Co-Flow Jet Fluid Channel for Integrated Thrust and Lift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid systems in transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, do not effectively integrate propulsion and lift-generating systems, limiting their efficiency and performance.

Innovation Solution

A fluid system comprising a first body portion, a second body portion, a fluid pressurizer, and a duct, where the first and second body portions define an injection and suction opening and a channel, with a fluid pressurizer within the channel to generate both thrust and lift by pressurizing fluid and directing it through ducts as co-flow jets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If separate propulsion and lift-generating systems are used, then system reliability is maintained, but system efficiency and performance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion and lift generation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate propulsion and lift-generating systems into a unified fluid system where a single conduit integrates both functions. Fluid is drawn through the conduit and ejected to simultaneously produce thrust and generate lift, eliminating the need for separate systems and improving overall efficiency while reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a propulsion system (generating thrust through fluid ejection) and a lift-generating system (creating aerodynamic lift). This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If fluid flow through the conduit is not altered, then system simplicity is maintained, but propulsion and lift performance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion and lift performanceVSAvoidfluid flow control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates flow delivery driver devices that can dynamically alter fluid flow characteristics within the conduit. These devices enable adjustment of flow rate, direction, and velocity to optimize propulsion and lift performance under varying operating conditions, transforming a static system into an adaptive one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs mechanisms to change fluid flow parameters (such as flow rate, pressure, and velocity) within the conduit to enhance performance. By adjusting these parameters, the system can optimize both propulsion and lift generation according to specific operational requirements without fundamentally changing the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances propulsion and lift generation by integrating thrust and lift systems, providing efficient fluid flow management and increased mass flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

A fluid system comprising a first body portion, a second body portion, a fluid pressurizer, and a duct, where the first and second body portions define an injection and suction opening and a channel, with a fluid pressurizer within the channel to generate both thrust and lift by pressurizing fluid and directing it through ducts as co-flow jets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCo-flow jet: Jet

Data Source

PatentEP3476720B1Fluid systems that include a co-flow jet
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 COFLOW JET LLC
  • EP3476720B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476720B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476720B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fluid systems are described herein. An example embodiment of a fluid system has a first body portion (12), a second body portion (14), a plurality of supports, a plurality of fluid pressurizers (18), and a plurality of ducts (132). The first body portion and the second body portion cooperatively define an injection opening (58), a suction opening (104), and a channel that extends from the injection opening to the suction opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion. Each duct of the plurality of ducts is disposed within the channel cooperatively defined by the first body portion and the second body portion.