Cylindrical Thrust Apparatus with Dual Inner Shells for Multi-Directional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrust generating mechanisms for vehicles require multiple apparatuses to generate thrust in multiple directions, increasing weight and dimensions, and struggle with uniform control of forward and reverse thrust, leading to inefficiencies and weight gain.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical thrust generating apparatus with two inner shell bodies and an intermediate shell body, allowing air to be jetted in two opposite directions using a single apparatus, reducing the need for multiple units and optimizing thrust control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple thrust generating apparatuses are disposed around the axes to generate thrust in multiple directions, then the ability to control attitude is improved, but the weight and dimensions of the movable body increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single thrust generating apparatus that can generate thrust in multiple directions (forward, reverse, and lateral directions) through a unified structure. The casing integrates multiple air inlet openings and fan assemblies that can direct airflow in different orientations, allowing one apparatus to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate thrust generators. This resolves the contradiction by providing versatile thrust direction control while avoiding the weight penalty of multiple discrete apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple thrust generation functions into a single integrated apparatus. The casing combines multiple air inlet openings, fan assemblies, and flow paths into one unified structure that can produce thrust in various directions. By consolidating what would traditionally be separate thrust generators into one combined unit, the design achieves multi-directional control capability without proportionally increasing weight and dimensions, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotor fins are rotated in reverse to generate reverse thrust, then the ability to generate thrust in opposite orientations is improved, but uniform control of thrust intensity in normal and reverse directions becomes difficult and thrust loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thrust generation function by providing separate fan assemblies for forward and reverse thrust, rather than relying on a single fan that must rotate in reverse. Each fan assembly can be independently controlled, allowing for uniform and precise control of thrust intensity in both normal and reverse directions. This segmentation eliminates the control difficulties and thrust losses associated with reversing a single fan, as each fan operates optimally in its designated direction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating a fan in reverse to generate reverse thrust (which causes control difficulties and efficiency losses), the patent inverts the approach by using a dedicated fan assembly that generates reverse thrust in its normal rotation direction. This inversion of the conventional reverse-rotation method allows for uniform thrust control and eliminates the efficiency penalties associated with operating fans outside their optimized rotation direction.
3Weight of moving object
If a single thrust generating apparatus is used to jet air in one direction, then the weight and dimensions are reduced, but the ability to generate thrust in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-directional thrust capability within a single apparatus by incorporating multiple fan assemblies and adjustable flow paths. The unified casing houses fans that can direct airflow in different orientations (forward, reverse, lateral), allowing one apparatus to perform the function of multiple separate thrust generators. This multi-functional design reduces weight and dimensions compared to using multiple independent apparatuses while maintaining full directional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic elements that allow the thrust direction to be adjusted or changed as needed. The flow paths and fan assemblies are designed to enable redirection of airflow, providing adaptability in thrust direction. This dynamic capability allows a single apparatus to respond to different operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed-direction thrust generators, thereby reducing overall system weight and complexity while maintaining versatility.
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 generation of thrust in opposite orientations with reduced weight and dimensions, improving attitude control of vehicles by allowing selective thrust direction without increasing overall weight or space.
Implementation Method 1
a configuration for jetting air in one direction and using a reaction force of the jetted air for thrust
Implementation Method 2
the intermediate shell body defining an intermediate flow path between an outer surface thereof disposed at the outer shell body side and the inner wall of the outer shell body, and the outer surface having a shape such that the air flow sent from an opening end inside in the axial direction of one of the first inner shell body and the second inner shell body is accommodated and flowed out to the outer flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust generating apparatus for controlling an attitude of a movable body includes an outer shell body, a first inner shell body and a second inner shell body, a first fan rotating body and a second fan rotating body, an intermediate shell body, and a driving unit. A outer surface of the intermediate shell body has a shape such that an air flow sent from an opening end inside of any one of the first inner shell body and the second inner shell body is accommodated and flowed out to an outer flow path . When the first fan rotating body is rotated, the air flow suctioned from the outside in the axial direction of the first inner shell body passes through the outer flow path defined by the second inner shell body to be jetted from a second opening end of the outer shell body.