Oscillating Propulsor Thrust via Fluid Ejection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current propulsion systems, such as propeller screws and reciprocating wings, face limitations in efficiency and environmental impact due to cavitation, stall, and the need to surface for thrust, which reduces efficiency and increases hydrocarbon use.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating propulsor with a curved body that accelerates and ejects ambient fluids through a unique geometry, allowing for cyclic acceleration and displacement to generate thrust, enabling submerged operation and reducing drag through optimized geometry and drag reduction features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If propeller screws are used for propulsion, then thrust is generated through rotation, but cavitation and stall phenomena limit performance and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rotary propeller motion into reciprocating oscillating motion. Instead of rotating continuously, the propulsor moves back and forth in a linear reciprocating pattern, eliminating cavitation and stall phenomena that plague rotary propellers while maintaining effective thrust generation through fluid acceleration during each stroke cycle
2Device complexity
If reciprocating propulsion systems based on airfoil or hydrofoil concept are used, then mechanical simplification is achieved, but they still suffer from cavitation and stall limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the airfoil or hydrofoil concept from the reciprocating propulsion system. By removing these conventional lifting surfaces, the invention avoids the cavitation and stall limitations inherent to airfoil-based designs while retaining the mechanical simplicity of reciprocating motion through a purely geometric displacement mechanism
3Force
If Bramson cup design is used for propulsion, then gravity-based thrust is achieved, but thrust is limited by Earth's gravity and cup dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from gravity-dependent force generation to inertial force generation through fluid acceleration. Instead of relying on Earth's gravity to drive water discharge as in Bramson's cup, the invention uses reciprocating motion to actively accelerate fluid mass, generating thrust through F=ma relationships that are not constrained by gravitational limits
4Force
If Bramson cup operates by surfacing to produce thrust, then water egress generates reaction force, but efficiency is reduced since thrust is produced mostly at the end of upward stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by generating thrust during both the forward and backward strokes of the reciprocating propulsor. Through proper geometric design and fluid admission/ejection timing, the system produces productive thrust throughout the entire oscillation cycle rather than only at the end of upward strokes, maximizing propulsion efficiency
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
The oscillating propulsor achieves enhanced propulsion efficiency by maximizing thrust through size, oscillation frequency, and stroke length, while minimizing drag and environmental impact by operating partially or fully submerged and using buoyancy for reduced mechanical loads.
Implementation Method 1
Upon oscillation, ambient fluids are accelerated and ejected from the curved body through the opening, inducing an inflow of replacement fluids into the curved body. Ejection of fluids from the curved body generates a thrust force that urges the vessel in a direction opposite that of fluid ejection.
Implementation Method 2
Ejection of fluids from the curved body generates a thrust force that urges the vessel in a direction opposite that of fluid ejection.
Implementation Method 3
The oscillating propulsor achieves enhanced propulsion efficiency by maximizing thrust through size, oscillation frequency, and stroke length, while minimizing drag and environmental impact by operating partially or fully submerged and using buoyancy for reduced mechanical loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A curved body (830), for propelling fluids, crafts and harvesting fluid power, comprises a convex outer leading surface securely connected to a concave inner trailing surface to define an open vessel. Upon oscillation, ambient fluids are accelerated and ejected from the vessel to propel the vessel and the ambient fluids in opposite directions. Apparatus is secured to a motive power source directly or via actuating member (832), by fastening through aperture (834). The oscillating propulsor can be operated directly by a reciprocating motive power source, and indirectly by the reaction momentum imparted to a supporting base. Thrust may be vectored by rotation of the curved body (830) about the supporting base. Drag reduction using fluid dynamic shapes, intake openings, a fore fin (844), an aft fin (846), and a lubricant cavity, are embodied. Enhanced propulsion using multistage oscillating propulsors is embodied.