U.S. patent application number 14/825565 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-03 for electromagnetic propulsive motor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Richard Christopher Uskert. Invention is credited to Richard Christopher Uskert.
Application Number | 20150345501 14/825565 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54107157 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150345501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Uskert; Richard
Christopher |
December 3, 2015 |
Electromagnetic Propulsive Motor
Abstract
The invention comprises an electromagnetic propulsive motor
having a rotor capable of rotation around a shaft and having a
plurality of radially disposed blades including blade tip portions
for compressing a working fluid. The invention further comprises a
stator having a case frame, and a plurality of radially disposed
vanes extending generally between said case frame and said shaft
for directing the working fluid. A plurality of electromagnetic
elements disposed within said rotor blades proximate the tip
portions thereof interact electromagnetically with a plurality of
electromagnetic elements disposed in said stator case frame to
drive said rotor.
Inventors: |
Uskert; Richard Christopher;
(Monkton, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Uskert; Richard Christopher |
Monkton |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54107157 |
Appl. No.: |
14/825565 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13109711 |
May 17, 2011 |
9143023 |
|
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14825565 |
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61345412 |
May 17, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
417/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 29/00 20130101;
H02K 99/20 20161101; H02K 21/14 20130101; H02K 19/10 20130101; H02K
16/04 20130101; F04D 25/0606 20130101; H02K 5/22 20130101; H02K
16/00 20130101; H02K 7/14 20130101; H02K 21/22 20130101; H02K 1/22
20130101; H02K 1/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04D 25/06 20060101
F04D025/06; H02K 99/00 20060101 H02K099/00; H02K 5/22 20060101
H02K005/22; H02K 1/12 20060101 H02K001/12; H02K 1/22 20060101
H02K001/22; H02K 7/14 20060101 H02K007/14 |
Claims
1. An electromagnetic propulsive motor having a rotor capable of
rotation around a shaft, said rotor having a plurality of radially
disposed blades for compressing a fluid having blade tip portions,
and a stator having a case frame, and a plurality of radially
disposed vanes extending generally between said case frame and said
shaft for directing a working fluid, comprising: a plurality of
electromagnetic elements disposed within said rotor blades
proximate the tip portions thereof; a plurality of electromagnetic
elements disposed in said stator case frame, radially outwardly of
said rotor blades, whereby said electromagnetic elements of said
blades and said electromagnetic elements disposed in said stator
case housing electromagnetically interact to drive said rotor as it
rotates; and at least one rotor wheel that is rotatable around said
shaft for mounting a one of said rotor blades, said rotor wheel
having a plurality of electromagnetic elements secured thereto.
2. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 1
comprising: a plurality of housings each having at least one
electromagnetic element therein disposed in said stator case
radially outwardly of said rotor blade tips, whereby said
electromagnetic elements of said rotor blades and said
electromagnetic elements in said housings interact to drive said
rotor.
3. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 1
wherein said electromagnetic elements comprise a magnetic core and
an electrically conductive winding capable of carrying electrical
current disposed around a portion of said core.
4. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 3
comprising: a controller having a plurality of inputs and outputs,
said outputs operatively connected to said windings of said
electromagnetic elements for providing an electrical signal to said
windings, thereby producing an electromagnetic field in said
elements.
5. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 1
comprising: a stator case frame housing for encasing a plurality of
electromagnetic elements radially outwardly from said rotor
blades.
6. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 1
comprising: an aft electromagnetic drive housing; and a plurality
of electromagnetic elements positioned within said aft drive
housing, wherein said aft drive housing is proximate the radially
outward point of said rotor blades, and wherein said aft drive
housing electromagnetic elements interact with said rotor blade
electromagnetic elements.
7. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 1 having
a bypass fan stage forward of said stator, and having a bypass duct
disposed circumferentially around said fan stage and a fan shaft
having a hub rotatable around said shaft comprising: a plurality of
fan blades extending radially between said hub at an inner end and
said bypass duct at a tip end, and capable of rotation with said
hub; and an outer electromagnetic drive for rotating said fan
blades.
8. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 7
comprising: an inner electromagnetic drive for rotating said fan
blades.
9. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 7
wherein said outer electromagnetic drive comprises: a plurality of
electromagnetic elements encased within said fan blades proximate
said tip portions thereof; and a plurality of electromagnetic
elements disposed within said bypass duct whereby said fan blade
electromagnetic elements and said bypass duct electromagnetic
elements interact electromagnetically as said fan blades
rotate.
10. An electromagnetic propulsive motor as claimed in claim 1
comprising: a monolithic rotor formed of a single piece of material
having a rotor wheel journaled for rotation around said shaft,
wherein said monolithic rotor comprises said rotor wheel, said
rotor blades, and an annular rotor hoop extending around an
external circumference of said rotor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and is a
continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/109,711 filed May 17, 2011, and entitled "Electromagnetic
Propulsive Motor".
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to aircraft
propulsion systems, and more particularly to an electromagnetically
driven compressive ducted fan propulsion system, herein referred to
as an electromagnetic propulsive motor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Prior art gas turbine engines often employ a fan to draw in
a working fluid, typically air, a compressor to compress the
working fluid entering the engine, a combustor to burn the
compressed air mixed with fuel, and a turbine that extracts work
from the working fluid exiting the engine. Each of the
aforementioned engine sections is typically comprised of one or
more stages of rotating blades and concomitant vanes to direct the
working fluid and extract work from the hot combusted gases in
order to drive the compressor and fan, thus providing an exhaust
gas stream of high velocity ("jet") to generate a propulsive force
typically employed in aircraft flight.
[0004] Known gas turbine engines produce large amounts of thrust
but are typically costly to operate and manufacture due to the
necessity to burn large quantities of jet fuel to drive the
turbine. Additionally, the pollutants produced as a byproduct of
jet fuel combustion are undesirable. Since the gas passing through
the engine aft of the combustor is quite hot, all engine components
are subjected to tremendous heat. Furthermore, the rotating
components of a gas turbine engine have very high rotational
velocities, that, when coupled with thermal expansion and impacts
caused by normal engine operation cause them to rub or interfere
with the static portions of the turbine. These inherent features of
modern gas turbines render them quite costly to produce, as all
components must be produced to extremely tight tolerances and be
capable of withstanding enormous thermal and mechanical
stresses.
[0005] Additionally, many prior art rotor and stator assemblies are
quite complex, having a multiplicity of parts required to render
the assembly capable of containing a high-pressure air stream and
operate under a wide variety of power, speed, and atmospheric
conditions. The cost and complexity of designing and constructing
such prior art assemblies is quite prohibitive.
[0006] The present invention provides an improvement to the prior
art by replacing the combustor and turbine of a conventional gas
turbine engine with one or more electromagnetically driven
compressive stages in order to provide the high velocity gas stream
for propulsion while enhancing the operating efficiency of the
propulsion system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides an electromagnetic propulsive
motor for an aircraft or other vehicle. The motor may include
metallic, ceramic and/or composite rotor and stator structures as
components of at least one rotor stage and a stator. The motor of
the present invention utilizes a novel stator design having a
stator case frame incorporating a plurality of electromagnetic
drives secured thereto for interaction with a plurality of rotor
stages equipped for electromagnetic interaction with said
stator.
[0008] A rotor stage, or a plurality thereof, utilizes a plurality
of novel rotor blades, each comprising a magnetic or
electromagnetic element disposed at a radially outward portion of
the blades to interact with the electromagnetic elements positioned
in the stator case frame. As the rotor blades spin around a central
axial shaft, the electromagnetic elements positioned on the rotor
blades alternately repulse and attract complementary elements
positioned on the stator case frame.
[0009] A controller is provided to supply a plurality of output
signals to energize the electromagnetic elements. By timing the
field polarity and strength of the field created by the
electromagnetic elements, the rotor stages can be driven at any
required speed or power output level desired.
[0010] The principles and concepts embodied in the present
invention may also be employed with a turbofan engine, for example
a bypass fan motor configuration. Furthermore, the rotor/stator
electromagnetic element interaction can be utilized as a generator
of electrical power where the rotor is spinning freely and is not
required to be driven.
[0011] Additionally, the present invention comprises a plurality of
rotor blade configurations, each including a magnetic or
electromagnetic element positioned to interact with a concomitant
stator-mounted element. Where blades incorporate electromagnetic
elements, the winding leads required to supply an energizing
current to said electromagnetic elements may be routed through the
interior of the rotor blades, and out through a brush and contact
assembly secured to a rotating rotor wheel.
[0012] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with
the attached drawing Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0013] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an
axial electromagnetic propulsion motor in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic of an electromagnetic
propulsive motor taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic of an electromagnetic
propulsive motor with a bypass fan in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail view of a rotor blade and
vane stage in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of an
axial electromagnetic propulsive motor in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of an
electromagnetic rotor blade in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of an
electromagnetic rotor blade in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective partial cross-sectional view of an
electromagnetic rotor blade in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a rotor blade,
blade shroud and stator case in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a rotor blade,
blade shroud and stator case in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a rotor blade,
blade shroud and stator case in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a monolithic rotor assembly
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0025] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention described in the instant application
reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the
drawing Figures, and specific language will be used to describe the
same. It is nonetheless understood that no limitation of the scope
of the invention is intended by the illustrations and descriptions
of certain embodiments of the invention. Additionally, any
alterations and/or modifications of the illustrated and/or
described embodiment(s) are contemplated as being within the scope
of the present invention. Furthermore, any other applications of
the principles of the invention, as illustrated and/or described
herein, as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains, are contemplated as being within the scope
of the present invention.
[0026] Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIG. 1, an
exemplary depiction of an electromagnetic propulsive motor 10 in
the form of an axial engine in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention, such as an aircraft propulsion engine, is
depicted in partial cross-section to show the arrangement of
portions of the interior of motor 10. Throughout this specification
reference will be made to the term "airflow" through motor 10. It
will be understood that the term "airflow" is synonymous with and
inclusive of any fluid that is suitable for use in an axial motor
10.
[0027] Motor 10 can comprise an air intake case 20 through which
entering air or fluid is directed, in the general direction of
arrow 1. Intake case 20 is disposed at a forward portion or
highlight 12 of motor 10, and is spaced circumferentially around a
nose cone 30 to direct air through a plurality of radially
extending inlet struts 40 and guide vanes 42 that direct entering
airflow through motor 10. Inlet guide vanes 42 may be variable
guide vanes 42 to more efficiently control and direct air into
motor 10 at a plurality of operating speeds.
[0028] Motor 10 comprises a central axial shaft 60, shown in cross
section in FIG. 1, having an exterior surface 62. Shaft 60
terminates in a diffuser or tail cone 80 that, in concert with a
radially spaced nozzle 90 acts to expand compressed airflow 1
through an aft portion 14 of motor 10, thereby resulting in "jet"
propulsion.
[0029] A stator 100 comprises a stator cowl 102 that defines the
exterior surface of motor 10 and extends generally from inlet case
20 to an exit guide vane case 88 and nozzle 90, and further
comprises an inlet case frame 104 and stator case frame 106. The
inlet case 20, exit guide vane case 88, inlet case frame 104 and
nozzle 90 generally define an outer airflow path through motor 10.
Inlet guide struts 40 are secured at a radially outward end to
stator cowl 102, and at a radially inward end to shaft 60.
Similarly, inlet guide vanes 42 may be fixedly secured between
shaft 60 and inlet case 20 frame 104. When variable inlet guide
vanes 42 are utilized, the radially extending vanes 42 are
rotatably mounted between an inlet case hub 22 secured to shaft 60
at a forward end thereof and inlet case 20 frame 104, so that they
are capable of rotation about a generally radial axis with respect
to shaft 60. Variable inlet guide vanes 42 may be positioned to
direct airflow 1 by known control means without departing from the
scope of the invention. It should be noted that in some motor 10
applications, wherein motor 10 is secured within an airframe of a
plane or other structure, cowl 102 and highlight 10 may not be
present.
[0030] Additionally, stator 100 comprises a plurality of fixed and
variable vanes 120 for directing airflow that also extend radially
between shaft 60 and stator case frame 106. Each of the static
vanes 42, 120 are fixedly secured between stator case frame 106 or
inlet case frame 104 and shaft 60 (or a hub secured around shaft
60), for transmitting and resisting static and dynamic forces
generated by the operation, movement and handling of motor 10.
[0031] Still referring to FIG. 1, a rotor 200 comprises a plurality
of rotating stages 300 extending generally radially between shaft
60 and stator case frame 106 that act to pressurize the airflow
through motor 10 while vanes 42, 120 straighten and redirect the
airflow through motor 10. Rotor stages 300 generally comprise a
plurality of radial blades 310, extending between stator case frame
106 and shaft 60, each secured to a rotor wheel or hub 320 that is
mounted for rotation on a bearing 322, or a plurality thereof,
thereby permitting rotor wheel 320 to rotate freely around shaft
60, and thereby rotating blades 310.
[0032] As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and in accordance with an
exemplary but non-limiting embodiment of the invention,
electromagnetic propulsive motor 10 may comprise three rotor 200
stages 300, each rotatable about axial shaft 60. Although three
rotor stages 300 are depicted, it will be understood that the
present invention is not limited to any particular number of
stages. Additionally, although FIG. 1 depicts a single shaft 60
motor 10, it will be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art
that the present invention is equally applicable to multiple shaft
turbine engine configurations.
[0033] Each rotor stage 300 comprises a plurality of blades 310
that rotate together. Each rotor 200 blade 310 further comprises a
blade tip 312 that may include an enclosed electromagnetic element
400 therein. Similarly, stator case frame 106 may comprise a
plurality of electromagnetic elements 400, mounted around the
circumference of stator case frame 106 proximate blade 310 tip 312,
thereby providing electromagnetic interaction between
electromagnetic elements 400 mounted in stator case frame 106, and
those encased in blade tips 312. Accordingly, by energizing stator
case frame 106 mounted electromagnetic elements 400 and/or blade
310 elements 400, motor 10 operates as an electromagnetic
propulsive motor 10, compressing working fluid and exhausting the
compressed fluid, as will be discussed in greater detail herein
below.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 3, and in accordance with an exemplary
non-limiting embodiment of the instant invention, an
electromagnetic propulsive motor 10 may comprise a bypass fan 160
that includes a cowl 162 to intake and direct entering airflow 1
and a bypass duct 164 for directing airflow 1 exiting bypass fan
160. Bypass fan 160 includes a plurality of generally radially
oriented fan blades 170 that are mounted for rotation around a
first axial shaft 60. Fan blades 170 extend to a point proximate
cowl 162 to maximize airflow 1 through motor 10. Bypass fan 160 may
comprise a plurality of bypass guide vanes 180 fixedly mounted
between bypass duct 164 and stator cowl 102 for directing airflow
into rotor 200.
[0035] When operating, by-pass fan 160 draws airflow 1 through cowl
162 to be pressurized by fan blades 170. A portion of the air
pressurized by fan 160 is directed into rotor 200 and stator 100
stages and the balance is directed through by-pass guide vanes 180
and into by-pass duct 164, which additionally provides a component
of the thrust output by electromagnetic propulsive motor 10.
[0036] Fan blades 170 of bypass fan 160 may also comprise a blade
tip 172 that encases an electromagnetic element 400, as well as a
fan blade wheel 174 proximate first axial shaft 60, that are
positioned to rotate past complementary electromagnetic elements
400 mounted in cowl 162 and shaft 60. In this embodiment of the
invention, the complementary electromagnetic elements 400 drive
bypass fan 160 from both its inner and outer periphery as
complementary electromagnetic elements 400 attract and/repulse each
other as bypass fan 162 rotates. Furthermore, any stage of motor 10
may be driven in this fashion, from both the inner and outer
periphery.
[0037] Additionally, although the present embodiments of the
invention 10 described and disclosed herein are axial and bypass
engine configurations, it will be understood that the present
invention is equally applicable to other engine configurations, for
example, multiple bypass ducts and open-fan or rotor with axial
engine configurations as well as centrifugal compressor
configurations.
[0038] Again referring to FIG. 3, rotor 200 comprises two stages
300 of rotor blades 310 mounted for rotation around first axial
shaft 60, and a third stage 300 of blades 310 mounted for rotation
around a second, aft axial shaft 60, with a concomitant plurality
of stator vanes 120 therebetween. It should be noted that each
rotor 200 stage 300 rotates independently, since each set or stage
300 of blades 310 is capable of independent rotation around either
first or second axial shafts 60. This feature of the present
invention provides the ability to operate counter-rotating rotor
200 stages 300.
[0039] Rotation of the rotor blades 310 and wheel 320 are achieved
by the attractive and/or repulsive forces of electromagnetic
elements 400 and/or permanent magnets located at the outer and
inner periphery of rotor blade 310 or wheel 320. The rotational
velocity of rotor 200 is thus controlled by the strength of the
attractive and/or repulsive forces between electromagnetic elements
400 and/or permanent magnets.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 4, and in accordance with an exemplary
non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a cross-sectional view of
a rotor blade 310 depicts a plurality of electromagnetic elements
400 secured at various points to rotor blade 310, rotor wheel 320,
stator case frame 106 and axial shaft 60. Electromagnetic elements
400 may comprise a magnetic material 420, such as one of a
plurality of magnetic materials commonly employed in the production
of electromagnets, as well as a electrically conductive windings
430 that are used to conduct an electrical current supplied by, for
example, a controller 220, thereby generating an electromagnetic
field to drive rotor blades 310 around shaft 60.
[0041] Rotor blade 310 may also include a blade platform 314 that
extends outwardly around blade 310, generally orthogonal to a
longitudinal axis of blade 310. Blade platform 314 defines an inner
airflow path through motor 10. Additionally vane 120 may also
comprise a vane platform 122 in an analogous manner to blade
platform 314.
[0042] Rotor wheel 320 is rotatably mounted to axial shaft 60 by
operation of a plurality of bearings 322 disposed between rotor
wheel 320 and axial shaft 60. A leading edge 126 of vane 120, at
the radially outward end, abuts an aft rub ring 106 which is
capable of absorbing contact with the aft, radially outward edge of
rotor blades 310 caused by axial impacts or undue vibration in
rotor 200.
[0043] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 4, stator
case frame 106 comprises a recessed area 110 shaped to accommodate
an electromagnetic drive housing 410, that encloses an
electromagnetic element 400 within case frame 106, proximate rotor
blade tips 312. Electromagnetic element 400 includes windings 430
terminating in a pair of leads 432 that are routed to controller
220 that supplies a voltage/current signal to windings 430 to
induce an electromagnetic field of a desired strength and
orientation in electromagnetic element 400.
[0044] Recessed area 110 in which electromagnetic element housing
410 is encased further contains forward and aft static seals 114 on
the forward and aft edges of housing 410. Additionally, each rotor
blade 310 tip may further comprise forward and aft labyrinth seals
116, also disposed on the forward and aft edges of blade tips 312.
Labyrinth seals 116 and static seals 114 work in concert to prevent
the escape of high pressure airflow 1 from rotor 20, thereby
ensuring high-efficiency operation of motor 10, as well as
protecting electromagnetic elements 400.
[0045] Finally, at a forward edge of recessed area 110 is disposed
a forward rub ring 106 that operates to absorb and dampen any
contact between a leading edge 315 of rotor blade 310 and forward
rub ring 106 caused by axial movement or vibration of rotor
200.
[0046] The embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 4 further
comprises a magnetic element 460 secured to a radially inward
portion of rotor wheel 320 that is mounted in proximity to a
complementary electromagnetic element 400 mounted either on shaft
60 or on vane 120 forward of blade 310, or on any other static
structure in motor 10 proximate the radially inward portion of
rotor wheel 320.
[0047] Taken together, magnetic element 460 and shaft-mounted
electromagnetic element comprise an inner electromagnetic drive.
Similarly, housing 410 mounted electromagnetic element 400 and
blade tip 312 encased electromagnetic 400 comprise an outer
electromagnetic drive. Furthermore, tip 312 encased electromagnetic
element 400 has winding 430 leads 432 that are routed through
internal passages in blade 310 and rotor wheel 320, as will be
discussed in greater detail below. Leads 432 may terminate in a
contact 434 secured to rotor wheel 320, shown here at an aft edge
thereof.
[0048] A concomitant brush contact 436 is secured to vane 120 at a
point in close enough proximity to rotor wheel 320 that an
electrical signal supplied to tip-encased electromagnetic element
400 may be transmitted through stator-mounted brush contact 436
from a controller 220, which controls the timing, voltage, current
and duration of electrical signals to electromagnetic elements 400,
thereby controlling electromagnetic fields produced thereby, and
ultimately rotor 200 speed. Contacts 434 communicate actuation
signals from the controller 220 to blade 310 mounted
electromagnetic elements 400 through brush 436 via intimate
contact. The timing of the signals between the brush and contacts
is controlled by the segmentation of either or both of brushes 436
and contacts 434. This timing may also be accomplished through a
hall effect, optical or other electrical switching system integral
to controller 220.
[0049] In a yet further embodiment of the invention, controller 220
does not supply a signal to energize electromagnetic element 400,
but rather accepts as a signal input the current induced in blade
310 mounted electromagnetic elements 400 from concomitant stator
case frame 106 mounted electromagnetic elements 400 as they pass in
close proximity to one another. In this exemplary embodiment of the
instant invention controller 220 may determine, by both the timing,
duration, and strength of the current signal received from blade
310 mounted electromagnetic elements 400, both the speed and
approximate power output of rotor stage 300. This feature of the
invention permits the performance of motor 10 to be closely
monitored throughout various rotor stages 300 to tailor operation
to specific power and speed requirements. In a yet further
non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, rotor blades 310
may comprise a pair of tip 312 mounted electromagnetic elements
400, one of which is energized by controller 220 and one of which
transmits an induced current signal thereto through brushes 436 and
contacts 434.
[0050] Controller 220 may be utilized to determine and supply
electrical signals of determined voltage, current and duration to
electromagnetic elements 400 based upon a plurality of inputs for a
desired propulsive effort. Controller 220 may be fixedly attached
to stator cowl 102, stator case frame 106, or be separately mounted
elsewhere. Additionally, controller 220 may be a conventional
microcontroller having at least one processor, data memory, and
having a plurality of inputs for receiving data from a propulsion
system and aircraft and a plurality of outputs to send data and
command signals to various components of the system described in
the instant application.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a partial
cross-sectional perspective view of a rotor stage 300 in accordance
with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. An inlet
guide vane 42 inner end wall housing 30 is secured around axial
shaft 60, as is an exit guide vane 42 inner end wall housing 32.
Guide vanes 42 are secured between end wall housings 30, 32 and
stator case frame 106 to direct airflow 1 into rotor stage 300.
Rotor wheel 320 is rotatable mounted to axial shaft 60 on bearings
322 and rotor blades 310 extend radially outwardly there from, as
disclosed herein above.
[0052] In this embodiment of the invention rotor blade tips 312
comprise a platform or shroud 316 that extends circumferentially
outwardly from blade tips 312, and closely mirrors the inner
circumference of stator case frame 106. Shroud 316 includes a
plurality of magnets 460 secured thereto for electromagnetic
interaction with complementary electromagnetic elements 400.
Furthermore, a plurality of electromagnetic elements 400 are
secured in an electromagnetic housing 410 within stator case frame
106 both forward and aft of rotor stage 300. Electromagnetic
elements 400 may be sequentially energized as rotor magnets 460
approach their edges to force rotor blade 310 to rotate, thereby
driving rotor stage 300 and operating motor 10.
[0053] In this exemplary embodiment of the invention forward and
aft mounted electromagnetic elements 400 secured to or in stator
case frame 106 are in sufficient proximity to tip shroud 316
mounted magnets 460 to provide for electromagnetic interaction
therebetween, subject to the electromagnetic field strength
supplied by electromagnetic elements 400.
[0054] In a further embodiment of the invention in accordance with
FIG. 5, controller 220 will periodically reverse the polarity of
electromagnetic elements 400 at predetermined times such that
permanent magnet 460 of rotor blades 310 are magnetically repulsed
by their like fields, furthering the rotation of the blade stage
300. Thus the continuous and precisely timed field "switching"
during the rotation of rotor 200 will operate to smoothly attract
and then repulse the rotor magnetic elements 460 and stator
electromagnetic elements 400 as rotor 200 rotates. Controller 220
may adjust the electromagnetic field switching, in both strength
and duration, depending upon the operational characteristics of the
propulsion system. Controller 220 may additionally operate in the
above-described fashion where both rotor blades 310 and stator case
frame 106 utilize electromagnetic elements 400, rather than
permanent magnetic elements 460.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 6, and in accordance with a
non-limiting embodiment of the invention a rotor blade 310 is shown
in partial cross section having a blade-tip 312 that encases
electromagnetic elements 400. Magnetic material 420 of element 400
is arranged generally vertically within blade 310. Leads 432 of
windings 430 are routed through the interior of blade 310, blade
platform 314 and dovetail 324 to exit blade 310 en route to
controller 220. In this embodiment of the invention blade 310
electromagnetic elements 400 and concomitant leads are securely
encased within the interior of blade 310 such that only leads 432
extend to the exterior thereof. This feature of the invention
provides protection of electromagnetic elements 400 while still
enabling electromagnetic interaction between rotor 200 and stator
100 mounted electromagnetic elements 400.
[0056] FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary non-limiting embodiment of a
rotor blade 310, similar to those depicted in FIG. 5, wherein a
plurality of permanent magnets 460 are secured within a recess 317,
or a plurality thereof, disposed in tip shroud 316 so that
permanent magnets 460 do not extend radially outwardly past the top
surface of tip shroud 316. Shroud 316 functions to contain and
direct airflow 1 through motor 10, as well as provide a
circumferential space for mounting magnets 460 as shown. Magnets
460 are then sequentially attracted and repulsed by stator case
frame 106 mounted electromagnetic elements 400 to drive rotor stage
300, as previously disclosed.
[0057] In another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8
depicts a rotor blade 310 comprising a tip shroud 316 having a
plurality of recesses 317 disposed therein for enclosing a
plurality of electromagnetic elements 400 proximate the radially
outermost portion of blade 310. Leads 432 of electromagnetic
elements 400 are routed internally through blade 310 in individual
passageways 311 in blade 310, exiting through dovetail 324 before
being routed to controller 220. These shroud 316 mounted
electromagnetic elements 400 provide for consistent and close
electromagnetic interaction with a corresponding plurality of
stator case frame 106 mounted electromagnetic elements 400, thereby
providing the requisite motive force to operate motor 10.
[0058] FIG. 9 depicts a yet further embodiment of the a rotor blade
310 and stator cowl 102 arrangement, wherein shroud 316 encased
permanent magnetic elements 460 are driven by a plurality
electromagnetic elements 400, for example plate electromagnets,
that are disposed at an angle with respect to a radial centerline
CL of motor 10, thereby permitting electromagnetic elements 400 to
have a stronger field interaction when blade 310 is approaching
electromagnetic elements 400, than when blade 310 is moving away
from electromagnetic elements 400. Thus this embodiment of the
invention will provide for enhanced repulsion (or attraction)
between magnetic elements 460 and electromagnetic elements 400,
depending upon the polarity of the field created by electromagnetic
elements 400 as desired for operation of motor 10.
[0059] Similarly, FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary non-limiting
embodiment of a plurality of electromagnetic elements 400 mounted
in a rotor blade 310 and stator case frame 106. In this embodiment
of the present invention stator case frame 102 houses a plurality
of rod-style electromagnetic elements 400, angled from a radial
centerline CL of motor 10, while blade 310 encases a single
electromagnetic element 400, also disposed at an angle relative to
radial centerline CL. Shroud 316 mounted electromagnetic element
400 is positioned such that a single pole thereof interacts (either
attracts or repulses) with each of the plurality of case frame 106
mounted electromagnetic elements 400 sequentially. By timing the
electromagnetic field generation of each electromagnetic element
400 through operation of controller 220, rotor blade 310 is driven
by each sequential field produced by each electromagnetic element
400, thereby operating motor 10.
[0060] FIG. 11 depicts a further exemplary non-limiting embodiment
of the invention wherein stator case frame 106 houses a plurality
of "horseshoe"-type electromagnetic elements 400 that interact with
a shroud 316 mounted electromagnetic element 400 earlier disclosed
in FIG. 8. In this embodiment of the invention the stator 100
electromagnetic elements 400 have one end or pole that repulses
rotor blade 310 electromagnetic element 400 as the opposite end or
pole attracts said electromagnetic element 400. Once blade 310
rotates to a point where the two electromagnetic elements 400 are
strongly attracted to each other controller 220 then reverses the
field of one of the elements 400, thereby providing a repulsing
force between electromagnetic elements 400 and causing rotation of
rotor stage 300.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 12, and in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment of the instant invention, a monolithic rotor
stage 300 may be utilized wherein rotor wheel 320, radially
extending rotor blades 310, and blade tip 312 shrouds 316 are all
comprised of a single piece of material, for example a machined
titanium alloy, or one of a plurality of suitable composite
materials, carbon fibers, ceramic fibers, Kevlar, or fiberglass
materials. In this embodiment of the invention shrouds 316 are
formed together in one continuous and integral generally annular
hoop 317 that defines the outer circumference of rotor stage 300.
Rotor blades 310 terminate at their tips 312 in hoop 317, while
they terminate at their radially inward end into rotor wheel
320.
[0062] When monolithic rotor stage 300 is employed in an embodiment
of the invention, rotor blades 310 may further be constructed
having tip 312 encased permanent magnetic elements 460 disposed
therein, or alternatively having electromagnetic elements 400
disposed therein. Monolithic rotor stage 300 provides for a motor
10 assembly that is much simpler than prior art motor designs,
thereby reducing cost in manufacturing and assembly.
[0063] While the present invention has been shown and described
herein in what are considered to be the preferred embodiments
thereof, illustrating the results and advantages over the prior art
obtained through the present invention, the invention is not
limited to those specific embodiments. Thus, the forms of the
invention shown and described herein are to be taken as
illustrative only and other embodiments may be selected without
departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in
the claims appended hereto.
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