Gimballed Ducted Propeller for Two-Dimensional Thrust Vectoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thrust vectoring technologies for propeller-driven craft are inefficient and complex, lacking the ability to provide two-dimensional thrust control without adverse moments or translational forces, particularly in ducted propellers.

Innovation Solution

A ducted propeller system with a propeller assembly, constant velocity joint, and outboard strut, allowing for a propulsive thrust vector to be directed through the aerodynamic center while maintaining the engine and driveshaft fixed, using a gimbal assembly for independent two-dimensional thrust control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cyclic control of blade pitch is used in ducted propellers, then thrust vectoring capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase due to pitch bearings and swashplate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust vectoring capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of pitch control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pitch control mechanism (pitch bearings and swashplate) from the ducted propeller system, replacing it with a simpler bearing-supported rotation system. This removes the complex cyclic pitch control apparatus while maintaining thrust vectoring capability through controlled rotation of the entire propeller assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a bearing as an intermediary element that supports the rotation of the propeller assembly without requiring complex pitch control mechanisms. This bearing-mediated rotation system provides thrust vectoring capability while avoiding the complexity of pitch bearings and swashplate assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tilt-rotor configuration is used for transition between vertical and horizontal flight, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to dual axis tilting mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight mode transition capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of tilting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the complex dual-axis tilting mechanism from the tilt-rotor system, replacing it with a simplified bearing-supported rotation system. This allows the propeller assembly to tilt and rotate for flight mode transitions without requiring complex dual-axis tilting apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing-supported rotation system serves multiple functions: it enables thrust vectoring for control, facilitates transition between flight modes, and supports both vertical and horizontal flight operations. This universal mechanism replaces multiple specialized tilting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If peripheral control ejectors or diverters are used to manipulate exit flow, then thrust vectoring is improved, but the control forces generated are limited to a fraction of total thrust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrust vectoring capabilityVSAvoidcontrol force magnitude

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of manipulating the exit flow to generate control forces (which produces only a fraction of total thrust), the patent inverts the approach by directly tilting the entire propeller assembly through bearing-supported rotation. This generates full thrust vectoring capability where the entire thrust force can be directed, not just a fraction of it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This configuration reduces wear on the powertrain, simplifies integration, and enables efficient two-dimensional thrust control without adverse moments, improving vehicle maneuverability and propulsion efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A propeller assembly, a Constant Velocity (CV) joint, and an outboard strut form a system for directional thrust propeller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConstant velocity joint mechanism: Gimbal

Implementation Method 2

The outboard strut is located in between the propeller assembly and the pivot interface and is configured to convey a load generated by the propeller assembly to the pivot interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLoad transmission through strut: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

A ducted propeller configured to produce and control a two-dimensional vectored thrust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 4

A propeller assembly, a Constant Velocity (CV) joint, and an outboard strut form a system for directional thrust propeller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrictionless rotation: Ball Bearing

Data Source

PatentUS12371154B2Thrust vectoring propulsor

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 AEROFEX CORP

AI summary

A two-dimensionally gimballed propeller produces vectored thrust. A directional propeller generates a two-dimensional propulsive thrust vector without adverse moments or translational forces. Forces necessary to control the propulsive vector are minimized by directing the vector through the propeller's aerodynamic center apart from the power source delivered to the propeller via a driveshaft having a fixed orientation.