MULTIVALVE PROPELLER

The multivalve thruster system addresses propulsion inefficiencies by employing AI-controlled valves for silent, efficient, and environmentally friendly movement, enhancing maneuverability and stealth in intelligent mobility.

FR3150775A1Inactive Publication Date: 2025-01-10LANGER ANDRÉ JACQUES
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2023007091
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-07-04
Publication Date
2025-01-10
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing propulsion systems in intelligent mobility face challenges in efficiently maneuvering in three-dimensional spaces with minimal noise, vibration, pollution, and energy consumption, while maintaining stability and avoiding radar detection.

Method used

A multivalve thruster system inspired by the bivalve scallop shell mechanism, utilizing individually controlled valves for propulsion, allowing precise movement and energy-efficient operation, with AI-regulated valve positioning for enhanced maneuverability and stealth capabilities.

Benefits of technology

The multivalve thruster system provides silent, vibration-free, and ecologically friendly propulsion with reduced energy consumption, enabling precise maneuvering and radar evasion, suitable for marine and aeronautical applications.

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Abstract

In the field of smart mobility, the multi-valve thruster occupies a special place. The valves, all similar, are industrially molded in pairs of opposite directions. The fixing of the valves, on the mobile and between them, allows for rapid replacement. Controlled individually by an AI, they have only 2 positions: open or closed. Depending on the command received, all movements of the mobile are authorized in the 3 dimensions of a non-viscous space with great flexibility: forward, backward, turn, ascend, descend. Fuel consumption and maintenance are very low, there is no waste, and the marine environment is respected. Figure 1
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Description

Title of the invention: MULTIVALVE PROPELLER

[0001] In the context of intelligent mobility, the multi-valve thruster can be used in the three dimensions of a space permitted by the Reynolds equations relating to the viscosity of the medium.

[0002] The multi-valve thruster is inspired by a bivalve of the Picten family, the scallop, which moves in leaps, sucking water between its valves and expelling it with force, hence a reaction effect.

[0003] The multi-valve thruster most often comprises a large number of similar valves fixed to each other and to the hull of the mobile, well below the waves by clips or other system allowing rapid replacement. These valves have two positions, open or closed; they are individually controlled by an artificial intelligence programmed to follow a mission taking into account external hazards and signaled by appropriate sensors.

[0004] The number and position of these valves allows the mobile to move in the three dimensions of a space permitted by the laws of viscosity of the medium, for example, water.

[0005] Diagram and Operation: The basic cell [Fig.l] secured to the mobile is represented by a valve BOO'B' fixed to the mobile, this valve has two cheeks, respectively OBCD and O'B'C'D'; a second valve AOO'A' connected to the first by an axis OO' can rotate between the two aforementioned cheeks; a spring, in the axis OO' tends to press the mobile valve AOO'A' against the fixed valve BOO'B'. A piston, jack or other thrust system VV' controlled by FIA raises the mobile valve AOO'A', when the control ceases, the piston VV' folds back, the mobile valve AOO'A', under the effect of the spring OO' falls back on the fixed valve BOO'B' expelling the water contained in the volume OO'AA'BB'. [figure 2: 21: rest, 22 and 23: filling, 24: blowing]. Other systems exist to achieve the same goal.

[0006] Maneuverability: Practically the standard functional unit is composed of two symmetrical basic cells, A and B opposite each other and arranged as required, [figure 3: A forward, B reverse]. Depending on whether the A cells on both sides operate together, the mobile moves forward. If the B cells on both sides operate together, the mobile moves backward at the same speed, adjustable from zero to maximum. If the A cells on one side and the B cells on the opposite side operate at the same time, the mobile turns right or left, depending on the number of cells engaged, by an angle and at the commanded speed; the same applies to precision docking, to reduce rolling and pitching, avoid ballasting, and to ascend or descend vertically.

[0007] Savings and ecology: the price of a standard cell, mass-produced, is very low. The system is very energy-efficient. Maintenance and repair problems are reduced to a minimum, both for propulsion and for the transmission of orders; a faulty part is instantly identified and neutralized by the control unit, which would decide on the procedure to follow.

[0008] Regarding the number of valves, the decommissioning of a few valves is not significant. The absence of noise, vibrations, odors, heat or polluting emissions does not disturb the marine balance.

[0009] Sending micro bubbles of air, or other product, diffused by the movement of the mobile valves, at the bow, at the stern, and under the mobile, reduces the energy consumption and / or increases the speed of the mobile.

[0010] The responsiveness of artificial intelligence regulating the valves individually allows its use in aeronautics, in particular for light aircraft which are subject to shear winds; this system increases stability in flight and shorter runways. In terms of stealth, for observation vehicles, this valve system would jam radar echoes. Brief description of the drawings

[0011] [Fig.l]: unit valve

[0012] [Fig.2]: 21 rest; 22-23 filling; 24 blowing

[0013] [Fig.3]: Opposite valves A and B

Claims

Claims

1. Multi-valve thruster characterized in that it comprises, most often, a large number of similar valves fixed to each other and to the hull of the mobile, well below the waves by clips or other system allowing rapid replacement, said valves having two positions, open or closed, being individually controlled by an artificial intelligence (AI) programmed to follow a mission taking into account external hazards and signaled by appropriate sensors, the number and position of these valves allowing the mobile to move in the three dimensions of a space permitted by the laws of the viscosity of the medium, for example, water.

2. Multi-valve thruster according to claim No. 1 characterized in that it comprises a base cell secured to the mobile represented by a valve (BOO'B') fixed to the mobile, this valve comprising two cheeks (respectively OBCD and O'B'C'D'); a second valve (AOO'A') connected to the first by an axis (00') which can rotate between the two aforementioned cheeks; a spring, in the axis (00') tending to press the mobile valve (AOO'A') against the fixed valve (BOO'B'); a piston, cylinder or other thrust system (VV') controlled by the AI ​​raising the movable valve (AOO'A'), when the control ceases, the piston (VV') folding back, the movable valve (AOO'A'), under the effect of the spring (00') falling back on the fixed valve (BOO'B') expelling the water contained in the volume (OO'AA'BB') (21: rest, 22 and 23: filling, 24: blowing), other systems existing to achieve the same goal;the particular design of the bow and stern valves allows, with the addition of micro air bubbles, to create a drastic reduction in the energy consumed by the turbulence created.;

3. Multi-valve thruster according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a standard functional unit composed of two symmetrical basic cells (A and B) opposite each other and arranged as required (A forward, B reverse), and depending on whether the cells (A) of the two edges operate together, the mobile advances, and, if the cells (B) of the two edges operate together, the mobile moves backward at the same speed, adjustable from zero to maximum, and, if the cells (A) of a edge and the cells (B) of the opposite edge operate at the same time, the mobile turns right or left, depending on the number of cells engaged, at an angle and at the commanded speed and the same applies to precision docking, to reduce rolling and pitching, avoid ballasting, climb or descend vertically.

4. Multi-valve thruster according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a standard cell is mass-molded, the system being very energy-efficient, maintenance and repair problems being reduced to a minimum, both for propulsion and for the transmission of orders; a faulty part being instantly identified and neutralized by a control unit which would decide on the procedure to follow, and, on the number of valves, the decommissioning of a few valves not being significant, the absence of noise, vibrations, odors, heat or polluting emissions not disturbing the marine balance.

5. Multi-valve thruster according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sending of micro air bubbles, or other product, diffused by the movement of the mobile valves, at the bow, at the stern, and under the mobile, reduces the energy consumption and / or increases the speed of the mobile.

6. Multi-valve thruster according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reactivity of the artificial intelligence individually regulating the valves allows its use in aeronautics, in particular for light aviation which is subject to shear winds; this system increases stability in flight and shorter runways, and in terms of stealth, for observation vehicles, this system of valves would jam radar echoes.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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