FR3107870A1 - Semi-rigid peripheral joint pneumatic lift system and corresponding vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic support system (1) for an overwater vehicle (2), the system comprising a blowing means (3) for providing air cushion support and a support rim (4) configured for co-operate with the surface of the water, the lift rim (4) comprising at least one inflatable lift member section (5) receiving air from the blowing means (3), said inflatable member section being on at least one inflatable side. The invention further relates to a corresponding overwater vehicle. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Pneumatic lift system with semi-rigid peripheral joint and corresponding vehicle

The present invention relates to above-water vehicles comprising in particular a pneumatic lift system with a semi-rigid peripheral joint. The invention relates more particularly to a pneumatic lift system providing lift by means of an air cushion.

This type of system makes it possible to reduce the hydraulic drag of the vehicle and the draft, thanks to the elimination of static pressure.

In this field, the prior art offers imposing devices consuming a lot of energy. These are in particular hovercraft systems having a flexible skirt as a hull, and a blow-off zone under the flexible skirt with considerable pressure losses below the skirt as the vehicle moves.

A first objective of the invention is to propose a system suitable for producing vehicles of all sizes.

A second objective is to provide a system with less energy loss than those of the prior art.

To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a pneumatic lift system for an above-aquatic vehicle, the system comprising a blowing means for providing lift by an air cushion and a lift perimeter configured to cooperate with the surface of the water, the lift circumference comprising at least one section of inflatable lift element receiving the air from the blowing means, said section of inflatable element being on at least one inflatable side.

Advantageously, the system according to a preferred variant allows a strong reduction in hydraulic drag, a significant reduction in fuel consumption, a higher speed with identical propulsion power, an almost non-existent draft (in operation) and therefore suitable for shallow water.

• le système comprend en outre au moins une section d’élément rigide sur au moins un côté non-gonflable,

la partie inférieure de la section d’élément rigide s’étendant sensiblement au même niveau ou en dessous du niveau de la partie inférieure de la section d’élément gonflable; et/ou

• le système comprend au moins un système de pilotage sélectionné dans le groupe comprenant un volant, un guidon, une barre franche; et/ou
• le système comprend au moins un moyen de commande sélectionné dans le groupe comprenant des commandes à gaz, de direction, à dérive, à inverseur de poussée, associés à des transmissions de commandes à câble rigide (par bielles de transmissions), ou hydraulique; et/ou
• le système comprend deux sections d’élément gonflable de sustentation, de préférence avant et arrière, et deux sections d’élément rigide de préférence latérales, en référence au déplacement du véhicule correspondant; et/ou
• ladite section d’élément rigide comprend un panneau vertical; et/ou
• le système comprend en outre une chambre supérieure de circulation connectée en amont au moyen de soufflage et en aval à ladite au moins une section d’élément gonflable; et/ou
• le pourtour de sustentation comprend une chambre inférieure entre lesdites sections d’élément gonflable et d’élément rigide, et ladite section d’élément gonflable débouche dans la chambre inférieure; et/ou
• le moyen de soufflage comprend un compresseur centrifuge ou axial, ou une écope associée à au moins une hélice de propulsion aérienne; et/ou
• le système comprend au moins une structure de flottaison inférieure.

According to other aspects taken in isolation, or combined according to all technically feasible combinations:

• the system further comprises at least one rigid element section on at least one non-inflatable side,

the lower part of the rigid element section extending substantially at the same level or below the level of the lower part of the inflatable element section; and or

• the system comprises at least one piloting system selected from the group comprising a steering wheel, a handlebar, a tiller; and or
• the system comprises at least one control means selected from the group comprising gas, steering, fin, thrust reverser controls, associated with rigid cable control transmissions (by transmission rods), or hydraulics; and or
• the system comprises two sections of inflatable lift element, preferably front and rear, and two sections of rigid element, preferably lateral, with reference to the movement of the corresponding vehicle; and or
• said rigid element section comprises a vertical panel; and or
• the system further comprises an upper circulation chamber connected upstream to the blowing means and downstream to said at least one section of inflatable element; and or
• the lift perimeter comprises a lower chamber between said sections of inflatable element and of rigid element, and said section of inflatable element opens into the lower chamber; and or
• the blowing means comprises a centrifugal or axial compressor, or a scoop associated with at least one aerial propulsion propeller; and or
• the system includes at least one lower flotation structure.

The invention further relates to an above-water vehicle comprising a pneumatic lift system according to the invention.

The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, among which:

FIG. 1 is a view in space of a vehicle including a suspension system according to a preferred variant of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the suspension system illustrated in Figure 1;

FIG. 3 is a view in space illustrating the top of the lifting circumference of the system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a view in space illustrating the underside of the support perimeter of the system illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3;

Figure 5 is a side view of an airbag attachment for a system according to a preferred variant;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a suspension system according to another preferred variant of the invention; And

Figure 7 is a front view of the suspension system of Figure 6.

The invention relates to a pneumatic lift system 1 for an above-aquatic vehicle 2. This system is configured to provide lift by means of an air cushion. Thus, this type of system 1 makes it possible to reduce the hydraulic drag of the vehicle 2 and the draft.

The invention proposes a simplified structure suitable for making vehicles of all sizes. These include mopeds.

The system 1 comprises a blowing means 3 to achieve lift by air cushion. In particular, it is a compressor, such as a centrifugal or axial compressor. The compressor is a simplified means of blowing, but effective within the scope of the invention.

The compressor can be driven by thermal or electrical energy.

Alternatively or in combination, the air-powered motor sliders P can be equipped with a scoop 3a which, by deflecting a small part of the air from the thrust of the propeller 1a, performs the blowing function. In this variant, the compressor may be unnecessary. The power of engine M associated with propeller 1a is used. This arrangement is configured so that there is sufficient air to inflate the cushions and provide lift.

The system 1 further comprises a support perimeter 4 configured to cooperate with the surface of the water. The lift circumference 4 comprises at least one inflatable lift element section 5 receiving the air from the blowing means 3. This is in particular at least one longitudinal air cushion. By “inflatable element” is meant a structure including a flexible wall enclosing an inflation chamber which can be inflated by the air from the blowing means 3 so that the flexible wall extends and the inflation chamber increases in volume.

In particular, said inflatable element section 5 is arranged on at least one inflatable side. The inflatable elements form a first seal trapping pressurized air in the perimeter of the lift. For example, a longitudinal air cushion occupies an entire side.

More particularly, the lifting circumference 4 has a rectangular shape, for example in the form of a frame, with a front part, a rear part, a right part and a left part (or side parts), with reference to the displacement 2a of the vehicle 2 corresponding.

Preferably, the system comprises a horizontal platform 6 such as a panel above the support perimeter 4. The platform 6 supports the blowing means 3, at least one seat 7 of the user and the guide means 7a. In particular, the platform 6 - support perimeter 4 assembly forms a flat and rectangular shell.

Thus, according to a variant, the system 1 further comprises a saddle structure 7 to straddle associated with a handlebar guide means 7a. This is, for example, a frame structure on which is attached a saddle and a handlebar. The handlebar is associated with a steering control system such as a rudder or a blower deflector of the blowing means 3.

This structure of saddle 7 and handlebar 7a makes it possible to limit the size on the vehicle and to have sensations of movement on a jet ski.

Alternatively, the system comprises a steering system other than the handlebar, for example a steering wheel or a tiller.

Furthermore, the system comprises at least one control means which can be a gas, steering, drift or thrust reverser control. These controls can be associated with rigid cable control transmissions (by transmission rods), or by hydraulic control.

The cockpit can be arranged as required.

According to a variant, the system 1 further comprises an upper circulation chamber 8 connected upstream to the blowing means 3, and downstream to said at least one section of inflatable element 5. In particular, the upper chamber 8 is arranged substantially above or at the upper part of the lift circumference 4. The section/thickness of the upper chamber is designed to increase the pressure applied in said at least one inflatable element section.

The upper chamber defines 8 one or more pressure corridors. Said corridor can be central, lateral or external by a specific channel.

The section of inflatable element 5 makes it possible to raise the lifting circumference 4 by counteracting the static pressure, in order to limit the hydraulic drag of the vehicle 2 and the draft. However, having air cushions all around the perimeter would lead to air and pressure losses below the air cushions which would decrease the pressure of system 1 and would require supplying more blowing.

Thus, according to a variant, the system further comprises at least one rigid element section 9, preferably on at least one non-inflatable side, in particular a lateral side. More particularly, the rigidity is understood at least around a vertical direction, from the inside to the outside. In this variant, the lower part of the rigid element section 9 extends substantially at the same level or below the level of the lower part of the inflatable element section 5.

In particular, said section of rigid element 9 comprises a vertical panel. Thus, the panel extends substantially below the airbags.

The rigid elements allow the air to be trapped under the shell.

The shape and/or depth of the wall may vary depending on the use (heavy sea or search for speed). Preferably, the panel has a rounded shape corresponding to the cushions of air inflated at a zone of cooperation between the panel and the air cushion. In particular, the front and rear ends of the panel have a rounded shape corresponding to the inflated air cushions. This makes it possible to better protect the air cushions by masking them, and to improve the hydrodynamics in these places.

In the preferred variant, the system 1 comprises two sections of inflatable lift element 5, preferably front and rear, and two sections of rigid element 9, preferably lateral, with reference to the displacement 2a of the corresponding vehicle. In particular, there are two sections of inflatable lift element 5 front and rear, and two sections of rigid element 9 on the side.

The lifting perimeter 4 thus forms a semi-rigid peripheral joint.

The section of rigid element 9 makes it possible to maintain a part of the lifting circumference 4 below the water level so as to limit the losses of air and pressure at this location, and thus limit the needs for blowing and increase system efficiency 1.

In particular, the lift perimeter 4 comprises a lower chamber 10 between said sections of inflatable element 5 and of rigid element 9. Furthermore, said section of inflatable element 5 opens into the lower chamber 10. The lower chamber is open down, as can be seen in Figure 4, in particular over its entire surface.

The lower chamber 10 is thus arranged between the sections of inflatable element 5. The air which comes from the blowing means 3 and which emerges into said sections of inflatable element 5, then emerges into the lower chamber 10. Preferably, the airbags have an adjustable orifice 11 opposite the lower chamber 10. The adjustable orifices 11 allow the vehicle to be balanced. Orifice 11 includes, for example, a flow control valve. An orifice 11 is preferably provided in the middle of each cushion.

In a variant that can be illustrated by Figure 5, the air cushion (5) is fixed, in particular longitudinally in a lateral direction, by interposing wedges 5a at several fixing points, using for example screws 5b associated with 5c threads. The wedges 5a can be inserted between the screws 5b and the threads 5c. The space between the wedges 5a constitutes passage points for the air from the cushion (5) to the lower chamber 10.

The wedges 5a can be of different thicknesses in order to adjust the air flow. Thinner 5a wedges further reduce airflow.

The lower chamber 10 defines a pressure zone making it possible to support the system 1 by limiting the losses of air on the sides thanks to said section of rigid element 9. The pressure under the shell is preferably between 10 and 20 g/cm2 , preferably 15 g/cm2.

The platform and the thickness of the cushions will be sized according to the intended use (lake, sea) and the loads carried.

According to a variant, the system 1 further comprises at least one flotation structure 12, for example lower. In particular, these are two 12 flotation structures in the lower chamber. The structures can comprise one or more flotation elements such as wood or floating plastic, for example polystyrene. Two masses of flotation structures 12 are for example provided (only one being illustrated in FIG. 4). The flotation structures 12 keep the system above the water when the engines are stopped.

The system can weigh about 60-80 kg.

The system applies to both underwater propulsion vehicles and air propulsion vehicles.

The invention further relates to an above-water vehicle comprising a pneumatic lift system as described above.

The vehicle may include a drive means, for example a propeller or another motor such as in the prior art. In particular, an outboard motor attachment structure 13 may be provided for this purpose.

The vehicle can weigh around 180 to 250 kg.

For a 250 kg vehicle, and a pressure area of 200x120 cm (24000 cm²), a pressure of 10.41g/cm² is required. A compressor that can supply more than this pressure allows system 1 to operate.

Of the two polystyrene flotation structures 12 of 230x45x15 cm represent 30500 cm3 or 310 liters of buoyancy which can support 310 kg.

The dimensions and weights given as well as the drawings are those of an existing prototype, manufactured to test the system in question.

Claims (10)

Pneumatic lift system (1) for an above-aquatic vehicle (2), the system comprising a blower means (3) for providing lift by air cushion and a lift perimeter (4) configured to cooperate with the surface of the water, the lift circumference (4) comprising at least one section of inflatable lift element (5) receiving the air from the blowing means (3), the said section of inflatable element being on at least one inflatable side . A pneumatic lift system according to the preceding claim, further comprising at least one section of rigid element (9) on at least one non-inflatable side, the lower part of the section of rigid element (9) extending substantially same level or below the level of the lower part of the inflatable element section (5). Pneumatic suspension system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a saddle structure (7) to straddle associated with a handlebar guide means (7a). Pneumatic lifting system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two sections of inflatable element (5) for lifting, preferably front and rear, and two sections of rigid element (9) preferably lateral, with reference to the movement of the corresponding vehicle (2). An air lift system according to any preceding claim, wherein said rigid member section (9) comprises a vertical panel. Pneumatic lift system according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an upper circulation chamber (8) connected upstream to the blowing means (3) and downstream to the said at least one section of inflatable element (5). Pneumatic lift system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the lift perimeter (4) comprises a lower chamber (10) between the said inflatable element (5) and rigid element (9) sections, and in which said inflatable element section (5) opens into the lower chamber (10). Pneumatic lift system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the blowing means (3) comprises a centrifugal or axial compressor, or a scoop associated with at least one aerial propulsion propeller. Pneumatic lift system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one lower flotation structure (12). Underwater vehicle comprising a pneumatic lift system according to one of the preceding claims.