Handheld Propulsion Units for Floatation Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion devices for floatation devices lack efficient and user-friendly mechanisms to navigate across water surfaces, particularly for personal use, as they often require complex systems or lack control over propulsion force.
Innovation Solution
A personal propulsion device comprising a pair of handheld units with a power module, motor, and propeller, where each unit is designed to be grasped and submerged in water, allowing users to control the propulsion force by adjusting the propeller's rotational speed through a controller and expelling water through apertures to motivate the floatation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing propulsion devices are used for floatation devices, then propulsion function is provided, but the system becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion device is divided into two separate handheld units, each containing its own power module, motor, and propeller. This segmentation allows each unit to be independently operated and controlled, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining propulsion functionality. Users can grasp one unit in each hand, providing balanced control without requiring a complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each handheld propulsion unit is designed as a self-contained module that can function independently. The units can be used together for balanced propulsion or potentially individually if needed. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to provide propulsion capabilities without requiring complex interconnections between components, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If propulsion force control is added to navigate across water surfaces, then navigation capability is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion units incorporate controllable propeller rotation mechanisms that allow users to dynamically adjust the propulsion force. The motors can vary their rotational speed to provide different levels of thrust, enabling the floatation device to navigate at different speeds and respond to varying water conditions. This dynamic control capability is achieved through simple motor speed control rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls propulsion force by changing the rotational speed parameter of the propellers. By adjusting the motor output speed, the system can provide variable thrust without requiring complex mechanical transmission systems. This parameter-based control approach enables adaptable navigation capability while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Productivity
If handheld propulsion units with motors and propellers are used, then propulsion efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propulsion function into separate, self-contained motor-propeller assemblies that are removed from the floatation device itself and held by the user. This extraction allows the floatation device to remain simple while the propulsion units, containing all necessary mechanical components (motors, propellers, power modules), are held externally. This resolves the contradiction by providing efficient propulsion through dedicated units without complicating the main device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces complex mechanical propulsion systems with electric motors that directly drive the propellers. This substitution of electric propulsion for mechanical propulsion simplifies the overall system architecture, as electric motors can be compact and integrated into the handheld units without requiring complex transmission mechanisms, thereby improving propulsion efficiency while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
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
Enables efficient and controlled movement of floatation devices across water surfaces, providing users with a simple and effective means to navigate using a pair of handheld propulsion units that are easy to operate and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is positioned to selectively rotate the propeller to impart a force on water
Data Source
AI summary
A personal propulsion device for use with a floatation device includes a pair of propulsion units. Each propulsion unit comprises a power module, a motor, and a propeller. The motor is operationally coupled to the power module and the propeller so that the motor is positioned to selectively rotate the propeller to impart a force on water. Each propulsion unit is configured to be grasped in a respective hand of a user who is positioned on a floatation device. The user is positioned to submerge the propulsion unit in a body of water so that the floatation device is motivated across a surface of the body of water.