Deformable Surface Boundary-Layer Control for Active Drag Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to effectively and adaptively control surface drag across various fluid flows, leading to inefficiencies in transportation and fluid flow systems, as they rely on static aerodynamic shapes rather than dynamic manipulation of fluid boundary layers.

Innovation Solution

A fluid control system that includes movable or deformable surfaces with sensors and actuators to measure and modify fluid parameters, generating surface waves or deformations to actively control the boundary layer, thereby reducing or increasing drag as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If static aerodynamic shapes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but surface drag control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsurface drag control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static surface into a dynamic one through movable sections and deformable surfaces. The surface can actively change its configuration in response to fluid flow conditions, enabling real-time drag control while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying surface geometry parameters dynamically. Through actuators and deformable materials, the surface can alter its shape, curvature, and texture parameters to optimize drag characteristics under varying flow conditions, transitioning from fixed to variable geometric parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If movable sections or deformable surfaces are used to control boundary layer, then surface drag control capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface drag control capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the surface into multiple independent movable sections or segments. Each section can be actuated independently or in coordinated patterns, allowing complex drag control functions to be achieved through simpler individual components rather than a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes flexible shells and thin films as deformable surfaces that can change shape under actuation. These flexible structures provide inherent compliance and adaptability, reducing the need for complex rigid mechanisms while enabling effective boundary layer control through shape morphing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If real-time boundary layer manipulation is implemented, then surface drag control is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface drag control efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action through oscillating movable sections and vibratory deformable surfaces. These periodic motions can effectively manipulate the boundary layer and reduce drag through dynamic effects, while the oscillatory nature allows for energy recovery and reduced net energy consumption compared to continuous static actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 real-time control of surface drag, improving efficiency and performance in air, water, and ground transportation, as well as fluid pipelines by dynamically manipulating the fluid boundary layer, reducing turbulence and surface friction.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one movable section is configured to modify a boundary layer of a fluid flowing over the surface by moving along the top side of the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoundary layer manipulation: Boundary Layer

Implementation Method 2

The at least one deformer is configured to modify a boundary layer of a fluid that is flowing over the deformable surface by selectively deforming the top side of the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS11299260B2Systems and methods for active control of surface drag

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 ENTERPRISE SCIENCE FUND LLC

AI summary

A fluid control system includes a deformable surface that covers a body in at least a first and second direction. The first direction is orthogonal to the second direction. The deformable surface includes a bottom side that faces the body and a top side that is opposite the bottom side. The fluid control system also includes at least one deformer between the deformable surface and the body. The at least one deformer is configured to modify a boundary layer of a fluid that is flowing over the deformable surface by selectively deforming the top side of the surface.