Jet Engine Gas Laser Using Adjustable Mirrors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser systems for vehicles like aircraft are heavy, power-intensive, and complex, making integration difficult due to weight, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency concerns.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a jet engine gas laser system using opposing mirrors within or proximate the jet engine, where one mirror is adjustable to generate laser light energy from the jet engine's exhaust gas, reducing the need for bulky power equipment and enhancing energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known laser systems are integrated with vehicles, then laser functionality is achieved, but vehicle weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser functionalityVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the laser generation system with the jet engine by using the engine's exhaust gas as the laser medium and the engine's thermal energy as the pump source. This integration eliminates the need for separate laser components, power supplies, and cooling systems, thereby achieving laser functionality while minimizing weight increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The jet engine is designed to serve dual functions: propulsion and laser generation. The exhaust gas flow path is configured to act as both the propulsion exhaust channel and the laser optical cavity, allowing the same system to perform multiple functions without requiring additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If known laser systems are integrated with vehicles, then laser functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases due to supporting power infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser functionalityVSAvoidpower infrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power generation and laser pumping functions into a single integrated system. The jet engine's combustion process directly provides the thermal energy needed for laser operation, eliminating the need for separate power supply systems, electrical wiring infrastructure, and power conversion equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own exhaust gas and thermal energy to generate laser output. The jet engine's operational byproducts (hot exhaust gas) are directly utilized as the laser medium and energy source, creating a self-sufficient system that does not require external power infrastructure or additional supporting equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If known laser systems are integrated with vehicles, then laser functionality is achieved, but fuel efficiency decreases due to additional weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser functionalityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the jet engine's exhaust gas, which would otherwise be a waste product, into a useful resource for laser generation. By utilizing the exhaust gas flow and thermal energy that would be discarded, the system generates laser output without requiring additional fuel consumption or energy input beyond what is already needed for propulsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Power

If adjustable mirrors are used to generate laser light, then laser energy generation is achieved, but mirror complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser light energyVSAvoidmirror system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable mirrors that can dynamically change their optical properties (such as reflectivity or focal length) to control laser generation. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to optimize laser output based on operational conditions while maintaining a relatively simple mirror structure that can be controlled through variable parameters rather than complex mechanical configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enables a cost-effective and energy-efficient laser generation within vehicles, eliminating the need for heavy power sources and complex infrastructure, thereby improving integration and reducing weight and fuel consumption.

Implementation Method 1

generate laser light energy using exhaust gas of the jet engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

at least one mirror of the first and second opposing mirrors is adjustable to generate laser light energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStimulated emission:

Data Source

PatentUS9793675B1Jet engine gas lasers

Publication Date: 2017.10.17 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Jet engine gas lasers are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a jet engine, and first and second opposing mirrors exposed to an exhaust gas flow path of the jet engine, where at least one mirror of the first and second opposing mirrors is adjustable to generate laser light energy using exhaust gas of the jet engine.