Aerial Propulsion Unit Branch-Off Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically driven propulsion units for aerial vehicles face challenges with complex and heavy cooling configurations that generate noise and impact flight performance, requiring efficient cooling solutions for heat sources without increasing complexity.

Innovation Solution

The use of a branch-off portion in the propulsion unit that redirects a portion of the airflow generated for propulsion to cool heat sources, such as electric motors, reducing the need for additional cooling mediums and minimizing direct interaction with propulsion airflow to decrease noise and aerodynamic drag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid cooling or phase change cooling is used to cool electrical devices, then cooling reliability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling reliabilityVSAvoidcooling configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion airflow serves dual purposes: generating thrust and cooling electrical devices. The system uses its own operational resource (propulsion airflow) to fulfill the cooling function, eliminating the need for separate cooling mediums and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion airflow is utilized for multiple functions simultaneously: it generates propulsion force and cools the electrical devices. This multi-functionality approach consolidates cooling and propulsion systems, reducing overall device complexity and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If large cooling structures are provided to electrical devices, then cooling reliability is improved, but weight and flight performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling reliabilityVSAvoidpropulsion unit weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The propulsion airflow, which is already being generated for thrust, is redirected to cool electrical devices. This eliminates the need for additional heavy cooling structures, as the cooling function is achieved using the existing airflow resource.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling function is extracted from the propulsion airflow and directed to electrical devices through a branch-off portion. This separates the cooling path from the main propulsion path, allowing efficient cooling without requiring heavy dedicated cooling structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If complex cooling structures are used, then cooling reliability is improved, but noise generation and aerodynamic performance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling reliabilityVSAvoidnoise and aerodynamic drag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A branch-off portion extracts a portion of the propulsion airflow to direct it toward electrical devices for cooling. This separation allows the main propulsion airflow to remain undisturbed, minimizing aerodynamic drag and noise while still providing effective cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The branch-off portion acts as an intermediary structure that redirects airflow without creating significant aerodynamic disruption. It serves as a gentle mediator between the propulsion airflow and cooling requirements, avoiding the noise and drag associated with more complex cooling intakes or structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach simplifies the cooling configuration, enhances cooling efficiency, reduces noise and aerodynamic drawbacks, and ensures proper operation of electric and electronic components by utilizing the existing propulsion airflow, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the propulsion unit.

Implementation Method 1

a branch-off portion (11) configured to branch-off part of the air flow flowing along the propulsion force generating air flow path and configured such that the heat source is cooled via the air flow supplied by the branch-off portion (11)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4253251A1An electrically driven propulsion unit of an aerial vehicle, an aerial vehicle and a control method for an electrically driven propulsion unit

Publication Date: 2023.10.04 ARCHER AVIATION INC

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AI summary

An electrically driven propulsion unit (3) of an aerial vehicle (1) comprising: at least one, preferably electric or electronic, heat source (M, T);a propulsion force generating air flow path (10) along which air for generating a propulsion force is configured to flow. In order to provide efficient cooling to the heat source, the propulsion unit (3) further comprises a branch-off portion (11) which is configured to branch-off part of the air flow flowing along the propulsion force generating air flow path (10), wherein the propulsion unit (3) is configured such that the at least one heat source (M, T) is cooled via the air flow supplied by the branch-off portion (11).