Pivoting Multi-Mode Vehicle Propulsion for Lower Weight and Longer Range

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-mode vehicles face challenges in efficiently transitioning between air, land, water, and underwater modes due to the weight and power requirements of single-purpose motors, which reduce flight time and range.

Innovation Solution

A convertible multi-mode vehicle design featuring a vehicle body with pivotally connected propulsion units, each comprising a propeller and a wheel that can be mechanically engaged or disconnected depending on the mode of operation, utilizing a single propulsion motor and pivot motors to adjust the pivot position of the propulsion units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If single-purpose motors are used for each mode of travel, then the vehicle can maintain optimized performance for specific modes, but the vehicle weight increases and power requirements increase dramatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance optimization for specific modesVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal propulsion system where a single motor serves multiple functions across different travel modes. The motor is coupled to both propellers for aerial travel and wheels for land travel through a differential mechanism, allowing one motor to replace what would traditionally require separate motors for each mode, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight and power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the propulsion functions for different modes into a single integrated system. The differential mechanism combines the output of one motor to simultaneously drive both propellers and wheels, consolidating multiple propulsion functions into a unified mechanical system that reduces component count and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If single-purpose motors are used for each mode of travel, then the vehicle can maintain optimized performance for specific modes, but the power requirements increase dramatically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance optimization for specific modesVSAvoidpower requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal propulsion system where a single motor serves multiple functions across different travel modes. The motor is coupled to both propellers for aerial travel and wheels for land travel through a differential mechanism, allowing one motor to replace what would traditionally require separate motors for each mode, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight and power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the propulsion functions for different modes into a single integrated system. The differential mechanism combines the output of one motor to simultaneously drive both propellers and wheels, consolidating multiple propulsion functions into a unified mechanical system that reduces component count and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle is designed for multi-mode travel with separate propulsion systems, then versatility is improved, but flight time and travel distance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-mode travel capabilityVSAvoidflight time and travel distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal propulsion system where a single motor serves multiple functions across different travel modes. The motor is coupled to both propellers for aerial travel and wheels for land travel through a differential mechanism, allowing one motor to replace what would traditionally require separate motors for each mode, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight and power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the propulsion functions for different modes into a single integrated system. The differential mechanism combines the output of one motor to simultaneously drive both propellers and wheels, consolidating multiple propulsion functions into a unified mechanical system that reduces component count and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Weight of moving object

If the number of power generating elements is reduced to decrease weight, then energy requirements decrease, but the ability to maintain performance across multiple modes is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle weightVSAvoidmulti-mode performance capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal propulsion system where a single motor serves multiple functions across different travel modes. The motor is coupled to both propellers for aerial travel and wheels for land travel through a differential mechanism, allowing one motor to replace what would traditionally require separate motors for each mode, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight and power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the propulsion functions for different modes into a single integrated system. The differential mechanism combines the output of one motor to simultaneously drive both propellers and wheels, consolidating multiple propulsion functions into a unified mechanical system that reduces component count and weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enables efficient power usage and reduced weight, allowing for longer flight times and travel distances while maintaining control and versatility across multiple modes of operation.

Implementation Method 1

a pivot motor connected to at least one propulsion unit to adjust a pivot position of at least one of the plurality of propulsion units relative to the vehicle body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a propulsion motor connected to the propellor hub for rotating the propeller hub on the propulsion axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a propeller comprising a propeller hub... capable of motorized travel in the air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 4

a wheel comprising a wheel hub, at least one wheel blade, and an outer wheel rim... capable of motorized travel on land

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 5

capable of motorized travel in the air, on land, on water, and under water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic thrust: Impeller

Data Source

PatentUS12337635B2Multi-mode convertible vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 THIUS CANADA INC

AI summary

A convertible multi-mode vehicle capable of motorized travel in the air, on land, on water, and under water. The multi-mode vehicle is capable of controlled aerial flight, movement on the ground in terrestrial environments, on an aquatic surface, as well as underwater by changing between the different modes. Pivoting propulsion motors enable a convertible configuration from one vehicle locomotion mode to another.