Optical-Mechanical Laser Propulsion via Angular Momentum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current motive force technologies for propelling vehicles, such as combustion engines and electric motors, are limited by the availability of fuel and do not offer efficient propulsion speeds.

Innovation Solution

An optical-mechanical system that utilizes a high energy laser light beam, split and directed through a series of mirrors and beam splitters to travel in shrinking closed orbits, applying conservation of angular momentum to induce translational motion of the laser light source without mechanical means, achieving speeds greater than conventional propulsion technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional propulsion technologies (combustion engines, electric motors) are used, then reliable propulsion is achieved, but speed is limited and fuel availability constrains operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion speedVSAvoidfuel availability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical propulsion systems (combustion engines, electric motors) with an optical-mechanical system that uses laser beams to generate thrust. The laser beam interacts with particles in the environment to produce radiation pressure, which propels the vehicle without mechanical moving parts or fuel combustion, thereby achieving higher speeds and eliminating fuel availability constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental energy carrier from chemical/fuel-based to electromagnetic radiation-based. By using laser beams with adjustable parameters (intensity, direction, duration), the system can control propulsion characteristics dynamically, achieving variable speeds and eliminating the need for stored fuel, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and energy availability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional propulsion technologies are used, then operational reliability is maintained, but propulsion efficiency and speed are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepropulsion efficiencyVSAvoidpropulsion speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical propulsion mechanisms with optical-mechanical interactions. The laser beam directly interacts with particles to generate thrust through radiation pressure, eliminating mechanical inefficiencies such as friction, combustion losses, and mechanical wear. This results in higher propulsion efficiency and speed simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system can modulate the laser beam emission in periodic patterns to optimize propulsion efficiency. By controlling the timing, duration, and intensity of laser pulses, the system achieves efficient particle acceleration and thrust generation, improving both productivity and speed performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic 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

This method allows for controlled, high-speed propulsion of a solid object using only laser light, overcoming the limitations of traditional fuel-dependent propulsion systems and achieving speeds approaching the speed of light, with the ability to adjust speed by varying the initial and final radii of the laser light orbits.

Implementation Method 1

applying conservation of angular momentum to induce translational motion of the laser light source without mechanical means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConservation of angular momentum: Angular Momentum Conservation

Implementation Method 2

The first light beam is split using a first beam splitter into a second light beam and a third light beam... An axially movable first optical arrangement is used to direct the third light beam to travel in a closed, equilateral triangular path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10760553B2Electromagnetic energy beam angular momentum engine: self-propulsion of energy beam source via application of conservation of angular momentum

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 KARDOS STEPHEN

AI summary

The present application relates to optical-mechanical systems and methods for moving a solid object by applying conservation of angular momentum to a configuration of a laser light beam that emanates from the solid object. The system includes a rotatable housing and an axially movable laser light source coupled to the housing and configured to emit a first light beam along a first path. The system can include a first beam splitter disposed along the first path for splitting the first light beam into a second light beam and a third light beam. The system can cause the third light beam to travel in a closed path, as an approximation of a circular path of initial radius, and of decreasing radius. The system can further include a second beam splitter, axially movable first, second and third mirrors, and a third beam splitter disposed at one end of the housing.