OA17071A - Transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air, and hybrid transportation vehicle itself. - Google Patents

Abstract

Transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air includes the following transformation and reciprocal steps: Tilting the compensation cover (7) on. Expansion of both whole wings (1) from the transportation vehicle longitudinal position around two vertical axes (2) into the flying position. Expansion of rear parts of wings (1) from the top front parts of wings (1) into the spread flying position by tilting the rear of each wing (1) around a horizontal axis (3). The take-off and landing tilting of wings (1) by an angle of attack alpha = 0 to 40° of the wings onset. Front wheels track (5) is reduced by axially shifting the front wheels (5) towards the fuselage. Furthermore, a corresponding hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air is described which contains reciprocal transformation mechanisms for transformation from a sterling double or four-track automobile into a sterling aircraft for take-off and landing on the ground or water, and vice versa.

Description

Transformation method of hybrld transportation vehicle for ground and air, and hybrld transportation vehicle Itself

Technicai solution

The invention concerne new category of a hybrld transportation vehicle for ground and air with posslbility to take-off and land on the water, which is reciprocally transformable already during the travel on the ground. Transformation method of the hybrld transportation vehicle for ground Into the sterling automobile, and for air Into the sterling aircraft Is solved by an original way. The hybrld transportation vehicle construction, especially Its transformation nods, is solved by an original way, too. The invention belongs to the area of automotive and aircraft industry.

Current state of the art

At présent standard transportation vehlcles for ground (automobiles) and for air (aircrafts) exlst. Their constructions are generally known. Also spécial transportation vehicies (hovercrafts) exist, but these belong neither among automobiles nor among aircrafts.

Another category of transportation vehicies exlsts that disposes with automobile as well as aircraft features. Californian company Moller International* was developlng VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) vehicle deslgned as automobile on three-wheel châssis. It is 5.9 m long, and its flight speed Is calculated at 600 km/hr. It is equipped with four verticaily tilting jet engines. Movement of this remarkable transportation vehicle is provided also on the ground by the four jet engines tilted horlzontally. For this reason, it is rather handicapped automobile, as it has three wheeis and its movement on the ground is not possible within common road traffic due to Its jet engines effects. Fuel consumption as well as noise are very high.

Next représentative of remarkable transportation vehicle Is Terrafugla Transition, described in published patent application WO 2007/114877, which Is practically two-passenger aircraft 5.7 m long, 8.4 m wlde and 2.1 m high, equipped with four-wheel châssis and collapsible wings that in approximately 20 seconds transform this vehicle Into two meters wlde automobile. The power of Rotax 912 motor with maximum output of 74 kW powered by unleaded gasollne Is on the ground transferred on the front axle, or in the air splns the propeller embedded In the rear, With full tank Terrafugla Transition** can fly the distance of 740 km, on the ground It can reach the speed approxlmately 120 km/hr, In the air app. 190 km/hr, for take-off and landlng It needs app. 500 m track. Together with baggage Its weight is app. 250 kg; 600 kg without crew. Disadvantage of this transportation vehicle Is its method of transformation from alrcraft into automobile. Each wing tilts around two horizontal axis into the shape of accordlon, and stays tlpped in vertical position. Automobile acqulres a bizarre shape, and due to wings folded In vertical position, it is rather high. In case of crosswlnd automobile Is Instable in road trafflc. Front axle has fixed wheel track width and during the fllght front wheels are out, which causes great résistance for airflow.

In Slovakla, moreover, another Aeromoblie hybrld transportation vehicle was developed for movement on the ground as well as In the air having a shape of sports car and being able to travel on roads using Its own châssis. In Its plan It also has car dimensions. In the rear It has two horizontal wing areas with propeller between them. Also In the front It has two wing areas. However It still glves impression of a futuristlc alrcraft. It Is a non-transformable transportation vehicle. Its disadvantage Is a fact that It Includes In the rear sltuated two side vertical areas that stabilise top non-tlitable wing, which however decreases car stability In case of the crosswlnd.

Mentloned facts led to an effort to create a conception of such hybrld transportation vehicle for motion on the ground and In the air that would ensure qulck reclprocal transformations from automobile Into an alrcraft. These reciprocal transformations would create a sterling automobile as well as a sterling alrcraft.

The resuit of this effort Is In the following described Invention that solves transformation method of the hybrld transportation vehicle for ground and air as such.

Subject of the Invention

Above mentloned inadequacies are elimlnated by transformation method of the hybrld transportation vehicle for ground and air according to this Invention, the prlnclple of which consiste In the fact that transformation of a sterling double or four-track automobile Into a sterling aircraft for take-off from the ground Inciudes sequence of transformation steps exécutable during idie/stiil-standing as well as running/drlving of automobile. These are necessary transformation steps:

Tllting whole left and rlght front wing out from the transportation vehicle longitudinal position, each around its vertical axis using reciprocal transformation mechanism of tilting the wing In/out into/from flying position. Hybrld transportation vehicle in configuration of automobile has left and rlght front wing situated at left and rlght side of the automobile body, so that both rétractable wlngs' axes are approximately parallel with longitudinal automobile axis. After this transformation step, axes of wlngs are stabllized In flying position, I.e. axes of spread wlngs are app. perpendicular to longitudinal automobile axis.

Tilting the rear of each wing (flaps) out from top front part of the wing using reciprocal transformation mechanism of the wing platform outline change Into the spread standard flying position. This transformation step Is executed, when wlngs axes are already stabllized in flying position, I.e. when axes of spread wlngs are app. perpendicular to longitudinal automobile axis. Before this transformation step each wing Is still in non-spread status, I.e. rear of the wing - fiaps are tllted over upwards to the front of the wing.

This Is how the automobile Is transformed into the aircraft and get ready for flying mode. After switching the drive unit (in case of common drive unit), the torque transferred to the front wheels Is dlsengaged and redirected to the propeller situated In the rear of the body. In case of hybrid drive unit the torque transferred to the front wheels Is dlsengaged from one drive unit, and from the other drive unit the torque is transferred to the propeller situated In the rear of the body. This transformation of hybrld transportation vehicle transformed automobile into an operational aircraft.

Because of the aerodynamlc drag decrease, after the aircraft take-off It is advantageous to provide next step of transformation, so that the aircraft becomes sterling. It is a transformation step of the front wheels track réduction, when wheels will be axlally shifted towards the fuselage from left as weli as rlght side. Wheels are equlpped with cover - fender, aerodynamically embedded Into the ciean design line, creating quasi homogeneous front of the aircraft.

Another fondamental characterlstlc of the invention Is a possibllity of such transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle during transformation from a sterling automobile Into a sterling alrcraft, where after the second transformation step of tllting rear of each wlng (fiats) out from the top front wing using reciprocai transformation mechanism of the wing platform outllne change Into the spread standard fiylng position, next transformation step, which will sIgnificantiy shorten take-off track, wlii be Inciuded. it is a transformation step of take-off tiltlng of the wing by angle of attack alpha = 0 to 40*. After alrcraft take-off the alpha angle = 0 to 40* of the wing onset will be adjusted to the original value.

Another fondamental characterlstlc of the invention is a possibllity of transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle during transformation from a sterling automobile Into a sterling alrcraft (amphibla) for take-off from water and ianding at water. There Is a condition for front wheeis to be embedded into the float.

The principle of transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air according to this invention Is aiso reciprocai transformation of sterling aircraft for Ianding on the ground into a sterling double or four-track automobile; this transformation method includes sequence of transformation steps exécutable only after the aircraft ianding. Those are necessary transformation steps such as front wheeis track expansion executed as eariy as in the air, retracting of the rear of each wing from spread flying position Into the top front of the wing using reciprocai transformation mechanism of the wing platform outllne change; retracting of the wing from fiylng position into the transportation vehicle longitudinal position around vertical axis using reciprocai transformation mechanism for retracting/extending of the wing.

Another fundamental characterlstlc of the invention is a possibllity of such transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle during transformation from a sterling alrcraft into a sterling automobile, where after the first transformation step of front wheeis expansion executed as eariy as in the air, next step, which will significantly shorten ianding track, wili be Inciuded. It is a transformation step of Ianding tlitlng of the wing by angle of attack alpha = 0 to 40* of the wing onset. After aircraft ianding the alpha angle = 0 to 40* of the wing onset will be adjusted to the original value.

Into the transformation method of the hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air It Is also possible to Include additional transformations the most essentiel of which conslsts In partial tilt of compensation cover on and off prior to extracting of wlngs Into the flying position and prior to retractlng of wlngs after reciprocal transformation into a sterling automobile. Among less essentiel additional transformation steps It Is possible to Include e.g. rétraction and expansion of rear-view door mlrrors into a clean design position.

Hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air Is based on above mentioned method according to the invention and necessarily consists of the body, cabln, rétractable wlngs, châssis and drivlng unit with switching or coupllng the transfer of torque on the propeller situated in the rear or on the front driven wheeis and the principle of which conslsts In the fact that in the basic modification it contalns reciprocal transformation mechanlsms for transformation Into a sterling double or four-track automobile or Into a sterling alrcraft for take-off and landlng on the ground or water. Each first reciprocal transformation mechanlsm of rétraction and expansion of right and left front wlng Is situated in the mlddle of the body and Includes vertical axis of retraction and expansion of wlng from the flying position to the position of hybrid transportation vehicle longitudinal axis and vice versa, and also contalns the first actuator. The second reciprocal transformation mechanlsm of the each wlng piatform outline change around horizontal axis of the wlng Is situated in the wing body and contalns the second actuator. The third reciprocal transformation mechanism of the front wheeis track change Is situated in the front of the body and contalns the third actuator.

In extended modifications, the body of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air contalns one to two fourth actuators for take-off and landlng tlitlng of the wing by a angle of attack alpha= 0 to 40°. Behlnd the cabln the body is equipped with pop-up compensation cover. Also the pop-up compensation cover is equipped with the fifth actuator. In spécifie réalisations the first to fifth actuator is controlled electrically and/or pneumatlcally and/or hydraulically.

Hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air In amphibian modification has front wheeis shouldering adapted so that these are equipped with aerodynamic hollow float.

Advantages of transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air and hybrid transportation vehicle itself according to this invention consists in the fact that a sterling transformation from one transportation vehicie category Into the other occurs, the resuit of which Is a sterling automobile or a steriing alrcraft. Transformation will take app. 20 to 30 seconds. This transformable hybrid transportation vehicie has a design of a sports automobile or a sports aircraft. However, It Is 5 tlmes lighter, as It only welghs 400 kg. It Is made malnly of carbon. It takes-off at speed of app. 130 km/hr. It can reach a flight speed of app. 250 km/hr. Advantage of this transformable hybrld transportation vehicie Is a simplicity of préparation for the flight Itself, as the driver gets on the car In Its garage and the formalltles necessary for flight he/she can arrange while drlvlng. After arrivai at the alrport or grass area the driver activâtes transformation of sterling automobile into the sterling alrcraft. It will be executed without the necesslty for driver to get out of his/her hybrid transportation vehicie.

Description of the drawings

The Invention will be further explalned on drawings, where at flg. 1 there is a hybrid transportation vehicie In modification of a sterling automobile Illustrated. At fig. 2 there Is lifting the compensation cover off Illustrated. At fig. 3 there is illustrated expanding of both wlngs from the hybrld transportation vehicie longitudinal position around vertical axes with rear parts of wlngs folded down. At fig. 4 there Is illustrated tiltlng of the rear parts of wings from the top front parts of wlngs. At flg. 5 there is illustrated completed tiltlng of the rear parts of wlngs Into the spread flying position. At fig. 6 there Is foldlng of the compensation cover down illustrated. At flg. 7 there Is illustrated take-off tilting of the wlng by wing angle of attack. At flg. 8 there Is Illustrated the front wheels track réduction. At fig. 9 there Is Illustrated flying tiltlng of the wing without wlng angle of attack, and création of a hybrld transportation vehicie in modification of a sterling alrcraft. At flg. 10 there is illustrated a rod supporting structure of a hybrld transportation vehicie with common drlvlng unit for propeller and wheels. At flg. 11 there Is Illustrated a rod supporting structure of a hybrld transportation vehicie with hybrid drlvlng unit for propeller and wheels.

Examoles

It Is understood that various realizations of the Invention are presented for illustration purposes, not as restrictions of technlcal solutions. Experts understanding the state of the art will find or will be able to find, using not more than routine expérimentation, many équivalents of spécifie réalisations of the Invention. Such équivalents shall fali within the scope of the following patent clalms..

For professlonals understanding the state of the art It cannot be problem to submit optimal System, therefore these characteristics hâve not been solved ln details.

Example 1 ln this example of invention subject spécifie reallzatlon, a hybrld transportation vehicle in Its slmplest basic modification is described. Before transformation It has a characteristic of a sterling sports automobile, which Is lllustrated in fig. 1. It consists of the body 4, cabin 6, rétractable wlngs 1, châssis and common drivlng unit 8 with switchlng or coupilng of torque transfer to the propeller 9 situated in the rear or to the driven front wheels 5, as lllustrated at fig. 10. ln basic modification it contains reciprocal transformation mechanisms for transformation Into a sterling double track automobile or Into a sterling aircraft for take-off and landing on the ground. Two reciprocal transformation mechanisms of retraction - expanding for the right and left wing 1 are situated in the middle of the body 4 and each contains vertical axis 2 of the wlng retraction - expanding X from flying position into the position of hybrid transportation vehicle longitudinal axis and vice versa. Two first reciprocal transformation mechanisms of rétraction — expanding for the right and left wlng 1 contain two first actuators with electric drive. The second reciprocal transformation mechanism of the each wlng platform outline change 1 is situated in the wlng body 1 and contains the actuator with electric drive, which provides tiiting of the rear part of the wlng Xfrom the top part of the wlng X into the spread flying position around horizontal axis 3 of the wlng. The third reciprocal transformation mechanism of the front wheels track change 5 Is situated ln the front of the body 4 and contains the third actuator with electric drive and sliding seml axis. After transformation it has a characteristlc of a sterling sports alrcraft, which Is illustrated In fig. 9. The body 4 of a sterling sports aircraft has a clear aerodynamlc shape with cabln cover 6, while from the centre part of the body 4 spread left and right wing 1 extend. Tapering rear part of the body 4 progresses Into traversai short stabllizing tllted areas, at their ends equlpped with rear wheels. From the rear of the body 4 the pusher propeller 9 extends horizontally. Driven wheels 5 are sltuated In the front of the body 4 and their track Is at the minimum, so the wheels fenders 5 bear closely to the side front éléments of the body 4. After reciprocal transformation it will agaln gain a characteristic of a sterling sports automobile, which is illustrated in fig. 1. The body 4 of a sterling sports automobile has a clear aerodynamlc shape with cabln cover 6, while from the centre part of the body 4 backward along its sldes In longitudinal axis of a sterling sports automobile there are left and right wing 1 retracted. Driven wheels 5 are situated in the front of the body 4 and their track is now at the maximum, so the wheels fenders 5 withdraw from the side front éléments of the body 4.

Exampie 2

In this example of invention subject spécifie reaiization, a hybrld transportation vehicle in its improved modification is also described. Again, prior to transformation it has a characteristic of a sterling sports automobile, the construction of which Is sufflclently described in exampie 1. Moreover, In this extended modification, the body 4 of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air contains one to two fourth actuators with electric drive for take-off and landing tiltlng of the wlngs 1 by a angle of attack alpha = 30°, as illustrated In fig. 7 and 8. After transformation It again has a characteristic of a sterling sports alrcraft. Thls configuration significantly shortens take-off and landing track.

Example 3

In thls exampie of invention subject spécifie reaiization, a hybrid transportation vehicle in its another Improved modification Is also described. Again, It has a characteristic of a sterling sports automobile, the construction of which is sufficiently described in example 1. Moreover, In this extended modification, the body 4 of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air is behlnd cabin 6 equlpped with pop-up compensation cover 7. Tiltlng of the pop-up compensation cover 7 up and down Is provided by the fifth actuator with electric drive, as illustrated in fig. 2 to 6.

Exampie 4

In this example of invention subject spécifie realization, a hybrid transportation vehlcie in Its another modification Is also described. Again, prior to the transformation It has a characterlstic of a sterling sports automobile, the construction of which is sufficiently described at least in one of examples 1 to 3. After the transformation it has a characterlstic of a sterling sports amphibian. Construction is adapted so that front wheels shouldering 5 is equipped with aerodynamic hollow floats. This enables amphlbian’s take-off and ianding on the water.

Example 5 in this example of invention subject spécifie realization, a hybrid transportation vehicle In its another modification is also described. Again, prior to the transformation it has a characterlstic of a sterling sports automobile, the construction of which is sufficiently described at least in one of exampies 1 to 4. After the transformation it has a characterlstic of a sterling sports aircraft or amphibian. Construction is adapted so that actuators can be in variation with pneumatic or hydraulic drive. Another modification can consist In the variation that hybrid transportation vehicle will be four-tracked. Another modification can consist in the variation that hybrid transportation vehicle wlii be equipped with hybrid drive, as illustrated in fig. 11. it means that for example front wheeis 5 are driven by separate electric motors powered from battery or electric generator. The propeller 9 Is driven by combustion engine via the coupllng and transmission gearing.

Example 6

In this example of invention subject spécifie realization, a hybrid transportation vehicle in the most perfect modification is also described. Again, after the transformation from aircraft or amphibian It has a characterlstic of a sterling sports automobile, the construction of which is in summary described at least In one of examples 1 to 5, and lilustrated In fig. 1 to 11.

The description of functionality example of transformation method of a sterling double track automobile into a sterling aircraft for take-off from ground according to this Invention follows, where In fig. 1 a sterling automobile Is lilustrated. It Is a sequence of transformation steps that are executed already during driving an automobile. It involves tiltlng the compensation cover on to make the space for full expansion of wlngs free, illustrated In fig. 2. Tiltlng whole left and rlght front wlng out from the transportation vehicle longitudinal position, each around its vertical axis using reclprocai transformation mechanism of tiltlng the wlng In/out into/from fiylng position follows, lilustrated In fig. 3. Tllting the rear of each wing (fiaps) out from top front part of the wing using reciprocal transformation mechanism of the wing platform outline change Into the spread standard fiylng position follows, lilustrated in fig. 4 and 5. Tllting the compensation cover back Into its original position follows, lilustrated in fig. 6. Transfer of the torque into the propelier sltuated In the rear of the body follows. Take-off tiltlng of the wing by angle of attack alpha = 0 to 40° to shorten take-off track follows, lilustrated In fig. 7. Because of the aerodynamlc drag decrease, after the aircraft take-off It Is advantageous to provide front wheels track réduction, when wheels will be axiaiiy shifted towards the fuselage from left as well as rlght side, which Is illustrated In fig. 8. After the aircraft take-off the alpha angle = 0 to 40° of the wlng onset will be adjusted to the original value, which is Illustrated In fig. 9. This transformation of hybrid transportation vehicle transformed a sterling automobile into a sterling operational aircraft.

The description of functionality example of reciprocal transformation method of a sterling aircraft for landlng on the ground into a sterling double track automobile according to this Invention follows, where In fig. 9 a sterling aircraft Is illustrated. It is a sequence of transformation steps that are executed already during the fllght of the aircraft. It is the front wheels track expansion, when wheels will be axially shifted away from the fuselage from left as well as rlght side. The landlng tllting of the wlng by angle alpha = 0 to 40° of the wlng onset to shorten the landing track follows. Tiltlng the compensation cover on to make the space for rétraction of wlngs free follows. After aircraft landing the alpha angle = 0 to 40^e of the wlng onset will be adjusted to the original value. Tllting the rear of each wing (flaps) Into the top front part of the wlng using reciprocal transformation mechanlsm of the wlng platform outline change follows. Tlltlng the whole left and rlght front wlng In from flylng position Into the transportation vehicle longitudinal position, each around Its vertical axis using reciprocal transformation mechanlsm of tlltlng the wing In/out follows. Tlltlng the compensation cover back Into Its original position follows. Transfer of the torque to the front driven wheels follows. This reciprocal transformation of hybrld transportation vehicle transformed a sterling alrcraft Into a sterling operational automobile.

Industrial appllcabllltv

Transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground, water and air, and hybrld transportation vehicle according to the Invention finds Its appllcablllty In the alrcraft and automotlve Industry.

Claims (10)

1. Ahybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air comprîsinga body, cabîn, rétractable wings, châssis and driving unit with switching of the torque transfer between a propeller situatedat the rear of the vehicle and driven wheels, the vehicle containing reciprocal transformation mechanîsms for transformation into a sterling double or four-track automobile or into a sterling aircraft for take-off and landing on the ground or water, whereone or two first reciprocal transformation mechanîsms for wings retraction and expansion of the wings (I) from or to a flying position are situated in the mîddle of the body (4);

and wherein, each first reciprocal transformation mechanism contains a first actuator and a vertical axis (2) for retraction and expansion of the wîng (1) by tilting around the vertical axis between a flying position in which the axis of the wing is approximateiy perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a retracted position in which the wing axis is approximateiy parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;

two second reciprocal transformation mechanîsms for changing the platform outline of the wings, each being situated separately in a wing body (1) and each containing a horizontal axis (3)ofthe wing and a second actuator, for tilting the rear part of each wing (I) onto the top front part of the wing ( 1 ); and the driven wheels are front wheels, and a third reciprocal transformation mechanism containing a third actuator for changing the track of the front wheels is situated in the front of the body (4).

2. The vehicle according to claim I, wherein the body (4) contains one or two fourth actuators for tilting of the wing (1) by an angle of attack alpha = 0 to 40° for take-off and landing.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the body (4) is equipped with a pop-up compensation cover (7) behind the cabin (6).

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the pop-up compensation cover (7) is equipped with a fifth actuator.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the actuators are controlled electrically and/or pneumatically and/or hydraulically.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, whereinthe front wheels (5) are equipped with aerodynamic fenders or hollow floats.

7. A method of transforming a hybrid vehicle, comprising:

transformation of a sterling double or four-track automobile into a sterling aircraft for take-off and landing on the ground or water includes:

expansion of both whole wings (I) from a retracted position in which the wing axis is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to a flyîng position in which the axis ofthe wing is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehiclearound the two vertical axes using the first reciprocal transformation mechanism;

expansion of rear parts of wings (!) using the second reciprocal transformation mechanisms from the top front parts of the wings (1) into the spread flyîng position; and reducing the track of the front wheels using the third reciprocal transformation mechanism;

and reciprocal transformation of a sterling aircraft into a sterling double or fourtrack automobile includes:

expansion of the track of the front wheels track using the third reciprocal transformation mechanism;

retraction of the rear parts of the wings (!) from the spread flying position onto the top front parts of wings (!) using the second reciprocal transformation mechanism; and »

retraction of both wings (1) from the flying position in which the axis of the wing is approximately perpendîcular to the longitudinal axis ofthe vehicle into the retracted position in which the wing axis is approximately paralle! to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle around two vertical axes using the first rectprocal transformation mechanism.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the body (4) is equipped with pop-up compensation cover (7) behind the cabin (6), wherein prior to expansion of both whole wings (1) and expansion ofthe rear parts ofthe wings (1) tilting the compensation cover on (7) is executed.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the body (4) is equipped with pop-up compensation cover (7) behind the cabin (6), wherein prior to retraction of the rear parts ofthe wings(l)and rétraction ofboth whole wings (1), tilting the compensation cover on (7) is executed.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein after the expansion of both whole wings ( I ) and expansion of the rear parts of the wings (1), the wings (1) are tîlted by an angle of attack alpha = 0 to 40 ° for take-off and landing.