Toroidal Counter Electrode for Higher-Thrust Rotational Ionic Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotational ionic engines face limitations in generating sufficient thrust due to the fixed distance between pin emitters and counter electrodes, leading to restricted voltage application before air breakdown, which hampers the development of heavier-than-air vehicles capable of flight.
Innovation Solution
A toroidal counter electrode configuration is introduced, allowing for a larger surface area and increased ionic wind flow, with a propeller coaxially placed above the toroidal body, enabling enhanced thrust generation and stability by optimizing the electrical potential and fluid flow through an internal passage with a partial taper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed distance configuration between pin emitters and counter electrodes is used, then the device structure is simple, but the voltage application is restricted due to air breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear one-dimensional electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional toroidal configuration. The toroidal counter electrode creates a volumetric electric field distribution rather than a planar one, allowing ions to be accelerated along curved field lines from the pin emitters to the toroidal surface, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to increase voltage application capability without proportionally increasing electrode-to-electrode distance
Solution Approach 2:
The toroidal (doughnut-shaped) counter electrode introduces curvature to the electrode geometry. This curved surface configuration allows for more uniform electric field distribution around the pin emitters and enables higher voltage application by distributing the electric stress across a curved surface rather than a flat plane, preventing localized breakdown points
2Productivity
If a traditional cylindrical counter electrode is used, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the ionic wind flow and thrust generation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The toroidal electrode configuration adds a dimensional advantage over cylindrical electrodes by creating a hollow doughnut shape with an internal passage. This three-dimensional structure allows ionic wind to flow through the center of the toroid, creating a more focused and directed thrust vector, and increasing the effective surface area for ion collection compared to a solid cylindrical electrode of similar outer dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The toroidal electrode can be conceptually viewed as segmented into an outer surface and an inner passage region. The internal passage creates a separate flow channel that directs ionic wind throughput, effectively segmenting the electrode function into collection surface and flow guidance, which enhances thrust density without requiring a complete redesign of the manufacturing process
3Productivity
If the counter electrode surface area is increased, then the ionic wind flow is enhanced, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The toroidal configuration utilizes three-dimensional space more efficiently than a flat or cylindrical electrode. By creating a doughnut shape with a hollow center, the electrode collects ions on its outer surface while allowing ionic wind to pass through the internal passage, effectively doubling the functional utilization of the electrode structure and increasing ionic wind flow rate without proportionally increasing material usage and weight
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 toroidal counter electrode configuration significantly increases axial thrust and thrust density, enabling heavier-than-air vehicles to achieve flight and maintain propulsion using ionic wind alone, with improved stability and efficiency compared to traditional cylindrical configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage source comprising an electric potential difference between the first terminal and second terminal that selectively generates corona discharges from the at least one rotary electrode emitter
Implementation Method 2
the ionic wind flows through the intake of the internal passage of the counter electrode and out from the exit
Data Source
AI summary
An ionic wind propulsion system with a toroidal counter electrode that allows in-atmosphere propulsion in negative polarity. There are pin emitters extended on the trailing edge of a propeller placed above the toroidal counter-electrode that provides axial thrust with a corona discharge upon an electric current being applied. Axial thrust occurs due to the linear acceleration of ions between electrodes and the induced rotary motion of the propeller which captures the energy and momentum of ions accelerated in the propeller's rotational plane. An array of propellers and toroidal counter electrodes can be used to power aircraft, such as drones.