Linear Motor Propeller Drive With Precise Gear Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft propulsion systems with rotary motors lack precision in gear ratio, which affects efficiency and performance.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion system incorporating a linear electric motor with a unique transmission system, including a main gear, secondary gears, and a rod-crank mechanism, allowing for precise gear ratio adjustment, and utilizing a fuel cell-powered electric generator with a dihydrogen reservoir and cooling system for efficient energy and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rotary motor with propeller is used for aircraft propulsion, then the propulsion system can generate thrust to move the aircraft, but the gear ratio precision is insufficient which affects efficiency and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional rotary motor with a linear electric motor, substituting a mechanical rotation-based system with a linear motion-based system. This substitution enables more precise control of the gear ratio through the linear motor's direct linear-to-rotary conversion mechanism, thereby improving both gear ratio precision and propulsion efficiency simultaneously
2Use of energy by moving object
If a fuel cell is used to power the rotary electric motor, then energy can be supplied to the motor, but the system complexity increases with additional components like dihydrogen reservoir and cooling system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by having the dihydrogen reservoir serve dual purposes: storing dihydrogen for fuel cell operation and acting as a cooling system through thermal conduction. The conveying duct also serves multiple functions by transporting dihydrogen from the reservoir to the fuel cell while simultaneously removing heat from the linear electric motor, thereby reducing system complexity through component consolidation
3Measurement precision
If linear electric motor is used with traditional transmission system, then precise gear ratio can be achieved, but the device complexity increases with additional gears and transmission components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission functions into a compact integrated system where the main gear, secondary gear, and rod-crank mechanism are combined with the linear electric motor in a unified transmission assembly. This merging approach achieves precise gear ratio control while minimizing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall transmission system 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 a more precise gear ratio and efficient energy use, improving propulsion system performance and efficiency while maintaining parallel movement directionality.
Implementation Method 1
a linear electric motor electrically powered by the electric generator and having a fixed element that is fastened to the chassis and a slider that is able to move in translation along the fixed element
Implementation Method 2
an electric generator, wherein the electric generator is a fuel cell
Implementation Method 3
a conveying duct that is arranged to ensure an exchange of heat between the linear electric motor and the dihydrogen circulating in the conveying duct between the reservoir and the fuel cell
Implementation Method 4
a rod with two ends, of which one is mounted articulated at an articulation on the slider of the corresponding linear electric motor, and of which the other is mounted articulated on the corresponding secondary gear
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion system for an aircraft, which has a chassis, a propeller able to move in rotation about an axis of rotation, a main gear as one with the propeller, an electric generator, at least one linear electric motor having a fixed element and a slider able to move in translation, for each linear electric motor, a secondary gear meshing with the main gear and mounted to be able to move in rotation about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and a rod of which one end is articulated on the corresponding slider and of which the other end is articulated on the corresponding secondary gear at an articulation that is offset with respect to the axis of rotation of the secondary gear.