Passenger Jet Platform With Redundant Thrusters for Aerial Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger propulsion devices lack the ability to provide similar mobility capabilities to a Flyboard, have a small footprint, offer virtually unlimited opportunities for acrobatics and high or low speed movement on the earth's surface, and are not suitable for mass deployment due to high cost and limited maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A passenger propulsion system with a platform and thrust unit comprising first and second turbojets, secondary electric thrusters, and a configuration that maintains operational status even if one thrust system fails, allowing easy takeoff and landing from small areas, and includes a pitch sensor and processing means for controlling the thrusters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a passenger propulsion device uses a thrust unit with nozzles positioned above the center of gravity to generate lift, then the passenger can be lifted into the air, but the passenger loses freedom of movement and acrobatic capability
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust unit is divided into multiple independent thrusters (first and second thrusters, each with adjustable nozzles) that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to generate lift when needed while enabling maneuverability and acrobatic movements when desired, resolving the contradiction between upward thrust and freedom of movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzles of the thrusters are made adjustable in orientation, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of thrust direction. The system can transition from a fixed upward thrust configuration to dynamic multi-directional thrust configurations, enabling both lift generation and acrobatic maneuvers throughout the flight.
2Power
If a passenger propulsion device uses articulated nozzles and a dedicated compression station to deliver pressurized fluid, then the device can achieve propulsion, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The compression station is extracted from the passenger device and positioned remotely. Only the essential thrust units with nozzles are included in the passenger device, while the complex pressurized fluid delivery system is separated and located at a remote station, reducing the complexity and cost of the passenger device.
Solution Approach 2:
The thrust units are designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as lift-generating engines and as maneuvering systems. The same thruster structure provides both upward thrust for takeoff and directional control for acrobatics, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and reducing overall system cost.
3Device complexity
If a passenger propulsion device uses a fixed configuration to maintain simplicity, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the maneuverability and variety of movements are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustability in the nozzle orientation of the thrusters, allowing the configuration to change based on operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables a wide range of movements and maneuvers while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and maneuverability.
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 system provides enhanced maneuverability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, enabling passengers to perform acrobatics and high-speed movements with ease, while maintaining operational stability and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
a first turbojet arranged to eject a gas flow along a first axis normal to the platform; a second turbojet arranged to eject a gas flow along a second axis normal to the platform
Implementation Method 2
first and second secondary electric thrusters arranged to correct the attitude of said propulsion device and to eject a gas flow along respectively a third and fourth axis normal to the platform
Implementation Method 3
a pitch sensor cooperating with said body and processing means arranged to cooperate with said pitch sensor and to develop, from information delivered by the latter, power commands for the first and second secondary electric thrusters
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a passenger propulsion device (10) comprising a body (10a) arranged to accommodate said passenger (1) and cooperating with a fuel-supplied thrust unit (12). The arrangement of such a device provides considerable freedom of movement in the air. More particularly, said thrust unit (12) comprises at least one thrust sub-unit (12a, 12b), each advantageously comprising at least two thrusters (12a1, 12a2, 12a3, 12a4, 12a5, 12a6, 12b1, 12b2) and secondary thrusters for heading correction (19a, 19b) and/or pitch correction (19c, 19d).