Rudderless Propulsion with Cavitation Control and Adjustable Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rudder systems cause additional resistance and increase production costs in vessels, while cavitation leads to material damage, vibrations, and noise, with existing rudderless systems failing to adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A rudderless propulsion system with adjustable propeller shaft angles and electronic control, using multiple auxiliary propellers and a pressure sensor to manage cavitation and reduce resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional propellers or jet drives are used, then propulsion function is achieved, but mechanical linkages, moving parts, and steering mechanisms increase device complexity and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the propeller and all associated mechanical linkages, moving parts, and steering mechanisms from the propulsion system. The cavitation bubbles serve as the direct propulsion medium, replacing the conventional propeller entirely. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces device complexity and eliminates mechanical failure points, thereby improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical propulsion system (propeller driven by motor through shafts and linkages) with a field-based system using acoustic or electromagnetic fields to generate and control cavitation bubbles. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and moving parts, reducing complexity and improving reliability while maintaining propulsion function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional propellers are used, then propulsion is achieved, but cavitation erosion and noise are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful cavitation phenomenon (which causes erosion and noise in conventional systems) into the beneficial propulsion mechanism itself. By deliberately generating controlled cavitation bubbles through acoustic or electromagnetic fields, the system uses the cavitation effect to push water and generate thrust without the negative side effects of conventional propeller cavitation. The harm is transformed into the core useful function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of cavitation bubble generation and control, creating bubbles through acoustic or electromagnetic fields rather than mechanical propeller motion. This parameter change allows precise control over bubble formation, size, and distribution, enabling propulsion while minimizing erosion and noise. The cavitation occurs in a controlled manner rather than as an unwanted side effect.
3Ease of operation
If rudders or steering mechanisms are used, then directional control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propulsion function into multiple independent cavitation bubble generation zones around the vehicle. By controlling the intensity and timing of bubble generation in different zones, directional control is achieved without a single centralized steering mechanism. This segmentation allows independent control of thrust vectors, providing steering capability while eliminating traditional rudders and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic steering control by continuously adjusting the acoustic or electromagnetic field parameters to modulate cavitation bubble generation in real-time. Rather than using fixed mechanical steering components, the system dynamically changes field intensity and distribution to redirect thrust vectors, achieving ease of operation through flexible, adaptive control without mechanical steering complexity.
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
Prevents cavitation, reduces vessel resistance, minimizes material damage, and enhances operational comfort and efficiency by controlling propeller angles and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
A cavitation controlled rudderless propulsion system is disclosed which utilizes an acoustic or electromagnetic field to produce cavitation bubbles
Implementation Method 2
The acoustic field generates cavitation bubbles in the fluid that collapse to produce thrust
Implementation Method 3
The electromagnetic field induces current in the fluid to generate Lorentz force for propulsion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rudderless propulsion system with cavitation control that has been developed for use in sea vehicles, performs the propulsion and manoeuvring of the vehicle without the need for a rudder, and comprises main propulsion propeller, starboard auxiliary propeller, port auxiliary propeller, upper auxiliary propeller, lower auxiliary propeller, starboard auxiliary propeller connection, port auxiliary propeller connection, upper auxiliary propeller connection, lower auxiliary propeller connection, propeller shaft, angle adjustment mechanism, pressure sensor and electronic control unit.