Double-Layer Flow Guiding Assembly for Propulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light-weight flight vehicles equipped with turbo propulsion devices face high energy consumption due to the large mass and complex mechanical structures required for rotating the devices, leading to increased energy loss during directional changes.

Innovation Solution

A propulsion device with a double-layer flow guiding assembly, comprising a first-layer and second-layer flow guiding assembly that swing relative to each other along non-parallel axes, optimizing jet airflow efficiency and reducing energy loss by allowing independent adjustment of airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire turbo propulsion device is rotated to change the direction of jet airflow, then the flight vehicle can perform turning, climbing or descending actions, but a large amount of force is required due to the large mass of the propulsion device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight maneuverabilityVSAvoidforce required for rotation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guiding function is segmented into two independent layers: a first-layer flow guiding assembly and a second-layer flow guiding assembly. Each layer can be rotated independently around its own rotation axis, allowing the system to achieve complex airflow direction changes without rotating the entire heavy propulsion device. This segmentation reduces the moment of inertia and the force required for rotation while maintaining full directional control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first-layer flow guiding assembly is nested within or around the second-layer flow guiding assembly, with both assemblies concentrically arranged around the airflow discharge port. This nested configuration allows compact arrangement of multiple rotation mechanisms while enabling independent rotation of each layer, thus achieving versatile airflow control without requiring the entire propulsion device to rotate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire turbo propulsion device is rotated to change flight direction, then the flight vehicle can change direction, but the mechanical structure that rotates the entire turbo propulsion device is quite complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight direction controlVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guidance system is divided into two independent modular assemblies, each with its own rotation mechanism. The first-layer flow guiding assembly rotates around a first rotation axis, while the second-layer flow guiding assembly rotates around a second rotation axis. This modular segmentation simplifies the mechanical structure compared to rotating the entire propulsion device, as each layer can be controlled independently with simpler, lighter rotation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both the first-layer and second-layer flow guiding assemblies are designed to be rotatable around their respective rotation axes, providing dynamic and flexible airflow direction control. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to various flight maneuvers by independently adjusting each layer's orientation, reducing the need for complex mechanical linkages that would be required to rotate the entire rigid propulsion device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire turbo propulsion device is rotated to change the direction of jet airflow, then the flight vehicle can change flight direction, but the energy consumption of the flight vehicle is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight maneuverabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the flow guidance into two independent layers that can rotate separately, the system reduces the mass that needs to be accelerated during rotation. Only the lightweight flow guiding assemblies need to be rotated, not the entire heavy propulsion device, significantly reducing the energy consumption required for directional changes while maintaining full maneuverability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable design of both flow guiding assemblies enables dynamic airflow direction control with minimal energy input. The first-layer assembly can be rotated to achieve primary direction changes, while the second-layer assembly provides fine-tuning and additional directional control, allowing the system to achieve complex maneuvers through coordinated rotation of lightweight components rather than rotating the entire propulsion device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11286035B2Propulsion device with double-layer flow guiding assembly and flight vehicle using the same
Publication Date: 2022.03.29 TAIWAN FLYING VEHICLE CO LTD
  • US11286035B2 patent drawing
  • US11286035B2 patent drawing
  • US11286035B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A propulsion device with double-layer flow guiding assembly and a flight vehicle using the same are provided. The propulsion device includes a propulsion body, a first-layer flow guiding assembly and a second-layer flow guiding assembly. The propulsion body includes a housing, an airflow suction port and an airflow discharge port. The first-layer flow guiding assembly includes a front flow guiding ring and at least one first-layer flow guiding plate. The front flow guiding ring is disposed outside the airflow discharge port and has a first axis. The front flow guiding ring swings relative to the airflow discharge port along a first rotation axis. The first rotation axis intersects the first axis. The first-layer flow guiding plate is fixed in the front flow guiding ring and extends along the first rotation axis. The second-layer flow guiding assembly has a structure similar to the first-layer flow guiding assembly.