US20140205453A1 - Aquatic propulsion by means of oscillating fins - Google Patents

Aquatic propulsion by means of oscillating fins Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140205453A1
US20140205453A1 US14/238,878 US201214238878A US2014205453A1 US 20140205453 A1 US20140205453 A1 US 20140205453A1 US 201214238878 A US201214238878 A US 201214238878A US 2014205453 A1 US2014205453 A1 US 2014205453A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
shaft
oscillating
fins
oar
propulsion
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Abandoned
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US14/238,878
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English (en)
Inventor
Jose San Gabino Ramirez
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of US20140205453A1 publication Critical patent/US20140205453A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • B63H1/00—Propulsive elements directly acting on water
    • B63H1/30—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of non-rotary type
    • B63H1/36—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of non-rotary type swinging sideways, e.g. fishtail type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H16/00—Marine propulsion by muscle power
    • B63H16/08—Other apparatus for converting muscle power into propulsive effort
    • B63H16/18—Other apparatus for converting muscle power into propulsive effort using sliding or pivoting handle or pedal, i.e. the motive force being transmitted to a propelling means by means of a lever operated by the hand or foot of the occupant

Definitions

  • the invention relates to high-performance aquatic propulsion means using oscillating fins, intended specifically to propel small aquatic vehicles and floating surface objects, although it may also be used as underwater propulsion for divers and submarines.
  • the subject matter of the invention is aquatic propulsion means that use oscillating blades or fins transverse to the direction of travel to propel a floating object or vehicle, the novel features of which substantially reduce the stroke length of the surface of the blade at a neutral or negative angle, resulting in fewer oscillations about the longitudinal axis transverse to the waterline because they enable the propelling element to be as close as possible to the parallel lower plane of the vehicle, and for the axis of rotation of the oscillating arm or oar to be located in front of the keels of the axis of maneuver, improving the actual hydrodynamic coefficient and obtaining a propulsion efficiency that is much greater than had been achieved with these systems.
  • Another purpose of the invention is to provide simple, powerful and highly maneuverable muscular propulsion that is suitable for use by children, old people and people with disabilities.
  • a conventional oar with a stroke perpendicular to the longitudinal waterline can only achieve propulsion in one direction, which involves an unnecessary loss as it moves out of the water to return to the initial position.
  • the propulsion achieved varies proportionally as a function of the angle, but always within positive parameters, with entry close to the stern at a minimum propulsion angle, travel towards the right angle where propulsion is neutral, before reducing again when moving towards the bow.
  • the loss of energy is greater the closer the oar gets to the direction of travel, on account of which increasingly large oars are used to provide a greater stroke length close to neutral.
  • propulsion using oscillating blades or fins with a stroke transverse to the direction of travel achieves maximum propulsion at the beginning of the stroke, reducing proportionately until the right angle, or parallel to the direction of travel, and in this exact position the direction of the water is transverse to the forward movement, which is useless for propelling us, but from this point it becomes negative, which brakes us.
  • the known prior art has attempted to address this problem by providing the oscillating device with a fin provided with an independent shaft concentric to the shaft of the mechanism of the oscillating oar or arm, and stops limiting the stroke of the fin, which enables it to oscillate in a direction opposite the direction of the profile until it reaches the stop position and from this point to acquire the same direction, at an angle opposite the profile, which is the propulsion position.
  • the “accompanying” movement with no propulsion capacity until the stops are reached involves wasting a large percentage of the total stroke.
  • the fin represents 50% of the total, and both oscillate at angles of 90°
  • the “accompanying” stroke performed by the fin to reach the propulsion position between both limit stops represents practically 50% of the total, with no propulsion capacity.
  • it requires the angle of actuation to be kept constant, because the angle of the fin remains with an invariable stroke of 90°, which means that each degree that we reduce increases the “accompanying percentage”, but what usually happens is that, when attempting to increase the speed of the vehicle, the user increases the actuating rhythm, usually reducing the angle proportionately, on account of which the increased frequency in fact reduces the propulsion capacity.
  • the oscillating shaft of the mechanism In ordinary propulsion using an oscillating fin or blade positioned vertically and moving transversely to the direction of travel, the oscillating shaft of the mechanism is located to the stern, behind the keel of the vehicle, which causes significant oscillations in course, contrary to the stroke of the blade in both directions of actuation, significantly worsening the actual hydrodynamic coefficient. In other versions with fins positioned horizontally, the undulating effect is caused on the longitudinal waterline, which has the same negative hydrodynamic effect.
  • the improved aquatic propulsion using oscillating fins is designed to make optimum use of the muscle energy used—which is finite—thereby substantially improving the efficiency of the oscillating fins of the propulsion element, also incorporating a suitable positioning of the elements of the mechanism and of the user, whose weight in small floating structures represents a significant percentage of the total mass, which has a significant impact on stability.
  • the handlebars that actuate the oscillating mechanism, the axis of rotation thereof, the oar and the oscillating fins, in this order, as well as at least 50% of the user's mass are located centrally in relation to the transverse line of the vehicle, and in front of the keels of the axis of maneuver.
  • the eccentric position of the blades in relation to the lower face of the oar enables this to be as close as possible in parallel to the structure of the vehicle, having a minimum impact on the center of gravity during forward movement, however, by lowering it during turning maneuvers, when moving the propulsion element from the central axis of the vehicle at a low depth in relation to the waterline, propelling it against the centrifugal force.
  • the handlebars and therefore the oar can rotate through 360° and the oscillating action can be performed in any position.
  • the course is determined at all times by the intermediate point of the oscillating stroke.
  • the invention relates to a set of steering handlebars with an oscillating action comprising a cylindrical profile ( 14 ) transverse to the direction of travel when in idle position, provided at the extremities thereof with as many levers or handles ( 16 ) and a central vertical prolongation ( 13 ) having a hollow square profile and intended to consistently and gaplessly connect with the square segment ( 12 b ) of the upper end of the cylindrical rotary shaft ( 12 a ) of the oscillating mechanism, which contains a cylindrical opening ( 48 ) that runs through the entire length thereof.
  • the shaft ( 12 a ) is attached at an angle of 90° to the round end of the oar ( 11 ) which extends in a straight flattened profile transverse to the handlebars ( 14 ) and, at the opposite end, the oscillating shafts ( 9 ) of the blades ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) passed through the profile of the oar ( 11 ) from the upper plane and are attached to the plane, for which there is a large rectangular flattened head ( 27 ) and as many threaded holes ( 28 ) arranged equidistantly on both sides of the shaft ( 9 ) which are used to connect the conical head screws ( 49 ) passing through the profile ( 11 ) from the lower plane through the apertures ( 47 ) of conical profile provided to center and attach the shafts ( 9 ) to the oar ( 11 ), although the diameter of the hole ( 46 ) of profile similar to the screw is larger than the shaft.
  • a straight, flat plate ( 6 ) of similar width that has as many slots ( 32 ) as there are shafts ( 9 ) attached to the oar ( 11 ), which are provided to enable the movement of the plate ( 6 ) but also to limit it to the length of said slots, as they pass through said slots.
  • stops ( 7 ) On the same lower plane of said plate ( 6 ) are attached the stops ( 7 ), which are arranged in pairs and equidistantly on either side of each of the slots ( 32 ), and therefore of each of the parallel and eccentric shafts ( 9 ), in relation to a single flat oar ( 11 ), distributed longitudinally at a gradually increasing distance equivalent to the length of each of the fins ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) progressively from the shortest ( 1 ) that is closest to the axis of rotation of the oar, to the longest ( 5 ), which is placed at the distal end.
  • Said plate ( 6 ) has an attachment element ( 43 ) at the end thereof closest to the rotary shaft ( 12 a ) of the oar ( 11 ) that connects to the aperture ( 44 ) formed in the end of a piston ( 33 ) that runs through a guide element ( 26 ) to an articulated shaft ( 41 ) shared with the end of a connecting rod ( 34 ) that extends and connects to a shaft ( 40 ) seated in the end of the eccentric plate ( 35 ) attached to the central rotary shaft ( 21 ) of the articulated mechanism.
  • Said shaft ( 21 ) passes from this point through the hollow inside ( 48 ) of the rotary shaft of the oar ( 12 a ) to the opposite end thereof, where there is a periphery slot ( 36 ) provided to seat the corresponding elastic ring ( 37 ) that determines the position thereof on the shaft ( 12 a ), but that enables it to rotate independently thereof, extending from this point, once the vertical square profile ( 13 ) attached to the handlebars ( 14 ) has been connected to the square segment ( 12 b ) until it passes above the aperture ( 42 ), centered vertically on the aperture ( 48 ) in a semi circular plate ( 15 ) attached to the center of the handlebars ( 14 ).
  • a vertical slot that houses the operating handle ( 19 ) that oscillates about a transverse shaft ( 25 ) that passes through the rotary supporting element ( 18 ) and said handle ( 19 ), the lower edge of which acts as a ratchet and passes the lower plane only when the end of the handle is parallel to the upper plane of the supporting element and is opposite the radial slots ( 17 ), forced at the inclined edge thereof by an elastic element ( 20 ) attached to the supporting element ( 18 ) when inserted into the slot ( 17 ) chosen by the user to determine the position at which the handle ( 19 ) is released, determining thereby the position of the plate ( 6 ) and the stops ( 7 ) in relation to the shafts ( 9 ) that limit the angle and the oscillating stroke of the blades ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ), on account of which it can be adjusted, on the basis of the maximum angle reached in the alternating stroke of the handlebars ( 14 ) to obtain the maximum desired acceleration, without entering the negative angle
  • Propulsion is generated when the user applies muscle force, traction or thrust, to either of the two handles ( 16 ) provided at each end of the handlebars ( 14 ), or in opposite directions on both simultaneously, said movement being transmitted to the rotary shaft ( 12 a ) and then to the profile ( 11 ) on which the fins ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) are arranged, forcing them to move transversely and alternately in both directions, thereby moving the water and propelling the floating vehicle, object or swimmer in the desired direction, which corresponds to the midpoint of the oscillating stroke of the oar ( 11 ).
  • the actuating handlebars, rotary shaft, oar and fins, in this order, as well as at least 50% of the user's mass are located on the center of the direction of travel, in front of the axis of maneuver formed by the two keels ( 53 ) located at the stern and as far away from one another as possible on either side of the floating object or vehicle in which the propulsion device is installed, but nonetheless locating the rotary shaft of the oar as closely as possible, such that the fin at the opposite end passes close to the keels, such that actuating the propulsion element causes minimum oscillations to the course and also reduces the turning circle of the vehicle, affording it extraordinary maneuverability.
  • a preferred embodiment of the invention includes the use of several oscillating fins with independent parallel shafts eccentric in relation to the lower plane of the single flattened oscillating profile, the widths of which vary in proportion to the distance between the corresponding shaft thereof and the rotary shaft of the oar, where the oscillating stroke of each of the blades is limited in both directions by stops attached to a common plate, the position of which may be varied at will in relation to all of the blades of the propulsion system at the same time, increasing or reducing the maximum angle, regardless of the angle of the oar, which makes it possible to choose the angle most suitable to the speed of movement at any time.
  • shafts attached to a single straight profile and the rapid attachment system for the oscillating fins enable them to be swapped rapidly, retaining the length corresponding to the position thereof, whether they are taller or shorter, and even changing the number of fins to obtain the maximum possible propulsion power, in any environment and with any floating object or vehicle to which the propulsion system according to the present invention is applied.
  • FIG. 1 shows the actuating mechanism with the propulsion system attached.
  • FIG. 2 shows the semicircular base and the radial slots, which are related to the ratchet mechanism.
  • FIG. 3 shows the components of the ratchet mechanism, supporting element, handle/ratchet and elastic element pressing against the handle.
  • FIG. 4 shows the articulated mechanism mounted on the rotary shaft and attachment means, and the means related to the plate that enable the angle of the blades to be adjusted and a cross-section of the limiting stops.
  • FIG. 5 shows the articulated mechanism of the changer.
  • FIG. 6 is a worm's eye view showing the oar and the blades positioned in front of the keels.
  • FIG. 7 shows the structure of the blades and the elastic segment to attach it to the shaft.
  • FIG. 8 shows a blade and the attachment profile of the shaft in two segments.
  • FIG. 9 shows the profile of the rotary shaft, the profile of the oar and the structure of the shafts, as well as the elements enabling them to be attached to the oar and to the blades.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
US14/238,878 2011-08-17 2012-08-14 Aquatic propulsion by means of oscillating fins Abandoned US20140205453A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ES201100981A ES2411554B1 (es) 2011-08-17 2011-08-17 Propulsión acuática por aletas oscilantes
ESP201100981 2011-08-17
PCT/ES2012/070626 WO2013024195A1 (es) 2011-08-17 2012-08-14 Propulsión acuática por aletas oscilantes

Publications (1)

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US20140205453A1 true US20140205453A1 (en) 2014-07-24

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US14/238,878 Abandoned US20140205453A1 (en) 2011-08-17 2012-08-14 Aquatic propulsion by means of oscillating fins

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US (1) US20140205453A1 (es)
EP (1) EP2746147A4 (es)
ES (1) ES2411554B1 (es)
WO (1) WO2013024195A1 (es)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115042940A (zh) * 2022-03-24 2022-09-13 中国舰船研究设计中心 一种人工肌肉驱动的拍动式水下机器人

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113320665B (zh) * 2021-07-12 2022-04-15 北京航空航天大学 一种长鳍波动推进仿生水下机器人

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US107376A (en) * 1870-09-13 Improvement in propellers
US233209A (en) * 1880-10-12 Vibrating propeller for boats
US272949A (en) * 1883-02-27 Vibrating propeller
US2611321A (en) * 1946-08-29 1952-09-23 Homer J Shafer Vessel and fluid propelling device
US2728298A (en) * 1952-07-11 1955-12-27 Homer J Shafer Vessel and fluid propelling device
US2987030A (en) * 1959-02-26 1961-06-06 Jr Felix A De Jean Hand operated boat propeller
US20090137164A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2009-05-28 Rong-Jyh Song Manually operated boat

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB126231A (en) * 1918-09-10 1919-05-08 Thomas Leask New or Improved Means for the Propulsion of Boats and similar Vessels.
GB474512A (en) * 1937-03-09 1937-11-02 Shiro Chiba Oscillating vane propelling and steering device for boats
ES372548A1 (es) * 1968-10-21 1972-02-01 Hepatex A G Un vehiculo acuatico con propulsion por una aleta o por va-rias.
US4172427A (en) * 1978-01-12 1979-10-30 Kindred William B Water propulsion unit including fin having foil and flexible ends
ES2325236B1 (es) * 2005-02-21 2010-03-11 Universidade Da Coruña, Sistema de impulsion ondulante.
ES2319149A1 (es) * 2007-04-19 2009-05-04 Miguel Huguet Casali Sistema de propulsion multidireccional hg, para buques.

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US107376A (en) * 1870-09-13 Improvement in propellers
US233209A (en) * 1880-10-12 Vibrating propeller for boats
US272949A (en) * 1883-02-27 Vibrating propeller
US2611321A (en) * 1946-08-29 1952-09-23 Homer J Shafer Vessel and fluid propelling device
US2728298A (en) * 1952-07-11 1955-12-27 Homer J Shafer Vessel and fluid propelling device
US2987030A (en) * 1959-02-26 1961-06-06 Jr Felix A De Jean Hand operated boat propeller
US20090137164A1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2009-05-28 Rong-Jyh Song Manually operated boat

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115042940A (zh) * 2022-03-24 2022-09-13 中国舰船研究设计中心 一种人工肌肉驱动的拍动式水下机器人

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2411554B1 (es) 2014-06-27
EP2746147A4 (en) 2015-12-02
WO2013024195A1 (es) 2013-02-21
EP2746147A1 (en) 2014-06-25
WO2013024195A4 (es) 2013-04-11
ES2411554A1 (es) 2013-07-05

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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION