Flexible Hovercraft Outflow Nozzles for Impact Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hovercrafts face inefficiencies in airflow management due to complex and weight-increasing deflector systems, reduced tolerance to side impacts, and inability to operate effectively after heat exposure, necessitating improved air cushion and thrust promotion along with impact-tolerant control systems.

Innovation Solution

Controllable outflow nozzles integrated into air-permeable regions of the hovercraft skirt, constructed from flexible materials to deflect airflow efficiently and withstand mechanical shocks, connected to lightweight actuating means for independent control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rigid airflow deflectors or outflow nozzles are used, then airflow control precision is improved, but impact tolerance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow control precisionVSAvoidimpact tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The outflow nozzle is constructed from flexible material that allows it to deform under external impact forces and then return to its original configuration, enabling the nozzle to tolerate impacts while maintaining airflow control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape in response to impacts, allowing it to absorb shock loads and continue operating after heat events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If complex deflector systems are used, then airflow direction control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow direction controlVSAvoiddeflector system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention integrates the deflector functionality directly into the outflow nozzle structure, eliminating the need for separate complex deflector systems while maintaining the ability to control airflow direction for both thrust and air cushion promotion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If complex deflector systems are used, then airflow direction control is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow direction controlVSAvoiddeflector system weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector functionality is merged into the outflow nozzle itself, eliminating the need for additional separate deflector components and thereby reducing the overall weight of the hovercraft while maintaining airflow control capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If rigid outflow nozzles are used, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and impact tolerance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle structural strengthVSAvoidimpact tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enhances airflow efficiency, maintains hovercraft stability and operation after impacts, and allows for flexible control of air cushion and thrust, ensuring continued functionality post-heat exposure.

Implementation Method 1

the nozzles being constructed in flexible materials, besides not mandatory to controlling the hovercraft. When constructed in flexible materials, the nozzles will tolerate mechanical shocks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible material deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the referred nozzles can be controlled to deflect the airflow when passing throughout the air permeable regions of the skirt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir permeability: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS11312351B2Nozzles and control systems for hovercrafts

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 DEI CASTELLI ALBERTO

AI summary

A hovercraft including imaginary longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes; a propulsion system (12), configured to generate airflow; a base (50) and, a skirt (13) wherein the skirt (13) further including air permeable regions (130) and at least two set of outflow nozzles (220); wherein the air permeable regions (130) and the set of outflow nozzles (20, 21) are in fluid communication; wherein each set of nozzles (20, 21) comprises, at least, one outflow nozzle (22), said outflow nozzle (22) including two opposing ends, a first end (221) and a second end (222); the hovercraft further including actuating means (30) suitable to control the opening of at least one end (221 or 222) of the nozzles (22) managing the passage of airflow through the end (221 or 222). The technical features and functionalities described herein are applicable to the field of hovercrafts. More particularly, to controllable outflow nozzles and controlling systems for hovercrafts.