Electric JetPack
About the Patent Application
Jetpacks have always been a staple in Science-Fiction. They represent an exciting future, but jetpacks have never materialized for general use. This patent demonstrates a method that can bring jetpacks to the general masses through a safer and more user-friendly electric-powered system.
This patent discloses a personal propulsion apparatus using an electric drive system. The jetpack utilizes an ultralight frame with removable rechargeable batteries. The electronic drive powers two 3-bladed propellers within carbon fiber ducts to provide the required lift for the jetpack. In addition to the ducts contributing to the generation of thrust, they also help protect the user during operation. The entire system is modular, allowing for multiple personal jetpacks to be combined to allow for the transport of more people. The key to this invention is in the thruster design, the creation of a miniaturized electronic drive to power a unique ducted propellor system demonstrates a means of making personal electric aviation available to the masses. Each propellor operates individually controlled by a flight controller that processes inputs from the pilot.
What makes this patent interesting
Electric jetpacks are at a distinct disadvantage to their combustion counterparts due to the lower power density of batteries compared to traditional fuels. A mismatch in power density causes an overall lower power to weight ratio forcing electric jetpacks to work even harder to provide the necessary lift. Essentially, electric jetpacks carry less fuel and use that limited fuel up more quickly, so why would anyone research this? Safety and improved control. The idea of a jetpack sounds futuristic and exciting, but under the traditional definition of a jet, it is probably not something you want to be strapped to your back. Electric alternatives don’t have to deal with the heat, exhaust, or noise associated with combustion jet engines. Additionally, the ability to control electric motors is far more sophisticated and precise than any combustion system. These factors, while not leading to the most efficient solution, demonstrates a method that would be more popular for commercialization.Written by John DeStefano, Technical Advisor
May 5, 2021
