Traveling Wave Thrust Modules With Flexible Fins
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical devices for propulsion and energy conversion lack efficient mechanisms to harness and convert energy in various environments, such as fluid media, while maintaining maneuverability and versatility across different applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of traveling wave thrust modules using arc-like flexible sheet-like materials with crenated strip fins and actuators that create sinusoidal deformations, allowing for energy harnessing and propulsion in fluid media, and adaptable operation on land or in air, with integrated sensors and control systems for precise movement and energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical propulsion devices are used, then propulsion function is achieved, but maneuverability and energy conversion efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system is divided into multiple independent thrust modules, each capable of generating thrust in different directions. Each module contains flexible fins that can be independently actuated, allowing the vehicle to achieve complex maneuvers by coordinating multiple simple modules rather than requiring a single complex propulsion system
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible fins are designed to dynamically change their deformation patterns through actuation. The fins can transition between different wave patterns (sinusoidal, triangular, etc.) and deformation amplitudes, enabling the propulsion system to adapt to different maneuvering requirements and environmental conditions
2Use of energy by moving object
If flexible sheet-like materials are deformed into crenated strip fins with strained-deformations, then energy conversion capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sheet material is pre-deformed into specific strain patterns (sinusoidal, triangular, or other wave patterns) during manufacturing. These pre-set strain patterns are maintained through coupling mechanisms that prevent the material from returning to its un-strained state, allowing the fins to directly convert material strain into propulsive motion without requiring complex real-time control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite construction combining flexible sheet-like materials with rigid coupling mechanisms and actuation systems. The flexible material provides the deformation capability while the rigid couplings maintain the strained state, creating a hybrid structure that balances manufacturing feasibility with energy conversion efficiency
3Power
If actuators are used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to fins, then thrust generation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into multiple independent actuators, each responsible for rotating a specific vertebra or group of vertebrae. This segmentation allows for distributed control of the fin deformation pattern, enabling complex thrust generation while keeping each individual actuator simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators operate in a sequential, periodic manner to create traveling wave patterns along the fins. By rotating vertebrae in a specific sequence, the system generates propagating deformation waves that efficiently convert actuator motion into propulsive thrust, reducing the power requirements compared to simultaneous actuation of all fins
4Adaptability or versatility
If two thrust modules are coupled via roll actuators and flexible coupling members, then maneuverability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible coupling members connect the thrust modules, allowing relative motion and deformation between modules. These flexible couplings transmit forces and moments while accommodating misalignment and enabling dynamic reconfiguration of the vehicle structure during maneuvers, reducing the need for complex rigid mounting mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The roll actuators serve multiple functions: they connect thrust modules structurally, enable relative rotation between modules for maneuvering, and can be integrated with the fin actuation system. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of separate components needed, offsetting the complexity increase from adding coupled modules
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
Enables efficient propulsion systems with exceptional maneuverability, energy harvesting capabilities, and versatile applications in sub-sea vessels, personal propulsion, surface vessels, and fluid handling, while providing thrust vectoring and energy conversion functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
the traveling waves of sinusoidal deformations may exert force on the fluid causing the fluid to move and/or creating thrust
Implementation Method 2
In a fluid medium, the traveling waves of sinusoidal deformations may exert force on the fluid causing the fluid to move
Implementation Method 3
Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins
Implementation Method 4
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
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 couple to each other via roll actuators and flexible coupling members may form a vehicle with exceptional maneuverability.