Concentric Ducted Propulsion Layout for Efficient VTOL Maneuvering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional aerial vehicles using multiple rotating propellers suffer from reduced flight time, lift capacity, and limited payload volume due to inefficient space usage and safety concerns around humans and animals.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a first and second vertically aligned duct with propellers or propulsion systems within each duct, allowing independent airflow management and maneuverability through flaps or navigation members, and includes stators for airflow control and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple rotating propellers are used to generate lift and control flight path, then maneuverability is improved, but flight time is reduced and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemaneuverabilityVSAvoidflight time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple propeller functions into a single integrated ducted propulsion system. The first and second ducts are coupled together to form a unified structure that consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate propellers, reducing overall system complexity and improving aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining maneuverability through coordinated duct and propeller operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The first duct extends into the second duct such that at least a portion of the first duct is located within an inner portion of the second duct. This nested configuration allows the propulsion system to achieve compact integration while maintaining the functional independence of each duct section, optimizing space utilization and reducing drag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Force

If multiple exposed propellers are used, then lift generation capability is improved, but payload volume is limited due to safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift capacityVSAvoidpayload volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the propellers from their traditional exposed positions and relocates them within enclosed ducts. The first propeller is disposed within the first duct and the second propeller is disposed within the second duct, creating a protected propulsion system that eliminates safety hazards while preserving lift generation capability and enabling increased payload volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The duct structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it encloses and protects the propellers for safety, manages airflow efficiently to maintain lift capacity, and creates additional internal volume for payload accommodation. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction between safety and payload space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional multi-propeller configuration is used, then flight control is achieved, but overall efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight controlVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple propeller systems into an integrated ducted configuration where the first and second ducts work together as a unified propulsion unit. This merging eliminates redundant components and reduces aerodynamic interference between separate propellers, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining flight control through coordinated operation of the ducts and their respective propellers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enhances efficiency, increases flight time, and expands payload capacity while improving safety by optimizing airflow and reducing noise and interference.

Implementation Method 1

one or more propellers or propulsion systems arranged within at least one of the first duct or the second duct to generate an airflow through the air pathway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPropeller propulsion: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 2

one or more flaps may be coupled to the second duct and movable between different positions to provide controlling movement of the aerial vehicle by affecting, deflecting, or otherwise changing the airflow to maneuver the aerial vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow deflection: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12552562B2Concentric vertical ducted propulsion for aerial vehicles

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 CLEO ROBOTICS INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices include an aerial vehicle (AV) with a plurality of coaxially aligned vertical ducts. The lower vertical duct has a larger diameter than the upper vertical duct. Furthermore, the upper vertical duct at least partially contains a first propulsion component and the lower vertical duct at least partially contains a second propulsion component. The lower vertical duct can be coupled to the upper vertical duct by duct couplers which forms an air intake gap between the upper vertical duct and the lower vertical duct. The AV also includes one or more steering flaps disposed on the lower vertical duct, configured to manipulate an air flow out the bottom of the lower duct, thus controlling navigation and stability of the AV.