Variable geometry thruster
AssigneeJetoptera, Inc.
InventorAndrei Evulet
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A propulsion system coupled to a vehicle. The system includes a diffusing structure and a conduit portion configured to introduce to the diffusing structure through a passage a primary fluid produced by the vehicle. The passage is defined by a wall, and the diffusing structure comprises a terminal end configured to provide egress from the system for the introduced primary fluid. A constricting element is disposed adjacent the wall. An actuating apparatus is coupled to the constricting element and is configured to urge the constricting element toward the wall, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the passage.
Claims17
A propulsion system coupled to a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a diffusing structure;
- a conduit portion configured to introduce to the diffusing structure through a first passage a primary fluid produced by the vehicle, the first passage being defined by a first wall, wherein the diffusing structure comprises a terminal end configured to provide egress from the system for the introduced primary fluid;
- a first constricting element disposed adjacent the first wall;
- and
- an actuating apparatus coupled to the first constricting element and configured to urge the first constricting element toward the first wall, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the first passage, wherein the actuating apparatus comprises:
- a first translating component configured to engage the first constricting element and configured to move translationally, and
- a first rotational component coupled to the first translating component and configured to move rotationally.
A propulsion system coupled to a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a diffusing structure;
- an intake structure coupled to the diffusing structure and configured to introduce to the diffusing structure a secondary fluid accessible to the vehicle, the intake structure including a conduit portion configured to introduce to the diffusing structure through a passage a primary fluid produced by the vehicle, the passage being defined by a wall, wherein the diffusing structure comprises a terminal end configured to provide egress from the system for the introduced primary fluid and secondary fluid;
- a first constricting element disposed adjacent the wall;
- and
- an actuating apparatus coupled to the constricting element and configured to urge the constricting element toward the wall, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the passage, wherein the actuating apparatus comprises:
- a first translating component configured to engage the first constricting element and configured to move translationally, and
- a first rotational component coupled to the first translating component and configured to move rotationally.
A vehicle comprising:
- a primary-fluid source;
- a diffusing structure;
- a conduit portion configured to introduce to the diffusing structure through a first passage a primary fluid produced by the source, the first passage being defined by a first wall, wherein the diffusing structure comprises a terminal end configured to provide egress from the system for the introduced primary fluid;
- a first constricting element disposed adjacent the first wall;
- and
- an actuating apparatus coupled to the first constricting element and configured to urge the first constricting element toward the first wall, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the first passage, wherein the actuating apparatus comprises:
- a first translating component configured to engage the first constricting element and configured to move translationally;
- and
- a first rotational component coupled to the first translating component and configured to move rotationally.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.