Opposite-Pitch Intake Grate for Vector-Flow Thruster Thrust Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine propulsion systems face reduced thrust due to water being drawn back into the intake grate when the nozzle is rotated, which diminishes the thrust created by the water stream.

Innovation Solution

The intake grate features angled blades with a pitch opposite to the propeller blades, minimizing the intake of thrust fluid and maintaining efficient thrust output across a 360-degree rotation of the vector-flow nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the nozzle is rotated to change direction of motion, then the vehicle can maneuver in different directions, but water is drawn back into the intake grate reducing thrust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuvering capabilityVSAvoidthrust

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The intake grate blades are angled opposite to the propeller blade pitch direction. Instead of following the conventional design where blades are angled to match propeller rotation, this invention inverts the blade angle to counteract the suction effect during nozzle rotation, thereby preventing thrust fluid from being drawn into the intake grate while maintaining maneuvering capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The blade pitch angle of the intake grate is specifically designed to be opposite to the propeller blade pitch. This parameter change in the blade angle configuration transforms the intake grate from a component that passively accepts water flow to one that actively resists the suction effect during nozzle rotation, maintaining consistent thrust across 360-degree rotation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the intake grate uses conventional blade angles matching propeller pitch, then water flow is顺畅, but thrust fluid is drawn into the intake grate when nozzle rotates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater flow efficiencyVSAvoidthrust loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The intake grate blades are pre-configured with opposite pitch angles to proactively counteract the suction effect before it can draw thrust fluid into the intake grate. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of thrust loss during nozzle rotation without requiring active control or adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 solution effectively minimizes the intake of thrust fluid by the intake grate, ensuring consistent and enhanced thrust generation throughout the nozzle's rotational span, with a variation in thrust output ranging from 1% to 10%.

Implementation Method 1

The propeller functions to draw water into the assembly through an intake grate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The water is provided to a nozzle that expels the water as a high-pressure stream. The expulsion of water through the nozzle provides thrust to the vehicle.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-pressure stream expulsion: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

The expulsion of water through the nozzle provides thrust to the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust: Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250368306A1Intake grate for underwater vehicle vector-flow thruster

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A propulsion system is provided. The propulsion system includes a housing and a rotatable vector-flow nozzle that extends from the housing and is configured to eject a fluid in a plurality of directions. The propulsion system also has a propeller disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the rotatable vector-flow nozzle. The propeller includes a blade that pitches in a first direction. A fluid intake is located at an end of the propulsion system housing and opposite the rotatable vector-flow nozzle. The propulsion system also has an intake grate at the fluid intake where the intake grate defines a hub and a rim spaced apart and about the hub. The intake grate includes a plurality of intake grate blades that pitch in a second direction opposite the first direction.