US3401768A

US3401768A - Ground effects machine with airflow directing nozzles

Info

Publication number: US3401768A
Application number: US580986A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph D Cull
Original assignee: Joseph D. Cull
Current assignee: JOSEPH D CULL
Priority date: 1966-09-21
Filing date: 1966-09-21
Publication date: 1968-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 1985-09-17

Description

Sept. 17,1968 J.D. ;ULL 3,401,768

GROUND EFFECTS MACHINE WITH AIRFLOW DIRECTING NOZZLES Filed Sept. 21, 1966' s Sheets-Sheet 1 5 l l I I l l l WI I :3 a \i I \i I l I l I I l I I l I a l l 0 I Q I i I E i I l l I Q i I I I a Joseph 0. Cull INVEN TOR.

\I n & v a BY k WW 1i M5 INVEN TOR.

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 J. D. cum.

GROUND EFFECTS MACHINE WITH AIRFLOW DIRECTING NOZZLES Sept. 17, 1968 Filed Sept. 21, 1966 WEGEM Se t. 17, 1968 J. D. cuu. 3,401,753

GROUND EFFECTS MACHINE WITH AIRFLOW DIRECTING NOZZLES 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 21, 1966 Joseph D. Cull INVENTOR.

BY M

United States Patent 3,401,768 GROUND EFFECTS MACHINE WITH AIRFLOW DIRECTING NOZZLES Joseph D. Cull, 3508 Longview Ave., Bloomington, Ind. 47401 Filed Sept. 21, 1966, Ser. No. 580,986 13 Claims. (Cl. 180-122) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A G.E.M. utilizing a diffuser-nozzle system wherein pressurized air is directed outwardly through a series of increasing area passages to the periphery of the vehicle and subsequently discharged downwardly through aligned nozzle air passages of rapidly decreasing'cross-sectional area thereby producing, in addition to a vehicle lifting pressure, a substantial thrust to effect a greater lift. The nozzles are of a rigid fixed area and shape construction with selected one of the nozzles being pivotally adjustable so as to vary the direction of the constant thrust being discharged therefrom for use of this thrust as a balance and guidance control.

The instant invention relates to new and useful improvements in ground effects machines, and is particularly concerned with achieving a combination of greater lift and increased guidance and propulsion capabilities.

It is a primary object of the instant invention to provide a ground effects machine wherein the lift is achieved through a combination of pressure build-up and high velocity thrust.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also a significant object of the instant invention to provide a G.E.M. wherein a single fan or propeller is utilized with the moving air generated thereby being so directed as to provide the desired combination of lifting pressure and thrust in conjunction with the guidance and propulsion desired in such a craft.

Another significant object of the instant invention is the provision of a system wherein a diffuser-nozzle arrangement is utilized with the area of the individual flow passages being initially increased so as to cause a corresponding pressure increase and velocity decrease, and subsequently rapidly decreased so as to result in a velocity increase which in turn produces a thrusting effect desired, the vena contracta being produced forward of the discharge end of the decreasing area.

Further, it is a significant object of the instant invention to utilize elongated discharge nozzles which, in addition to providing the desired thrust in conjunction with the pressure build-up, are also capable of being directionally adjusted so as to be utilized in effecting the guidance and propulsion of the G.E.M.

Furthermore, it is a significant object of the instant invention to provide a device which is equally adaptable for utilization in conjunction with both large and small vehicles with the construction itself being relatively simple and economically feasible.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also an important object of the instant invention to provide a device wherein the control system utilizes the air discharge nozzles themselves in a manner which complements the basic simplicity of the device.

Basically, in order to achieve the above objects, it is an intention of the instant invention to construct a G.E.M. incorporating a lift unit defined by upper and lower spaced parallel panels in conjunction with a plurality of elongated vertically orientated braces positioned therebetween and both engaging the panels and maintaining the relationship therebetween so as to define an internal chamber having separate flow paths. The chamber is communicated with a source of pressurized air through an enlarged generally centrally located opening provided through the upper panel, the braces radiating outward from the periphery of the circular opening and diverging from each other so as to form air paths or diffusers having exit ends at the periphery of the lift unit substantially greater than the entry ends adjacent the opening periphery. In this manner, as the air travels outward through the increasing area of the diffusers, the velocity of the air flow decreases along with a corresponding pressure increase. At the outer edges of the diffusers, this being at the outer edges of the lift unit itself, a plurality of depending nozzles are provided for effecting a downward directing of the air flow. These nozzles decrease in area from enlarged entry ends directly communicated with the exit ends of the corresponding diffusers to the exit ends thereof whereby a velocity increase is effected so as to produce the vena contracta at a maximum distance from the nozzle exits or discharges. In this manner, not only does the particular craft hover as a result of the pressure build up therebeneath, but, through the thrust developed by the rapidly exiting air, a substantially greater lift to the vehicle or craft results. Selected ones of the discharge nozzles are to be movably mounted whereby a guiding of the craft is possible merely through a manipulation of the discharging nozzle itself. A further feature of the lift unit is the provision of specific means for maintaining a sealed chamber between the horizontal diffusers and the vertical nozzles throughout the range of movement of the movable ones of the nozzles, this consisting of selectively scalable flaps responsive to the flow of air itself.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a reduced partial side elevational view of a G.E.M. incorporating the lift unit of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged top plan view, partially in section, of the lift unit;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 33 with the propeller driving engine or motor disclosed schematically;

FIGURE 4 is a top perspective view, partially broken away, of the lift unit;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective detail of the construction of the nozzles and diffusers, along with the joining area therebetween;

FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional detail of one type of control means for the front and rear nozzles; and

FIGURE 7 is an elevational view, partially broken away, illustrating one type of control means that can be used in conjunction with the forward side nozzles.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 is used to generally designate the ground effects machine comprising the instant invention. The actual lift unit of the G.E.M. 10 is designated by reference numeral 12, while the body of the machine 10 is herein designated by reference numeral 14.

Referring specifically to the lift unit 12, as best illustrated in FIGURES 2-5, it will be noted that this unit 12 includes enlarged upper and lower

flat panels

16 and 18 retained in spaced parallel relation to each other by a plurality of vertically orientated smooth surfaced flat elongated braces 20. In this manner an enlarged divided internal chamber is provided between the panels 16 and 1-8. The upper panel 16 is provided with an enlarged circular opening 22 therein, which may be provided with a flange or housing wall 24 thereabout. This Opening 22, located at a specified point inward of the periphery of the lift unit 12, is provided as an entry means for forced or pressurized air which will originate from a power driven fan or propeller 26 mounted either within or immediately above the opening 22 as generally indicated in FIGURES 2 and 3. The bottom panel 18 is of course imperforate, and includes a smooth inner surface as does the upper panel 16-.

The vertical braces 28, noting FIGURES 2 and 4 in particular, extend radially outward from the periphery of the top panel opening 22 in a manner so as to define a plurality of radially extending airflow passages which increase in area outward from the intake or entry end thereof at the periphery of the opening 22 to the outlet or exit end thereof at the outer edges of the

panels

16 and 18 which define the periphery of the lift unit 12. In this manner, inasmuch as a subsonic fluid flow is involved, a plurality of diffusers are defined wherein a pressure increase and a corresponding velocity decrease is experienced as the airflow moves outward through the increasing area toward the outer edges of the unit 12. Incidentally, it will be noted that the outer end portions of the braces 20 are angularly directed so as to approach the outer edges of the

panels

16 and 18 at right angles thereto, these braces 20 extending beyond the corresponding edges so as to overlie the various vertically orientated airflow directing nozzles associated with the unit 12.

The nozzles are of three basic types, front and rear

adjustable propelling nozzles

28 and 30, side forward adjustable guiding or

steering nozzles

32 and 34, and side rear fixed

nozzles

36 and 38. All of the nozzles 28-38 of course contribute to the lift, with the propelling and guidance functions being effected through slight adjustments of the corresponding nozzles so as to vary the direction of the discharging thrust from the vertical.

The construction of all of the nozzles 28-38 is generally similar and consists of a plurality of flat downwardly converging

braces

40 and 42, in conjunction with inner and outer facing

panels

44 and 46. The nozzle braces 40 are associated with the

movable nozzles

28, 30, 32, and

34 and are accordingly hingedly pivoted, as at 48, to the projecting ends of the corresponding panel braces 20 so as to depend vertically therefrom. The nozzle braces 42 depend in the same direction as the nozzle braces 40, however, the braces 42 are rigidly mounted on the outer ends of the corresponding panel braces 20 so as to be immovable relative thereto. The inner and

outer panels

44 and 46 associated with the

movable nozzles

28, 30, 32, and 34 are secured directly to the associated braces 40 for pivotal movement either inwardly or outwardly away from the vertical. It will be noted that the front and rear nozzles 28 and extend across the entire width of the unit 12 and incorporate several braces therein corresponding to the braces 20 communicating with the particular edge whereby the braces 40 effectively define continuations of the fluid paths of the chamber between the

panels

16 and 18. The

movable nozzles

32 and 34 are positioned on the opposite sides of the unit 10 and extend rearwardly for a distance from the front of the unit 12, the front of the unit being that end having the nozzle 28 mounted thereon. These

side guiding nozzle

32 and 34 will generally correspond to the front wheels of an automobile in their steering function and can be of any desired length, such being illustrated as encompassing the exit or discharge ends of two diffusers. The fixed

nozzles

36 and 38, utilizing the rigidly mounted braces 42, extend rearwardly from the two

steering nozzles

32 and 34 to the rear end of the unit 12 and operate solely to provide lift.

All of the nozzle braces 40 and 42, and thereby the nozzles 28-38 themselves, have a downwardly tapered configuration whereby the entry ends thereof communicated directly with the discharge ends of the diffusers, are substantially wider than the downwardly opening discharge or exit ends. Thus, the subsonic flow of air, due to the decreasing area in the nozzles, experiences a rapid increase in velocity so as to effect a substantial thrust which will increase the lift or clearance obtained from the builtup pressure beneath the unit.

I11 order to provide for a leak-free passage of the air from each diffuser to the corresponding nozzle passage defined between the nozzle braces 40, upper and low sealing flaps 50 and 52 are utilized. The lower flap 52 has the inner edge portion thereof permanently fixed, as by gluing, to the adjacent edge portion of the lower panel 18 and extends therefrom into received relation within the corresponding nozzle passage, the outer edge of the flap 52 being fully received within the nozzle passage. The fiap 50 is secured, as by adhesive, to the inner surface of an arcuate cowling or the like 54 which is aflixed to the upper surface of the upper panel 16 and arcs over the rounded outer ends of the panel braces 20. This flap 50 continues downwardly from the outer edge of the cowling 54 into free received relation within the corresponding nozzle passage. Thus, as the pressurized air flows from the diffuser through the corresponding nozzle passage, the pressure and flow will force the free outer or lower portions of the

flaps

50 and 52 into sealed engagement with the inner and

outer nozzle panels

44 and 46 so as to effect an air tight flexible joint therebetween which allows for the adjustment of the nozzles 28-34 while maintaining the desired seal. These

flaps

50 and 52, which are of course flexible and air tight, can be formed of rubber or any suitable plastic such as neoprene. Further, it should be appreciated that the cowling 54 is to be so mounted as to allow for the free pivotal movement of the nozzles 28-34 within the range contemplated therefor. Inasmuch as the

nozzles

36 and 38 are to be fixed, any suitable permanent seal can be provided between the

nozzle panels

44 and 46 and the corresponding upper and

lower panels

16 and 18.

The front and

rear nozzles

28 and 30 are to be individually controlled with this control being effected in any desirable manner, such as the pneumatic system sug gested in FIGURE 6. In this system, a pneumatic tube 56 extends through the upper and

lower panels

16 and 18 and has a lower laterally directed portion which receives a plunger 58 having the outer end thereof pivotally ,engaged with the inner face of the nozzle, and a laterally directed upper end portion having a plunger 60 therein and projected therefrom for pivotal engagement with a control lever 62. Such a control system, or an equivalent thereof, will be associated with both the front and

rear nozzles

28 and 30.

The side guiding or

steering nozzles

32 and 34 are to be simultaneously controlled for synchronized movement. FIGURE 7 illustrates one simplified type of control system utilizing a control lever 64 having a pair of oppositely extending cables 66 fixed thereto and extending about mounted pulleys 68 into engagement with the outer panels 46 of the

nozzles

32 and 34. Another cable or link 70 is engaged between the inner faces of the

nozzles

32 and 34, thereby providing for a simultaneous pivoting of the

nozzles

32 and 34 upon a manipulation of the lever 64.

Depending upon the particular use to which the G.E.M. is to be put, various types of floats, wheels, skids, etc., can be associated therewith, the recessed corners defined between the adjacent nozzles at the corners of the unit 12 defining convenient wheel wells.

In actual use, the propeller or fan 26 is activated so as to force air through the circular opening 22 and into the chamber defined between the upper and lower

flat panels

16 and 18. This pressurized air flows outward through the smooth wall diffusers, defining by the

panels

16 and 18 and the braces 20. Since a subsonic fluid flow is involved, and the inlet area of each of the diffusers at the circular opening 22 is less than the outlet area at the periphery of the units 12, the pressure at the outlet area is substantially greater than at the inlet area. The air flow, as it leaves the chambers, follows the path defined by the smooth flexible sealing flaps 50 and 52 and into the upper inlet ends of the nozzles 28-68, the sealing flaps 50 and 52 because of the pressure of the air, being forced outwardly into sealing engagement with the corresponding

nozzle panels

44 and 46 so as to effect a positive air seal therewith regardless of the position of the particular nozzle. The area of the nozzles decreases downwardly with the area at the exit ends of the nozzles being'less than that at the entry ends of the nozzles so as to result in a substantial increase in the velocity of the fluid flow. The increased velocity creates a thrust along the nozzle axis and away from the nozzle. The thrust from the nozzles significantly adds to the lift from pressure build-up under the lift unit so as to result in a substantial increase in the lift or clearance as compared to that which would be obtained were build-up pressure alone relied upon in bolding the craft in a hovering position above the surface. Thus, it should be appreciated that not only is the G.E.M. lifted through the utilization of built up pressure asis commonly effected, but in addition a significant additional lift is achieved through the utilization of direct thrust produced by a high velocity discharge resulting from a diffuser-nozzle system. Further, through a pivotal mounting of the front and

rear nozzles

28 and 30, as well as the

forward side nozzles

32 and 34, a slight variation in the vertical positioning thereof will enable, utilizing the same flow of air, both a propelling of the device either forward or rearward, and a steering or guiding of the device. The desirability of having individual controls for the front and

rear nozzles

28 and 30 is that, through a manipulation of one or the other, independent of the second, a balancing of the craft will be possible should an unbalanced load or the like be introduced thereon. Also, it might at this time be pointed out that various nozzle arrangements, other than that specifically illustrated, are also contemplated within the scope of the instant invention. As an example, one form of G.E.M. incorporating the features of this invention is to include adjustable rear side nozzles operative in conjunction with the adjustable front side nozzles, and in the opposite direction, so as to effect a tighter turning of the craft.

From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that, utilizing a single propeller or fan as a source for forced air, the instant invention contemplates the provision of a ground effects machine which has a substantially greater lift capability than conventional G.E.M.s, as well asboth a guidance and propulsion means utilizing the same air flow. The thrust utilized in the device of the instant invention, so as to provide the additional lift, is achieved through the provision of a diffuser nozzle arrangement wherein the flow of air is initially taken through a progressively increased area which results in a corresponding pressure increase and subsequently is directed through a rapid decreased area so as to effect a corresponding rapid increase in velocity immediately prior to discharge toward the surface over which the device is to be supported. When constructing a device in accordance with the instant invention, it will be appreciated that the nozzle will be so designed as to position the vena contracta of the discharging flow of air, this being the point of maximum contraction of the flow and thereby the point of greatest velocity, at a maximum distance from the outlet of the nozzles so as to in turn obtain the maximum thrust. As noted supra, it is this thrust, in combination with the built up pressure, whereby the greater lift is achieved, in conjunction with improved degree of mobility.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In a ground effects machine, a lift unit, and an air flow inducing means, said unit defining a plurality of diffusers, each diffuser having an intake end and an outlet end, said air flow inducing means being in flow passing communication with the intake ends of the diffusers, the outlet ends of said diffusers being orientated peripherally about said unit, and downwardly directed nozzles having intake ends in flow receiving communication with the diffuser outlet ends, said diffusers increasing in area between the intake and outlet ends thereof, resulting in an air velocity decrease and a corresponding pressure increase, said nozzles continuously decreasing in area between the intake and outlet ends thereof, resulting in a velocity increase and the forming of a corresponding vena contracta outward of the nozzles, said unit including vertically spaced upper and lower rigid flat panels, and elongated rigid braces affixed between said panels, said panels and said braces defining the diffusers therebetween, said nozzles depending from the unit about the periphery of said panels, said nozzles each comprising a plurality of rigid brace members, and inner and outer rigid panel members mounted on said brace members and converging downwardly, said brace members constituting substantially coplanar continuations of said braces whereby individual flow passages extend continuously from the diffuser intake to the nozzle outlet.

2. The machine of claim 1 wherein said upper panel has a circular opening defining through a central portion thereof, said air flow inducing means discharging downward through said opening, the intake ends of said diffusers being orientated peripherally about said opening, said braces, and thereby said diffusers, projecting radially therefrom to the periphery of said panels, said braces and brace members being irnperforate.

3. The machine of claim 2 including means defining a sealed passage between each diffuser and the corresponding nozzle, the panels, aside from the circular opening in the upper panel, and the panel members being imperforate.

4. The machine of claim 3 wherein selected ones of said nozzles are adjustably mounted for varying the position of the outlet ends thereof and effecting a guidance of the unit, and means for adjusting the adjustable nozzles, said adjustable nozzles maintaining a constant cross-section, area, and outlet end size throughout the range of adjustment.

5. In a ground effects machine, a lift unit, and an air flow inducing means, said unit defining a plurality of diffusers, each diffuser having an intake end and an outlet end, said air flow inducing means being in flow passing communication with the intake ends of the diffusers, the outlet ends of said diffusers being orientated peripherally about said unit, and downwardly directed nozzles having intake ends in flow receiving communication with the diffuser outlet ends, said diffusers increasing in area between the intake and outlet ends thereof, said nozzles decreasing in area between the intake and outlet ends thereof, said unit including vertically spaced upper and lower flat panels, and elongated braces afiixed between said panels, said panels and said braces defining the diffusers therebetween, said air flow inducing means communicating with the diffusers through an opening in one of said panels; the intake ends of said diffusers being orientated peripherally about said opening, said diffusers projecting outwardly therefrom to the periphery of said panels, said nozzles depending from the unit about the periphery of said panels, said nozzles each comprising a plurality'of brace members, and inner and outer panel members mounted on said brace members and converging downwardly, and means defining a sealed passage between each diffuser and the corresponding nozzle, selected ones of said nozzles being adjustably mounted for varying the position of the outlet ends thereof and effecting a guidance of the unit, and means for adjusting the adjustable nozzles, said sealed passage defining means comprising a pair of flexible flaps fixed to the upper and lower panels and depending freely into the corresponding nozzle adjacent the inner and outer panel members for sealing engagement thereagainst in response to internal air pressure created by the flow of air therebetween.

6. The machine of claim wherein said unit has front and rear ends and opposed sides, said adjustable nozzles be mounted on the front and rear ends and on the forward portions of the opposed sides.

7. In a ground effects machine, a lift unit, and an air flow inducing means, said unit defining a plurality of diffusers, each diffuser having an intake end and an outlet end, said air flow inducing means being being in flow passing communication with the intake ends of the diffusers, the outlet ends of said diffusers being orientated peripherally about said unit, and downwardly directed nozzles having intake ends in flow receiving communication with the diffuser outlet ends, said diffusers increasing in area between the intake and outlet ends thereof, said nozzles decreasing in area between the intake and outlet ends thereof, said unit including vertically spaced upper and lower fiat panels, g

and elongated braces are fixed between said panels, said panels and said braces defining the diffusers therebetween, said upper panel having a circular opening defined through a central portion thereof, said air flow inducing means discharging downwardly through said opening, the intake ends of said diffusers being orientated peripherally about said opening, said diffusers projecting radially therefrom to the periphery of said panels, said nozzles depending from the unit about the periphery of said panels, said nozzles each comprising a plurality of braces, and inner and outer panel members mounted on said brace members and converging downwardly, and means defining a sealed passage between each diffuser and the corresponding nozzle, said sealed passage defining means comprising a pair of flexible flaps fixed to the upper and lower panels and depending freely into the corresponding nozzle adjament the inner and outer panel members for sealing engagement thereagainst in response to internal air pressure created by the flow of air therebetween.

8. In a ground effects machine, a lift unit, said unit comprising upper and lower coextensive panels, elongated vertically orientated braces affixed between said panels and maintaining said panels in spaced relation to each other, an air flow introducing opening defined through one of said panels, said braces extending outwardly from said opening to the periphery of said unit and defining a plurality of air passages progressively increasing in area outward from the opening, a plurality of nozzles depending from the periphery of the unit and defining a separate air passage in alignment with each of said first-mentioned air passages, and means communicating each nozzle air passage with a corresponding one of said first-mentioned air passages at the periphery of the unit in an air passing manner, said nozzle air passages progressively decreasing in area downward from the communicated air passages to the outlet ends thereof.

9. The machine of claim 8 wherein said unit has a front end and a rear end, said nozzles being rigid and defining nozzle air passages of fixed cross-section and area, one of said nozzles being substantially coextensive with each end and adjustable thereon for selective movement of the corresponding nozzle air passage outlet ends either forward or rearward relative to the vertical so as to vary the direction of discharge therefrom, said adjustable nozzle air passages maintaining their fixed cross-section and area throughout the adjustment thereof.

10. The machine of claim 8 wherein each nozzle, and hence the air passages defined thereby, is of a continuously decreasing cross-sectional area to the outlet end thereof.

11. The machine of claim 8 wherein the facing surfaces of said upper and lower coextensive panels are parallel, said panels being rigid, said vertically orientated braces between said coextensive panels being rigid and imperforate.

12. In a ground efiects machine, a lift unit, and unit comprising upper and lower rigid coextensive panels defining a generally horizontal constant height chamber therebetween, rigid elongated vertically orientated braces sealed between said panels, an air flow introducing opening defined through one of said panels, said braces extending outwardly from said opening to the periphery of said unit in diverging relation to each other so as to definite a plurality of closed air passages progressively increasing in area outwardly from the opening to the periphery of the unit, a plurality of nozzles depending from the periphery of said unit, each nozzle being defined by downwardly converging spaced rigid panels and rigid lateral brace members sealed therebetween, each of said nozzle brace members being substantially coplanar with a corresponding brace so as to define a nozzle air passage in direct alignment with each of said first-mentioned air passages, said nozzle air passages progressively decreasing in area to outlet ends due to the convergence of the associated nozzle panels, said nozzle air passages being in direct air receiving communication with said first-mentioned air passages whereby a substantially straight line flow of air is effected from the air introducing opening to the nozzle air passage outlet ends at which point a thrust producing discharge is effected.

13. The machine of claim 12 wherein selective ones of said nozzles are rotatably adjustable about the adjoining portion of the periphery of the unit while maintaining the size and shape of all the involved air passages and changing only the direction of the constant thrust producing discharging air.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,170,276 2/1965 Hall -7 X 3,170,530 2/1965 Black 180-7 3,175,785 3/1965 De Tore et al 180-7 X 3,182,627 5/1965 Rethorst 180-7 X 3,244,246 4/1966 Weiland. 3,272,271 9/ 1966 Cookerell. 3,291,236 12/1966 Foshag et a1.

FOREIGN PATENTS 1,008,930 11/ 1965 Great Britain.

A. HARRY LEVY, Primary Examiner.