FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to energy generation mechanisms and more specifically the present invention relates to a kinetic energy generation system by using gravitational force.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, power is generated by using energy sources, which can be categorized into two broad categories i.e. potential energy and kinetic energy.

The potential energy is available in a number of forms, like solar, wind, hydro, fossil fuels, electromagnets, gravity etc. Whereas, kinetic energy is derived from these potential energy sources, and this kinetic energy is the useful form of energy that can be converted into various other forms of energy like rotary/linear movement, mechanical energy, thermal energy, pressure energy, electrical energy, etc. that are used to power the machines that are used in our daily life.

All forms of potential energy have their own limitations and are usually classified into two categories: renewables and non-renewables.

Renewable potential energy sources like: solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, etc. are facing various limitations like climate, season, weather, wind, sunshine, tide, rain, geography etc. which effect the availability of energy sources and make them very unpredictable and also the need for large land pieces to set up the solar and wind farms, make these sources of energy unsuitable to be used as the sole energy source thus depending on the fossil fuel or non-renewable sources of potential energy to make up the deficit in the energy requirements.

On other hand, the non-renewable energy sources like: coal, gas and crude oil are now widely recognized as highly polluting and are the main cause of greenhouse gases that lead to global warming and an unsustainable polluted atmosphere.

In spite of number of energy sources present and their respective advantages, however none of them has emerged as reliable source of energy to meet needs of humankind in today’s modern era. Further, in view of the alarming high level of pollution leading to global warming, hazardous effects of using fossil energy sources and the uncertainty of renewable energy sources, there is a need in the art for a sustainable environment friendly, safe and limitless source of energy, that can be harnessed and utilized to generate power to be delivered at the point of use.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a system for kinetic energy generation by using gravitational force.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for kinetic energy generation by converting potential energy into kinetic energy and using the converted kinetic energy to generate power to be used for various applications, such as electricity generation, moving shafts for machine operations etc. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for efficiently operating lifting systems like tower cranes, mobile cranes, fixed cranes, hoist systems etc.

Yet another object of the present invention is to effectively harness the potential energy of the gravity and to effectively convert the same to kinetic energy in the form of pressurized high velocity fluids that is used to power rotary and linear machines.

Another object of the present invention is to facilitate conversion of mechanical energy of rotary and linear movement to other forms of energy like electrical energy, thermal energy, chemical energy etc.

Yet another object of the present invention is to produce pressurized high velocity fluids without combustion of fossil fuels and without use of pumps, compressors, blowers, fans, etc. for directly producing kinetic energy in fluids.

Another object of the present invention is to enhance the efficiency of conversion of gravitational energy to other forms of energy.

Yet another object of the present invention is to design and implement a system that harness gravitational potential energy to produce kinetic energy so as to power large, medium and small-scale energy needs and also power the mobility needs.

Yet another object of the present invention is to facilitate operation of presses and forges for compacting powders directly. Another object of the present invention is to use the system as a high efficiency pumping unit, for various pumping needs involving high head, large displacements and long distances, such as city water supplies, gas and liquid pipelines, sewage, air supply to water treatment systems etc.

Yet another object of the present invention is to use the system to pressurize phase change materials to achieve the required super critical properties for further use.

Yet another object of the present invention is to use the system to pressurize air and/or gases for a given application wherein the pressurized air and/or gases will maintain constant pressure.

Another object of the present invention is to efficiently carry out all applications performed by pumps, compressors, blowers, etc.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pulley arrangement connected with two weights, of unequal mass, on opposite sides, while maintaining centre of gravity at the center point of pulley arrangement thereby reducing friction loss during functioning of the arrangement.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system for kinetic energy generation employing plurality of assembly of combination of working weight and counterweight. Whereas, each of the plurality of assembly of combination of working weight and counterweight is connected with other plurality of assembly of working weight and counterweight in series and/or parallel to generate continuous kinetic energy in order to provide input power source to plurality of mechanical machines. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a kinetic energy generation system by using gravitational force. Further, the system, but not limited to, deliver the kinetic energy generated by using gravitational force to run rotary/linear machine, generate electricity etc. The kinetic energy generated by the system can be optimally used as energy source for various applications thereby eliminating problems as well as shortcomings of existing energy sources and serve as the preferred energy source to perform various functions.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a system for generating kinetic energy using gravitational force. The system comprises a working weight connected with a counterweight via a pulley assembly. The working weight be suspended from a first end of the pulley assembly and the counterweight is connected with a second end of the pulley assembly. Further, the counterweight is placed at resting position on a platform of a first jack assembly and the working weight is suspended at a point nearer to the ground. Furthermore, the counterweight is configured to move to a suspended position upon engagement of clutch and lowering of the first jack assembly. In addition, the counterweight is configured to move horizontally in suspended mode away from the working weight which causes vertical upward movement of the working weight. Additionally, the counterweight and working weight are configured to disengage when the counterweight reaches predetermined distance in suspended mode and placed on a second jack assembly. Moreover, the working weight is configured to move to original position in a free fall mode when the counterweight moves back to its original position after disengagement of working weight with the counterweight. Further, kinetic energy generated by the free fall movement of working weight is provide to a mechanical machine as input power source.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the working weight is, but not limited to, configured to connect with a piston-cylinder assembly to compress a working fluid in the cylinder thereby generating high pressure kinetic energy in the working fluid.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the working weight is configured to connect with a rotary gear assembly to generate rotary power to run a rotary load.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the working weight is configured to connect with mechanical machine to generate linear power.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the counterweight is configured to connect with a motor assembly.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the motor assembly is configured to move the counterweight in to-and-fro horizontal direction thereby moving the working weight in upward vertical direction.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the motor assembly having, but not limited to, one or more motors, winch assembly etc. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the counterweight having a weight comparatively 5% to 1000% above the weight of the working weight.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the clutch mechanism having a clutch connected with the pulley assembly to engage or disengage the counterweight with the working weight.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises plurality of assembly of combination of the working weight and the counterweight.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, each of the plurality of assembly of combination of the working weight and the counterweight is connected with other plurality of assembly of the working weight and the counterweight in series and/or parallel to generate continuous kinetic energy in order to provide input power source to plurality of mechanical machines.

Preferably, the pulley assembly comprises of plurality of pulleys assisting the guided movement of both the weights on opposite side. Further, the pulley arrangement comprises of a fixed center pulley in order to ensure centre of gravity remain between the centre point of the pulley arrangement.

Preferably, while both the weights are being suspended, the counterweight will always move in horizontal direction and/or sideways whereas the working weight will always move in vertical direction. Preferably, the weight difference between the counterweight and the working weight reduces the friction losses and hence improves the efficiency of the overall system. Further, inequality between both the weights makes it convenient to facilitate horizontal and/or sideways movement of the counterweight with minimum force.

Preferably, the counterweight is connected with a screw type electric motor which facilitates horizontal and/or sideways movement of the counterweight. Alternatively, if the mass of the counterweight is increased in proportion to the working weight then it is possible to move the counterweight by use of very minimal power, for example pushing it by a hand.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the working weight and counterweight are, but not limited to, metals, stones, liquids stored in containers, blocks of shaped materials in metals, stones and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by examples, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical examples of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective examples.

These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein: Fig. 1A illustrates a kinetic energy generation system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 1 B illustrates suspending of counterweight of the kinetic energy generation system as illustrated in fig. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2A illustrates a horizontal motion of counterweight of the kinetic energy generation system as illustrated in fig. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2B illustrates a horizontal motion of a counterweight in opposite direction as shown in fig. 2A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates conversion of gravitational energy into pressure energy by employing the kinetic energy generation system as illustrated in fig. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates conversion of gravitational energy into rotary mechanical energy by employing the kinetic energy generation system as illustrated in fig. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates working weights of the kinetic energy generation system as illustrated in fig. 1A connected in series, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 6 illustrates working weights of the kinetic energy generation system as illustrated in fig. 1A connected in parallel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope.

The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting. The kinetic energy generation system thereof by using gravitational force of the present invention can be understood by way of following embodiments below:

Fig. 1 A illustrates a kinetic energy generation system (100), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system (100) comprises of a pulley assembly (102), a counterweight (104), plurality of rope drum (not shown in figure 1A) and electric motor assembly (108, 110), a clutch mechanism (112), a clutch (120), a working weight (106), a first jack assembly (152) and a second jack assembly (154). The pulley assembly (102) may be made of a plurality of pulleys and cables.

As shown in figure 1A, the working weight (106) is connected with the counterweight (104) via the pulley assembly (102). The working weight (106) is suspended from a first end (102’) of the pulley assembly (102). The counterweight (104) is connected with a second end (102”) of the pulley assembly (102). Further, the counterweight (104) is configured to connect with a motor assembly (108, 110). The motor assembly (108, 110) comprises, but not limited to, one or more motors, winch assembly etc. The motors are, but not limited to, servo motors direct or indirect drive motors, stepper motors or linear motors, alone or in combination. The motor assembly (108, 110) is configured to move the counterweight (104) in horizontal direction. As shown in figure 1 A, the counterweight (104) is at resting position (150) on a platform of the first jack assembly (152) at point A (1501 ). While the counterweight (104) is in resting position, the working weight (106) is at point C (1503). The pulley assembly (102) is connected with the clutch (120) to engage or disengage the counterweight (104) with the working weight (106).

Figure 1 B illustrates suspending of counterweight (104) of the kinetic energy generation system (100) as illustrated in fig. 1 A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 1 B, the counterweight (104) is configured to move to a suspended position (151 ) upon engagement of the clutch (120) and lowering of the first jack assembly (152). The motor assembly (108, 110) is configured to move the suspended counterweight (104) from point A to point B.

Figure 2A illustrates a horizontal motion of counterweight (104) of the kinetic energy generation system (100) as illustrated in fig. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2A, the counterweight (104) is configured to move horizontally in suspended mode to point B (1502) from point A (1501 ) as illustrated in figure 1 B causing vertical upward movement of the working weight (106) from point C (1503) to point D (1504).

Figure 2B illustrates a horizontal motion of a counterweight in opposite direction as shown in fig. 2A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. When the counterweight (104) reaches at point B (1502) in suspended mode and placed on the second jack assembly (154), the counterweight (104) and working weight (106) are disengaged using the clutch (120). Thereafter, the working weight (106) moves from the point D (1504) to the point C (1503) in a free fall mode under the influence of gravity and load (not shown). Further, as shown in figure 2B, the counterweight (104) is configured to move from point B (1502) to point A (1501 ) after disengagement of working weight (104) with the counterweight (106) using the clutch (120). As shown in figures 2A and 2B, kinetic energy generated by the free fall movement of the working weight (106) is provided as input power source to the load. Preferably, the load is, but not limited to, a mechanical machine.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the working weight (106) is configured to connect with mechanical machine to generate linear or rotary power.

Figure 3 illustrates conversion of gravitational energy into pressure energy by employing the kinetic energy generation system (100) as illustrated in fig. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment (300) of the present invention. As shown in figure 3, the working weight (106) is configured to connect with a mechanical press (302). As per the working principle described in figures 1A to 2B, the working weight (106) is configured to transfer kinetic energy attained by the working weight to the mechanical press (302).

Figure 4 illustrates conversion of gravitational energy into rotary mechanical energy by employing the kinetic energy generation system (100) as illustrated in fig. 1A, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment (400) of the present invention. As shown in figure 4, the working weight (106) is configured to connect with a rotary gear assembly to generate rotary power to run a rotary load. The rotary load may be, but not limited to, a pump, a compressor, an electricity generator, a mechanical fan etc. Further, in accordance with an additional or alternative embodiment, kinetic energy generation system further comprises a plurality of assembly of combination of the working weight (106) and the counterweight (104).

Figure 5 illustrates working weights (106n) of the kinetic energy generation system (100) as illustrated in fig. 1A connected in series, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 5, each of the plurality of working weights (106n) are connected in series to generate continuous kinetic energy based on working principle described in figures 1A to 2B.

Figure 6 illustrates working weights (106n) of the kinetic energy generation system (100) as illustrated in fig. 1A connected in parallel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 6, each of the plurality of working weights (106n) are connected in parallel to generate continuous kinetic energy based on working principle described in figures 1A to 2B.

An example of working principle described in figures 1A to 2B is discussed below:

The preferred method for lifting the working weight is to use a pulley system with a counterweight. Wherein the counterweight is always heavier than the working weight. The counterweight is placed near the ground and a system is employed to push the suspended counterweight in a horizontal direction while the weighted piston moves in the upward vertical direction.

As the counterweight having more weight, the friction losses are overcome, and the energy required to move it horizontally is very much less. As horizontal movement of the counterweight stops and the working weight is decoupled through a clutch mechanism, so that the attached rollers of the counterweight settles on the ground and the counterweight is pulled or pushed back to its original position. Simultaneously, the working weight falls under the influence of gravity and a load thereby generating kinetic energy. The generated kinetic energy is provided to the load.

An example of generating kinetic energy system is discussed below where gas is used as a fluid:

The kinetic energy generation system (100) by using gravitational force is disclosed can also employ gases as a fluid. In this example, most of the constructional features of the system are similar as illustrated in Figures 1 A to 2B and the same are not repeated here for sake of brevity.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the kinetic energy generation system (100) is connected with a piston-cylinder assembly wherein the gas is used as fluid. When the kinetic energy is generated by following the working principle illustrated in Figures 1A to 2B, the same is provided as input power source to the piston-cylinder assembly. The gas in the cylinder gets compressed and pressurized as per the designed working weight and the cylinder bore. Further, the pressurized gas can be taken out from an outlet to power a given application wherein the pressurized gas maintains a constant pressure and kinetic energy due to the kinetic energy system (100).

The system and method disclosed in the present invention is designed to utilize flow of the pressurized fluid to produce powerful forces to primarily power movement or as a basic source of energy. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an energy source is generated by the proposed system which utilizes plurality of mechanism customized to provide sustainable, reliable, efficient power to drive any type of load.

Although the foregoing description of the present invention has been shown and described with reference to particular embodiments and applications thereof, it has been presented for purposes of illustration by way of examples and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the particular embodiments and applications disclosed. The particular embodiments and applications were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such changes, modifications, variations, and alterations should therefore be seen as being within the scope of the present invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.