FinX - Outboards that emulate natural aquatic creatures

[kach22i]

Are you ready for jellyfish drive?

How about dolphin drive?

From what I can tell this pair of young Frenchmen have developed at least three different kind of propulsion systems that emulate natural aquatic creatures.

I have seen somewhat related attempts in creating sound for audio loudspeakers, but I'm pretty much awestruck, and even more awestruck they found the capital investors and are living the dream. Looks like they were inspired by or borrowed from medical device patents.

First found out about them at the New Atlas link below, includes Youtube videos.

2024
Biomimetic electric outboard ditches propeller for fin-driven thrust
https://newatlas.com/marine/finx-biomimetic-electric-outboard/


2020
FinX: An alternative to propellers for boat propulsion
https://www.boatindustry.com/news/32791/finx-an-alternative-to-propellers-for-boat-propulsion

" It mimics the movement of sea animals. It is a technology that is already mastered in industrial pumps or for medical pumps in the cardiac field for which it has been patented. We have the exploitation of the patent for marine propulsion.. "explains Harold Guillemin, founder of FinX motor.

2022
FinX: 6 million euros for membrane outboard engines
https://www.boatindustry.com/news/41393/finx-6-million-euros-for-membrane-outboard-engines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP8CGKtP3ZQ



2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEoO-wufIDc&t=1s

2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwJntNw0_7U

[john70t]

That is neat. Some designs seem to work well at low speeds and some at faster.
(TBH I wasn't sure quite how those worked lol.)

Vulnerabilities to strikes, weeds, ice, etc are always an issue with any game-changer. Real life challenges.
Someone was playing around with fluid dynamics CAD. I like it.

[Arizona_928]

I guess the caterpillar drive from “The Hunt for Red October’ was real.

[sc_rufctr]

Inspired by the Dyson bladeless fan?

Interesting but how long would that membrane Last?

[john70t]

That flexible membrane pushes against a hard surface of the body on the inner side.
(Freeze/thaw cycles I give it ten years best, even with the quality materials used)

It creates localized pressure (ie losses) there between the surfaces.
Only one way for pressure to escape...

Just like the ICE piston vs head volume with compression ratio..
That design glass is half empty.
Quash it flat. Dome it like a Hemi (not a GM tm). Add big valves. Or a dozen small ones.
It's still the same concept.

Nature works with a pure water flow, cold and solid, and sometimes a circle of warm bubbles when whales circle krill at the surface.

[kach22i]

Flexible membranes are susceptible to fatigue I agree, but the manatees will love you in return.

EDIT:


Find out how our living-inspired motor is assembled in France!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erMz3htUl2k&t=113s

[HobieMarty]

Ever heard of the Mirage Drive that is used on Hobie kayaks and stand up paddle boards? They've been doing it for years!!!

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