Cycloidal Rim Vector Propulsion for Underwater Helicopter Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater vehicle propulsion devices, such as shaftless rim propellers and cycloidal propellers, face structural and performance issues that limit their efficiency and maneuverability, particularly in achieving spot hovering, full-circle steering, and free take-off and landing.
Innovation Solution
An underwater helicopter with cycloidal rim vector propulsion is designed, featuring a disc-shaped hull with a rim driving mechanism, paddles, and rotation adjusting mechanisms. This configuration allows for integrated design, improved load distribution, and enhanced maneuverability by enabling propulsive force distribution across the entire circumference and directional control of the paddles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If shaftless rim propeller is used, then the propeller structure is simplified, but the effective working area is reduced due to conduit occupying circulation area
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller is segmented into multiple independent paddle blades arranged around the rim, each capable of independent rotation and angle adjustment. This segmentation allows the propeller to maintain a simplified rim structure while maximizing the effective working area through multiple distributed blades that collectively occupy the circulation area without the need for a centralized conduit.
2Device complexity
If conventional propeller is used, then the structure is simple, but the propulsion direction is fixed and cannot achieve spot hovering or full-circle steering
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle blades are designed with dynamic rotation capability around the rim axis and adjustable attack angles relative to the rotation plane. This dynamic configuration allows the propulsion direction to be continuously adjusted in three-dimensional space, enabling spot hovering by balancing thrust vectors, full-circle steering by differential paddle rotation, and free take-off/landing by vertical thrust control, thereby achieving high maneuverability without complex mechanical structures.
3Device complexity
If single-direction propeller is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot meet the needs of spot hovering, full-circle steering and free take-off and landing
Solution Approach 1:
The rim propeller is designed as a universal propulsion system where all paddle blades work simultaneously in a coordinated manner to achieve multiple operational modes. By controlling the rotation speed and attack angles of the paddles differentially, the system can perform forward propulsion, backward propulsion, lateral movement, spot hovering, full-circle steering, and free take-off/landing, making a single device structure capable of executing diverse operational tasks that would traditionally require multiple specialized propulsion systems.
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 improved stability, maneuverability, and performance by ensuring uniform propulsive force distribution and enabling propulsive force direction adjustment within a 360-degree range, thus meeting the complex operational requirements of underwater helicopters.
Implementation Method 1
paddles are annularly and uniformly arranged on the circumference of the disc-shaped underwater helicopter hull... propulsive force is annularly and uniformly distributed on the whole circumference of the underwater helicopter
Implementation Method 2
The outer rotor and the inner stator are limited by two pairs of water-lubricated bearings so that the outer rotor and the inner stator are centered
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an underwater helicopter with cycloidal rim vector propulsion. The underwater helicopter includes a disc-shaped underwater helicopter hull, a rim driving mechanism, paddles and rotation adjusting mechanisms. The rim driving mechanism is annular, and the diameter size of the rim driving mechanism is matched with the circumference size of the disc-shaped underwater helicopter hull. The rim driving mechanism is fixedly installed in a cavity in the circumference of the disc-shaped underwater helicopter hull. The rotation adjusting mechanisms are uniformly and fixedly installed on the outer side of the rim driving mechanism. The paddle is fixedly connected with the rotation adjusting mechanism.