Split Flywheel Gyroscope Thrust Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric aircraft propulsion systems lack efficiency and stability due to reliance on external motors and require additional means to maintain balance and stability.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained split flywheel gyroscope with counter-rotating hub and perimeter sections, supported by rolling element bearings and field coils, which generates thrust through shaped flywheel spokes and maintains stability through gyroscopic forces, eliminating rotational torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a conventional electric motor with propeller is used for aircraft propulsion, then thrust can be generated, but the system lacks efficiency and requires additional external means for stability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the propulsion function and stabilization function into a single integrated gyroscope assembly. The counter-rotating flywheels generate thrust through their spoke design while simultaneously providing gyroscopic stability, eliminating the need for separate propulsion and stabilization systems. This integration resolves the contradiction by making one system serve dual purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroscope assembly is self-contained and self-stabilizing, requiring no external motor or separate stabilization mechanism. The counter-rotating flywheels automatically balance each other's rotational torque, and the shaped spokes automatically generate thrust as the assembly rotates. This self-service capability improves efficiency while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a self-contained gyroscope propulsion system is used, then stability is inherent, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroscope assembly is segmented into two counter-rotating flywheel sections (first and second flywheels) that rotate in opposite directions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve stability through the cancellation of rotational torque while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each flywheel is supported by its own bearing assembly, distributing the mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel spokes serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the flywheels, generate thrust through their airfoil cross-section, and contribute to the gyroscopic effect. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining stability.
3Reliability
If counter-rotating flywheels are used to cancel rotational torque, then stability is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to stabilize a single rotating flywheel through complex control mechanisms, the invention inverts the approach by using two flywheels rotating in opposite directions. This inversion naturally cancels rotational torque and achieves stability through the physics of counter-rotation, simplifying the manufacturing and control requirements compared to alternative approaches.
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 provides a stable, efficient, and self-stabilizing propulsion system for personal air vehicles, eliminating the need for external motors and enhancing thrust production with adjustable electromagnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
Each field coil is linked to a controller... which allows the present invention to instantly change the phasing of electromagnetic fields acting on the flywheel's permanent magnets
Implementation Method 2
The hub flywheel turns counter to the perimeter flywheel with sufficient speed to balance the opposing rotational torque keeping the present invention from rotating
Implementation Method 3
counter-rotating hub and perimeter sections... maintains stability through gyroscopic forces, eliminating rotational torque
Implementation Method 4
the flywheel spokes in both sections are shaped to provide directed airflow when rotated... thrust producing due to the shape of the spokes of the two flywheels
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an electric propulsion motor that can be used to propel air, land, and sea vehicles consisting of a gyroscope's flywheel that has been split into two counter rotating sections, perimeter and hub, each section containing spokes that are shaped to produce thrust when rotated, a stator with individually controlled field coils located on its inside and outside diameters, permanent magnets integrated into the flywheel sections proximate to the stator's field coils, and a bearing system to support each flywheel section. The invention is self-contained needing no external propulsion or drive means, self-stabilizing due to the gyroscopic forces created by its spinning hub and perimeter flywheels, thrust producing because of the shape of the spokes of the two flywheels, and rotational torque cancelling with counter rotating flywheel sections. A Chimara Effect is created that both stabilizes and propels the vehicle.