Fluidic Propulsor With Coanda Jet Entrainment for VTOL Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft designs, particularly VTOL and UAVs, suffer from inefficiencies in lift generation and propulsion, with conventional methods failing to utilize kinetic energy from air stream efflux and relying heavily on wings and batteries, leading to limited flight duration and payload capacity.
Innovation Solution
A propulsor system utilizing fluidics for entrainment and acceleration of ambient air, combined with a Coanda effect to generate a high-speed jet efflux, enhancing lift and propulsion efficiency by integrating a convex surface and vortex generating nozzles, and incorporating dimples to prevent flow separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional propulsion systems (turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, piston engine) are used, then reliable thrust generation is achieved, but weight and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical propulsion systems (engines, propellers, rotors) with a fluidic propulsion system that uses controlled airflows and aerodynamic forces. The system employs flow generators, diffusers, and aerodynamic surfaces to create lift and thrust without traditional mechanical propulsion components, thereby reducing weight while maintaining reliable thrust generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by generating controlled airflows through flow generators and diffusers. The system uses high-pressure air reservoirs, expansion devices, and aerodynamic flow control to produce propulsion forces, replacing mechanical engine-propeller systems with a purely aerodynamic/pneumatic approach.
2Device complexity
If kinetic energy from air stream efflux is not utilized, then simpler propulsion design is achieved, but energy efficiency is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by capturing and utilizing the kinetic energy from air stream efflux through diffusers and recovery systems. The airflow generated by flow generators is continuously directed through aerodynamic surfaces and diffusers to produce sustained lift and propulsion, ensuring no kinetic energy is wasted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes flow parameters (pressure, velocity, direction) through controlled expansion and diffusion processes. High-pressure air is expanded through nozzles to generate high-velocity jets, then diffusers convert this kinetic energy into pressure and lift, optimizing energy utilization at different stages of the flow path.
3Ease of operation
If lift is generated primarily by wings, then conventional flight is achieved, but flight duration and payload capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lift generation function into multiple independent sources: flow generators, diffusers, aerodynamic surfaces, and control surfaces. This allows selective activation and optimization of different lift mechanisms for various flight phases (hover, transition, forward flight), extending operational duration and payload capacity beyond conventional wing-only systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic surfaces and flow control systems serve multiple functions: generating lift, providing thrust, enabling control, and recovering energy. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, increasing efficiency and extending flight duration while maintaining ease of operation.
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 system significantly improves lift and propulsion efficiency, enabling longer flight durations and increased payload capacity by optimizing energy use and reducing reliance on batteries.
Implementation Method 1
A propulsor system utilizing fluidics for entrainment and acceleration of ambient air, combined with a Coanda effect to generate a high-speed jet efflux
Implementation Method 2
incorporating dimples to prevent flow separation
Implementation Method 3
incorporating dimples to prevent flow separation
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system coupled to a vehicle. The system includes a convex surface, a diffusing structure coupled to the convex surface, and at least one conduit coupled to the convex surface. The conduit is configured to introduce to the convex surface a primary fluid produced by the vehicle. The system further includes an intake structure coupled to the convex surface and configured to introduce to the diffusing structure a secondary fluid accessible to the vehicle. The diffusing structure comprises a terminal end configured to provide egress from the system for the introduced primary fluid and secondary fluid.