Goal
Generate thrust or fluid motion and harvest energy by creating traveling sinusoidal deformations on a flexible fin.
Problem
Need for efficient, versatile propulsion and pumping mechanisms that work in air, water, and on land, and for converting fluid kinetic energy into electricity.
Concept Summary
A flexible, arc-shaped sheet is pre-strained into a crenated strip fin. Actuators rotate vertebra-like plates attached to the fin, producing a traveling sinusoidal wave along the fin. The wave pushes fluid, creating thrust for propulsion or pumping, and can also be used to harvest kinetic energy from ambient fluid flow via the actuators.
Detailed Description
The invention uses an arc-like flexible sheet material that is deformed into a crenated strip fin with permanent sinusoidal strain. Couplings lock the fin in this strained state while allowing rotation of attached vertebra plates. Electromagnetic, hydraulic, or other actuators rotate the vertebra plates in sequence, generating a traveling wave along the fin. In a fluid medium the wave displaces fluid, producing thrust for sub-sea vessels, swimmers, amphibious vehicles, or lighter-than-air craft, and can also function as a pump or fan. When the actuators are capable of energy harvesting (e.g., electromagnetic motors or dielectric elastomers), fluid-induced motion of the fin can be converted into electrical power stored in a battery.
Principles
- Traveling wave propulsion
- Sinusoidal strain deformation
- Flexural energy storage
- Electromagnetic or hydraulic actuation
- Fluid-structure interaction
- Energy harvesting from fluid motion
Scientific Domains
Materials
- Flexible polymer sheet
- Composite material for fin
- Metal or polymer vertebra plates
- Bearings and couplings
Mechanisms of Action
- Traveling wave induced thrust
- Fluid displacement by oscillating fin
- Conversion of fluid kinetic energy to electrical energy via actuators
Energy Sources
Applications
- Sub-sea vessel propulsion
- Personal swimmer propulsion device
- Amphibious vehicle locomotion
- Fluid pumping and mixing
- Air fan for ventilation
- Energy harvesting from moving water or air
Limitations
- Requires precise sequential actuation
- Potential material fatigue under repeated strain
- No quantitative performance data provided
- Battery life limits operation time
Red Flags
- Lack of experimental data or independent testing
