Co-rotating multi-row propeller for wide-speed-range vessels
This technology is a new type of marine propeller that arranges multiple rows of blades in a helical spiral pattern around a tapered hub, rather than the conventional single-row flat arrangement. By staggering blades both rotationally and along the shaft axis in this corkscrew pattern, the propeller maintains higher efficiency across a wider range of speeds and loading conditions — particularly when operating away from its ideal design point. Think of it as a propeller that performs well not just at cruise speed, but also during acceleration, heavy load, or variable-throttle conditions. The design is applicable to any rotating marine propulsion shaft and appears to be a geometry-focused mechanical innovation rather than one dependent on exotic materials or electronics.
What you could build
A drop-in propeller geometry for commercial and recreational marine vessels — particularly ferries, workboats, and patrol craft that operate across wide speed ranges — licensed to propeller manufacturers or OEM shipbuilders seeking efficiency gains without drivetrain redesign.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia's Newport News and Norfolk shipbuilding ecosystem, including Huntington Ingalls Industries and naval contractors, would have direct interest in propulsion efficiency improvements for commercial and defense vessels.
Readiness: Concept
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Stefano Brizzolara, Nicholas Alexander Husser
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed January 31, 2025
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20260042523A1
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.