Multi-Rotor Electric Propulsion Engine for Higher Aircraft Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric propulsion systems for air travel are limited in thrust generation, making them unsuitable for larger aircraft, and there is a need for a more efficient and viable electric propulsion engine.
Innovation Solution
The electric propulsion engine comprises an engine housing with an outer stator chamber and an inner rotor chamber, featuring a plurality of rotors with rotor blades that rotate around a central axis, compressing a fluid to produce thrust. An electromagnetic stator and an engine controller manage the rotation of the rotor blades, and an induction heater can be used to increase the fluid's temperature and thrust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If electric motors are used to drive propellers for air travel, then the propulsion system is environmentally friendly and efficient, but the amount of thrust generated is limited and suitable only for light aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent rotors (first rotor, second rotor, third rotor, fourth rotor) arranged in a multi-rotor configuration. Each rotor can be independently controlled by separate electromagnetic stators, allowing the system to generate substantial total thrust through cumulative effect while maintaining the ability to adapt to different flight conditions and aircraft sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal propeller thrust to vertical thrust generation through rotors rotating about horizontal axes. The rotors are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with different orientations, enabling thrust generation in multiple directions and planes, thus overcoming the thrust limitations of conventional propeller systems
2Force
If multiple rotors with rotor blades are used to compress fluid and generate thrust, then significant thrust can be generated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electromagnetic stators are integrated within a common housing structure, with each stator controlling a corresponding rotor. The stators and rotors are arranged in a compact configuration where the housing serves as both structural support and magnetic flux path, merging multiple functional elements into a unified assembly that reduces overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the rotors and stators, acts as a magnetic flux path between stators, and forms the outer chamber of the propulsion system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, thereby managing complexity while enabling significant thrust generation
3Force
If an induction heater is added to heat the fluid flowing through the rotor chamber, then thrust is increased, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heater modifies the thermal parameter of the fluid flowing through the rotor chamber, heating it to increase density differences and enhance thrust generation. By changing the temperature parameter of the working fluid, the system achieves additional thrust without requiring larger or more numerous rotors, thereby managing energy consumption more efficiently
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 configuration enables the generation of significant thrust, potentially overcoming the limitations of existing electric propulsion systems, and offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for air travel.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic stator configured within the outer stator chamber... each of the plurality of rotor blades having a magnetic rotor blade edge responsive to the electromagnetic stator
Implementation Method 2
the copper coil is further configured to generate eddy currents in the metal core, thereby heating the metal core, thereby further heating the fluid that flows through the induction heater
Implementation Method 3
an induction heater concentric with the central axis of the inner rotor chamber configured to provide additional heat to the fluid flowing through inner rotor chamber
Implementation Method 4
each of the plurality of rotors having a plurality of rotor blades configured to rotate around the central axis of the inner rotor chamber thereby compressing a fluid as the fluid passes from the intake opening of the inner rotor chamber toward the exhaust opening
Data Source
AI summary
According to various implementations of the invention, an electric propulsion engine includes: an engine housing forming an outer stator chamber and an inner rotor chamber, the outer stator chamber surrounding and concentric with the inner rotor chamber, the inner rotor chamber having an intake opening and an exhaust opening; an electromagnetic stator configured within the outer stator chamber; a plurality of rotors disposed within the inner rotor chamber along a central axis of the inner rotor chamber, each of the plurality of rotors having a plurality of rotor blades configured to rotate around the central axis of the inner rotor chamber thereby compressing a fluid as the fluid passes from the intake opening of the inner rotor chamber toward the exhaust opening of the inner rotor chamber, each of the plurality of rotor blades having a magnetic rotor blade edge responsive to the electromagnetic stator; and an engine controller configured to provide a control signal to the electromagnetic stator to cause the plurality of rotor blades of at least a portion of the plurality of rotors to rotate around the central axis of the inner rotor chamber thereby producing thrust from the flow of the fluid from the intake opening of the inner rotor chamber toward the exhaust opening of the inner rotor chamber.