Segmented Propulsion Device for Fluid Thrust and Cavitation Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional screw-propellers face issues with high rotational resistance, low energy efficiency, cavitation, vibrations, and noise, along with substantial slip, which reduces their efficiency further.
Innovation Solution
The propulsion device features a central hub with radially protruding propulsive arrangements, including front, rear, and intermediate propulsive elements, along with outer and inner guide elements. This configuration provides additional thrust while minimizing resistance and cavitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional screw-propeller blades are used with helical spiral configuration, then thrust generation is achieved, but rotational resistance increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The propeller blade is segmented into multiple propulsive elements (front, intermediate, and rear elements) arranged in series along the radial direction. Each element contributes to thrust generation independently, allowing optimized distribution of thrust production along the blade span while reducing overall rotational resistance compared to a single continuous blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional blade cross-sections to a three-dimensional configuration with propulsive elements extended in the radial dimension. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows fluid to be accelerated through multiple stages, improving energy efficiency by reducing wake interference and optimizing thrust distribution across different radial positions.
2Power
If traditional screw-propeller blades are used, then thrust is generated, but cavitation occurs causing blade damage, vibrations, and noise
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the blade into multiple propulsive elements with gaps between them, the invention reduces the intensity of low-pressure zones that cause cavitation. The segmented structure allows pressure recovery between elements, preventing the formation of extreme vacuum conditions that lead to cavitation bubble collapse and subsequent blade damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate propulsive element acts as a pressure recovery zone between the front and rear elements. This intermediary structure allows the fluid pressure to recover partially between thrust-generating sections, preventing the formation of cavitation-prone low-pressure zones while maintaining overall thrust generation.
3Power
If traditional screw-propeller blades are used, then thrust is generated, but substantial slip occurs reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented propulsive elements create multiple stages of fluid acceleration, with each element contributing to progressive thrust generation. This multi-stage approach reduces slip by ensuring that fluid is accelerated more efficiently through successive elements rather than relying on a single blade passage, thereby reducing energy loss.
4Power
If traditional screw-propeller blades are used, then thrust is generated, but resistance to fluid flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with gaps between propulsive elements reduces the total wetted surface area and allows fluid to pass through the propeller structure more easily. This segmentation reduces form drag and skin friction resistance while maintaining thrust generation capability through the distributed propulsive elements.
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 propulsion device achieves high efficiency, low resistance in both axial and circumferential directions, a concentrated axial flow with minimal lateral separation, reduced cavitation, and lower noise and vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The propulsion device comprises a central hub having a front end and a rear end and is rotational about a rotational axis extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends, and at least two propulsive arrangements which protrude radially from the hub
Implementation Method 2
The inner guide element, the front distance member, the rear distance member and the periphery of the hub define an open space allowing free passage of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A propulsion device for exerting thrust to a fluid comprises a central hub and at least two propulsive arrangements which protrude radially from the hub. Each propulsive arrangement comprises front and rear propulsive elements extending from a front inner end to a front outer end and from a rear inner end to a rear outer end, respectively. Inner and outer guide elements extend from the front end to the rear end. An elongate front distance member and an elongate rear distance member extend radially from the hub to the inner guide element. At least one intermediate propulsive element is arranged between the front and rear propulsive elements and extends radially from the inner guide element to the outer guide element. The inner guide element, the front distance member, the rear distance member and the periphery of the hub define an open space allowing free passage of the fluid.