Bidirectional Thrust Assembly With Single-Motor Fan Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face inefficiencies and increased weight and complexity due to the use of multiple motors for bidirectional thrust, which are necessary to output opposing thrust vectors, particularly in applications like hoist operations and maneuvering devices, leading to power consumption, size, and weight issues.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional thrust assembly using a single motor to drive two unidirectional fans in either rotational direction, employing a selective power transfer mechanism with freewheel assemblies and a stator to control thrust vectors, reducing the need for separate motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two separate motors are used to drive two unidirectional fans for bidirectional thrust, then opposing thrust vectors can be efficiently produced, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two motor functions into a single bidirectional motor that can rotate in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. This single motor drives two unidirectional fans through a differential mechanism, merging what would traditionally require two separate motors into one integrated unit, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the capability to produce opposing thrust vectors
Solution Approach 2:
The single bidirectional motor serves multiple functions: it can rotate in both directions to drive different fans, it incorporates a differential mechanism that automatically directs power to the appropriate fan based on rotation direction, and it provides both forward and reverse thrust capabilities that would traditionally require separate dedicated motors for each function
2Productivity
If two separate motors are used to drive two unidirectional fans for bidirectional thrust, then opposing thrust vectors can be efficiently produced, but system weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate motor units into a single bidirectional motor assembly, directly reducing the total weight of moving components. The single motor with integrated differential mechanism replaces what would be two separate motors, their mounting structures, and associated control systems, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining bidirectional thrust capability
3Device complexity
If a single bidirectional fan is used, then system complexity is reduced, but efficiency in converting motor work into thrust is lower compared to unidirectional fans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a differential mechanism that dynamically routes power based on the direction of motor rotation. When the motor rotates clockwise, the differential mechanism directs power to the first fan; when rotated counter-clockwise, it directs power to the second fan. This dynamic power routing allows unidirectional fans (which are more efficient) to be used while maintaining system simplicity through a single motor
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides efficient bidirectional thrust with reduced power consumption, weight, and complexity, enhancing maneuvering capabilities and mission safety by dynamically controlling load position and yaw.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, a selective power transfer mechanism, and a plurality of fans. The motor may comprise a double ended driveshaft
Implementation Method 2
An airfoil is a cross-sectional shape of, for example, a wing, blade, fin, or sail. An airfoil-shaped body moving through a fluid (e.g. air or water) may produce a force on the body, such as lift, thrust, and or drag
Implementation Method 3
a selective power transfer mechanism, wherein the selective power transfer mechanism is to transfer torque from the motor to either the first fan or the second fan
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended load control system comprises a case, a motor, a selective power transfer mechanism, and a plurality of fans; wherein a change in direction of rotation of the motor causes the selective power transfer mechanism to change a torque transfer among the plurality of fans and wherein the motor has a duty cycle based thereon, wherein the case comprises a thrust fluid inlet and wherein a first heat and a second heat produced by the motor due to the duty cycle is transferred to a thrust fluid drawn into the thrust fluid inlet.