CA2437599A1 - Buoyancy-activated motor - Google Patents
Buoyancy-activated motor Download PDFInfo
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- CA2437599A1 CA2437599A1 CA002437599A CA2437599A CA2437599A1 CA 2437599 A1 CA2437599 A1 CA 2437599A1 CA 002437599 A CA002437599 A CA 002437599A CA 2437599 A CA2437599 A CA 2437599A CA 2437599 A1 CA2437599 A1 CA 2437599A1
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- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- shaft
- generally
- motor
- deformable
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
- F03B17/00—Other machines or engines
- F03B17/02—Other machines or engines using hydrostatic thrust
- F03B17/04—Alleged perpetua mobilia
Abstract
A buoyancy-activated motor (20) includes a plurality of deformable chambers (30) immersed within water (22) that extend generally radially outwardly from a horizontal shaft (24). A structure (28) rollably supports the shaft (24). Each chamber (30) is deformable between expanded and collapsed configurations so as to have a variable buoyancy relative to the water (22).
Each chamber (30) has a center of gravity (31) located at first and second generally radial distances (D, D') from the shaft (24) when in the expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively. The first distance (D) is greater than the second distance (D'). The chambers (30) move generally upwardly and downwardly about the shaft (24) when in the expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, so as to induce rotational movement of the shaft (24). A gas (32), lighter than an equal volume of water (22), is contained within the chambers (30) that are in fluid communication with one another via connecting tubes (34).
The chambers (30) are in their expanded and collapsed configurations during respective upward and downward movement thereof.
Each chamber (30) has a center of gravity (31) located at first and second generally radial distances (D, D') from the shaft (24) when in the expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively. The first distance (D) is greater than the second distance (D'). The chambers (30) move generally upwardly and downwardly about the shaft (24) when in the expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, so as to induce rotational movement of the shaft (24). A gas (32), lighter than an equal volume of water (22), is contained within the chambers (30) that are in fluid communication with one another via connecting tubes (34).
The chambers (30) are in their expanded and collapsed configurations during respective upward and downward movement thereof.
Description
BUOYANCY-ACTIVATED MOTOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of motors, and more particularly to pollution-free motor activated by buoyancy and gravity principles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many devices and apparatuses have been developed in the past to generate power/energy by taking advantage of the gravity force and/or the buoyancy force to produce variable torque and induce rotation of a shaft.
US Patent 5,372,474 granted to Miller on December 13, 1994 discloses an apparatus for gravity assisted rotational motion that includes a plurality of fixed hollow arms rotatably supported on an axle itself supported on a frame. A hollow reservoir is mounted at each outer end of each arm. Each reservoir can be selectively filled or emptied of a heavy flowable material such as water. Depending on the location of a reservoir around the axle, a heavy plate alternatively tangentially closes or opens the reservoir as the device rotates. The transfer of water form one end of each arm to the otller end induces the ratational movement. Due to the fixed position of the arms relative to the axle, important counter torque is induced by the reservoirs and plates being raised.
Furthermore, one cannot control the rotational speed of such an apparatus that remains generally constant, as opposed to vary between a maximum speed and a minimum speed thereof.
PCT international application WO-99/37913 of Scibiorek published on July 29, 1999 discloses an energy turbine for gravifiy assisted rotational motion that includes a plurality of arms rotatably supported on an axle itself supported on a frame. A weight is mounted at each outer end of each arm. Each arm can slide radiafly relative to the axle to vary the radial distance of each weight relative to the axle to generate a resulting torque that induces the rotational motion of the axle. A ratchetllatch mechanism allow for alternately locking the arm in two opposed extreme positions, depending on the location of a weight around the axle. The sliding of each arm induces the rotational movement. Here again, one cannot control the rotational speed of such an apparatus that remains generally According to the present invention, there is provided a buoyancy-activated motor for generating power when immersed in a first fluid medium, the buoyancy-activated motor operatively connectin~~ to a power generator, the buoyancy-activated motor comprises:
- a shaft being at (east partially immersed in the first fluid medium, the shaft being generally horizontally oriented for operative connection to the power generator, the shaft defining a shaft longitudinal axis;
- a structure rollably supporting the shaft;
- deformable chambers being immersed in the first fluid medium, the deformable chambers connecting to and extending generally radially outwardly from the shaft, each of the deformable chambers being deformable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration so as to have a variable buoyancy relative to the first fluid medium, the deformable chamber having a center of gravity~at a first and a second generally radial distance from the shaft when in the expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, the first generally radial distance being generally greater than the second generally radial distance, the deformable chambers moving generally upwardly and downwardly about the shaft when in the expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, whereby the deformable chambers induce rotational movement of the shaft;
- a second fluid medium being contained within the deformable chambers, the second fluid medium being 9ighter than an equal volume of the first fluid medium;
- a chamber connecting means connecting between the deformable chambers so as to place the deformable chambers in fluid communication with one another;
- a chamber deforming means selectively defarmirig the deformable chambers in the expanded and collapsed configuration during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
Typically, the chamber deforming means includes:
- a chamber expansion means selectively deforming the deformable chambers from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration;
- a chamber collapsing means selectively deforming the deformable chambers from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration; and TypicaNy, each of the deformabie chambers defines a chamber first end and a generally radially opposed chamber second end, the chamber deforming means operatively connecting to at least one of the chamber first and second ends so as to selectively displace the chamber first and second ends generally radially away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
Typically, the chamber deforming means includes a guiding rail, the guiding rail being generally fixed relative to the: structure, the guiding rail operatively connecting to at least one of the chamber first and second ends so as to selectively displace the chamber first and second ends generally radially away from and toward one another during upward and downward mavement thereof, respectively.
Typically, the guiding rail is configured . to be variably radially positioned relative to the shaft with a circumferential position of the guiding rail relative to the shaft so as to induce deformation of the deformable chambers in the generally radial direction.
Typically, the guiding rail operatively connecting to at feast one of the chamber first and second ends so as to selectively displace the chamber first and second ends generally radially away from and toward one ancther during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
Typically, one of the chamber first and second ends operatively connects to the guiding rail, the other one of the chamber first and second ends being generally radially fixed about the generally radial direction.
fn one embodiment, the deformable chambers are generally equally radially spaced from the shaft, the deform~:ble chambers being generally equally spaced from one another in a generally circumferential direction.
Typically, each of the deformabie chambers has a generally radially opposed one of the deformable chambers, each of the deformabie chambers and the radially opposed one of the deformable chambers forming a chamber pair such that the deformable chambers form a plurality of the chamber pairs.
Typically, the chamber deforming means includes a connecting rod for each of the chamber pairs, the connecting rod defining generally longitudinally opposed rod first and second ends, the connecting rod being generally radially being in the first and second locked positions when each of the deformable chambers of corresponding the chamber pair is in the expanded configuration, respectively.
Typically, each of the connecting rods includes a weight chamber, the weight chamber being substantially located at equal distance from the rod first and second ends, the weight chamber slidably receiving the weight member therein so as to allow the weight member to longitudinally move relative to the connecting rod, the weight chamber being configured and sized to allow the weight member to freely slide relative to the shaft radially away from corresponding the deformable chamber being in the expanded configuration when the connecting rod passes a substantially horizontal orientation.
Typically, the weight member is rollably mounted within the weight chamber.
Typically, the chamber first ends are generally radially fixed relative to the shaft, and each of the chamber second ends extends generally radially outwardly relative to respective the chamber first end.
In one embodiment, each of the chamber first ends defines a generally cylindricUl-shaped sleeve, the cylindrical-shaped sleeve defining a sleeve axis, a hollowed cylindrical peripheral wall and a longitudinal end wall, the sleeve axis being generally radially oriented relative to the shaft, each of the chamber second ends being a piston slidably mounted within the peripheral wall.
Typically, the peripheral wall extehds generally radially outwardly from corresponding the longitudinal end wall, the piston being in proximity to and away from corresponding the longitudinal end wall when in a first and a second limit position, respectively.
Typically, each of the connecting rods generally extends through the longitudinal end walls of the opposed deformable chambers of corresponding the chamber pair so as to connect to both the pistons of the opposed deformable chambers and allow one of the pistons to be in the first limit position while the other one of the pistons is in the second limit position.
In one embodiment, the shaft is a first shaft, the motor further including a second shaft rollably mounted on the structure, the second shaft being generally vertically spaced from the first sh<~ft, the deformable chambers a first and a second pre-determined angular position relative to the shaft in the expanded and collapsed configuration, respectively, the lock mechanism being actuatable into the unlocked position by corresponding the deformable chamber being in a third and a fourth pre-determined angular position relative to the shaft in the collapsed and expanded configuration, respectively, the third and fourth pre-determined angular positions directly preceding the first and second pre-determined angular positions, respectively, so as to enable corresponding the ;
deformable chamber to deform from the collapsed canfiguration to the expanded configuration and to deform from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, respectively.
In one embodiment, the deformable chambers deform in a generally radial direction relative to the shaft between the expanded and collapsed configurations.
Typically, the chamber expansion means includes a wheel member, the wheel member freely rollably mounting on the structure about a wheel shaft, the wheel shaft being substantially parallel to the shaft, the wheel member selectively engaging the deformable chambers so as to selectively deform the deformable chambers from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.
Typically, the wheel member is a sprocket wheel selectively engaging complementary rollers freely rollably mounted on the deformable chambers, and the sprocket wheel is operatively connected to the shaft so as to selectively actively deform the deformable chambers.
Alternatively, the sprocket wheel is a first sprocket wheel, the wheel shaft being a first wheel shaft, the chamber collapsing means including a second sprocket wheel, the second sprocket wheel freely rollably mounting on the structure about a second wheel shaft, the second wheel shaft being substantially parallel to the shaft, the second sprocket.wheel selectively engaging the rollers of the deformable chambers so as to selectively deform the deformable chambers from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.
In one embodiment, each of the deforrnable chambers defines a chamber first end and a generally opposed chamber second end, the chamber deforming means operatively connecting to at least one of the chamber first and Figure 11 is a sectioned side el~avation view of a buoyancy-activated motor in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing details of the piston-type deformabfe chambers;
Figure 12 is a sectioned side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 11 with an alternate chamber connecting means;
Figure 13 is a sectioned side elevation view of a buoyancy-activated motor in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing a vertically elongated embodiment;
Figure 14 is a sectioned side elevation view of a buoyancy-activated motor in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention, showing different chamber expansion and collapsing means using a wheel member; and Figure 15 is a sectioned side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 14, showing a sprocket wheel as an alternate ~rvheel member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for' indicative purposes and by no means as of limitation.
Throughout the following description, similar reference numerals identify similar components of the different embodiments.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, there is shown a buoyancy-activated motor 20 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The buoyancy-activated motor 20 generates power when it is immersed in a first fluid medium such as water 22 or the like. The motor 20 includes a shaft 24 at feast partially immersed in water 22. The shaft 24 is substantially horizontally oriented and is generally connected to a power generator (not shown) or any machine for operation thereof. The shaft 24 defining a shaft Icngitudinal axis 26 is rolfably supported by a structure 28 or the like. A plurality of deformable chambers 30, immersed in the water 22, connect to and extend generally radially outwardly from the shaft 24. Each deformabie chamber 30 or container is deformable between an expanded or open configuration, shown on Fig. 2, and a collapsed or closed configuration, shown on Fig. 3, in order to have variable buoyancy relative In the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3, the deformable chambers 30 are generally equally radially spaced from the shaft 24, and are generally equally spaced from one another in a generally circurnferential direction ali around the shaft 24. Typically, there is an even number of chambers 30 such that each chamber 30 defines a generally radially opposed chamber 30'; both the chamber 30 and its opposed chamber 30' form a chamber pair.
The deformable chambers 30 of Figs. 1 to 3 deform in a generally axial direction relative to the shaft 24. Each chamber 30 defines a chamber first end 44 and a generally axially opposed chamber second end 46. The chamber deforming means 36 operatively .connects to at least one of, and typically both, the chamber first and second ends 44, 46 to selectively displace the latter generally axially away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement of the chamber 30, respectively. Obviously, the chamber first and second ends 44, 46, represented by gerierally rigid panels hingeably connected to the shaft 24, or its extension 25, are connected to one another via a water seal generally flexible interface 47 in order to allow relative displacement between the two without air leakage.
Typically, the chamber deforming means 36 includes a guiding rail 48 or the like that is generally fixed relative to the structure 28. The guiding rail 48 includes generally axially opposed first and second rail tracks 50, 52 that operatively connect to the chamber first and second ends 44, 46, respectively, to selectively displace the latter generally axially away from and toward-each other during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
Preferably, the first and second rail tracks 50, 52 engage rollers 54 or the like mounted on the chamber first and second ends 44, 46. Both first and second tracks 50, 52, schematically represented in Fig. 1, typically extend ail around the shaft 24 and each one includes a chamber expansion section 56, a chamber collapsing section 58, and chamber configuration holding sections 60 between the chamber expansion and collapsing sections 56, 58. Each track 50, 52 is configured to be variably axially positioned relative to the shaft 24 according to the circumferentiai or angular position of the guiding rail 48 relative to the shaft 24 to induce the deformation of the chambers 30 in the axial direction.
to selectively displace the fatter generally radially away from and 'toward one another during their upward and downward movement, respectively.
More specifically, the chamber first ends 44b are radially fixed relative to the shaft 24 while the chamber second ends 46b.generally move in the 5 radial direction, or extend radially outwardly, relative to the respective chamber first end 44b. Typically, each chamber second end 46b pivotally connects to its respective chamber first end 44b via a chamber deforming pivot 66.
Similarly, it would be obvious to one skilled in the art to have either the chamber first ends 44b radially moving relative to the shaft 24 and the 10 chamber second ends 46b radially fixed thereto or both chamber first and second ends 44b, 46b radially moving relative to the shaft 24 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The deformable chambers 30b are generally equally spaced around the shaft 24 and each one of them has a generally diametrically opposed one 15 30b', both forming a chamber pair.
The chamber deforming means ~~6 includes a guiding rail 48b generally fixed relative to the structure 28. The guiding rail 48b is configured to be variably radially positioned relative to the shaft 24 with its circumferential position about the shaft 24 so as to selectively induce deformation of the 20 deformable chambers 30b in the radial direction.
The guiding rail 48b typically extends all around the shaft 24 and includes a chamber expansion section 56b adjacent the lowermost section thereof, a chamber collapsing section 58b adjacent the uppermost section thereof, and chamber configuration holding sections 60b between the chamber 25 expansion and collapsing sections 56b, 58b. The chamber configuration holding sections 60b maintain the deformable chambers 30b in either the collapsed or the expanded configuration. Preferably, the guiding rail 48b engages rollers 54b or the like mounted on the chamber second ends 46b, the rollers 54b rolling freely about there respective axis generally parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis 26.
30 The chamber connecting means 34 typically includes a connecting tubing 68 or the like connected to both deformable chambers 30b, 30b' of each pair. The connecting tubing 68 typically allows the air 32 to freely flow between the two deformable chambers 30b, 30b'.
collapsed configuration when in an unlocked position. The lock mechanism 76 mounts between the chamber first and second ends 44c, 46c. Typically, a lock 78 itself mounts on the connecting rod 70, fixed relative to the chamber second end 46c with its complementary part 78' fixed relative to the corresponding chamber first end 44c, while a lock latching component 80 mounts on the structure 28, radially fixed relative to the chamber first end 44c.
The lock latching component 80 preferably includes a small rail, located at a first pre-determined angular position P1 about the shaft longitudinal axis 26 (from any reference angle such as the downward direction), forcing the lock 78 to reach its Locked position and its complementary part 78' by helping the weight member 74.
A lock unlatching component 82, located at a second pre-determined angular position P2 about the shaft longitudinal axis 26, forces the lock 78 to unlock from its complementary part 78' into its unlocked position and allow the weight member 74 to displace the connecting rod 70 accordingly, under gravity.
A lock 78 mounted on each rod first and second end 72, 72' is activated by the lock latching component 80 mounted on the structure 28 at the first pre-angular position P1 adjacent the lowermost position of the deformable chambers 30c, just before its upward movement relative to the shaft 24, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.
The lock unlatching component 82 is located on the structure 28 at the second pre-determined angular position P2 adjacent the uppermost position of the deformable chambers 30c. The second pre-determined angular position P2 is substantially diametrically opposed to the first pre-determined angular position P1 such that the Pock 78 of one of the deformable chamber 30c' is unlatched from its complementary part 78' to be in its unlocked position and allow the connecting rod 70 to slide radially dewnwardly with the weight member 74 to collapse the deformable chamber 30c' and simultaneously expand the opposed corresponding deformable chamber 30c, as illustrated by arrow A in Fig. 9.
When the latter reaches is expanded configuration, the opposed lock 78 is latched to its complementary part 78' in its locked position by the lock latching component 80.
The chamber expansion and collapsing sections 56d, 58d operatively connect to the respective chamber rollers 54d and could be used as a backup to the lock mechanism 76 activated by the weight members 74.
Now referring.to Fig. 11, there is shown a buoyancy-activated motor 20e in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
As opposed to the above described embodiments 20, 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d wherein each chamber second end 46 pivotally connects to its respective chamber first end 44 via a chamber deforming pivot 66, each chamber second end 46e slidably moves relative to its respective chamber first end 44e in a generally radial direction relative to the shaft 24. Each chamber second end 46e moves between first and second limit positions corresponding to the expanded and collapsed configurations of the deformable chamber 30e, respectively.
Typically, each chamber first end 44e, fixed relative to the shaft 24 although not specifically illustrated in Fig. 11, defines a generally cylindrical-shaped sleeve 90. The cylindrical-shaped sleeves 90 defines a sleeve axis 92, a hollowed cylindrical peripheral wall 94 and a longitudinal end wall 96. The sleeve axis 92 is generally radially oriented relative to the shaft 24. Each chamber second end 46e is a piston 98 slidably mounted within the corresponding peripheral wall 94.
Each peripheral wal! 94 extends generally radiaily outwardly from the corresponding longitudinal end wall 96 such that the piston 98 is in proximity to and away from the corresponding end wall 96 when in a first and a second limit position, respectively.
Typically, each connecting rod 70e generally extends through the end walls 96 of the opposed deformable chambers 30e of the corresponding chamber pair so as to connect to both pistons 98 thereof and allow one of the pistons 98 to be in the first limit position while the other one is in the second limit position.
A connecting tubing 68e connects to both opposed deformable chambers 30e of each chamber pair, typically through the end walls 96, to allow fluid communication between the two deformable chambers 30e.
respectively; the first horizontal distance Dh being generally greater than the second horizontal distance Dh'. The deformable chambers 30f have their center of gravity 31 being "radially" horizontally displac~sd relative to the vertical plane including the shaft longitudinal axes 26, 26' between their expanded and collapsed configurations such that the respective torque applied to the first and second shafts 24, 24' varies to improve the povver induced by the deformable chambers 30f and increase the overall efficiency of the motor 20f.
Accordingly, the center of gravity 31 of each deformable weight 30f is horizontally (about the first and second shafts 24, 24' for torque purpose) further away from the vertical plane during its upward movement when it induces a generally positive torque than it is during its opposed downward movement when it induces a generally negative torque.
The chamber configuration holding means 42 includes a lock mechanism 76f to maintain the deforrnable chambers 30f in both the expanded and collapsed configurations when in a first and a second locked position respectively during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively. The lock mechanism 76f includes a lock 78f mounted between corresponding chamber first and second ends 44f, 46f, and first and second lock latching components 80f, 80f mounted on the structure 28 and corresponding first and second lock unlatching components 82f, 82f' also mounted on the structure 28.
When in the unlocked position, the lock mechanism 76f allows the deformable chambers 30f to deform from one of the expanded and collapsed configurations to the other.
Each lock 78f is actuatable into the first and second locked positions by the first and second lock latching components 80f, 80f positioned at a first and a second pre-determined angular position P1, P1' relative to the first shaft 24, respectively, when the deformable chambers 30f reach their expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively. In a similar manner, the lock 78f mechanism is actuatable into the unlocked position by the corresponding first and second lock unlatching components 82f, 82f positioned at a third and a fourth pre-determined angular position P2, P2' relative to the first shaft 24, respectively, when the deformable chambers 30f are in their collapsed and expanded configurations, respectively. The third and fourth pre-determined angular Furthermore, instead of the chamber connecting rods 70, the chamber expansion section 56g of the chamber deforming means 36 includes a chamber deforming wheel member 102. The wheel member 102 is mounted on a wheel shaft 104 itself roilably mounted on the ;>tructure 28; the wheel shaft 104 5 being generally parallel to the first shaft 24. The wheel member 102 selectively and operatively engagds the deformable chambers 30g such that it selectively deforms the deformabie chambers 3Og from their collapsed configuration to their expanded configuration. Preferably, the wheel shaft 104 is operatively driven by the first shaft 24 using a wheel chain 106 or the like, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 14.
Similarly, the chamber collapsing section 58g of the chamber deforming means 36 includes a second chamber deforming wheel member 102' mounted on a second wheel shaft 104' itself rollably mounted on the structure 28.
The seconr~ wheel shaft 104', generally parallel to the second second shaft 24', is 15 typically operatively driven by the second shaft 24' using a second wheel chain 106' or the like via a sprocket gear 108, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 14.
The second wheel member 102' selectively and operatively engages the deformable chambers 30g such that it selectively deforms the deformable chambers 30g from their expanded configuration to their collapsed configuration.
Similarly, it would be obvious to one skilled in the art that the wheel members 102, 102 could be driven by external motors {not shown) without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Now referring to Fig. 15, there is shown alternate wheel members that are sprocket wheels 1028, 102g' with corresponding wheel teeth 110, 110' to 25 selectively engage the complementary rollers 54g freely rollably mounted on the chamber second ends 46g; the chamber first ends 44g .remaining fixed relative to the driving belt 100.
The rotational speed of the motor 20 to 20g can be controlled by varying the air pressure level inside the deformable chambers 30 andlor the water level inside the structure 28 such that the deformable chambers 30 at least partially come out of the water 22 when reaching i:he upper region of their travel path around the shafts) 24.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of motors, and more particularly to pollution-free motor activated by buoyancy and gravity principles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many devices and apparatuses have been developed in the past to generate power/energy by taking advantage of the gravity force and/or the buoyancy force to produce variable torque and induce rotation of a shaft.
US Patent 5,372,474 granted to Miller on December 13, 1994 discloses an apparatus for gravity assisted rotational motion that includes a plurality of fixed hollow arms rotatably supported on an axle itself supported on a frame. A hollow reservoir is mounted at each outer end of each arm. Each reservoir can be selectively filled or emptied of a heavy flowable material such as water. Depending on the location of a reservoir around the axle, a heavy plate alternatively tangentially closes or opens the reservoir as the device rotates. The transfer of water form one end of each arm to the otller end induces the ratational movement. Due to the fixed position of the arms relative to the axle, important counter torque is induced by the reservoirs and plates being raised.
Furthermore, one cannot control the rotational speed of such an apparatus that remains generally constant, as opposed to vary between a maximum speed and a minimum speed thereof.
PCT international application WO-99/37913 of Scibiorek published on July 29, 1999 discloses an energy turbine for gravifiy assisted rotational motion that includes a plurality of arms rotatably supported on an axle itself supported on a frame. A weight is mounted at each outer end of each arm. Each arm can slide radiafly relative to the axle to vary the radial distance of each weight relative to the axle to generate a resulting torque that induces the rotational motion of the axle. A ratchetllatch mechanism allow for alternately locking the arm in two opposed extreme positions, depending on the location of a weight around the axle. The sliding of each arm induces the rotational movement. Here again, one cannot control the rotational speed of such an apparatus that remains generally According to the present invention, there is provided a buoyancy-activated motor for generating power when immersed in a first fluid medium, the buoyancy-activated motor operatively connectin~~ to a power generator, the buoyancy-activated motor comprises:
- a shaft being at (east partially immersed in the first fluid medium, the shaft being generally horizontally oriented for operative connection to the power generator, the shaft defining a shaft longitudinal axis;
- a structure rollably supporting the shaft;
- deformable chambers being immersed in the first fluid medium, the deformable chambers connecting to and extending generally radially outwardly from the shaft, each of the deformable chambers being deformable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration so as to have a variable buoyancy relative to the first fluid medium, the deformable chamber having a center of gravity~at a first and a second generally radial distance from the shaft when in the expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, the first generally radial distance being generally greater than the second generally radial distance, the deformable chambers moving generally upwardly and downwardly about the shaft when in the expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, whereby the deformable chambers induce rotational movement of the shaft;
- a second fluid medium being contained within the deformable chambers, the second fluid medium being 9ighter than an equal volume of the first fluid medium;
- a chamber connecting means connecting between the deformable chambers so as to place the deformable chambers in fluid communication with one another;
- a chamber deforming means selectively defarmirig the deformable chambers in the expanded and collapsed configuration during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
Typically, the chamber deforming means includes:
- a chamber expansion means selectively deforming the deformable chambers from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration;
- a chamber collapsing means selectively deforming the deformable chambers from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration; and TypicaNy, each of the deformabie chambers defines a chamber first end and a generally radially opposed chamber second end, the chamber deforming means operatively connecting to at least one of the chamber first and second ends so as to selectively displace the chamber first and second ends generally radially away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
Typically, the chamber deforming means includes a guiding rail, the guiding rail being generally fixed relative to the: structure, the guiding rail operatively connecting to at least one of the chamber first and second ends so as to selectively displace the chamber first and second ends generally radially away from and toward one another during upward and downward mavement thereof, respectively.
Typically, the guiding rail is configured . to be variably radially positioned relative to the shaft with a circumferential position of the guiding rail relative to the shaft so as to induce deformation of the deformable chambers in the generally radial direction.
Typically, the guiding rail operatively connecting to at feast one of the chamber first and second ends so as to selectively displace the chamber first and second ends generally radially away from and toward one ancther during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
Typically, one of the chamber first and second ends operatively connects to the guiding rail, the other one of the chamber first and second ends being generally radially fixed about the generally radial direction.
fn one embodiment, the deformable chambers are generally equally radially spaced from the shaft, the deform~:ble chambers being generally equally spaced from one another in a generally circumferential direction.
Typically, each of the deformabie chambers has a generally radially opposed one of the deformable chambers, each of the deformabie chambers and the radially opposed one of the deformable chambers forming a chamber pair such that the deformable chambers form a plurality of the chamber pairs.
Typically, the chamber deforming means includes a connecting rod for each of the chamber pairs, the connecting rod defining generally longitudinally opposed rod first and second ends, the connecting rod being generally radially being in the first and second locked positions when each of the deformable chambers of corresponding the chamber pair is in the expanded configuration, respectively.
Typically, each of the connecting rods includes a weight chamber, the weight chamber being substantially located at equal distance from the rod first and second ends, the weight chamber slidably receiving the weight member therein so as to allow the weight member to longitudinally move relative to the connecting rod, the weight chamber being configured and sized to allow the weight member to freely slide relative to the shaft radially away from corresponding the deformable chamber being in the expanded configuration when the connecting rod passes a substantially horizontal orientation.
Typically, the weight member is rollably mounted within the weight chamber.
Typically, the chamber first ends are generally radially fixed relative to the shaft, and each of the chamber second ends extends generally radially outwardly relative to respective the chamber first end.
In one embodiment, each of the chamber first ends defines a generally cylindricUl-shaped sleeve, the cylindrical-shaped sleeve defining a sleeve axis, a hollowed cylindrical peripheral wall and a longitudinal end wall, the sleeve axis being generally radially oriented relative to the shaft, each of the chamber second ends being a piston slidably mounted within the peripheral wall.
Typically, the peripheral wall extehds generally radially outwardly from corresponding the longitudinal end wall, the piston being in proximity to and away from corresponding the longitudinal end wall when in a first and a second limit position, respectively.
Typically, each of the connecting rods generally extends through the longitudinal end walls of the opposed deformable chambers of corresponding the chamber pair so as to connect to both the pistons of the opposed deformable chambers and allow one of the pistons to be in the first limit position while the other one of the pistons is in the second limit position.
In one embodiment, the shaft is a first shaft, the motor further including a second shaft rollably mounted on the structure, the second shaft being generally vertically spaced from the first sh<~ft, the deformable chambers a first and a second pre-determined angular position relative to the shaft in the expanded and collapsed configuration, respectively, the lock mechanism being actuatable into the unlocked position by corresponding the deformable chamber being in a third and a fourth pre-determined angular position relative to the shaft in the collapsed and expanded configuration, respectively, the third and fourth pre-determined angular positions directly preceding the first and second pre-determined angular positions, respectively, so as to enable corresponding the ;
deformable chamber to deform from the collapsed canfiguration to the expanded configuration and to deform from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration, respectively.
In one embodiment, the deformable chambers deform in a generally radial direction relative to the shaft between the expanded and collapsed configurations.
Typically, the chamber expansion means includes a wheel member, the wheel member freely rollably mounting on the structure about a wheel shaft, the wheel shaft being substantially parallel to the shaft, the wheel member selectively engaging the deformable chambers so as to selectively deform the deformable chambers from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.
Typically, the wheel member is a sprocket wheel selectively engaging complementary rollers freely rollably mounted on the deformable chambers, and the sprocket wheel is operatively connected to the shaft so as to selectively actively deform the deformable chambers.
Alternatively, the sprocket wheel is a first sprocket wheel, the wheel shaft being a first wheel shaft, the chamber collapsing means including a second sprocket wheel, the second sprocket wheel freely rollably mounting on the structure about a second wheel shaft, the second wheel shaft being substantially parallel to the shaft, the second sprocket.wheel selectively engaging the rollers of the deformable chambers so as to selectively deform the deformable chambers from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.
In one embodiment, each of the deforrnable chambers defines a chamber first end and a generally opposed chamber second end, the chamber deforming means operatively connecting to at least one of the chamber first and Figure 11 is a sectioned side el~avation view of a buoyancy-activated motor in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing details of the piston-type deformabfe chambers;
Figure 12 is a sectioned side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 11 with an alternate chamber connecting means;
Figure 13 is a sectioned side elevation view of a buoyancy-activated motor in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention, showing a vertically elongated embodiment;
Figure 14 is a sectioned side elevation view of a buoyancy-activated motor in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention, showing different chamber expansion and collapsing means using a wheel member; and Figure 15 is a sectioned side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 14, showing a sprocket wheel as an alternate ~rvheel member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for' indicative purposes and by no means as of limitation.
Throughout the following description, similar reference numerals identify similar components of the different embodiments.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, there is shown a buoyancy-activated motor 20 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The buoyancy-activated motor 20 generates power when it is immersed in a first fluid medium such as water 22 or the like. The motor 20 includes a shaft 24 at feast partially immersed in water 22. The shaft 24 is substantially horizontally oriented and is generally connected to a power generator (not shown) or any machine for operation thereof. The shaft 24 defining a shaft Icngitudinal axis 26 is rolfably supported by a structure 28 or the like. A plurality of deformable chambers 30, immersed in the water 22, connect to and extend generally radially outwardly from the shaft 24. Each deformabie chamber 30 or container is deformable between an expanded or open configuration, shown on Fig. 2, and a collapsed or closed configuration, shown on Fig. 3, in order to have variable buoyancy relative In the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 3, the deformable chambers 30 are generally equally radially spaced from the shaft 24, and are generally equally spaced from one another in a generally circurnferential direction ali around the shaft 24. Typically, there is an even number of chambers 30 such that each chamber 30 defines a generally radially opposed chamber 30'; both the chamber 30 and its opposed chamber 30' form a chamber pair.
The deformable chambers 30 of Figs. 1 to 3 deform in a generally axial direction relative to the shaft 24. Each chamber 30 defines a chamber first end 44 and a generally axially opposed chamber second end 46. The chamber deforming means 36 operatively .connects to at least one of, and typically both, the chamber first and second ends 44, 46 to selectively displace the latter generally axially away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement of the chamber 30, respectively. Obviously, the chamber first and second ends 44, 46, represented by gerierally rigid panels hingeably connected to the shaft 24, or its extension 25, are connected to one another via a water seal generally flexible interface 47 in order to allow relative displacement between the two without air leakage.
Typically, the chamber deforming means 36 includes a guiding rail 48 or the like that is generally fixed relative to the structure 28. The guiding rail 48 includes generally axially opposed first and second rail tracks 50, 52 that operatively connect to the chamber first and second ends 44, 46, respectively, to selectively displace the latter generally axially away from and toward-each other during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
Preferably, the first and second rail tracks 50, 52 engage rollers 54 or the like mounted on the chamber first and second ends 44, 46. Both first and second tracks 50, 52, schematically represented in Fig. 1, typically extend ail around the shaft 24 and each one includes a chamber expansion section 56, a chamber collapsing section 58, and chamber configuration holding sections 60 between the chamber expansion and collapsing sections 56, 58. Each track 50, 52 is configured to be variably axially positioned relative to the shaft 24 according to the circumferentiai or angular position of the guiding rail 48 relative to the shaft 24 to induce the deformation of the chambers 30 in the axial direction.
to selectively displace the fatter generally radially away from and 'toward one another during their upward and downward movement, respectively.
More specifically, the chamber first ends 44b are radially fixed relative to the shaft 24 while the chamber second ends 46b.generally move in the 5 radial direction, or extend radially outwardly, relative to the respective chamber first end 44b. Typically, each chamber second end 46b pivotally connects to its respective chamber first end 44b via a chamber deforming pivot 66.
Similarly, it would be obvious to one skilled in the art to have either the chamber first ends 44b radially moving relative to the shaft 24 and the 10 chamber second ends 46b radially fixed thereto or both chamber first and second ends 44b, 46b radially moving relative to the shaft 24 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The deformable chambers 30b are generally equally spaced around the shaft 24 and each one of them has a generally diametrically opposed one 15 30b', both forming a chamber pair.
The chamber deforming means ~~6 includes a guiding rail 48b generally fixed relative to the structure 28. The guiding rail 48b is configured to be variably radially positioned relative to the shaft 24 with its circumferential position about the shaft 24 so as to selectively induce deformation of the 20 deformable chambers 30b in the radial direction.
The guiding rail 48b typically extends all around the shaft 24 and includes a chamber expansion section 56b adjacent the lowermost section thereof, a chamber collapsing section 58b adjacent the uppermost section thereof, and chamber configuration holding sections 60b between the chamber 25 expansion and collapsing sections 56b, 58b. The chamber configuration holding sections 60b maintain the deformable chambers 30b in either the collapsed or the expanded configuration. Preferably, the guiding rail 48b engages rollers 54b or the like mounted on the chamber second ends 46b, the rollers 54b rolling freely about there respective axis generally parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis 26.
30 The chamber connecting means 34 typically includes a connecting tubing 68 or the like connected to both deformable chambers 30b, 30b' of each pair. The connecting tubing 68 typically allows the air 32 to freely flow between the two deformable chambers 30b, 30b'.
collapsed configuration when in an unlocked position. The lock mechanism 76 mounts between the chamber first and second ends 44c, 46c. Typically, a lock 78 itself mounts on the connecting rod 70, fixed relative to the chamber second end 46c with its complementary part 78' fixed relative to the corresponding chamber first end 44c, while a lock latching component 80 mounts on the structure 28, radially fixed relative to the chamber first end 44c.
The lock latching component 80 preferably includes a small rail, located at a first pre-determined angular position P1 about the shaft longitudinal axis 26 (from any reference angle such as the downward direction), forcing the lock 78 to reach its Locked position and its complementary part 78' by helping the weight member 74.
A lock unlatching component 82, located at a second pre-determined angular position P2 about the shaft longitudinal axis 26, forces the lock 78 to unlock from its complementary part 78' into its unlocked position and allow the weight member 74 to displace the connecting rod 70 accordingly, under gravity.
A lock 78 mounted on each rod first and second end 72, 72' is activated by the lock latching component 80 mounted on the structure 28 at the first pre-angular position P1 adjacent the lowermost position of the deformable chambers 30c, just before its upward movement relative to the shaft 24, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9.
The lock unlatching component 82 is located on the structure 28 at the second pre-determined angular position P2 adjacent the uppermost position of the deformable chambers 30c. The second pre-determined angular position P2 is substantially diametrically opposed to the first pre-determined angular position P1 such that the Pock 78 of one of the deformable chamber 30c' is unlatched from its complementary part 78' to be in its unlocked position and allow the connecting rod 70 to slide radially dewnwardly with the weight member 74 to collapse the deformable chamber 30c' and simultaneously expand the opposed corresponding deformable chamber 30c, as illustrated by arrow A in Fig. 9.
When the latter reaches is expanded configuration, the opposed lock 78 is latched to its complementary part 78' in its locked position by the lock latching component 80.
The chamber expansion and collapsing sections 56d, 58d operatively connect to the respective chamber rollers 54d and could be used as a backup to the lock mechanism 76 activated by the weight members 74.
Now referring.to Fig. 11, there is shown a buoyancy-activated motor 20e in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
As opposed to the above described embodiments 20, 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d wherein each chamber second end 46 pivotally connects to its respective chamber first end 44 via a chamber deforming pivot 66, each chamber second end 46e slidably moves relative to its respective chamber first end 44e in a generally radial direction relative to the shaft 24. Each chamber second end 46e moves between first and second limit positions corresponding to the expanded and collapsed configurations of the deformable chamber 30e, respectively.
Typically, each chamber first end 44e, fixed relative to the shaft 24 although not specifically illustrated in Fig. 11, defines a generally cylindrical-shaped sleeve 90. The cylindrical-shaped sleeves 90 defines a sleeve axis 92, a hollowed cylindrical peripheral wall 94 and a longitudinal end wall 96. The sleeve axis 92 is generally radially oriented relative to the shaft 24. Each chamber second end 46e is a piston 98 slidably mounted within the corresponding peripheral wall 94.
Each peripheral wal! 94 extends generally radiaily outwardly from the corresponding longitudinal end wall 96 such that the piston 98 is in proximity to and away from the corresponding end wall 96 when in a first and a second limit position, respectively.
Typically, each connecting rod 70e generally extends through the end walls 96 of the opposed deformable chambers 30e of the corresponding chamber pair so as to connect to both pistons 98 thereof and allow one of the pistons 98 to be in the first limit position while the other one is in the second limit position.
A connecting tubing 68e connects to both opposed deformable chambers 30e of each chamber pair, typically through the end walls 96, to allow fluid communication between the two deformable chambers 30e.
respectively; the first horizontal distance Dh being generally greater than the second horizontal distance Dh'. The deformable chambers 30f have their center of gravity 31 being "radially" horizontally displac~sd relative to the vertical plane including the shaft longitudinal axes 26, 26' between their expanded and collapsed configurations such that the respective torque applied to the first and second shafts 24, 24' varies to improve the povver induced by the deformable chambers 30f and increase the overall efficiency of the motor 20f.
Accordingly, the center of gravity 31 of each deformable weight 30f is horizontally (about the first and second shafts 24, 24' for torque purpose) further away from the vertical plane during its upward movement when it induces a generally positive torque than it is during its opposed downward movement when it induces a generally negative torque.
The chamber configuration holding means 42 includes a lock mechanism 76f to maintain the deforrnable chambers 30f in both the expanded and collapsed configurations when in a first and a second locked position respectively during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively. The lock mechanism 76f includes a lock 78f mounted between corresponding chamber first and second ends 44f, 46f, and first and second lock latching components 80f, 80f mounted on the structure 28 and corresponding first and second lock unlatching components 82f, 82f' also mounted on the structure 28.
When in the unlocked position, the lock mechanism 76f allows the deformable chambers 30f to deform from one of the expanded and collapsed configurations to the other.
Each lock 78f is actuatable into the first and second locked positions by the first and second lock latching components 80f, 80f positioned at a first and a second pre-determined angular position P1, P1' relative to the first shaft 24, respectively, when the deformable chambers 30f reach their expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively. In a similar manner, the lock 78f mechanism is actuatable into the unlocked position by the corresponding first and second lock unlatching components 82f, 82f positioned at a third and a fourth pre-determined angular position P2, P2' relative to the first shaft 24, respectively, when the deformable chambers 30f are in their collapsed and expanded configurations, respectively. The third and fourth pre-determined angular Furthermore, instead of the chamber connecting rods 70, the chamber expansion section 56g of the chamber deforming means 36 includes a chamber deforming wheel member 102. The wheel member 102 is mounted on a wheel shaft 104 itself roilably mounted on the ;>tructure 28; the wheel shaft 104 5 being generally parallel to the first shaft 24. The wheel member 102 selectively and operatively engagds the deformable chambers 30g such that it selectively deforms the deformabie chambers 3Og from their collapsed configuration to their expanded configuration. Preferably, the wheel shaft 104 is operatively driven by the first shaft 24 using a wheel chain 106 or the like, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 14.
Similarly, the chamber collapsing section 58g of the chamber deforming means 36 includes a second chamber deforming wheel member 102' mounted on a second wheel shaft 104' itself rollably mounted on the structure 28.
The seconr~ wheel shaft 104', generally parallel to the second second shaft 24', is 15 typically operatively driven by the second shaft 24' using a second wheel chain 106' or the like via a sprocket gear 108, as shown in dashed lines in Fig. 14.
The second wheel member 102' selectively and operatively engages the deformable chambers 30g such that it selectively deforms the deformable chambers 30g from their expanded configuration to their collapsed configuration.
Similarly, it would be obvious to one skilled in the art that the wheel members 102, 102 could be driven by external motors {not shown) without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Now referring to Fig. 15, there is shown alternate wheel members that are sprocket wheels 1028, 102g' with corresponding wheel teeth 110, 110' to 25 selectively engage the complementary rollers 54g freely rollably mounted on the chamber second ends 46g; the chamber first ends 44g .remaining fixed relative to the driving belt 100.
The rotational speed of the motor 20 to 20g can be controlled by varying the air pressure level inside the deformable chambers 30 andlor the water level inside the structure 28 such that the deformable chambers 30 at least partially come out of the water 22 when reaching i:he upper region of their travel path around the shafts) 24.
Claims
1. A buoyancy-activated motor (20) for generating power when immersed in a first fluid medium (22), said buoyancy-activated motor (20) operatively connecting to a power generator, said buoyancy-activated motor (20) comprising:
- a shaft (24) being at least partially immersed in said first fluid medium (22), said shaft (24) being generally horizontally oriented for operative connection to the power generator, said shaft (24) defining a shaft longitudinal axis (26);
- a structure (28) rollably supporting said shaft (24);
- deformable chambers (30) being immersed in said first fluid medium (22), said deformable chambers (30) connecting to and extending generally radially outwardly from said shaft (24), each of said deformable chambers (30) being deformable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration so as to have a variable buoyancy relative to said first fluid medium (22), said deformable chamber (30) having a center of gravity (31) at a first and a second generally radial distance (D) from said shaft (D') when in said expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, said first generally radial distance (D)-being generally greater than said second generally radial distance (D'), said deformable chambers (30) moving generally upwardly and downwardly about said shaft (24) when in said expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, whereby said deformable chambers (30) induce rotational movement of said shaft (24);
- a second fluid medium (32) being contained within said deformable chambers (30), said second fluid medium (32) being lighter than an equal volume of said first fluid medium (22); ~
- a chamber connecting means (34) connecting between said deformable chambers (30) so as to place said deformable chambers (30) in fluid communication with one another;
- a chamber deforming means (36) selectively deforming said deformable chambers (30) in said expanded and collapsed configuration during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
7. The motor (20) of claim 6, wherein one of said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) operatively connects to said guiding rail (48), the other one of said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) being generally axially fixed about said generally axial direction.
8. The motor (20) of claim 6, wherein said guiding rail (48) includes generally axially opposed first and second rail tracks (50, 52), said first and second rail tracks (50, 52) operatively connecting to said chamber first and second ends (44, 46), respectively, so as to selectively displace said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) generally axially away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
9. The motor (20) of claim 8, wherein guiding rail (48) defines a guiding plane generally perpendicular to said shaft (24), said first and second rail tracks (50, 52) being on either side of said guiding plane, said second rail track (52) being substantially a mirror image of said first rail track (50) about said guiding plane.
10. The motor (20) of claim 1, wherein said deformable chambers (30) deform in a generally radial direction relative to said shaft (24) between said expanded and collapsed configurations.
11. The motor (20) of claim 10, wherein each of said deformable chambers (30) defines a chamber first end (44) and a generally radially opposed chamber second end (46), said chamber deforming means (36) operatively connecting to at least one of said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) so as to selectively displace said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) generally radially away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
opposed one of said deformable chambers (30') forming a chamber pair such that said deformable chambers (30, 30') form a plurality of said chamber pairs.
18. The motor (20) of claim 17, wherein said chamber deforming means (36) includes a connecting rod (70) for each of said chamber pairs, said connecting rod (70) defining generally longitudinally opposed rod first and second ends (72, 72'), said connecting rod (70) being generally radially oriented relative to said shaft (24), said connecting rod (70) connecting to both said deformable chambers (30, 30') of each one of said chamber pairs so as to allow one of said deformable chambers (30') to be in said collapsed configuration while the other of said deformable chambers (30) is in said expanded configuration and to allow said deformable chambers (30, 30') to deform generally simultaneously.
19. The motor (20) of claim 18, wherein said rod first and second ends (72, 72') connect to said chamber second end (46) of respective said deformable chambers (30, 30').
20. The motor (20) of claim 19, wherein each of said connecting rods (70) includes a weight member (74), said weight member (74) displacing generally radially said connecting rod (70) under gravity so as to simultaneously displace said chamber second end (46) of one of said deformable chambers (30) of each of said chamber pairs away from said corresponding chamber first end (44) and displace said chamber second end (46) of the other one of said deformable chambers (30') of each of said chamber pairs toward said corresponding chamber first end (44).
21. The motor (20) of claim 20, wherein each of said weight members (74) is substantially located at equal distance from said rod first and second ends (72, 72') so as to reduce impact of said weight member (74) on said rotational movement of said shaft (24).
22. The motor (20) of claim 21, wherein said chamber deforming means (36) further includes a lock mechanism (76) for maintaining said 26. The motor (20) of claim 25, wherein said weight member (74) is rollably mounted within said weight chamber (84).
27. The motor (20) of claim 26, wherein said chamber first ends (44) are generally radially fixed relative to said shaft (24).
28. The motor (20) of claim 27, wherein each of said chamber second ends (46) extends generally radially outwardly relative to respective said chamber first end (44).
29. The motor (20) of claim 1, wherein said shaft is a first shaft (24), said motor (20) further including a second shaft (24') rollably mounted on said structure (28), said second shaft (24') being generally vertically spaced from said first shaft (24), said deformable chambers (30) connecting to and extending generally radially outwardly from said first and second shafts (24, 24').
30. The motor (20) of claim 29, wherein said first and second generally radial distances (D, D') from said first and second shafts (24, 24') are respective first and second generally horizontal distances (Dh, Dh') from said first and second shafts (24, 24'), said first generally horizontal distance (Dh) being generally greater than said second generally horizontal distance (Dh').
31. The motor (20) of claim 30, further including a driving belt (100) operatively connected to said first and second shafts (24, 24'), said driving belt (100) supporting said deformable chambers (30).
32. The motor (20) of claim 31, wherein said driving belt (100) operatively meshes with said first and second shafts (24, 24').
33. The motor (20) of claim 31, wherein said deformable chambers (30) are generally equally spaced from one another along said driving belt (100).
an unlocked position, said lock mechanism (76) mounting on said deformable chambers (30) and operatively connecting to said structure (28).
40. The motor (20) of claim 39, wherein said lock mechanism (76) is actuatable into said locked position by corresponding said deformable chamber (30) being in a first pre-determined angular position (P1) relative to said shaft (24) in said one of said expanded and collapsed configurations, said lock mechanism (76) being actuatable into said unlocked position by corresponding said deformable chamber (30} being in a second pre-determined angular position (P2) relative to said shaft (24) in the other one of said expanded and collapsed configurations.
41. The motor (20) of claim 39, wherein said lock mechanism (76) is actuatable into a first and a second locked position by corresponding said deformable chamber (30) being in a first and a second pre-determined angular position (P1, P1') relative to said shaft (24) in said expanded and collapsed configuration, respectively, said lock mechanism (76) being actuatable into said unlocked position by corresponding said deformable chamber (30) being in a third and a fourth pre-determined angular position (P2, P2') relative to said shaft (24) in said collapsed and expanded configuration, respectively, said third and fourth pre-determined angular positions (P2, P2') directly preceding said first and second pre-determined angular positions (P1, P1'), respectively, so as to enable corresponding said deformable chamber (30) to deform from said collapsed configuration to said expanded configuration and to deform from said expanded configuration to said collapsed configuration, respectively.
42. The motor (20) of claim 2, wherein said deformable chambers (30) deform in a generally radial direction relative to said shaft (24) between said expanded and collapsed configurations.
43. The motor (20) of claim 42, wherein said chamber expansion means (38) includes a wheel member (102), said wheel member (102) freely rollably mounting on said structure (28) about a wheel shaft (104), said wheel wall (94) and a longitudinal end wall (96), said sleeve axis (92) being generally radially oriented relative to said shaft (24), each of said chamber second ends (46) being a piston (98) slidably mounted within said peripheral wall (94).
49. The motor (20) of claim 48, wherein said peripheral wall (94) extends generally radially outwardly from corresponding said longitudinal end wall (96), said piston (98) being in proximity to and away from corresponding said longitudinal end wall (96) when in a first and a second limit position, respectively.
50. The motor (20) of claim 49, wherein said each of said connecting rods (70) generally extends through said longitudinal end walls (96) of said opposed deformable chambers (30, 30') of corresponding said chamber pair so as to connect to both said pistons (98) of said opposed deformable chambers (30, 30') and allow one of said pistons (98) to be in said first limit position while the other one of said pistons (98) is in said second limit position.
51. The motor (20) of claim 50, wherein said each of said connecting rods (70) is generally hollowed so as to be said chamber connecting means (34), each of said connecting rods (70) allowing fluid communication between said opposed deformable chambers (30, 30') of each said chamber pairs.
52. The motor (20) of claim 1, wherein each of said deformable chambers (30) defines a chamber first end (44) and a generally opposed chamber second end (46), said chamber deforming means (36) operatively connecting to at least one of said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) so as to selectively displace said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) generally away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
53. The motor (20) of claim 52, wherein each of said chamber first ends (44) is pivotally connected to respective said chamber second end (46).
A displacement of connecting rod B displacement of weight member D,D' radial distance between 31 and 24 Dh,Dh' horizontal distance between 31 and vertical plane H horizontal orientation P1,P1' first and second pre-determined angular positions P2,P2' third and fourth pre-determined angular positions
- a shaft (24) being at least partially immersed in said first fluid medium (22), said shaft (24) being generally horizontally oriented for operative connection to the power generator, said shaft (24) defining a shaft longitudinal axis (26);
- a structure (28) rollably supporting said shaft (24);
- deformable chambers (30) being immersed in said first fluid medium (22), said deformable chambers (30) connecting to and extending generally radially outwardly from said shaft (24), each of said deformable chambers (30) being deformable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration so as to have a variable buoyancy relative to said first fluid medium (22), said deformable chamber (30) having a center of gravity (31) at a first and a second generally radial distance (D) from said shaft (D') when in said expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, said first generally radial distance (D)-being generally greater than said second generally radial distance (D'), said deformable chambers (30) moving generally upwardly and downwardly about said shaft (24) when in said expanded and collapsed configurations, respectively, whereby said deformable chambers (30) induce rotational movement of said shaft (24);
- a second fluid medium (32) being contained within said deformable chambers (30), said second fluid medium (32) being lighter than an equal volume of said first fluid medium (22); ~
- a chamber connecting means (34) connecting between said deformable chambers (30) so as to place said deformable chambers (30) in fluid communication with one another;
- a chamber deforming means (36) selectively deforming said deformable chambers (30) in said expanded and collapsed configuration during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
7. The motor (20) of claim 6, wherein one of said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) operatively connects to said guiding rail (48), the other one of said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) being generally axially fixed about said generally axial direction.
8. The motor (20) of claim 6, wherein said guiding rail (48) includes generally axially opposed first and second rail tracks (50, 52), said first and second rail tracks (50, 52) operatively connecting to said chamber first and second ends (44, 46), respectively, so as to selectively displace said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) generally axially away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
9. The motor (20) of claim 8, wherein guiding rail (48) defines a guiding plane generally perpendicular to said shaft (24), said first and second rail tracks (50, 52) being on either side of said guiding plane, said second rail track (52) being substantially a mirror image of said first rail track (50) about said guiding plane.
10. The motor (20) of claim 1, wherein said deformable chambers (30) deform in a generally radial direction relative to said shaft (24) between said expanded and collapsed configurations.
11. The motor (20) of claim 10, wherein each of said deformable chambers (30) defines a chamber first end (44) and a generally radially opposed chamber second end (46), said chamber deforming means (36) operatively connecting to at least one of said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) so as to selectively displace said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) generally radially away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
opposed one of said deformable chambers (30') forming a chamber pair such that said deformable chambers (30, 30') form a plurality of said chamber pairs.
18. The motor (20) of claim 17, wherein said chamber deforming means (36) includes a connecting rod (70) for each of said chamber pairs, said connecting rod (70) defining generally longitudinally opposed rod first and second ends (72, 72'), said connecting rod (70) being generally radially oriented relative to said shaft (24), said connecting rod (70) connecting to both said deformable chambers (30, 30') of each one of said chamber pairs so as to allow one of said deformable chambers (30') to be in said collapsed configuration while the other of said deformable chambers (30) is in said expanded configuration and to allow said deformable chambers (30, 30') to deform generally simultaneously.
19. The motor (20) of claim 18, wherein said rod first and second ends (72, 72') connect to said chamber second end (46) of respective said deformable chambers (30, 30').
20. The motor (20) of claim 19, wherein each of said connecting rods (70) includes a weight member (74), said weight member (74) displacing generally radially said connecting rod (70) under gravity so as to simultaneously displace said chamber second end (46) of one of said deformable chambers (30) of each of said chamber pairs away from said corresponding chamber first end (44) and displace said chamber second end (46) of the other one of said deformable chambers (30') of each of said chamber pairs toward said corresponding chamber first end (44).
21. The motor (20) of claim 20, wherein each of said weight members (74) is substantially located at equal distance from said rod first and second ends (72, 72') so as to reduce impact of said weight member (74) on said rotational movement of said shaft (24).
22. The motor (20) of claim 21, wherein said chamber deforming means (36) further includes a lock mechanism (76) for maintaining said 26. The motor (20) of claim 25, wherein said weight member (74) is rollably mounted within said weight chamber (84).
27. The motor (20) of claim 26, wherein said chamber first ends (44) are generally radially fixed relative to said shaft (24).
28. The motor (20) of claim 27, wherein each of said chamber second ends (46) extends generally radially outwardly relative to respective said chamber first end (44).
29. The motor (20) of claim 1, wherein said shaft is a first shaft (24), said motor (20) further including a second shaft (24') rollably mounted on said structure (28), said second shaft (24') being generally vertically spaced from said first shaft (24), said deformable chambers (30) connecting to and extending generally radially outwardly from said first and second shafts (24, 24').
30. The motor (20) of claim 29, wherein said first and second generally radial distances (D, D') from said first and second shafts (24, 24') are respective first and second generally horizontal distances (Dh, Dh') from said first and second shafts (24, 24'), said first generally horizontal distance (Dh) being generally greater than said second generally horizontal distance (Dh').
31. The motor (20) of claim 30, further including a driving belt (100) operatively connected to said first and second shafts (24, 24'), said driving belt (100) supporting said deformable chambers (30).
32. The motor (20) of claim 31, wherein said driving belt (100) operatively meshes with said first and second shafts (24, 24').
33. The motor (20) of claim 31, wherein said deformable chambers (30) are generally equally spaced from one another along said driving belt (100).
an unlocked position, said lock mechanism (76) mounting on said deformable chambers (30) and operatively connecting to said structure (28).
40. The motor (20) of claim 39, wherein said lock mechanism (76) is actuatable into said locked position by corresponding said deformable chamber (30) being in a first pre-determined angular position (P1) relative to said shaft (24) in said one of said expanded and collapsed configurations, said lock mechanism (76) being actuatable into said unlocked position by corresponding said deformable chamber (30} being in a second pre-determined angular position (P2) relative to said shaft (24) in the other one of said expanded and collapsed configurations.
41. The motor (20) of claim 39, wherein said lock mechanism (76) is actuatable into a first and a second locked position by corresponding said deformable chamber (30) being in a first and a second pre-determined angular position (P1, P1') relative to said shaft (24) in said expanded and collapsed configuration, respectively, said lock mechanism (76) being actuatable into said unlocked position by corresponding said deformable chamber (30) being in a third and a fourth pre-determined angular position (P2, P2') relative to said shaft (24) in said collapsed and expanded configuration, respectively, said third and fourth pre-determined angular positions (P2, P2') directly preceding said first and second pre-determined angular positions (P1, P1'), respectively, so as to enable corresponding said deformable chamber (30) to deform from said collapsed configuration to said expanded configuration and to deform from said expanded configuration to said collapsed configuration, respectively.
42. The motor (20) of claim 2, wherein said deformable chambers (30) deform in a generally radial direction relative to said shaft (24) between said expanded and collapsed configurations.
43. The motor (20) of claim 42, wherein said chamber expansion means (38) includes a wheel member (102), said wheel member (102) freely rollably mounting on said structure (28) about a wheel shaft (104), said wheel wall (94) and a longitudinal end wall (96), said sleeve axis (92) being generally radially oriented relative to said shaft (24), each of said chamber second ends (46) being a piston (98) slidably mounted within said peripheral wall (94).
49. The motor (20) of claim 48, wherein said peripheral wall (94) extends generally radially outwardly from corresponding said longitudinal end wall (96), said piston (98) being in proximity to and away from corresponding said longitudinal end wall (96) when in a first and a second limit position, respectively.
50. The motor (20) of claim 49, wherein said each of said connecting rods (70) generally extends through said longitudinal end walls (96) of said opposed deformable chambers (30, 30') of corresponding said chamber pair so as to connect to both said pistons (98) of said opposed deformable chambers (30, 30') and allow one of said pistons (98) to be in said first limit position while the other one of said pistons (98) is in said second limit position.
51. The motor (20) of claim 50, wherein said each of said connecting rods (70) is generally hollowed so as to be said chamber connecting means (34), each of said connecting rods (70) allowing fluid communication between said opposed deformable chambers (30, 30') of each said chamber pairs.
52. The motor (20) of claim 1, wherein each of said deformable chambers (30) defines a chamber first end (44) and a generally opposed chamber second end (46), said chamber deforming means (36) operatively connecting to at least one of said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) so as to selectively displace said chamber first and second ends (44, 46) generally away from and toward one another during upward and downward movement thereof, respectively.
53. The motor (20) of claim 52, wherein each of said chamber first ends (44) is pivotally connected to respective said chamber second end (46).
A displacement of connecting rod B displacement of weight member D,D' radial distance between 31 and 24 Dh,Dh' horizontal distance between 31 and vertical plane H horizontal orientation P1,P1' first and second pre-determined angular positions P2,P2' third and fourth pre-determined angular positions
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002437599A CA2437599A1 (en) | 2003-08-12 | 2003-08-12 | Buoyancy-activated motor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002437599A CA2437599A1 (en) | 2003-08-12 | 2003-08-12 | Buoyancy-activated motor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2437599A1 true CA2437599A1 (en) | 2005-02-12 |
Family
ID=34120729
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002437599A Abandoned CA2437599A1 (en) | 2003-08-12 | 2003-08-12 | Buoyancy-activated motor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2437599A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2012119993A1 (en) * | 2011-03-04 | 2012-09-13 | Majid Rahmanifar | Hydrostatic motor and method for operating a hydrostatic motor |
| EP2592262A1 (en) * | 2010-07-06 | 2013-05-15 | Rongjun Sun | Device and method for obtaining energy in liquid by utilizing buoyancy |
| CN108397343A (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2018-08-14 | 张勇强 | A kind of hydraulic floating machine |
| DE102017003837A1 (en) | 2017-04-20 | 2018-10-25 | Majid Rahmanifar | Drive unit and method for operating the drive unit |
| WO2020084326A1 (en) | 2018-10-22 | 2020-04-30 | Majid Rahmanifar | Drive unit and method for operating the drive unit |
| IT202100022178A1 (en) * | 2021-08-23 | 2023-02-23 | Damiano Catapano | BUOYANCY CONVERTER |
-
2003
- 2003-08-12 CA CA002437599A patent/CA2437599A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP2592262A1 (en) * | 2010-07-06 | 2013-05-15 | Rongjun Sun | Device and method for obtaining energy in liquid by utilizing buoyancy |
| EP2592262A4 (en) * | 2010-07-06 | 2014-03-19 | Rongjun Sun | Device and method for obtaining energy in liquid by utilizing buoyancy |
| US8919111B2 (en) | 2010-07-06 | 2014-12-30 | Rongjun Sun | Device for obtaining internal energy from liquid by utilizing buoyancy and method therefor |
| WO2012119993A1 (en) * | 2011-03-04 | 2012-09-13 | Majid Rahmanifar | Hydrostatic motor and method for operating a hydrostatic motor |
| US9810196B2 (en) | 2011-03-04 | 2017-11-07 | Maijid Rahmanifar | Hydrostatic motor and method for operating a hydrostatic motor |
| DE102017003837A1 (en) | 2017-04-20 | 2018-10-25 | Majid Rahmanifar | Drive unit and method for operating the drive unit |
| CN108397343A (en) * | 2018-04-13 | 2018-08-14 | 张勇强 | A kind of hydraulic floating machine |
| WO2020084326A1 (en) | 2018-10-22 | 2020-04-30 | Majid Rahmanifar | Drive unit and method for operating the drive unit |
| IT202100022178A1 (en) * | 2021-08-23 | 2023-02-23 | Damiano Catapano | BUOYANCY CONVERTER |
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