred embodiments the generator is a linear alternator! linear reciprocating electrical generator. In such cases the power transfer mechanism need not comprise a crank shaft and the electrical generator may be at! coupled to a said pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston, preferably at an end of the pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston.

Where the power transfer mechanism has crank pins, linkages or pistons these are preferably installed to the system extending down below the track at an angle of incline to vertical. The power transfer mechanism particularly preferably has only one crank pin per crank shaft. The power transfer mechanism may comprise a plurality of crank shafts at intervals around the track, each having a respective crank pin.

The system preferably has for each crank pin, linkage or piston at least one end of throw deflector that is configured to assist the crank pin, linkage or piston to move beyond its extreme throw position to complete a cycle of operation. The throw deflector may be a deflecting surface or a magnet and may suitably be an electromagnet that is energized briefly when the crank pin, linkage or piston reaches its extreme throw position to push it to continue the cycle beyond that position. Proximity sensors might be provided on the power transfer mechanism to trigger the throw deflector electromagnet to energise when required.

Preferably there are a pair of end of throw deflecting surfaces for the, or each, crank pin, linkage or piston, one being an upper end of throw deflecting surface for the upper extremity of movement of the crank pin, linkage or piston and the other being a lower end of throw deflecting surface for the lower extremity of movement of the crank pin, linkage or piston. The, or each, end of throw deflecting surface is inclined relative to the vertical plane, and may further be curving, to deflect the crank pin, linkage or piston in the intended direction.

In a preferred arrangement the crank pin, linkage or piston has a shoulder, e.g. on a transverse projection or transverse bar extending laterally! substantially radially outwardly from the crank pin, linkage or piston and which will abut the end of throw deflecting surface. The shoulder or transverse projection preferably comprises a rolling bearing at its tip such as, for example, a roller bearing or ball bearing to follow the guidance of the deflecting surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be further is described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the system showing the circular plate supported on top of a support pillar to be able to oscillate, gyrating around the pillar and having a power transfer assembly below.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the system at a successive position of tilt.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the system from above showing the circular track supported by radial arms projecting from the top of the central circular support plate.

Figure 4 is a more detailed view of the power transfer mechanism, showing the actuating arm and crank arrangement.

Figure 5 is a detailed view of a pair of end-of-throw deflecting surfaces for the crank pin of the power transfer mechanism to guide the crank shaft for completing cycles of operation.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figure 1, the system illustrated comprises a circular plate 1 mounted on a universal ball joint 2 near the top of a support pillar/shaft 3.

The plate 1 carries around its upper face's circumferential perimeter a circular annular track 4 for a heavy ball 5. An outer circular wall 6a and inner circular wall 6b are provided to guide/ channel the ball to roll around the circular track 4. The circular track 4 is formed as a ring around the circular disk I plate 1 and is supported from the disk / plate 1 by arms 11 radiating out from the disk / plate 1 (see Figure 5).

The circular track in Figures 1 to 4 is defined by three rings of steel rod, a pair of inner and outer lower rings 6a, 6b that define the floor and sides of the track 4 and an outer upper ring 6a' that defines the upper edge of the outer track side. ). A further ring (not shown) may be added as an upper inner ring to cage the ball 5 fully and prevent any risk of accidental dislodgement.

The universal ball joint 2 is formed as a sleeve around the support pillar 3.

The circular disk / plate 1 of Figures 1 to 4 overlies a support cylinder 12 and as it gyrates with the track 4 it's lower edge, at any point in time, leans on the rim of the support cylinder 12. The support cylinder 12 in turn sits on top of a support platform 10 and the platform 10 carries the electro-magnet array 9b of the system.

The ball 5 that serves as the rolling, moving mass that moves around the track 4 in use is heavy, suitably being large and of a dense and heavy metal. In examples it weighs of the order of a kilogram or multiple kilograms, indeed it may in large scale systems weigh hundreds of kilograms. The ball 5 is selected relative to the rest of the apparatus so that as it rolls around the track 4 it continues to drive the track 4 / plate 1 to oscillate! gyrate.

The plate 1 is supported by the universal ball joint 2 such as to pursue a natural oscillating, gyrating motion in use about the fulcrum axis formed by the universal ball joint 2. The plate 1 with track 4 carried by it, is encouraged in operation to gyrate through the dropping of the free heavy ball S under gravity down along the down tilted section of track 4 and then rising by momentum and with brief localised tilt-inducing impulses from an electro-magnetic drive keeping the plate and track in continuous motion.

The power transfer mechanism 7 is an assembly, shown in Figure 1 as comprising a crank shaft 7a extending in horizontally and with a single crank pin or linkage 7b rising from it and attached to the underside of the is plate 1 so as to follow the oscillation of the plate 1. At each opposing end of the crank shaft 7a there is a respective one of a pair of dynamo's I electrical energy generators 8 coupled by a respective gear assembly to the crank shaft 7a to convert kinetic energy from the spinning crank shaft 7a into electrical energy.

The system may have a number of crank shafts located at intervals around the track 4 each with a respective crank pin. The crank pins 7b arranged around the system are installed to the system extending down below the track 4 at an angle of incline to vertical.

To facilitate the cycling of each crank shaft 7a a pair of end of throw guiding! deflecting surfaces 13 is provided as illustrated in Figure 5. One of the pair of surfaces is an upper deflecting surface 1 3a that is positioned at an upper location alongside the crank pin and inclined facing downwardly to deflect the crank pin 7b to guide it to move downwardly from its upper extremity. The other is a lower deflecting surface 13b that is positioned at a lower location alongside the crank pin and inclined facing upwardly to deflect the crank pin 7b to move upwardly from its lower extremity. Contact of the crank pin 7b with each deflecting surface is made via a transverse bar 14 that is provided fixed on the crank pin 7b extending laterally! substantially radially outwardly from the crank pin 7b to front and rear. At each outer end of the transverse bar 14 is a respective bearing 14b, suitably a ball bearing or roller bearing, that follows the adjacent deflecting surface 13 to deflect the crank pin 7b so that the point 7c of the crank shaft 7a to which the crank pin 7b is attached can overcome kinematic lock and more readily pass over the respective upper and lower apex of its turning circle on the crank wheel 7e.

The oscillating (ie switching on-off cyclically or periodically) electromagnetic drive 9 that is provided to ensure efficient continuous gyration of the track 4 and operation of the system is here exemplified as comprising an array of permanent magnets 9a arranged in a ring on the underside of the circular plate 1 following the circumferential perimeter of is the plate 1 and a corresponding circle array of electro magnets 9b on the horizontal platform 10 below the plate 1 at a level substantially corresponding to just below a lowermost point of travel of the track 4.

During the gyrations the electromagnet does not contact the circular plate 1 or the permanent magnets 9a, but approaches close.

As the ball 5 travels along the track 4 around the edge of the oscillating plate 1 a first length of the plate 1 edge will be in a fully lowered state and an opposite edge length of the plate 1 will be in a fully raised state, and after 180 degrees of the ball travelling the states will have been switched with the first length of the plate 1 edge now in fully raised state, the next 180 degrees will complete the cycle.

Motion of the gravity ball can be initiated by the electromagnetic drive 9.

The circular array of permanent magnets 9a and the circular array of electromagnets 9b are strategically positioned relative to each other to be able to attract one another just ahead of the ball wherever the track 4 is at in its gyration circle, and the intensity of the attraction between the two magnets and speed can be controlled and determined with a control arrangement that suitably comprise two potentiometers. Suitably only one co-operating electro-magnet! magnet pair is operating at a time, with each successive electromagnet in the circular array being successively briefly switched on to apply a downward tilting force to the plate at that point.

In variant embodiments the electro-magnets may induce localised magnetism in the track 4 or its associated circular plate 1 or other linked extension of the track 4 and not require multiple discrete magnets or elements. Indeed, the electro-magnets could be positioned on the track or its extension rather than on the horizontal platform 10.

The magnetic attraction tilts the plate downwards just ahead of the ball 5 and drives the ball forwards down the natural downward slope, with the as plate 1 and associated track 4 continuing to gyrate around the central support axis. Relatively low energy input is required to move and maintain movement of the exceptionally heavy ball 5 yet leading to a substantial gravitational force as the ball 5 accelerates downwards which in turn allows for a substantial amount of energy that may be harnessed through the electrical generators Ba, Bb.

In the illustrated embodiment there is one generator 8 attached to one crank shaft 5a. This may be augmented by a further crank shaft on the underside of the oscillating plate, suitably parallel to the first crank shaft 7a, and with a generator at each end thereby increasing the total number of electrical generators to four. Furthermore, to straightforwardly increase the total number of generators to eight if desired, the upper side of the oscillating plate 1 may be equipped with a mirror image of the lower power transfer assembly. The upper side of the oscillating plate 1 may be equipped with a pair of crank shafts 7a too, each with a generator Ba, Bb at each respective end. Total output from the generators will in part be determined by the size of the oscillating plate 1 and the weight of the ball.

In other embodiments the generator may be a linear alternator! linear reciprocating electrical generator. In such cases the power transfer mechanism need not comprise a crank shaft and the electrical generator may be at! coupled to a said pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston, preferably at an end of the pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston.

Claims

Claims 1. A gravity oscillating system or generator system which comprises a looped track around which a moving mass travels freely in use, the track being supported from above or below to oscillate up and down as the S moving mass travels around the track, and there being a power transfer mechanism linked to the track to be moved by the track as the track oscillates, the power transfer mechanism being linked to an electrical generator! dynamo whereby the movement is used to generate electrical energy and wherein the system has an oscillating electromagnetic drive comprising a plurality of electromagnets in an array around the track and which are successively momentarily energised to urge each successive part of the track around the track in a direction, upwards or downwards, to cause the track to dip down ahead of the rolling mass, without the drive contacting the track.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energised electro-magnet urges a part of the track downwardly ahead of the rolling mass running around the track.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the energised electromagnet attracts a counter-part magnet or magnetisable element on the track or on an extension of the track and pulls that part of the track downwardly.
4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the counterpart magnet or magnetisable element is one of a plurality of counterpart magnets or magnetisable elements provided in an array around the track on the track or on an extension of the track.
5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises a controller configured whereby operation of the electromagnet is subject to automated control whereby the electromagnet is on for a brief period or pulse to assist movement of the track around to the region of influence of the next successive electromagnet in the array before that next electromagnet is switched on for a brief period instead and so on.
6. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller comprises an arrangement of micro-switches for the automated control of the electromagnets.
7. A system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller comprises a control processor.
8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the controller comprises sensors to sense position of the track and/or ball and/or sense rate of oscillation or gyration.
9. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the power transfer mechanism comprises at least one crank pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston that touches a surface of the track or touches or attaches to a surface extending from the track to follow the downwards motion of the track as the track oscillates or gyrates.
10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the crank pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston is attached to said surface.
11. A system as claimed in claim 10, the system further comprises an end of throw deflector for the at least one crank pin, linkage or piston and which is configured to guide the crank pin, linkage or piston to move beyond an extreme position to complete a cycle of operation.
12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the end of throw deflector is a deflecting surface that is inclined to the vertical plane.
13. A system as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein a transverse projection extends laterally/ substantially radially outwardly from the crank pin, linkage or piston to co-operate with the end of throw deflecting surface.
14. A system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the system has an end of throw deflector for the lower end of the crank pin, linkage or piston movement.
15. A system as claimed in claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the system has an end of throw deflector for the upper end of the crank pin, linkage or piston movement.
16. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the end of flow deflector is a deflecting surface and the transverse projection incorporates a rolling bearing to follow the end of throw deflecting surface.
17. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the system has a linear alternator! linear reciprocating electrical generator.
18. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the electrical generator is at! coupled to a pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston.
19. A gravity oscillating system or generator system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendment to claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A gravity oscillating system which comprises a looped track around which a moving mass travels freely in use, the track being supported from above or below to oscillate up and down as the moving mass travels around the track, and there being a power transfer mechanism linked to the track to be moved by the track as the track oscillates, the power transfer mechanism being linked to an electrical generator! dynamo whereby the movement is used to generate electrical energy and wherein the system has an oscillating electromagnetic drive comprising a plurality of electromagnets in an array around the track and which are successively momentarily energised to urge each successive part of the track around the track in a direction, upwards or downwards, to cause the track to dip down ahead of the rolling mass, without the drive contacting the track.LI') 2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the energised electro-is magnet urges a part of the track downwardly ahead of the rolling mass 0') running around the track.3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the energised electromagnet attracts a counter-part magnet or magnetisable element on the track or on an extension of the track and pulls that part of the track downwardly.4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the counterpart magnet or magnetisable element is one of a plurality of counterpart magnets or magnetisable elements provided in an array around the track on the track or on an extension of the track.5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the system comprises a controller configured whereby operation of the electromagnet is subject to automated control whereby the electromagnet is on for a brief period or pulse to assist movement of the track around to the region of influence of the next successive electromagnet in the array before that next electromagnet is switched on for a brief period instead and so on.6. A system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller comprises an arrangement of micro-switches for the automated control of the electromagnets.7. A system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the controller comprises a control processor.8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the controller comprises sensors to sense position of the track and/or ball and/or sense rate of oscillation or gyration.9. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the power transfer mechanism comprises at least one crank pin, connecting rod, 0') linkage or piston that touches a surface of the track or touches or attaches 0 to a surface extending from the track to follow the downwards motion of the track as the track oscillates or gyrates. r10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the crank pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston is attached to said surface.11. A system as claimed in claim 10, the system further comprises an end of throw deflector for the at least one crank pin, linkage or piston and which is configured to guide the crank pin, linkage or piston to move beyond an extreme position to complete a cycle of operation.12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the end of throw deflector is a deflecting surface that is inclined to the vertical plane.13. A system as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein a transverse projection extends laterally/ substantially radially outwardly from the crank pin, linkage or piston to co-operate with the end of throw deflecting surface.14. A system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the system has an end of throw deflector for the lower end of the crank pin, linkage or piston movement.15. A system as claimed in claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the system has an end of throw deflector for the upper end of the crank pin, linkage or piston movement.16. A system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the end of flow deflector is a deflecting surface and the transverse projection incorporates a rolling bearing to follow the end of throw deflecting surface.17. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the system has a linear alternator! linear reciprocating electrical generator.18. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the electrical generator is IC) at! coupled to a pin, connecting rod, linkage or piston.19. A gravity oscillating system as hereinbefore described with reference o 15 to the accompanying drawings. r