Fluid Powered Oscillator
OwnerMark D. Hammiginventor
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Abstract
A method and device for converting fluidic kinetic energy into oscillatory mechanical motion is disclosed. A mechanical structure of finite stiffness is coupled to a fluid-dynamical control surface the thrust from which is oscillated in direction. The coupling thereby induces oscillations in the structure, the magnitude of which can be controlled by the degree of mechanical resonance between the oscillation rate of the fluidic thrusting and the structure's resonance frequency. The resulting mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy using either piezo-electric or electromagnetic means.
Claims20
A method for transforming fluidic kinetic energy into electrical energy, which
- comprises in combination:
- (a) a mechanical structure of finite stiffness,
- (b) means for applying a force upon said structure,
- (c) means for coupling the fluidic kinetic energy with said forcing means,
- (d) means for oscillating the direction of said forcing means, and
- (e) means for converting said motion into electrical energy,
- whereby said electrical energy is generated.
A method for transforming fluidic kinetic energy into oscillatory mechanical motion, which comprises in combination:
- (a) a mechanical structure of finite stiffness,
- (b) means for applying a force upon said structure,
- (c) means for coupling the fluidic kinetic energy with said forcing means, and
- (d) means for oscillating the direction of said forcing means,
- whereby said fluidic kinetic energy is transduced into the oscillatory motion of said structure.
A device for transforming fluidic kinetic energy into electrical energy, which comprises in combination:
- (a) a mechanical structure of finite stiffness,
- (b) a piezo-electric layer deposited on said structure,
- (c) means for measuring the voltage developed across said piezo-electric layer,
- (d) means for creating a force from said fluidic kinetic energy,
- (e) mechanical means for coupling said force-creation means with said structure, and
- (f) means for oscillating the direction of the force that results from said force-creation means,
- whereby said fluidic kinetic energy is transformed into electrical energy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.