Single-Motor Bidirectional Thrust Assembly With Selective Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face inefficiencies and increased weight and complexity due to the use of multiple motors or bidirectional fans to output opposing thrust vectors, which is particularly problematic in maneuvering devices like suspended load control systems and VTOL aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional thrust assembly using a single motor to drive two unidirectional fans in opposing directions, employing a selective power transfer mechanism with freewheel assemblies and a stator to control thrust vectors efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two unidirectional fans driven by two separate motors are used to provide opposing thrust vectors, then thrust efficiency is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate motors into a single motor that drives both unidirectional fans through a selective power transfer mechanism. This merging reduces the number of independent power sources while maintaining the ability to generate opposing thrust vectors efficiently, thereby reducing system weight and complexity without sacrificing thrust efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions by selectively transferring power to either the first fan or the second fan based on the desired thrust direction. The motor serves as a universal power source that can drive both fans independently, allowing the system to achieve bidirectional thrust capability with a single motor rather than requiring two dedicated motors.
2Device complexity
If a single motor drives two unidirectional fans in opposing directions, then weight and complexity are reduced, but power transfer control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selective power transfer mechanism as an intermediary between the single motor and the two fans. This mechanism, which may include clutches, freewheel assemblies, or electromagnetic actuators, automatically manages the power transfer based on the desired thrust direction. The intermediary handles the complexity of selective power distribution, making the system easier to control while maintaining reduced weight and complexity compared to two separate motors.
3Device complexity
If bidirectional fans are used to provide opposing thrust vectors, then device complexity is reduced, but thrust efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bidirectional fan concept into two separate unidirectional fans, each optimized for its specific direction of operation. By dividing the single bidirectional fan into two specialized unidirectional fans, each fan can maintain high thrust efficiency in its designated direction while the selective power transfer mechanism ensures that only the appropriate fan is activated based on the required thrust direction, preventing the efficiency loss associated with bidirectional operation.
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 reduces power consumption, weight, and complexity while maintaining efficient thrust vector output, enhancing maneuverability and safety in applications such as suspended load control systems and VTOL aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, a selective power transfer mechanism, wherein the selective power transfer mechanism is to transfer torque from the motor to either the first fan or the second fan
Implementation Method 2
An airfoil is a cross-sectional shape of, for example, a wing, blade, fin, or sail. An airfoil-shaped body moving through a fluid (e.g. air or water) may produce a force on the body, such as lift, thrust, and or drag
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional thrust assembly comprises a motor, a selective power transfer mechanism, and a plurality of fans; wherein a change in direction of rotation of the motor causes the selective power transfer mechanism to change a torque transfer among the plurality of fans, wherein the fans may be opposing, and wherein the fans may be unidirectional. The bidirectional thrust assembly may be used in or by a plurality of craft or with respect to other objects which may need to be maneuvered, included suspended load control systems, vertical takeoff and landing craft, watercraft.