Torque Reaction Engine Underwater Propulsion Eliminates Hull Penetrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater craft face challenges with drive shaft penetrations through the hull, leading to leakage, friction, and reduced operating depth due to the need for complex seals and decreased efficiency when flooded with oil.
Innovation Solution
The use of torque reaction engines (TREs) secured within a pressure vessel eliminates the need for hull penetrations by accelerating thrust fluid through cyclic oscillation of a central shaft, reducing friction and leakage, and allowing operation without the need for labyrinth seals or oil flooding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If drive shaft penetrations are used to transmit power to underwater craft, then power transmission is achieved, but leakage and friction occur reducing reliability and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the drive shaft penetration from the hull structure entirely. Instead of transmitting mechanical power through the hull, the system uses a pressure vessel containing a torque reaction engine that generates thrust internally, eliminating the need for external drive shafts and their associated seals and lubrication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive shaft transmission system with a torque reaction engine system. The torque reaction engine uses cyclic oscillation of a central shaft to accelerate thrust fluid, converting mechanical power generation into a reaction-based system that does not require hull penetrations.
2Reliability
If complex seals and oil flooding are used to prevent leakage, then sealing is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the entire sealing and lubrication subsystem from the craft design. By eliminating drive shaft penetrations, the complex array of labyrinth seals, grease fittings, and oil flooding systems are completely removed, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure vessel containing the torque reaction engine creates a self-contained system that does not require external sealing mechanisms. The system is designed to operate without external lubrication or sealing interventions, making it self-sufficient and maintenance-free regarding sealing components.
3Power
If drive shaft penetrations are used, then power transmission to propellers is achieved, but operating depth is reduced due to seal limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the depth-limited drive shaft system with a torque reaction engine system that is not constrained by seal depth limitations. The torque reaction engine generates thrust through internal cyclic oscillation, allowing the craft to operate at greater depths without the mechanical constraints of sealed drive shafts.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the drive shaft penetration system, the patent eliminates the primary constraint on operating depth. Without seals that degrade under pressure, the craft can operate at significantly greater depths where conventional sealed drive shafts would fail.
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
This solution enhances the operating range and efficiency of underwater craft by eliminating drive train friction and leakage issues, enabling deeper and more efficient operation without the drawbacks of conventional drive shaft seals.
Implementation Method 1
accelerating thrust fluid through cyclic oscillation of a central shaft
Implementation Method 2
torque reaction engines (TREs) secured within a pressure vessel eliminates the need for hull penetrations by accelerating thrust fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic fish comprises one or more torque reaction engines and a fish body, wherein the torque reaction engine cyclically oscillates and causes a wave to propagate across the fish body, including through a flexible wing, accelerating thrust fluid and propelling the robotic fish.