Dual Thruster Jet Pump Assembly With Micro-Keel Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maritime vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing thermal energy generated by thrust systems and require effective cooling solutions to prevent overheating, while also needing compact and efficient propulsion systems for maneuverability in various water conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual thruster assembly with a jet pump system incorporating an impeller, motor, transom assembly, and bottom plate, coupled with a micro-keel cooler system for thermal management, providing efficient propulsion and cooling in a modular and stealthy maritime vehicle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a jet pump system is used for propulsion, then thrust efficiency is improved, but thermal energy generation increases requiring effective cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling system with the jet pump assembly by integrating the heat exchanger into the transom housing structure. The cooling channels are merged with the water intake and exhaust pathways, allowing the same water flow to serve both propulsion and cooling functions simultaneously, thereby resolving the contradiction between thrust efficiency and thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful thermal energy generated by the motor into a beneficial cooling effect. The heat exchanger uses the warm water from the jet pump exhaust to cool the motor, effectively utilizing the thermal energy that would otherwise be waste heat to maintain operational temperature, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation and thermal management
2Volume of moving object
If propulsion system components are enclosed within transom housing, then structural compactness is improved, but access for maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transom housing into removable panels or sections that can be detached to access internal components. The housing is divided into accessible and non-accessible portions, allowing maintenance personnel to reach the motor and impeller without removing the entire structure, thus resolving the contradiction between compact enclosure and maintenance accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable or removable components within the transom housing structure, such as accessible panels or detachable covers, that can be dynamically opened during maintenance and closed during operation. This dynamic design allows the structure to transition between providing compact protection and enabling easy access to components, resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and ease of repair
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 dual thruster assembly enhances propulsion efficiency and thermal management, enabling the maritime vehicle to traverse water bodies quickly and maneuverably, while maintaining durability and stealth, suitable for military and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a jet pump drive system including an impeller and a motor operatively coupled to the impeller
Implementation Method 2
a motor operatively coupled to the impeller
Implementation Method 3
Cooling systems absorb heat from the thrust system and transfer the thermal energy into the surrounding environment
Data Source
AI summary
A jet pump assembly for causing a maritime vehicle to traverse a body of water, and a maritime vehicle including such a jet pump assembly. The jet pump assembly includes a jet pump drive system including an impeller and a motor operatively coupled to the impeller. The jet pump assembly also includes a transom assembly that includes a transom plate including a first aperture facing the motor, a transom housing coupled to the transom plate, thereby enclosing the first aperture, and a transom box coupled to the transom plate and including a second aperture aligned with the first aperture. The jet pump assembly further includes a bottom plate coupled to and disposed perpendicular to the transom plate. The bottom plate includes a base and an opening formed through the base, wherein the opening is enclosed by the transom housing. The impeller is at least partially disposed within the transom box.