Robotic Jellyfish Torque Reaction Engine Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater craft face challenges with drive shaft penetrations through the hull, leading to issues like leakage, friction, and reduced operating depth due to the need for complex seals and decreased motor efficiency when flooded with oil.
Innovation Solution
The use of a torque reaction engine (TRE) that secures the central shaft within the pressure vessel, eliminating the need for hull penetrations and utilizing an inertial mass to generate torque reactions for propulsion, with flexible materials and tendons to accelerate thrust fluid and produce thrust without the drawbacks of traditional propeller systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional drive shaft penetrations through the hull are used, then propulsion can be achieved, but leakage and friction occur and operating depth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drive shaft penetration through the hull entirely. Instead, the central shaft is secured within the pressure vessel interior, eliminating the need for hull penetrations and the associated seals that cause leakage and reliability issues at depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexible materials and tendons as intermediaries to transmit the torque reaction forces from the central shaft to the hull without requiring direct mechanical penetration. This mediator approach allows force transmission while maintaining hull integrity and seal reliability.
2Reliability
If complex seals are used to prevent leakage, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for complex seals by removing the drive shaft penetration entirely. The central shaft remains within the pressure vessel, and torque is transmitted through flexible materials and tendons, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
3Power
If traditional propeller systems are used, then thrust can be produced, but friction and efficiency loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical propeller system with a torque reaction engine that uses flexible materials and tendons to accelerate thrust fluid. This substitution reduces friction losses associated with traditional propeller mechanisms while maintaining effective thrust production.
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 solution enables efficient propulsion and thrust production without the limitations of traditional drive shaft seals, reducing friction and maintaining efficiency over a wider depth range, while also allowing for flexible operation modes like a jellyfish-like motion.
Implementation Method 1
The central shaft may be secured to a portion of a fin or circular curtain, and the reaction of torque may rotate the central shaft and the fin or circular curtain, thereby accelerating thrust fluid and achieving thrust.
Implementation Method 2
an inertial mass to generate torque reactions for propulsion
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic jellyfish comprises a torque reaction engine and a jellyfish body, wherein the torque reaction engine cyclically oscillates and causes a wave to propagate across the jellyfish body, accelerating thrust fluid and propelling the robotic jellyfish.