Propulsion Device Air Flow Control via Internal Fans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbosail propulsion devices rely on mechanical closure elements and valves that are vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions, such as seawater and ice formation, which complicates air flow control and increases the risk of vortex formation.
Innovation Solution
The propulsion device employs internal fans to control air flow between two air chambers, allowing either air passage opening to function as an inlet or outlet, eliminating the need for mechanical valves and deflector flaps, thereby simplifying the design and enhancing robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical closure elements and valves are used to control air flow, then air flow control is achieved, but the device becomes vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical closure elements and valves with an aerodynamic solution using a slidable deflector flap. The deflector flap utilizes pressure differential created by the air flow itself to open and close the air passage openings, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators that are vulnerable to seawater and ice formation. This substitution of mechanical control with aerodynamic control resolves the contradiction by maintaining air flow control capability while improving reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector flap mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the air flow pressure differential. When air flows through the opening, the pressure difference automatically pushes the deflector flap to close the opening, and when back-pressure occurs, the flap automatically opens. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external mechanical control systems, thereby reducing complexity and improving reliability without sacrificing air flow control.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical valves and deflector flaps are used, then air flow control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical valve systems and replaces them with a simple slidable deflector flap mechanism. This aerodynamic solution uses the natural pressure differential of the air flow to control the opening and closing of air passage openings, significantly reducing the number of mechanical components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective air flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex mechanical valve system from the air flow control mechanism. By taking out the mechanical components and replacing them with a passive aerodynamic deflector flap system, the invention reduces device complexity while preserving the essential air flow control function through purely aerodynamic means.
3Ease of operation
If distinct air infeed openings and air outfeed openings are provided, then air flow direction is controlled, but the risk of vortex formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air passage openings multi-functional by using the same openings for both air intake and exhaust purposes. The deflector flap mechanism allows the same opening to function as an inlet when the flap is in one position and as an outlet when the flap is in another position. This eliminates the need for separate infeed and outfeed openings, thereby reducing the risk of vortex formation while maintaining air flow direction control.
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 effectively manages air flow without mechanical components, preventing vortex formation and improving the device's durability in harsh environments by using the same openings for both air intake and outlet functions.
Implementation Method 1
one or more fans which are configured to be able to pump air between the first and the second air chamber, either from the first to the second air chamber or vice versa
Implementation Method 2
the one or more fans generate an air flow between the first and the second air passage openings
Data Source
Figure 1a~2B
AI summary
Propulsion device for a vessel, comprising an upright hollow wing (1) in which first and, respectively, second air passage openings (2a, 2b) connected to a first and, respectively, second air chamber (3a, 3b) are provided. The first and second air chamber are connected to one another via fans (4) configured to be able to pump air between the first and the second air chamber, either from the first to the second air chamber or vice versa, wherein then either the first air passage openings (2a) serve for air infeed and the second air passage openings (2b) serve for air outfeed or vice versa. What is achieved by the invention is that, without using fragile mechanical components, the air flow around the one side of the vertical wing is deflected differently than the air flow around the other side, namely due to the fact that the air flow on the one side is in part sucked inwards and the air flow on the other side is, by contrast, blown outwards.