Podded Vector Propeller Steering and Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned vessels face issues with low-speed suction inefficiencies, entanglement with aquatic plants, complex reversing systems, and high energy consumption due to the cumbersome structure of traditional underwater pump-jets, which hinder flexibility and safety during operations.
Innovation Solution
A podded all-direction pump-jet vector propeller with an annular impeller cover, guiding impeller, and vector steering engines connected via universal coupling mechanisms for 60-90 degrees steering, along with a 360 degrees steering engine and annular filter cover to simplify structure, enhance integration, and allow flexible control, reducing resistance and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a traditional underwater pump-jet is used, then propulsion function is achieved, but the structure is complex and requires a complicated reversing system
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blade pitch angle is made dynamically adjustable through a pitch control system that can change the blade angle according to operational requirements. This allows the propeller to achieve reversing capability and optimize performance without requiring a complex mechanical reversing system, as the pitch adjustment provides flexible control over thrust direction and magnitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The propeller system integrates multiple functions into a single configuration: propulsion, reversing, and pitch control are achieved through the adjustable pitch mechanism rather than separate reversing systems. This multi-functional approach simplifies the overall structure while maintaining full operational versatility.
2Ease of operation
If the whole power system is steered for fine angle adjustment, then steering control is achieved, but resistance increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of steering the entire power system, only the propeller blade pitch angle is locally adjusted to achieve steering control. This localized adjustment of the blade pitch provides fine angle control precision while minimizing the movement mass and associated energy consumption compared to steering the whole power system.
3Productivity
If a stepped water inlet is used, then water intake is achieved, but entanglement with aquatic plants occurs easily
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a stepped water inlet configuration that is prone to entanglement, the invention employs a smooth water inlet design. This inverted approach to the traditional stepped structure eliminates the crevices and irregularities that cause aquatic plant entanglement while maintaining effective water intake through optimized flow paths.
4Speed
If traditional pump-jet is used in low-speed running, then propulsion is achieved, but sucking air and vacuole problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the water inlet geometry and flow parameters to maintain stable water intake during low-speed operation. By adjusting the inlet design parameters and flow characteristics, the system prevents air suction and vacuole formation that typically occur in traditional pump-jets at low speeds, ensuring reliable and stable propulsion across the entire operating range.
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 solution provides a simple, flexible, and integrated propeller system that reduces entanglement risks, improves suction efficiency, and decreases energy consumption, enabling efficient and safe operation with enhanced control over vessel direction.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (3) fixedly located beneath the suspension arm (2) and is electrically connected to the controller (1), and an impeller (5) located on an output shaft (4) of the motor (3)
Implementation Method 2
podded all-direction pump-jet vector propeller
Implementation Method 3
an impeller (5) located on an output shaft (4) of the motor (3)
Implementation Method 4
a 360 degrees steering engine (6) is connected to an upper end of the suspension arm (2) for transmission
Implementation Method 5
a guiding impeller (10) and a guiding tube (11), wherein the guiding tube (11) is hinged to an outer side of a jet of the annular impeller cover (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Disclosed is a podded all-direction pump-jet vector propeller, comprising a controller (1), a suspension arm (2), a motor (3) which is fixedly provided below the suspension arm (2) and is electrically connected to the controller (1), and an impeller (5) provided on an output shaft (4) of the motor (3), wherein the upper end of the suspension arm (2) is connected to a 360 degrees steering engine (6) in a driving manner, and the 360 degrees steering engine (6) is electrically connected to the controller (1). The vector propeller can be applied in the technical field of vessel vector propellers, and has the advantages of a simple structure, flexible dismounting and mounting, high degree of integration, high safety performance, and flexible and diverse controls, and can improve the work efficiency effectively.