Traveling Wave Thrust Module With Crenated Fins for Maneuverable Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical devices for propulsion and energy conversion in various environments lack efficient mechanisms to harness and convert energy effectively, particularly in fluid mediums, limiting their maneuverability and energy harvesting capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of a vehicle system utilizing crenated strip fins with strained-deformations and actuators that create traveling waves in a fluid medium, allowing for thrust generation and energy harvesting, with applications in propulsion systems, fluid transport, and energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mechanical propulsion devices are used, then basic propulsion function is achieved, but energy conversion efficiency and maneuverability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic undulating fins that simulate fish swimming motion, replacing static conventional propellers. The fins can dynamically adjust their shape and motion pattern through actuators, enabling adaptive propulsion that improves energy conversion efficiency while maintaining maneuverability across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes periodic undulating motion of the fins to generate thrust, mimicking natural swimming patterns. This periodic action creates efficient fluid interaction that enhances energy conversion compared to continuous rotation of traditional propellers, while the rhythmic motion pattern simplifies the actuation mechanism
2Ease of operation
If conventional propulsion systems are used, then forward motion is achieved, but exceptional maneuverability in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent undulating fin segments, each capable of being actuated separately. This segmentation allows independent control of different fin portions, enabling complex maneuvering patterns including lateral movement, rotation, and three-dimensional positioning without requiring an overly complex centralized control system
Solution Approach 2:
The undulating fin mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates forward thrust, enables lateral movement, provides rotational control, and allows depth adjustment. This multi-functionality achieves exceptional maneuverability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated actuators for each movement type, thus controlling system complexity
3Use of energy by moving object
If kinetic energy from fluid motion is harnessed, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but device complexity for energy conversion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the propulsion and energy harvesting functions into a single integrated fin system. The same undulating fins that generate thrust can operate in reverse mode to harvest energy from fluid flow, eliminating the need for separate energy conversion mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while improving energy utilization efficiency
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 system achieves exceptional maneuverability and energy conversion efficiency by harnessing kinetic energy from fluid motion, enabling effective propulsion and energy harvesting across different environments, including underwater, surface, and air applications.
Implementation Method 1
Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. In a fluid medium, the traveling waves of sinusoidal deformations may exert force on the fluid causing the fluid to move and/or creating thrust.
Implementation Method 2
Where the actuators are of a type that are capable of harnessing energy, such as electromagnetic motors or dielectric elastomers, the mechanisms may also harness energy when fixed in an environment with moving fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
The VEHICLE WITH TRAVELING WAVE THRUST MODULE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. The fin, fin actuator or actuators, power source and central controller may be incorporated into a thrust module. Two thrust modules coupled to a central body via roll actuators and flexible coupling members may form a vehicle with exceptional maneuverability.