Convertible Ducted Fan Engine Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current engines are single-purpose systems, requiring separate or complex reconfigurable drive systems for operating in different mediums, leading to inefficiencies and susceptibility to failure.
Innovation Solution
A convertible ducted fan engine that can transition between fluid-propulsion and friction-based drive-wheel configurations using a shroud connected to a shroud shaft, a drive shaft, and both rotational and linear drive motors, with a mechanical fan and blade-contacting flanges to facilitate both modes of operation.
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 implements a single drive system that can function in multiple modes: as a fluid-propulsion engine for water/air and as a friction-based drive-wheel for land. The mechanical fan can operate independently to generate thrust in fluids, or engage with the shroud to create a wheel configuration for ground contact, eliminating the need for separate drive systems and reducing fuel consumption by approximately 50%
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures between operational modes through engagement and disengagement of the mechanical fan with the shroud. A linear drive motor translates the mechanical fan along the shroud shaft to transition between fluid-propulsion mode (fan independent) and drive-wheel mode (fan engaged with shroud), allowing the vehicle to adapt to different mediums without permanent structural changes
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate drive systems are used for land and water vehicles, then each medium can be optimized independently, but the vehicle requires twice the space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single drive system that can function in multiple modes: as a fluid-propulsion engine for water/air and as a friction-based drive-wheel for land. The mechanical fan can operate independently to generate thrust in fluids, or engage with the shroud to create a wheel configuration for ground contact, eliminating the need for separate drive systems and reducing space requirements by approximately 50%
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate fluid-propulsion and land-drive systems into a single integrated assembly. The shroud, mechanical fan, and mounting structure form a unified system that can operate in both configurations, consolidating what would traditionally require two separate systems into one compact unit
3Volume of moving object
If reconfigurable drive systems are used to operate in multiple mediums, then space and fuel requirements are reduced, but the system becomes more complex and susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drive system into distinct functional modules: the shroud mounted to the vehicle body, the mechanical fan mounted to the drive shaft, and the linear drive motor for translation. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall reconfiguration process through standardized engagement and disengagement interfaces
4Volume of moving object
If reconfigurable drive systems are used to operate in multiple mediums, then space and fuel requirements are reduced, but the system becomes more susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates blade-contacting flanges on the shroud that engage with the mechanical fan blades during mode transitions. These flanges provide mechanical guidance and support during the reconfiguration process, preventing misalignment or damage that could compromise system reliability. The design anticipates potential failure points during transition and provides structural cushioning to prevent them
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 efficient operation in multiple environments by allowing the engine to switch seamlessly between propulsion and drive-wheel modes, reducing complexity and space requirements while improving reliability.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
a rotational drive motor configured to rotate the drive shaft and mechanical fan
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the blades in the plurality of blades is in contact with or coupled to the shroud, thereby causing concurrent rotation of the shroud and mechanical fan
Data Source
AI summary
A convertible ducted fan engine and mounting system. The convertible ducted fan engine has a shroud encircling a mechanical fan. 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 shroud rotates about the rotational axis. The mounting system includes at least one gimbal ring and may include a circular track system thereby enabling the convertible engine to be oriented in any direction.