Underwater Bionic Propeller Swinging Device for Quiet Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional underwater operation systems using airscrews face issues such as high noise, inability to steer, and entanglement with underwater debris like aquatic weeds and fishing nets.

Innovation Solution

A swinging device with a reciprocating mechanism and steering mechanism that drives a swing arm to swing in a specific area, allowing for independent steering and reduced noise, making it difficult to entangle with underwater objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional airscrews are used for underwater propulsion, then propulsion function is achieved, but noise level increases and ecological environment is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelVSAvoidpropulsion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static airscrew rotation to dynamic flapping motion of wings. The wings execute periodic flapping movements with controlled amplitude and frequency, creating thrust through unsteady aerodynamic forces. This dynamic approach reduces noise compared to continuous rotation while maintaining propulsion efficiency through optimized flapping cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through the flapping mechanism where wings undergo repeated cycles of downstroke and upstroke. Each flapping cycle generates thrust impulses that propel the vehicle forward. The periodic nature of this motion reduces noise compared to continuous rotation and allows for efficient energy transfer to the fluid medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single airscrew propeller is used, then propulsion is achieved, but steering function cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering capabilityVSAvoidpropulsion system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the propulsion system into multiple independent flapping wings instead of a single airscrew. Each wing can be controlled independently or in coordinated patterns, enabling both propulsion and steering functions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve versatility without requiring separate propulsion and steering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flapping wing mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously - it provides both propulsion through forward thrust generation and steering through differential flapping control. By adjusting the flapping amplitude, frequency, or phase of individual wings, the system can change direction while maintaining forward motion, achieving multi-functionality in a unified propulsion system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If traditional airscrews are used for underwater propulsion, then driving function is achieved, but entanglement with sundries such as aquatic weeds and fishing nets occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidentanglement with debris
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flapping wings operate with periodic motion and maintain clearance from the surrounding environment during their movement cycles. Unlike continuous-rotation airscrews that sweep through all surrounding space, the flapping wings follow controlled trajectories that reduce the probability of contact with aquatic debris, thereby improving operational reliability by minimizing entanglement risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If reciprocating mechanism and steering mechanism are added to create swinging device, then steering capability and reduced noise are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering capabilityVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reciprocating motion mechanism and steering control into a unified flapping wing system. The same mechanical structure that produces the reciprocating flapping motion also enables steering through differential control of wing parameters. This integration reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate propulsion and steering mechanisms while maintaining both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240278890A1Swinging device, underwater bionic propeller and use thereof
Publication Date: 2024.08.22 SHENZHEN INST OF ADVANCED TECH CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
  • US20240278890A1 patent drawing
  • US20240278890A1 patent drawing
  • US20240278890A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The application relates to a swinging device, underwater bionic propeller and use thereof. The swinging device can include a swing mechanism including a swing arm. A driving end of a steering mechanism can be in transmission connection with the swing arm so as to drive the swing arm to swing in a reciprocating manner. A reciprocating mechanism can be provided which is in transmission connection with a fixed end of a steering driving component so as to drive the swing arm to rotate in a reciprocating manner by driving the steering mechanism to move. The steering mechanism drives the swing arm independently and changes the swinging area that the reciprocating mechanism drives the swing arm to swing in a reciprocating manner.