Funnel-Shaped Conduit Propulsion for Vertical Takeoff and Cavitation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airplanes and helicopters are limited in maneuverability, safety, and versatility for use in various environments, while conventional underwater vehicles face challenges with stability and propulsion efficiency, including cavitation issues. Additionally, existing air and water transport systems lack the ability for vertical takeoff and landing, hovering, and efficient fluid dynamics.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dynamically efficient propulsion system utilizing a rotor confined in a funnel-shaped conduit, combined with an annular airfoil-shaped wing, which generates thrust by forcing fluid through the conduit and across the wing, creating a lift force for vertical or horizontal movement, and optionally includes a load container or passenger area, capable of adapting to air and water environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional airplanes are used for transport, then they can achieve high speed, but they cannot perform vertical takeoff and landing, and are limited in maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into multiple independent flow generators distributed around the vehicle body, each capable of independent operation. This allows selective engagement of propulsion units to achieve vertical takeoff, hovering, and transition to horizontal flight, resolving the contradiction between high-speed capability and vertical flight adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the number and orientation of active flow generators based on flight phase. During vertical takeoff, all flow generators operate vertically; during transition, they adjust angles; during horizontal flight, only rear flow generators operate horizontally. This dynamic reconfiguration enables both high-speed travel and vertical flight capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If helicopters are used for transport, then they can perform vertical takeoff and hovering, but they are difficult to control in windy conditions and limited in speed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single main rotor, the system uses multiple distributed flow generators that can operate independently. This segmentation provides better control authority in windy conditions and reduces the speed limitation inherent in conventional helicopter designs, while maintaining vertical takeoff and hovering capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The flow generators serve multiple functions: vertical lift during takeoff and hovering, forward thrust during horizontal flight, and control surface replacement for maneuvering. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for different flight phases, achieving both vertical adaptability and high-speed capability
3Length of moving object
If conventional submarines are used for underwater transport, then they can achieve deep diving capability, but they require complex systems including hydroplanes and various tanks to maintain stability
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel-shaped conduit system passively generates lift force through the Bernoulli effect as water flows through it, eliminating the need for active stability control systems like hydroplanes and ballast tanks. The system self-regulates stability through fluid dynamics principles, reducing device complexity while maintaining deep diving capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the hydraulic flow of water through the funnel-shaped conduits to generate lift force, replacing mechanical stability control systems. The flowing water itself provides the stabilizing effect through the Bernoulli principle, simplifying the overall system while enabling deep diving operations
4Force
If conventional propellers are used for propulsion, then they can provide thrust, but they generate cavitation and fluid dynamic drag
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces conventional flat-blade propellers with funnel-shaped conduits that guide water flow smoothly. The curved geometry of the funnels eliminates sharp edges that cause flow separation and cavitation, reducing fluid dynamic drag while maintaining thrust generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the hydraulic flow characteristics of water moving through the funnel-shaped conduits to generate thrust, exploiting the Bernoulli effect where pressure differences created by the flowing water produce lift force. This hydraulic approach eliminates cavitation by maintaining smooth, attached flow throughout the conduit
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 enhances safety and maneuverability by providing a stable, rotatable platform for air and water transport, enabling vertical takeoff and landing, reducing fluid dynamic drag, eliminating cavitation, and increasing thrust efficiency by up to 70% with the same energy input, while ensuring safe power loss scenarios and minimizing collision damage.
Implementation Method 1
The flow generator in operation produces a forward thrust vector and a Bernoulli thrust vector created by the forward-to-aft fluid flow of water along the partial funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path
Implementation Method 2
The flow generator in operation produces a forward thrust vector
Data Source
AI summary
A watercraft has an elongate hull having an arcuately shaped bow and a propulsion system including a flow generator coupled thereto. A shroud extends below a forward portion of the hull, and in combination with said hull defines a conduit therethrough with the flow generator positioned in the conduit. The arcuately shaped bow and the conduit in combination at least partially form a funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path for water flow induced by the flow generator. The flow generator in operation produces a forward thrust vector and a Bernoulli thrust vector created by the forward-to-aft fluid flow of water flow along the partial funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path.