US 2006/0223387 A1 · Propulsor with inlet fluid inducer

Abstract

Presented is a fluid propulsor for propelling a vehicle that incorporates a Coanda Effect Inducer (CEI), more commonly called an inlet fluid inducer in this application, in its inlet to induce fluids passing by the vehicle to turn uniformly toward a powered fluid energizing device such as a rotor of the propulsor. This concept enhances the efficiency of the rotor and the overall efficiency of the propulsor. The rotor is at least primarily enclosed in a housing and the rotor may operate either fully submerged in liquid or in a partially liquid and partially gaseous environment. Fluid flow directing devices may be incorporated to separate liquid from gas flowing to the rotor in some instances. The inlet fluid inducer may take the shape of a cylinder or any other flow directing shape and while more effective when rotating in the direction of fluid flow is also viable when not rotating.

Claims25

Dependent claims

In an improved propulsor for propelling a vehicle where said propulsor accelerates fluid to produce thrust and where said fluid is obtained through an inlet that intakes fluid from external to the vehicle and directs said fluid toward a fluid energizing device, the improvement comprising:

an inlet fluid inducer wherein said inlet fluid inducer is capable of rotation to direct said fluid toward the fluid energizing device and thereby provide a uniformity to the fluid supplied to the fluid energizing device and wherein said inlet fluid inducer is oriented more perpendicular than parallel to a plane that includes a rotational axis of the fluid energizing device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Propulsor with inlet fluid inducer

Life of this patent

Propulsor with inlet fluid inducer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25