EP1970302B1 - Système oscillant de propulsion et de direction d'hydroptère - Google Patents

Système oscillant de propulsion et de direction d'hydroptère Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1970302B1
EP1970302B1 EP20080075013 EP08075013A EP1970302B1 EP 1970302 B1 EP1970302 B1 EP 1970302B1 EP 20080075013 EP20080075013 EP 20080075013 EP 08075013 A EP08075013 A EP 08075013A EP 1970302 B1 EP1970302 B1 EP 1970302B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
casings
propulsion
hydrofoil
steering
craft
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20080075013
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP1970302A1 (fr
Inventor
Paul Grima
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Individual
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H1/00—Propulsive elements directly acting on water
    • B63H1/30—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of non-rotary type
    • B63H1/32—Flaps, pistons, or the like, reciprocating in propulsive direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
    • B63H25/52—Parts for steering not otherwise provided for

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an oscillating hydrofoil propulsion and steering system, which is provided in general for waterborne crafts.
  • propeller and cycloidal propulsion systems provided on different waterborne crafts, can be lethal to swimmers and aquatic life due to the blade rotation under water. It is therefore imperative to switch their engines off, for example, during rescue operations. Propeller and cycloidal propulsion systems are also very vulnerable to hitting hard objects.
  • Document FR 2 306 874 A discloses an invention in which vanes are made to rotate in a dedicated duct to provide forward or reverse thrust depending on the direction of rotation of the propeller shaft.
  • This invention can be quite bulky, produces many noises and vibration by way of the vanes hitting the duct sides, and can be lethal to swimmers and aquatic life.
  • the said invention cannot perform steering unless the whole duct is rotated or is fitted with an additional rudder. Such mechanism has a very limited speed and maneuverability.
  • Document FR 2 470 875 A discloses an invention in which two hydrofoil blades are fitted into a duct and made to oscillate.
  • the said invention cannot perform steering or reverse thrust unless the whole duct is rotated or is fitted with an additional rudder.
  • This invention can be quite bulky, produces many noises and vibrations by way of the hydrofoil blades hitting each other and the duct sides, and can be lethal to swimmers and aquatic life. Such mechanism has a very limited speed and maneuverability.
  • Document GB 541 775 A discloses an invention in which hydrofoil blades imitate the thuniform movement of a fish's tail, in which hydrofoil blades are made to oscillate in different embodiments.
  • the angle of attack of said hydrofoil blades and the rate of oscillation cannot be varied.
  • Not all embodiments of said invention are designed to neutralize torque, and no flap damping mechanism is shown, resulting in an uncomfortable pulsed ride.
  • the said invention cannot perform steering or reverse thrust in most of the embodiments unless it is fitted with an additional rudder.
  • Document FR 1 330 218 A discloses an invention in which hydrofoil blades imitate the thuniform movement of a fish's tail. Said hydrofoil blades are slideably fitted into a channel and made to oscillate. The thuniform movement is achieved by connecting the said hydrofoil blades to a crank. The angle of attack of said hydrofoil blades and the rate of oscillation cannot be varied. No flap mechanism damping is designed. The said invention cannot perform steering unless it is fitted with an additional rudder. Such mechanism has a very limited speed and maneuverability.
  • Document WO 02/055381 A discloses an invention in which one or more hydrofoil blades imitate the thuniform movement of a fish's tail. Said hydrofoil blades are oscillated by pedal power to propel the vessel. In some of the embodiments only the down stroke produces thrust since the hydrofoil blade trails idly on the up stroke. The angle of attack of said hydrofoil blades cannot be varied on some of the embodiments. The said invention cannot perform steering unless it is fitted with an additional rudder. The said invention has a very limited speed and maneuverability. Not all said embodiments are designed to neutralize torque, resulting in an uncomfortable pulsed ride.
  • the present invention also imitates the thuniform movement of a fish's tail.
  • the present invention invariably necessitates at least two casing. All casings perform both propulsion and steering.
  • the casings can house at least one or more hydrofoil blades. Each two casings rotate synchronously in the same direction to steer the vessel to an angle from 0 to 360 degrees. Each two casings partially rotate in opposite directions synchronously in order to make the hydrofoil blades converge and diverge for propulsion.
  • the hydrofoil blades are made to converge and diverge in a semicircular motion.
  • the flap mechanism damping resistance and the angle of attack of the hydrofoil blades can both be variable.
  • Power transmission and steering mechanisms in all embodiments are disclosed in detail. Power is transmitted directly to the connecting rods, arms, or casings by reciprocating driven rods.
  • the present invention can be fitted in different embodiments to all kinds of craft, including pedal boats, stealth vessels, hydrofoil boats, submarines, and outboard motors. Most of the embodiments of this invention are simpler and more economically manufactured and maintained than prior art.
  • the present invention is more efficient, smooth, virtually silent, more robust, can attain high speeds, and is fully maneuverable.
  • Main object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a propulsion and steering system which makes vessels faster and more fuel-efficient than either cycloidal-driven vessels or most propeller vessel.
  • Further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsion and steering system which makes vessels much more maneuverable than either cycloidal vessels or propeller vessels, without need of any bow or stern thruster, since it is able to make a vessel turn 360 degrees on the same spot or even move sideways and backwards or in any other direction.
  • a submarine equipped with the propulsion and steering system according to the present invention can move sideways and/or up and down without any forward motion, even without its ballast tank operation, staying level, and always in quite complete silence, since it should be free from propeller noise and vibrations.
  • the propulsion and steering system according to the present invention may serve, while sailing under wind power, as a keel and/or rudder system.
  • Further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsion and steering system which is much safer for swimmers and aquatic life than propeller and cycloidal system, thus allowing for studying aquatic life closely without disturbing the same since there is no propeller noise and vibrations.
  • Further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsion and steering system which is much more stealthy than prior art.
  • Further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsion and steering system which is much more robust than prior art.
  • Further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsion and steering system which does not result as vulnerable as propeller and cycloidal systems to hitting hard objects.
  • Further object of the present invention is to provide a propulsion and steering system which can be made weedless and/or tangle-free, by which a vessel can avoid being entangled in submerged weeds, ropes or nets.
  • the oscillating hydrofoil propulsion and steering system according to some embodiments of the present invention, contrary to prior art, can be used to manufacture fast and stealthy hydrofoil boats.
  • the oscillating hydrofoil propulsion and steering system according to the present invention can be applied in different embodiments suitably on all kind of waterborne craft.
  • a main drive unit (16) is shown, operatively connected to a pair of transmission housings (15), each gearing a casing (4).
  • Each casing (4) has arranged thereon an hydrofoil blade (1) movably attached to a flap mechanism (3).
  • Said casings (4) are preferably mounted flush to any submerged or submersible portion of the outer surface of vessel (see fig. 3f ).
  • both the propulsion transmission and the steering mechanism are combined into each housing (15), governed by said drive unit (16), that generates a motion of the pinion (4a), gearing the crown wheel (4b), oscillating whilst synchronously converging and diverging the hydrofoil blades (1) as they partially rotate for propulsion, and rotate synchronously in the same direction for steering, respectively.
  • the mechanism for the propulsion transmission comprises a pair of connecting rods (7) and a pair of arms (5) gearing each other.
  • Each connecting rod (7) is hinged to the corresponding arms (5) that, in turn, is hinged to a casing (4).
  • the connecting rods (7) are preferably a hydraulic or pneumatic rams and provide synchronous reciprocating motion to the casings (4) by said pair of arms (5) through the endless screw (12) which gear the crown wheels (4b) on the said casings (4).
  • the mechanism for steering instead, comprises a shaft (11), a steering gearbox (8), a pair of telescopic shafts (9) and a pair of endless screws (12), each gearing the corresponding above described casing (4).
  • the rotation of the shaft (11) is transmitted, through said steering box 8, to each telescopic shaft 9 that, in turn, rotates each endless screw 12, thus rotating the corresponding casing 4 synchronously in the same direction.
  • FIG. 3 shows a propulsion transmission system different in respect of the previous embodiment.
  • Each of said arms 5 is hinged to a connecting rod 7, hinged, in turn, at the opposite end to a rod 13, by which the reciprocating motion is provided in order to generate the propulsion needed.
  • Figs. 3a to 3f show different configurations of the propulsion and steering system assured by the above described embodiment.
  • Fig. 3a shows the hydrofoil blades 1 flapping and rotating around their axis and the operation of the flap mechanism 3 that acts as damper.
  • Fig. 3b shows the rotation of the hydrofoil blades 1 thus diverging, when the rod 13 moves towards the casings 4, whilst fig.
  • FIG. 3c shows the rotation of the hydrofoil blades 1 thus converging, when the rod 13 moves in the opposite direction.
  • This reciprocating motion assures the oscillation of the hydrofoil blades 1 and therefore the propulsion of the vessel.
  • Figs. 3d and 3e instead, show two similar configurations, each of them corresponding to two different steering angles, 90 and 180 degrees respectively.
  • the hydrofoil blades 1 reach said steering angles by rotating the shaft 11 that, through the steering box 8 and the telescopic shafts 9, rotates the endless screws 12, each, as previously shown, gears a crown wheel 4b on casing 4.
  • Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment according to the present invention in which a single outer casing 4c, housing a pair of inner casings 4 and hydrofoil blades 1, is used.
  • Such embodiment employs a parallel motion linkage.
  • Each hydrofoil blade 1 is mounted onto an arm 5, which is connected to a rod 13 by at least four parallel motion connecting rods 7.
  • Said connecting rods 7 are, indeed, hinged at their opposite ends between the rod 13 and the arm 5.
  • the flap mechanism 3 On said arm 5 is also arranged the flap mechanism 3 which even acts as a damper.
  • the reciprocating motion of the rod 13 provides for the vessel propulsion, whilst the previously described endless screw mechanism provides for steering operation by the rotation of the shaft 11.
  • the hydrofoil blades 1 may be movably attached directly to the outer surface of a vessel by hinges 20, without the use of any casing, the reciprocating motion is transmitted from rod 13 to the said hydrofoil blades 1 by connecting rods 7, and providing the steering operation by the actuation of the steering mechanism 11 acting on the same rod 13 as shown in fig. 5a .
  • Such embodiment if preferred, can be a much lighter, simpler, and less expensive variant which can be used also on pedal powered pleasure craft.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates, in a perspective view, a strut mounted embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Such embodiment differs from previously described embodiments by the fact that the casings 4 are formed on a strut 18 and back-to-back arranged and are hinged directly to the connecting rods 7.
  • Said strut is rotatable in order to assure the steering operation of the vessel on which it is mounted.
  • the embodiment in fig. 8 offers the further advantage of keeping vortices, generated during the propulsion motion of the hydrofoil blades 1, away from the surface of said vessel. It can be adapted to any displacement or planing hull, or to an outboard motor.
  • a given vessel can also be equipped by one or more such struts 18 each of which incorporating one or more oscillating hydrofoil systems according to the present invention.
  • the height of the vessel's hull from the water can be controlled and adjusted, as desired, by changing the angle of attack of the hydrofoil blades 1, depending on the weight of the same vessel and the desired speed.
  • a separate mechanisms are provided for propulsion motion and steering operation.
  • the strut 18 is provided with a pair of housings 21 for the casings 4 each, in turn, provided with a hole 4' and a hinge 4".
  • the hole 4' houses the hydrofoil blade axle 1' which is also connected to the flap mechanism 3, whilst the hinge 4" is connected to a first end of a rod 7, the other end of which is hinged with an end of a yoke 6.
  • Said yoke 6 is also hinged to a rod 13 which has a reciprocating motion thus delivering the necessary oscillation to the hydrofoil blades 1.
  • Figs. 8c to 8e illustrate different displacements reachable by the hydrofoil blades 1 driven by the just described propulsion mechanism and pitch controller.
  • an actuator 8 which controls a crown wheel, or any similar mechanism, on the strut upper perimeter, provided with a gearing profile.
  • the hydrofoil blades 1 can be rigid or flexible, or any combination of both, as preferred, for optimum efficiency at any moment and in any condition as need be.
  • the flap mechanism 3, can be preset, or remotely actively controllable or variable, as preferred. Said flap mechanism 3 can also be lockable or not lockable as preferred.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)

Claims (6)

  1. Système de propulsion et de direction d'une embarcation comprenant :
    (i) au moins une paire de pales hydrodynamiques (1), au moins une pale hydrodynamique (1) étant jointe en rotation avec chacun d'au moins deux capots (4) ;
    (ii) au moins un mécanisme déflecteur (3) articulé avec chaque pale hydrodynamique (1), le dit mécanisme pouvant être un mécanisme d'amortissement prédéfini ou télécommandé ;
    (iii) au moins deux capots (4), chacun joint en rotation avec une pale hydrodynamique, au mécanisme déflecteur et l'un l'autre;
    (iv) au moins deux bras (5) articulés et engrenés avec les capots (4) par au moins deux vis sans fin (12) ou engrenés réciproquement (Fig. 2 et 2a);
    (v) au moins deux bielles de connexion (7) articulées avec les dits bras (5) ;
    (vi) au moins une tige de transmission (13) articulée avec les bielles de connexion (7) ;
    (vii) au moins un groupe de transmission (8) joint avec les au moins deux capots (4) par au moins deux arbres télescopiques (9), chacun engrené avec les capots (4) par au moins deux vis sans fin (12) ; et
    (viii) au moins deux vis sans fin (12) sur les deux bras (5), engrenés avec les dits capots (4), caractérisé en ce que les dits au moins deux capots (4) de l'embarcation peuvent être tournés par un angle entre 0 et 360 degrés autour leur propre axe synchroniquement dans la même direction pour gouverner l'embarcation par la rotation de l'arbre (11) transmise par le dit groupe de transmission (8) à chacun arbre télescopique (9), lequel fait tourner tour à tour chaque vis sans fin (12), laquelle à son tour fait tourner le capot (4) correspondant synchroniquement dans la même direction, et est tourné partiellement, en transmettant puissance par le mouvement alternatif des tiges de transmission (13) des bielles (7) aux bras (5) par les vis sans fin (12), aux capots (4) et enfin aux pales hydrodynamiques (1), pour tourner antisymétriquement les capots (4) et faire basculer les pales hydrodynamiques (1) à l'unisson antisymétriquement par un angle sélectionné par rapport à la direction de leur position neutre, pour gouverner l'embarcation.
  2. Système de propulsion et de direction d'une embarcation selon la revendication 1, dont les dits capots (4) sont arrangés sur une béquille tournante de l'embarcation, sont jointes par des tiges coulissantes (7), articulées aux deux extrémités avec une verge guidée (6), coulissante et tournante sur le plan de position des capots(4).
  3. Système de propulsion et de direction d'une embarcation selon la revendication 2, dont la dite verge (6) peut être télécommandée pour régler l'angle d'attaque des pales hydrodynamiques (1), et motorisée pour gouverner l'embarcation.
  4. Système de propulsion et de direction d'une embarcation selon la revendication 1, à l'exclusion des capots (4), comprenant au moins une paire de pales hydrodynamiques (1), chacune étant fixée en rotation directement à une partie submergée ou submersible de l'embarcation et articulée avec des bielles, lesquelles sont à son tour articulées avec au moins une tige de transmission coulissante (13), laquelle peut être mue avec un mouvement alternatif longitudinal pour faire basculer les pales hydrodynamiques (1) antisymétriquement par un angle défini par rapport à la direction de leur position neutre, pour gouverner l'embarcation, et peut aussi coulisser latéralement sur le plan de position des pales hydrodynamiques (1), lorsqu'elle est actionnée par un mécanisme de gouvernement (11) pour obtenir le virage.
  5. Système de propulsion et de direction d'une embarcation selon la revendication 1, comprenant au moins une paire de pales hydrodynamiques (1), dont soit le mécanisme de transmission de la propulsion soit le mécanisme de gouvernement sont réunis dans au moins une carcasse (15) sur chaque capot (4), chacun mécanisme étant actionné par au moins un groupe principal de commande (16), de sorte que les capots (4) tournent antisymétriquement et font basculer les pales hydrodynamiques (1) à l'unisson antisymétriquement par un angle sélectionné par rapport à la direction de leur position neutre, pour gouverner l'embarcation, et les au moins deux capots (4) peuvent être tournés par un angle entre 0 et 360 degrés autour leur propre axe synchroniquement dans la même direction pour gouverner l'embarcation.
  6. Système de propulsion et de direction d'une embarcation selon la revendication 1, dont les bielles de connexion (7) et les bras (5) sont établis en mouvement parallèle sur un seul capot (4) avec mécanisme de gouvernement séparé.
EP20080075013 2007-03-13 2008-01-07 Système oscillant de propulsion et de direction d'hydroptère Not-in-force EP1970302B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
MTP4142 2007-03-13

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EP1970302A1 EP1970302A1 (fr) 2008-09-17
EP1970302B1 true EP1970302B1 (fr) 2012-11-21

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140203558A1 (en) * 2013-01-21 2014-07-24 Brown University Kinetic energy harvesting using cyber-physical systems
US10562602B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2020-02-18 Brunswick Corporation System and method for maneuvering marine vessel with non-engine-powered propulsion device

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB201611551D0 (en) * 2016-07-01 2016-08-17 Norwegian Univ Of Science And Tech (Ntnu) Water vessel
CN114104236A (zh) * 2021-11-30 2022-03-01 中国船舶科学研究中心 一种新型仿生振荡翼的组合运动方式

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2085307A (en) 1936-07-02 1937-06-29 Bernard C Freise Propeller
GB541775A (en) 1938-08-08 1941-12-11 Brev Moineau S A R L Soc D Exp Improvements in devices for the propulsion of watercraft
FR1330218A (fr) 1962-05-07 1963-06-21 Dispositif de propulsion nautique
FR2306874A1 (fr) 1975-04-09 1976-11-05 Chabiland Michel Dispositif de propulsion aquatique
FR2470875A1 (fr) 1979-12-06 1981-06-12 Hydrodyne Internal Sa Dispositif perfectionne pour la propulsion ou le pompage d'un fluide et navire comportant application de ce dispositif
US6468118B1 (en) 2000-11-08 2002-10-22 Cid, Inc. Personal watercraft
US6877692B2 (en) 2003-03-05 2005-04-12 National Research Council Of Canada Oscillating foil propulsion system

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140203558A1 (en) * 2013-01-21 2014-07-24 Brown University Kinetic energy harvesting using cyber-physical systems
US10562602B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2020-02-18 Brunswick Corporation System and method for maneuvering marine vessel with non-engine-powered propulsion device
US11433983B1 (en) 2018-07-31 2022-09-06 Brunswick Corporation System and method for maneuvering marine vessel with non-engine-powered propulsion device

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Publication number Publication date
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