Deformable Rotor Blade Adapting to Fluid Thrust

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid-driven rotor technologies are limited in versatility and efficiency, particularly in adapting to different fluid flows and power currents, leading to issues such as stall, noise, and variable performance.

Innovation Solution

A rotor design featuring a shape that can be easily manufactured in various forms (e.g., 8-lobed, shamrock, or four-lobed) with blades that are symmetrically inclined, allowing for adjustable central point spacing and deformation to optimize torque and reduce noise, capable of functioning with both liquid and gaseous fluids, and adaptable to different fluid directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fixed-geometry rotor blades are used, then manufacturing is simple, but performance varies with fluid flow conditions and stall occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance consistencyVSAvoidblade geometry complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor blade employs a deformable structure where the median line can change its spatial configuration in response to fluid thrust. The blade transitions from a fixed geometry to a dynamic geometry that adapts to varying flow conditions, preventing stall and maintaining consistent performance across different operating regimes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the rotor blade by allowing the distance between central points to vary. This parameter change enables the blade to optimize its angle of attack and torque generation under different fluid flow conditions, resolving the contradiction between performance consistency and geometric complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If rotor blade geometry is optimized for maximum torque, then power output increases, but noise increases and stall occurs under certain conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoidnoise and stall
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable blade structure dynamically adjusts its geometry to maintain optimal torque generation while avoiding stall conditions. The blade's ability to change shape allows it to reduce noise by preventing turbulent flow separation that occurs during stall, thus achieving high power output without the harmful effects of noise and stall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the rotor is designed for specific fluid flow conditions, then efficiency is high, but adaptability to different power currents is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidadaptability to different power currents
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor blade's deformable structure enables it to function effectively across a wide range of fluid flow conditions and power currents. By adapting its geometry to match different operating conditions, the blade achieves universal applicability while maintaining high efficiency, resolving the contradiction between specialized optimization and versatility.

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

4Ease of manufacture

If the distance between central points is fixed, then manufacturing is easier, but the rotor cannot adapt to different fluid thrusts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to fluid thrust
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a deformable connection between the central points that allows the distance to change in response to fluid thrust while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The blade can be manufactured with a predetermined deformable structure that automatically adjusts to different operating conditions, balancing manufacturing simplicity with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 rotor design ensures consistent performance across varying fluid flows, reduces noise, and maintains efficient operation by adjusting to fluid thrust, enabling applications in diverse devices like generators, pumps, and ventilation systems.

Implementation Method 1

the blade can be deformed by changing the center distance, the deformation is maximum in these areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the front and back faces are substantially parallel at every point or, if slightly cambered, symmetrical with respect to each other in each of these radial section planes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid dynamic force: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP3249238B1Rotor made of a ribbon curved into a plurality of loops, for the interaction with a fluid
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 ABENDSCHEIN GUNTER
  • EP3249238B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3249238B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3249238B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The rotor for a fluid-actuated device comprises at least one blade (1) extending along a self-referencing line and including at least two lobes (3) extending from the axis to as many axially distant central points (4, 5). These lobes have a surface, at least over a majority of the length of the line, facing the fluid flow, which has a tangential inclination relative to the corresponding radial plane, oriented to ensure a fluid motion component in the same direction of rotation. The rotor is suitable for devices such as separators of solid and/or liquid particles, devices for generating electrical or non-electrical energy, ventilation devices, air or gas extraction devices, fluid-driven pumps, or marine engine devices.