Convertible Ducted Fan Engine for Multi-Medium Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engines are single-purpose systems, requiring separate or complex reconfigurable drive systems for vehicles that operate in multiple mediums, leading to inefficiencies in space, fuel consumption, and susceptibility to failure.
Innovation Solution
A convertible ducted fan engine with a shroud and mechanical fan that can transition between fluid-propulsion and friction-based drive-wheel configurations, utilizing a rotational drive motor and linear drive motor to adjust the fan's position and contact with the shroud, allowing for concurrent rotation in drive-wheel mode and independent rotation in fluid-propulsion mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate drive systems are used for land and water vehicles, then each medium can be optimized independently, but the vehicle occupies twice the space and requires twice the fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single engine system that can perform multiple functions - operating as a fluid-propulsion engine for watercraft and as a friction-based drive-wheel for land vehicles. The engine includes a shroud with an open end and a mechanical fan with blades that can contact the shroud interior surface, allowing the same system to provide propulsion in both aquatic and terrestrial environments without requiring separate drive systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mechanical fan position adjustable relative to the shroud. The fan can be positioned to contact the shroud interior surface for land-based friction-driven rotation, or repositioned away from contact for water-based fluid propulsion. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its operating mode based on the medium, optimizing performance while reducing fuel consumption compared to having separate static drive systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate drive systems are used for land and water vehicles, then each medium can be optimized independently, but the vehicle occupies twice the space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single engine system that can perform multiple functions - operating as a fluid-propulsion engine for watercraft and as a friction-based drive-wheel for land vehicles. The engine includes a shroud with an open end and a mechanical fan with blades that can contact the shroud interior surface, allowing the same system to provide propulsion in both aquatic and terrestrial environments without requiring separate drive systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the functions of what would traditionally be two separate drive systems (a land-based friction drive and a water-based fluid propulsion system) into a single integrated engine assembly. The shroud, mechanical fan, and blade configuration are merged into one system that can operate in both mediums, thereby reducing the total volume occupied compared to having duplicate separate systems
3Use of energy by moving object
If reconfigurable drive systems are used to operate in multiple mediums, then space and fuel consumption are reduced, but the system becomes more complex and susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mechanical fan position adjustable relative to the shroud. The fan can be positioned to contact the shroud interior surface for land-based friction-driven rotation, or repositioned away from contact for water-based fluid propulsion. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its operating mode based on the medium, optimizing performance while reducing fuel consumption compared to having separate static drive systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the mechanical fan blades to automatically contact or not contact the shroud interior surface based on the operating medium. The blade configuration and shroud geometry are designed such that the system self-adjusts its operational configuration without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining the ability to operate in both land and water environments
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
Enables a single engine system to efficiently operate in both propulsion modes, reducing complexity, space requirements, and fuel consumption while enhancing reliability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the blades in the plurality of blades is in contact with the shroud, thereby causing concurrent rotation of the shroud and mechanical fan when the mechanical fan rotates about the rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
a rotational drive motor configured to rotate the drive shaft and mechanical fan
Implementation Method 3
a linear drive motor configured to translate the drive shaft and mechanical fan in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shroud shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible ducted fan engine having a shroud connected to a shroud shaft, a drive shaft connected to a mechanical fan, a rotational drive motor configured to rotate the drive shaft and mechanical fan, and a linear drive motor configured to translate the drive shaft and mechanical fan in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shroud. The convertible ducted fan engine includes a fluid-propulsion configuration in which the mechanical fan rotates freely with respect to the shroud to produce thrust through fluid flow, and a drive-wheel configuration in which the mechanical fan is in contact with the shroud, thereby causing concurrent rotation of the shroud and mechanical fan when the mechanical fan rotates about the rotational axis.