Impeller Propulsion with Counter-Vortex Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing propulsion systems for vehicles, such as drones and watercraft, face inefficiencies in power consumption and adaptability between air and water environments, with propellers being optimized for specific media and struggling to maintain thrust and durability across different densities.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system utilizing one or more impellers with counter-vortex chambers that convert circumferential and radial velocity components into axial thrust, supported by a shroud and powered by electric motors, allowing for efficient operation in both air and water with reduced power consumption and stress on components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If propellers are optimized for specific media (air or water), then propulsion efficiency is improved, but adaptability between different environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The impeller is designed with a specific geometry (vanes oriented in a plane nearly parallel to the axis of rotation) that enables it to function effectively in both air and water environments. This universal design allows the same propulsion device to operate across different media densities without requiring separate optimized propellers for each environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different environments by changing operational parameters such as rotation speed and impeller pitch angle. The control system adjusts these parameters based on whether the vehicle is operating in air or water, maintaining optimal propulsion efficiency across different media densities.
2Force
If traditional propellers are used for vertical-take-off vehicles, then lift and propulsion are achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional airfoil-shaped propeller blades with an impeller design featuring vanes oriented parallel to the rotation axis. This mechanical substitution creates a different flow pattern that generates thrust more efficiently, reducing power consumption while maintaining the required lift and propulsion forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller design leverages fluid dynamics principles by creating a vortex pattern that efficiently moves air or water. The circumferential movement of the impeller vanes generates centripetal forces that propel fluid radially outward, converting rotational motion into axial thrust with higher efficiency than traditional propellers.
3Use of energy by moving object
If impeller vanes are oriented parallel to the axis of rotation, then power consumption is reduced, but the mechanism for generating axial thrust becomes less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The counter-vortex chambers act as intermediary structures that receive the circumferential flow from the impeller and convert it into axial thrust. These chambers provide the missing link in the thrust generation mechanism, transforming the rotational motion into useful propulsive force in a controlled manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is divided into multiple counter-vortex chambers that independently process the fluid flow. This segmentation allows each chamber to efficiently convert circumferential velocity to axial velocity, simplifying the overall thrust generation process while maintaining low power consumption.
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 impeller-based propulsion system enhances thrust efficiency and durability by directing airflow or waterflow effectively, reducing power consumption and stress on components, enabling longer flight times and increased payload capacity while transitioning between air and water environments.
Implementation Method 1
The shroud defines a first plurality of counter-vortex chambers which divert flow emanating from the first impeller, converting a first circumferential velocity component to a direction parallel to the axis
Implementation Method 2
Impeller vanes propel air in a circumferential direction around the axis of rotation. The circumferential movement causes centripetal forces which propel the air in a radial direction away from the axis of rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a propulsion system using one or more impellers as opposed to propellers. The impellers impart circumferential and radial velocity components to the working fluid, which may be air or water. The air is deflected by counter-vortex chambers in a shroud to convert the circumferential and radial velocity to an axial velocity aligned with the axis of rotation of the impeller.