Interchangeable Runner Jet Sled for Water, Ice, and Snow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet-powered vehicles lack versatility and efficiency in operating on diverse surfaces such as water, ice, and snow, with inadequate propulsion, support, and steering mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A jet-powered sled with interchangeable surface runners and a braking system adapted for specific surfaces, featuring a removable engine compartment with jet engines, pivoted vanes for thrust direction control, and a framework constructed from cylindrical metal tubes with a polymer foam and fiberglass body for enhanced stability and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a jet-powered vehicle uses fixed runners for a specific surface, then it achieves good performance on that surface, but it lacks versatility to operate on other surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The runner system is divided into separate, interchangeable components that can be independently selected and attached based on the operating surface. Each runner type (water, ice, snow) is a distinct segment that replaces others as needed, allowing the vehicle to adapt to different surfaces without carrying a complex integrated system for all surfaces simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The jet-powered sled is designed with a universal mounting interface and attachment mechanism that accommodates multiple types of runners (water runners, ice blades, snow skis). This universal system allows a single vehicle platform to perform multiple functions across different surfaces through simple runner interchangeability.
2Ease of repair
If the jet engine is permanently mounted, then the propulsion system is structurally integrated, but it cannot be quickly adapted or maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is segmented into the jet engine unit and the sled body, with the engine mounted on a removable carriage frame. This segmentation allows the engine to be easily detached for maintenance or replacement without affecting the rest of the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The engine mounting system transitions from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamic, removable configuration. The carriage frame with mounting brackets and attachment mechanisms enables the engine to be quickly installed or removed based on maintenance needs or operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses a single braking interface, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively brake on different surfaces like water, ice, or snow
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is segmented into interchangeable braking interfaces that can be selected based on the operating surface. Different braking mechanisms (water scoop, ice blades, snow brakes) are designed as separate components that can be attached to the braking apparatus framework as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking apparatus is designed with a universal framework and mounting system that can accommodate multiple types of braking interfaces for different surfaces. This allows the same braking structure to effectively brake on water, ice, or snow by simply changing the interface component.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the sled uses heavy structural components for stability, then it maintains good stability, but it reduces speed and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Stability is achieved through local structural features rather than overall heavy construction. The sled uses strategically placed fins, skis, and runners that provide stability only where needed for the specific operating surface, rather than reinforcing the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stability characteristics of the sled are adjusted by changing the parameters of the runners and fins based on the operating surface. Water runners have different dimensions and orientations than ice blades or snow skis, optimizing stability for each surface type without requiring a heavier overall 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 operation on various surfaces, achieving high speeds while maintaining contact, with the ability to quickly adapt to different environments by swapping runners and engines, ensuring effective braking and directional control.
Implementation Method 1
an engine compartment having a jet engine removably mounted in a manner to direct thrust to a rear of the jet sled to propel the jet sled forward
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of individual planar vanes in the port oriented each with the plane of the vane vertical and pivoted on a forward edge, with the vanes connected by remotely operable linkage such that the vanes may be rotated in concert, directing jet thrust through the port to either side, providing guiding thrust to the jet sled
Implementation Method 3
the carriage frame is mounted on rubber vibration-damping supports
Data Source
AI summary
A jet-powered sled has a body having a control cockpit with control apparatus for an operator to control the jet sled, a set of surface runners adapted to engage a surface upon which the sled is operated, the surface runners removably engaged to spindles coupled to swing arms coupled to the jet sled, and an engine compartment having a jet engine removably mounted in a manner to direct thrust to a rear of the jet sled to propel the jet sled. The jet sled is characterized in that the sled may be adapted specifically to run on water, ice, or snow by installing runners adapted for water, ice, or snow on the spindles of the swing arms.