Wing-Mounted Multi-Stage Ionic Thrusters for Flight-Capable Thrust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft propulsion systems using mechanical drives face challenges with insufficient thrust-to-weight ratio, limiting practical implementation of non-mechanical alternatives like ionic thrusters, and lack flight-capable design layouts.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage ionic thruster system with a frame-mounted, lightweight structure and multiple ionic thrusters, configured to generate electrohydrodynamic thrust along the wing axis, utilizing adjustable electrode voltage and spacing for enhanced thrust output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional mechanical propulsion systems are used, then sufficient thrust can be generated, but the system becomes mechanically complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical propulsion systems (fans, turbines, moving parts) with an electrodynamic thrust system using ionic thrusters. The system generates thrust through electrohydrodynamic forces created by ionized air molecules moving between positive and ground electrodes, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining thrust generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from mechanical rotation and combustion to high-voltage electric fields and ionic wind. By applying high DC voltage to create corona discharge and ionized air flow, the system achieves thrust without mechanical moving parts, resolving the contradiction between thrust generation and mechanical complexity
2Device complexity
If non-mechanical ionic thrusters are used, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but thrust-to-weight ratio is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propulsion system into multiple independent ionic thruster stages mounted along the wing span. Each stage consists of positive and ground electrodes that generate electrodynamic thrust. By segmenting the system into multiple stages rather than relying on a single thruster, the total thrust output increases while maintaining the lightweight, non-mechanical advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point thrust source to a distributed thrust system along the wing span (spatial dimension). Multiple ionic thrusters are positioned at different locations along the wing, creating a distributed electrodynamic propulsion system that increases total thrust while maintaining low mechanical complexity and weight
3Device complexity
If a single ionic thruster is used, then the system is simple, but total thrust output is insufficient for flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the propulsion system into multiple independent ionic thruster stages distributed along the wing. Each stage contains positive and ground electrodes that generate electrodynamic thrust. The segmented configuration allows individual thrusters to operate independently while their thrust outputs combine to achieve flight-capable total thrust
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the thrust output from multiple independent ionic thruster stages into a unified propulsion system. By combining the electrodynamic forces from several distributed thrusters mounted along the wing span, the system achieves sufficient total thrust for flight while maintaining the simplicity of non-mechanical operation
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 a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, increased efficiency, power, and control, making it suitable for low-speed horizontal flight in aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
Electrodynamic thrust (which also may be referred to as 'ionic wind') is, put simply, air flow resulting from a DC electric field. At high enough voltages, a sharp, or edged, positive electrode ionizes surrounding air molecules. The ionized (e.g., positively charged) molecules may be repelled away from the positive electrode and/or attracted to a wider ground electrode. In the process, the positively charged molecules may bump into surrounding neutral air molecules creating a flow of air (which also may be referred to as 'wind') in a direction from the positive electrode towards the ground electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage ionic thruster includes a voltage supply, a frame of a wing, the frame defining a first axis between a leading edge of the wing and a trailing edge of the wing and a second axis between a root of the wing and a tip of the wing, and a plurality of ionic thrusters coupled to the frame and spaced apart from each other along the first axis.