Lift amplifying device using rotor skin

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device using lift generated by the flow of a fluid and, more specifically, to a lift amplifying device which increases lift by forming a rotor skin composed of a plurality of rollers on the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical rotor structure and controlling the flow rate distribution of the fluid by driving the rotor skin. The lift amplifying device according to the present invention includes a rotor skin means and a driving means. The rotor skin means is configured such that a plurality of rollers are arranged in a row to form a cylindrical shape. The driving means rotates the rollers to increase the flow rate of the fluid flowing to one side of the rotor skin means and decrease the flow rate of the fluid flowing to the other side of the rotor skin means so as to generate lift in the rotor skin means. In addition, it is preferable that the lift amplifying device further includes a plurality of fillers disposed to fill empty spaces between the rollers so as to reduce the flow of the fluid flowing between the adjacent rollers. The lift amplifying device according to the present invention forms a rotor skin structure consisting of a plurality of rollers on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor, rotates the rollers by a driving means to increase the flow rate of the fluid flowing along one side of the rotor and reduce the flow rate of the fluid flowing along the other side of the rotor, thereby forming a larger flow rate difference between both sides of the rotor. Accordingly, a pressure difference formed on both sides of the rotor is increased to generate a larger lift.

Description

Lift amplification device using lotus skin

[0001] The present invention relates to a device utilizing lift generated by the flow of a fluid, and more specifically, to a lift amplification device that increases lift by forming a rotor skin composed of a plurality of rollers on the outer surface of a cylindrical rotor structure and driving it to control the fluid velocity distribution.

[0002] Technologies for generating thrust or power by utilizing forces produced by fluid flow have been studied in various fields. One such technology is a device utilizing the Magnus effect, in which lift is generated by the difference in fluid velocity around a rotating cylinder. A representative device utilizing this principle is the rotor sail.

[0003] A rotor sail is a device that rotates a cylindrical structure. When the cylinder rotates while fluid flow is present, the velocity distribution of the fluid flowing along the outer surface of the cylinder changes. That is, depending on the direction of rotation of the cylinder, the fluid velocity increases on one side of the cylinder and decreases on the other side, and a pressure difference is formed on both sides of the cylinder due to this difference in velocity. Due to this pressure difference, a lift force is generated on the cylinder in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow.

[0004] Such rotor sails can be utilized as devices to assist in ship propulsion or applied to various devices that use wind and fluid energy. In particular, since rotor sails can generate additional thrust by utilizing wind or fluid flow, they are continuously being researched as a technology to improve energy efficiency.

[0005] This rotor sail technology utilizes the principle of generating lift by changing the fluid flow through the rotation of a cylinder; various structural modifications and application technologies have been proposed, and it is widely known as a form of propulsion and energy utilization device that leverages hydrodynamic properties.

[0006] Registered Patent No. 10-2736569 (Registration Date: November 27, 2024)

[0007] Published Patent No. 10-2025-0093817 (Date of publication: June 25, 2025)

[0008] Published Patent No. 10-2023-0121287 (Date of publication: September 12, 2023)

[0009] Published Patent No. 10-2025-0104167 (Date of publication: July 8, 2025)

[0010] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional rotor sail. A conventional rotor sail (5) is a device that generates lift by utilizing the pressure difference caused by the flow of fluid by rotating a cylindrical structure. When the rotor sail (5) rotates at a rotational speed R while fluid is flowing, the velocity distribution of the fluid flowing along the outer surface of the rotor sail (5) changes. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the fluid velocity increases to A1 at the top of the rotor sail (5) and decreases to A2 at the bottom. Due to this difference in velocity, a pressure difference occurs between the top and bottom of the rotor sail (5), and as a result, lift F is generated.

[0011] However, the magnitude of the lift F generated by the conventional rotor sail (5) is proportional to the difference between the flow velocity A1 and the flow velocity A2, and this difference in flow velocity depends significantly on the rotational speed R of the rotor sail (5). Therefore, in order to increase the magnitude of the lift F, the rotational speed R of the rotor sail (5) must be increased. However, since the rotor sail (5) is generally a structure with a large diameter and heavy weight, there are structural and mechanical limitations to significantly increasing the rotational speed R. As a result, it is difficult to form a sufficient difference in flow velocity, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to increase the magnitude of the possible lift F to a desired level.

[0012] In addition, the direction of action of the lift F generated by the conventional rotor sail (5) always has the characteristic of acting perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, so it is difficult to actively control the direction of action of the lift. As a result, in cases where propulsion force must be utilized in a specific direction, such as in actual ship propulsion, it is difficult to effectively utilize the lift, and consequently, there was a problem that there were limitations in applying the rotor sail to actual ships.

[0013] The present invention was devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and aims to provide a lift amplification device capable of creating a greater difference in fluid velocity by arranging a plurality of rotor skin means on the outer surface of a rotor sail and rotating the rotor skins to increase the fluid velocity flowing toward one side of the cylindrical shape and decrease the fluid velocity flowing toward the other side.

[0014] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a lift amplification device capable of not only increasing the magnitude of the generated lift by configuring the rotational speed and rotational direction of a plurality of lotus skins to be individually controlled, but also actively adjusting the direction of the lift force.

[0015] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a lift amplification device capable of further improving lift generation efficiency by reducing flow loss caused by fluid flowing into the spaces between adjacent lotus skins and facilitating fluid flow through the filler that fills the empty spaces between adjacent lotus skins.

[0016] A lift amplification device according to the present invention comprises a lotus skin means and a driving means. The lotus skin means comprises a plurality of rollers arranged in a line to form a cylindrical shape. The driving means rotates the rollers to increase the flow velocity of a fluid flowing toward one side of the lotus skin means and decrease the flow velocity of a fluid flowing toward the other side of the lotus skin means, so as to generate lift in the lotus skin means.

[0017] In addition, it is preferable that the above-described lift amplification device further includes a plurality of fillers arranged to fill the empty space between the rollers so as to reduce the flow of fluid entering between adjacent rollers.

[0018] In addition, in the above-described lift amplification device, the filler may be a rotatable cylinder.

[0019] In addition, in the above-described lift amplification device, the driving means can rotate each of the rollers independently.

[0020] In addition, in the above-described lift amplification device, the driving means may comprise an interlocking unit and a driving unit. The interlocking unit interlocks each of the rollers with one another. The driving unit rotates one of the rollers.

[0021] In addition, in the above-described lift amplification device, it is preferable that a plurality of dimples are formed on the outer surface of the roller.

[0022] In addition, the above-described lift amplification device preferably further includes at least one support member mounted along the longitudinal direction of the roller to surround the roller and support it so that the roller can rotate, in order to prevent the roller from bending in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The lift amplification device according to the present invention forms a rotor skin structure composed of a plurality of rollers on the outer surface of a rotor, and by rotating the rollers by means of a driving means to increase the flow velocity of the fluid flowing along one side of the rotor and decrease the flow velocity of the fluid flowing along the other side, a greater difference in flow velocity can be formed between the two sides of the rotor. Accordingly, the pressure difference formed between the two sides of the rotor is increased, thereby generating a greater lift.

[0024] In addition, according to the present invention, since a plurality of rollers are arranged to form a cylindrical shape along the outer surface of the rotor, the fluid flow is more actively controlled by the rotation of the rollers, so that lift can be effectively increased compared to a conventional simple rotating rotor even under the same wind conditions.

[0025] In addition, by placing fillers in the spaces between the rollers, fluid flow entering between the rollers is suppressed, thereby reducing flow loss. Consequently, the fluid flow formed along the rotor surface is maintained stably, improving lift generation efficiency.

[0026] In addition, since each roller can be rotated independently or in conjunction with others by means of a driving means, the rotational speed and direction of the rollers can be controlled to regulate the velocity and pressure distribution of the fluid flowing along the rotor surface. Consequently, not only the magnitude of the generated lift but also the direction of its application can be controlled, allowing for the efficient utilization of lift under various operating conditions.

[0027] In addition, if dimples are formed on the outer surface of the roller, the boundary layer characteristics of the fluid are improved, and the fluid flow is maintained more stably, so the lift generation efficiency can be further improved.

[0028] Therefore, according to the present invention, not only can a greater amount of lift be generated compared to conventional rotor structures, but the characteristics of lift generation can also be actively controlled, so it can be applied to various fluid utilization devices such as ship propulsion systems to improve energy efficiency.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of one embodiment of a lift amplification device according to the present invention,

[0030] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the operation of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

[0031] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a filler applied,

[0032] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of FIG. 1 in which a filler in the form of a rotating cylinder is applied.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of the interconnected Lotus Skin in the embodiment of FIG. 1,

[0034] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of an embodiment of FIG. 1 with a support applied thereto,

[0035] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional rotor sail.

[0036] 1 : Rotor Sail 10 : Rotor Skin Means

[0037] 15 : Roller 20 : Driving means

[0038] 21 : Interlocking part 30 : Filler

[0039] 31: Filler in the form of a rotating cylinder 40: Support

[0040] An embodiment of a lift amplification device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. However, the embodiments described below are merely intended to specifically explain the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0041] The lift amplification device of the present invention is installed on the outer surface of a rotor sail (1) and configured to amplify the lift generated by the flow of fluid.

[0042] Generally, when a cylindrical rotor rotates in a fluid flow, the fluid velocity increases on one side of the rotor and decreases on the other side. Due to this difference in velocity, a pressure difference is formed on both sides of the rotor, and as a result, lift (F) is generated.

[0043] However, in conventional rotor sail structures, since the difference in flow velocity is formed solely by the rotation of the rotor itself, there is a problem in that it is difficult to increase the rotational speed and consequently sufficiently increase the magnitude of the generated lift as the rotor diameter and mass increase.

[0044] Accordingly, the present invention can amplify lift by forming a separate rotating structure on the outer surface of the rotor sail (1), thereby creating a greater difference in fluid velocity.

[0045] The lift amplification device of the present invention includes a lotus skin means (10) and a driving means (20).

[0046] The rotor skin means (10) includes a plurality of rollers (15). The plurality of rollers (15) are arranged in a line adjacent to each other to form an overall cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, the plurality of rollers (15) are arranged along the outer surface of the rotor sail (1) to form a structure that surrounds the rotor sail (1).

[0047] Each roller (15) can be formed as a cylindrical rotating body and can be rotatably supported through a bearing or shaft support structure. A plurality of rollers (15) are arranged continuously along the circumferential direction of the rotor sail (1) to form a rotatable outer shell structure along the outer surface of the rotor sail (1).

[0048] The rotor skin means (10) configured in this way forms a separate rotating layer on the outer surface of the rotor sail (1) and serves to generate an additional speed change in the fluid flow by the rotation of the roller (15).

[0049] The driving means (20) is a device for rotating the roller (15), and rotates the roller (15) to increase the flow rate of the fluid flowing to one side of the lotus skin means (10) and decrease the flow rate of the fluid flowing to the other side.

[0050] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the roller (15) rotates in the direction of arrow R, the velocity distribution of the fluid flowing along the outer surface of the rotor sail (1) changes. At this time, since the change in flow velocity caused by the rotation of the rotor sail (1) and the change in flow velocity caused by the rotation of the roller (15) are combined, the difference between the flow velocity A1 formed on one side of the rotor and the flow velocity A2 formed on the other side can be formed more significantly.

[0051] As a result, the pressure difference between both sides of the rotor increases, and consequently, the magnitude of the lift (F) increases further.

[0052] The driving means (20) can be configured in various ways. According to one embodiment, the driving means (20) may include a plurality of motors individually connected to each roller (15). In this case, the rotational speed and rotational direction of each roller (15) can be controlled independently.

[0053] For example, as shown in FIG. 2, each roller (15) can be driven at different rotational speeds X1, X2, X3, etc. According to this configuration, the velocity distribution of the fluid flowing along the rotor surface can be finely controlled, and the flow velocity in a specific area can be selectively increased or decreased.

[0054] Accordingly, not only the magnitude of the lift force (F) generated but also the direction of the lift force can be controlled. For example, when applied to a ship, the lift force can be controlled to act in the direction of the ship's movement by adjusting the rotational speed and rotational direction of the roller (15) according to the direction of the wind.

[0055] As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the driving means (20) may include a linkage part (21) that links the rollers (15) together.

[0056] The interlocking unit (21) is configured to mechanically connect a plurality of rollers (15) so that they interlock with each other, and can be implemented using, for example, a belt, chain, gear, or link structure.

[0057] In this case, the driving means (20) may include a driving unit that rotates one of the rollers, and when one roller is driven, the other rollers are also rotated together by the interlocking unit (21).

[0058] According to this configuration, multiple rollers can be rotated simultaneously with only a single drive unit, which simplifies the drive structure and offers the advantage of reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0059] In addition, the lift amplification device of the present invention may further include a plurality of fillers (30) disposed between the rollers (15).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, the filler (30) is positioned close to the roller (15) to fill the empty space between adjacent rollers (15). This filler (30) serves to reduce flow loss by preventing or reducing fluid from flowing between the rollers.

[0061] That is, if air is introduced through the space formed between the rollers (15), the fluid flow along the outer surface may be disturbed, but the filler (30) blocks this inflow so that the fluid flow flows smoothly along the outer surface of the lotus skin means (10).

[0062] Accordingly, the stability of fluid flow is improved, and the efficiency of lift generation can be further increased.

[0063] As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the filler (30) can be implemented as a filler (31) that is a rotatable cylinder.

[0064] The rotary cylindrical filler (31) is positioned in contact with or close to the roller (15) and can be configured to rotate together with the roller (15) or rotate separately from the roller (15) by the rotation of the roller (15). Using a rotatable filler in this way can reduce resistance to fluid flow.

[0065] Therefore, fluid flow is maintained more smoothly, and lift generation efficiency can be further improved.

[0066] In addition, a plurality of dimples may be formed on the outer surface of the roller (15) of the present invention.

[0067] Dimples are a micro-irregular structure similar to the surface of a golf ball, and they serve to stabilize the boundary layer formed on the roller surface. Due to this dimple structure, the fluid flow does not easily separate from the roller surface and flows stably along the surface, thereby improving the efficiency of the fluid flow and, as a result, enhancing lift generation performance.

[0068] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, if the roller (15) is formed to be long in the longitudinal direction, the central part of the roller (15) may vibrate in the longitudinal direction when the roller (15) rotates. To prevent this, the lift amplification device of the present embodiment may further include a support member (40). The support member (40) supports the outer surface of the roller (15) with a bearing so that the roller (15) can rotate. In this case, if the length of the roller (15) is long, multiple support members (40) may be mounted along the longitudinal direction of the roller (15). The support member (40) may be fixed to the object on which the lift amplification device of the present embodiment is mounted, and when the support member (40) is mounted, a groove may be formed on the outer surface of the roller (15) for the support member (40) to be seated thereon.

[0069] The lift amplification device of the present invention can be applied in various forms. In one embodiment, the device of the present invention may be installed on the outer surface of a rotatable rotor sail (1) and used as a lift generating device for ship propulsion. In another embodiment, the device of the present invention may be installed on the outer surface of a fixed cylindrical structure. That is, even when the rotor sail is not rotating, a difference in flow velocity can be formed along the surface of the cylinder by the rotation of the roller (15), and lift can be generated accordingly.

[0070] As another embodiment, the rotational speed and rotational direction (forward and reverse rotation, etc.) of each roller (15) can be individually set differently depending on the position to control the lift force so that it is concentrated in a specific direction. This method can be applied in various fields such as wind-assisted propulsion devices, fluid control devices, and energy recovery devices.

[0071] As such, the lift amplification device according to the present invention can generate a greater lift than a conventional rotor structure by actively controlling the fluid velocity distribution through a rotor skin means (10) composed of a plurality of rollers (15) and a driving means (20) that drives it.

[0072] In addition, the overall lift generation efficiency can be improved by reducing flow loss through the configuration of the filler (30) and the rotating cylinder filler (31), and by improving fluid flow through the dimple structure of the roller surface.

Claims

1. A lotus skin means in which multiple rollers are arranged in a line to form a cylindrical shape, and A lift amplification device characterized by including a driving means for rotating the rollers to increase the flow velocity of the fluid flowing to one side of the lotus skin means and decrease the flow velocity of the fluid flowing to the other side of the lotus skin means so as to generate lift in the lotus skin means.

2. In Paragraph 1, A lift amplification device characterized by further including a plurality of fillers arranged to fill the empty space between said rollers so as to reduce the flow of fluid entering between adjacent rollers.

3. In Paragraph 2, A lift amplification device characterized in that the above-mentioned filler is a rotatable cylinder.

4. In paragraph 2, the driving means is A lift amplification device characterized by independently rotating each of the above rollers.

5. In paragraph 2, the driving means is A linkage unit that links each of the above rollers together, and A lift amplification device characterized by having a driving unit that rotates one of the above rollers.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, A lift amplification device characterized by having a plurality of dimples formed on the outer surface of the above roller.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, A lift amplification device characterized by further including at least one support member mounted along the longitudinal direction of the roller to surround the roller and support the roller so that the roller can rotate, in order to prevent the roller from bending in the longitudinal direction.

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