WO2001046584A2

WO2001046584A2 - Propulsion method and apparatus utilizing centrifugal force

Info

Publication number: WO2001046584A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/041462
Authority: WO
Inventors: David B. Robertson
Original assignee: Robertson David B
Priority date: 1999-11-18
Filing date: 2000-10-23
Publication date: 2001-06-28
Also published as: WO2001046584A3

Abstract

The propulsion method, and apparatus (100) for implementing the method of the present invention, utilizing centrifugal force to provide a propulsive force (F). In particular, at least one relatively large mass (182) revolves along an adjustable track (116) such that when the track is in a symmetrical position no propulsive force (F) is produced and when the track (116) is adjusted into an asymmetrical position, a net propulsive force (F) is produced. By adjusting the speed by which the large mass (182) revolves along the track (116) and the orientation of the track (116) the magnitude and the direction of the net propulsive force (F) can be varied.

Description

Description PROPULSION METHOD AND APPARATUS UTILIZING CENTRIFUGAL

FORCE

Technical Field

The subject invention relates to propulsion method and apparatus, particularly to a propulsion apparatus utilizing centrifugal force to provide a propulsive force. Background of the Invention

Various types of propulsion systems have been developed for propelling objects such as automobiles, lifting devices such as aircraft, space vehicles, and the like. Each type of vehicle having its own specific requirements. For example, automobiles which generally require a propulsion system capable of relatively long continuous operation typically use internal combustion engines. Internal combustion engines, however, are relatively complex in design and expensive to manufacture and maintain. Lifting devices, such as helicopters, require propulsion systems capable of providing three-dimensional maneuverability in the air. Such propulsion systems typically utilize internal combustion engines or turbine engines (jet engines) that are relatively expensive to manufacture and maintain and typically require complex transmission systems to provide three-dimensional maneuverability capability. Space vehicles, such as satellites, probes, and the like, require propellants not requiring oxygen or use onboard oxygen supplies. Typically, such propulsion systems use one or more internal propellants for producing thrust for flight/orbital corrections or for accelerating the vehicle to high speeds. One problem with use of such internal propellants, however, is that the duration of thrust and the number of uses for such systems are limited by the amount of propellant the space vehicle can contain. To overcome some of the disadvantages of conventional propulsion systems, various devices utilizing centrifugal force to propel a vehicle have been developed. Unfortunately, however, until now such prior art systems required the use of complex gear systems for producing and adjusting the revolution of the revolving masses or for directing the resulting propulsive force in a specific direction for propelling the vehicle in the desired direction. Further, such systems are often relatively expensive to manufacture and maintain.

Accordingly, a new and improved propulsion system is needed that is effective for providing a propulsion force for various types of vehicles, is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and can direct the propulsive force in various directions without requiring the use of a complex gear system. Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a new method and apparatus utilizing centrifugal force to provide a propulsive force. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of revolving at least one relatively large mass along a track and adjusting the configuration of the track for producing a net propulsive force.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method of utilizing centrifugal force to provide a propulsive force includes the step of adjusting the orientation of the track to direct the net propulsive force in a desired direction. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method of utilizing centrifugal force to provide a propulsive force includes the steps of adjusting the speed of revolution of the revolving mass to increase or decrease the net propulsive force.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the propulsion apparatus comprises at least one relatively large mass attached to at least one corresponding spoke whereby each mass revolves along a track configured for directing each mass along a predetermined path for producing a net propulsive force.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the propulsion apparatus further comprises means for adjusting the revolution of each mass to adjust the net propulsive force.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the track is adjustable into a symmetrical position for producing no propulsive force and into an asymmetrical position for producing a propulsive force.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the propulsion apparatus comprises means for directing the propulsive force in a desired direction.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, each spoke is slidably attached to a hub.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hub is a segmented hub.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the track is attached to a frame, whereby the frame is adjustable to change the direction of the resulting propulsive force produced by the revolving masses. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the speed of revolution of the revolving masses may be increased or decreased.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the mass of the revolving masses may be increased or decreased.

A primary object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a new and improved propulsion method and apparatus utilizing centrifugal force for providing a net propulsive force. Another primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improved propulsion method using an apparatus that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.

Another primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improved propulsion method and apparatus that do not require the use of a complex gear system.

Another primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improved propulsion method using an apparatus that is relatively easy to control.

Another primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improved propulsion method using an apparatus that permits a full degree of directing the propulsive force.

Another primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improved propulsion method and apparatus that can be utilized for providing propulsion for a variety of applications.

Another primary object of this invention is to provide a new and improved propulsion method and apparatus that can be used for providing propulsion for land vehicles, aircraft, hover craft, land rovers, orbital adjustment systems for satellites and manned and unmanned space vehicles, space craft, power line and oil/gas line patrol and construction and/or repair devices, surveillance devices, rescue devices, and the like.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description. Brief Description of the Drawings

The details of the invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational schematical view of a preferred embodiment of the propulsion apparatus of the present invention showing the propulsion device operating in a symmetrical configuration;

FIG. 2 is a top schematical view of the propulsion apparatus of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the segmented hub of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a segmented member comprising the segmented hub of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the segmented member of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an elevational schematical view of the propulsion apparatus of the present invention showing a preferred embodiment of the positioning device of the present invention for directing the propulsion force in a predetermined direction, wherein said force is being directed in a predetermined desired direction; and

FIG. 7 is an elevational schematical view of another preferred embodiment of the propulsion apparatus of the present invention showing the propulsion device of FIG. 1 illustrating another preferred embodiment of the positioning device of the present invention for directing the propulsion force in a predetermined desired direction. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The propulsion apparatus of the present invention utilizes the centrifugal force generated by revolving masses and directs the force in a predetermined direction to effect a propulsive force. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the amount of centrifugal force generated is dependent on the number and the mass of the revolving masses, number of revolutions per time, and the radius of revolution. However, until now, apparatus for producing and directing such a propulsive force has been relatively complex in design, and relatively expensive to manufacture and maintain.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, the propulsion apparatus 100, comprises a propulsion device 102 having a frame 104 for conventionally mounting the propulsion apparatus 100 to an object 106, an upper track member 108 having an upper inner track surface 110 and a lower track member 112 having a lower inner track surface 114 for cooperating with the upper inner track surface 110 to form a track 116, and a track extender assembly 118. A hub 120 is mounted to shafts 122 that are rotatably supported about bearing support 124 and by bearings (not shown) for rotation about longitudinal axis (Z-axis) 126. The bearing support 124 is rigidly secured in position by diagonal supports 128 attached to frame 104. A drive 130 is mechanically coupled, in a conventionally known manner, to one or both of the shafts 122 to rotatably drive the hub 120 about longitudinal axis (Z-axis) 126. The drive 130 typically will include a motor, such as a conventionally known hydraulic motor assembly. However, as can be appreciated, the motor may also comprise any one of a variety of well-known motors, including electric motors, and engines.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hub 120 of the present invention is a segmented hub comprising a circular end plate 132 and three segmented members 134, 136, 138. It should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of segmented members may be increased or decreased depending on the particular application of the propulsion system. Each segmented member 134, 136, 138 includes a circular mounting plate 140 coaxial with the longitudinal axis (Z axis) 126, and two semicircular portions 142, 144 defined by outer circular side wall 146, 148, respectively, coaxial with longitudinal axis (Z axis) 126 and by connecting cordial walls 150, 152 and 154 and 156, respectively. Cordial walls 150, 152 and 154, 156 further operate to define a pair of cutout sections 158 and 160, respectively, and a radially extending slot 162 extending between the semicircular portions 142, 144. Within each cutout section 158, 160 is a bearing assembly 164 having a cylindrical bearing housing 166 rotatably supporting a plurality of bearings 168 and a flange 170 positioned at each end of the bearing housing 166. Each flange 170 includes a central aperture 172 and the bearing housing 166 has a central passage 174 which is continuous between the flanges 170 and can be aligned with openings 176 in the circular mounting plate 140 and dowel pins 178 in a corresponding semicircular portion 142, 144 of another coaxially aligned segmented member. In this way, segmented members 134 and 138 can be easily attached by dowel pins 178 to segmented member 136. The circular end plate 132 includes apertures (not shown) that align with dowel pins 178 in the semicircular portion 142, 144 of the segmented member 134 for receiving screws, bolts, dowel pins, or the like, to rigidly secure the circular end plate 132 to the segmented member 134. As shown in FIG. 3, the circular end plate 132 and the circular mounting plate 140 of the segmented member 138 are attached, such as by welding or other conventional means, to shafts 122. Slidably secured between bearing housings 166 for reciprocal movement through slot 162 is a spoke 180. Mounted to each end of the spoke 180 are relatively large masses 182 each having a bearing surface such that when in operation each large mass 182 (FIG. 1) can easily move along the track 116. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spoke 180 has a substantially square cross section that is nested between flanges 170 of each bearing assembly 164 thereby preventing the spoke 180 from rotating as it reciprocally moves through the segmented hub 120 during operation.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the hub 120 can be relatively solid having at least one slot 162 extending through the hub 120 for receiving the spoke 180. Each slot 162 is adapted to receive at least one bearing sleeve or recirculating ball bearing apparatus (not shown) to permit reciprocal movement of the spoke 180 through the slot 162 during operation It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the speed by which the relatively large masses 182 can revolve along track 116 will be dependant on the physical limitations of the bearing sleeve or recirculating ball bearing apparatus In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper track member 108 and the lower track member 112 each have a generally U-shaped cross section nested together such that the upper inner track surface 110 and the lower inner track surface 114 form a cylindrical track 116 The track extender assembly 118 comprising a pair of projections 184 oppositely extending away from the upper track member 108 Extending radially through each projection 184 is a threaded aperture 186 for receiving one end of a corresponding track extending rod 188 which is inserted through corresponding apertures 190 in the frame 104 and rotatably retained therein such as by an end nut, pin or the like (not shown) Each track extending rod 188 includes a threaded portion 192 that is received in and extends through corresponding threaded apertures 186 in corresponding projections 184 Attached to one track extending rod 188 is a first bevel gear 194 having outer circumferential teeth which inter-engage complementary teeth of a respective second bevel gear 196 which is connected to a drive shaft 198 Attached to each track extending rod 188 is a sprocket wheel 199 which are connected together and adapted to engage with the links of a drive chain 201 Rotation of the drive shaft 198, by hand or by conventionally connecting the shaft to a motor 200, results in rotation of the first and second bevel gears 194 and 196 thereby rotating the sprocket wheels 199 thereby rotating track extending rods 188 Because of the threaded interconnection between threaded apertures 186 of projections 184 and the corresponding threaded portions 192 of the track extending rods 188, rotation of the track extending rods 188 operate to draw the rods 188 upwardly thereby laterally adjusting the upper track member 108 upwardly placing the track 116 into an asymmetric configuration (FIG. 6) or operate to draw the track extending rods 188 downwardly thereby urging the upper track member 108 to move downwardly placing the track 116 into a symmetrical configuration (FIG. 1) Nested within the upper inner track surface 110 is a pivotal wing 202 When the track 116 is in its symmetrical configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, wing 202 is nested within the upper inner track surface 110 When the track 116 is in its asymmetrical configuration, as shown in FIG. 6, wing 202 is pivoted outwardly Pivoting of the wing 202 may be easily accomplished using mechanical means, such as by springs, or by use of an electrical motor, piston, or by magnetic means

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, drive 130 rotates shafts 122, the segmented hub 120, and spokes 180 such that large masses 182 slide along the track 116 As shown in FIG. 1, when the radiuses of revolution of each large mass 182 are equal, the track 116 being in its symmetrical configuration, the centrifugal forces created by the revolving large masses 182 are equal and directed in opposite directions thereby resulting in no net propulsive force As shown in FIG. 6, when the track extending rods 188 are extended causing track 116 to be in its asymmetrical configuration, the centrifugal forces produced by the revolving large masses 182 causes the spokes 180 to slide through the segmented members 134, 136, 138 of the segmented hub 120, or through slots 162 of the more solid hub 120, such that the radius of revolution of a large mass 182 traveling along the upper inner track surface 110 of the track 116 is greater than the radius of revolution of its opposite large mass 182 traveling along the lower inner track surface 114 of the track 116 In this way, the radius of revolution of each large mass 182 continuously varies as it revolves thereby resulting in an imbalance in the centrifugal forces generated and creating a net propulsive force F

It should be understood that while the propulsion apparatus is described using only a single track having at least one relatively large mass revolving along the track in a first direction, such as counterclockwise, a second track (or a wider first track) having at least one relatively large mass revolving in a second direction, such as clockwise, should be utilized to offset the gyroscopic precession produced by each mass revolving along the first track

Referring to FIG. 6, the propulsion apparatus 100 of the present invention is shown further comprising a preferred embodiment of a positioning device 204 for adjusting the orientation of the track 116 to direct the net propulsive force F in a desired direction As illustrated, the positioning device 214 operates to connect the frame 104 of the propulsion device 102 to the object 106 to be pushed or pulled by the propulsive force F being generated by the revolving large masses 182 and to direct the propulsive force F in a desired direction As shown, in a preferred embodiment of the positioning device, the frame 104 is pivotally supported by a universal joint 206 and a toggle joint 208 that operate to support and attach the frame 104 to the object 106 and to permit the frame 104 to be rotated about a first axis 210 in such a manner that the propulsive force F can be directed in a desired direction. The toggle joint 208 is activated by a rod 212 that reciprocates, either by hand, motor, or by hydraulic or air piston, to raise or lower the frame 104 thereby pivoting the frame 104 about the universal joint 206 to direct the propulsive force F in a specific direction. It should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that the toggle joint 208 can be attached to the frame 104 and the object 106 using ball joints (not shown). This would permit the positioning device 204 to utilize a second toggle joint (not shown ) thereby permitting the frame 104 to rotate about both a first axis 210 and about a second axis 214.

Referring to FIG. 7, the propulsion apparatus 100 is shown, whereby the frame 104 of the propulsion device 102 includes a horizontally extending member 234 and a pair of opposite extending diagonal supports 236, which extend outwardly from bearing support 124, to rigidly attach the propulsion device 102 to an inner ring 238 of another preferred positioning device 204. The vertically extending diagonal supports 236 extend far enough to permit the inner ring 238 to accommodate track 116 when the propulsion device 102 is in its asymmetric configuration such as shown in FIG. 6. An outer ring 240 is mounted to a pair of vertically extending members 242 of the positioning device 204 for 360 degrees rotational movement about the horizontal axis (X-axis) 244 and the inner ring 238 is positioned within the outer ring 240 and is mounted for 360 degree movements about the vertical axis (Y-axis) 246. A pair of swivel systems 248 is suitably connected to respective vertical extending members 242 of the positioning device 204 for rotatably supporting the outer ring 240. Attached to the lower and upper portions of the outer ring 240 are swivel systems 250 that are suitably connected to the inner ring 238 to effect rotational movement of the inner ring 238 about the vertical axis (Y-axis) 246. The swivel systems 248 and 250 are each driven using electric motors 252, however, other suitable drives such as hydraulic drives may be used to swivel the outer ring 240 and the inner ring 238 about their respective axis. Preferably, the outer ring 240 and the inner ring 238 are tubular in design to act as conduits for electrical wiring or hydraulic lines.

In operation, the propulsive force F being generated by the revolving masses 182 may be easily directed by activating the swivel systems 248 and 250 to cause either or both the outer ring 240 or the inner ring 238 to rotate about their respective axis 244, 246. In this way, the orientation of the track 116 is easily adjusted to direct the net propulsive force F in any desired direction.

While the foregoing description describes various embodiments of the propulsion apparatus of the present invention, the amount of centrifugal force generated is dependent on the number and the mass of the revolving masses, number of revolutions per time and the radius of revolution. Accordingly, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that the speed of revolution of the revolving masses may be easily adjusted by conventionally controlling the speed of the motor rotating the large masses. Further, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that the number of spokes, the weight of the large masses being revolved, and the radius of revolution of the large masses can be easily varied as desired.

The present invention is a new method and a new and novel propulsion apparatus utilizing centrifugal force for producing a net propulsive force which can be utilized for providing propulsion for a variety of applications, including providing propulsion for land vehicles, aircraft, hover craft, land rovers, toys, orbital adjustment systems for satellites and manned and unmanned space vehicles, space craft, power line and oil line patrol and construction and/or repair devices, surveillance devices, rescue devices, and the like. It should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that the propulsion method and apparatus of the present invention has the advantage of simplicity when compared with other prior art propulsion systems utilizing centrifugal force. The propulsion method and apparatus of the present invention also permits complete control of the propulsive force including the magnitude and direction of the force. Further, the propulsion apparatus of the present invention is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, does not require the use of complex gear systems, is relatively compact in size, relatively quiet in operation, and can operate in a vacuum. Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

What is claimed is;

Claims

1. A propulsion apparatus comprising at least one relatively large mass revolving along a track configured for directing each revolving mass along a predetermined path to produce a propulsive force.

2. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 further comprises means for adjusting the revolution of each said large mass to adjust the propulsive force.

3. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said track is adjustable into a symmetrical position for producing no propulsive force and into an asymmetrical position for producing a propulsive force.

4. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising means for adjusting the amount of propulsive force being produced.

5. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising means for directing the direction of the propulsive force.

6. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising means for offsetting the gyroscopic precession produced by each said revolving mass.

7. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 wherein each said large mass is attached to a respective spoke which is slidably attached to a hub.

8. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 wherein said track is mounted to a frame, whereby said frame is adjustable to change the direction of the resulting propulsive force produced by each said revolving mass.

9. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the speed of revolution of each said revolving mass may be increased and decreased.

10. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 1 further comprising means for increasing and decreasing the mass of each said revolving mass.

11. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 7 wherein said rotates about a longitudinal axis and wherein said hub is a segmented hub comprising a generally circular end plate and at least two segmented members; each said segmented members having a generally circular mounting plate coaxial with the longitudinal axis and two semicircular portions defined by a first and a second outer side wall which are coaxial with the longitudinal axis and by connecting cordial walls which operate to define a pair of cutout sections and a radially extending slot extending between said semicircular portions; wherein within each said cutout section is a respective bearing assembly; and wherein one of said spokes is slidably secured between each said respective bearing assemblies for reciprocal movement through said slot.

12. A propulsion apparatus comprising: a track; a hub; a plurality of masses, each said mass attached to a corresponding spoke, wherein each spoke is slidably attached to said hub; and a frame for supporting said track; wherein said masses revolve along said track; wherein said track may be adjusted for producing a propulsive force.

13. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 12 wherein said hub is a segmented hub.

14. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 12 wherein said track is adjustable into a symmetrical position for producing no propulsive force and into an asymmetrical position for producing a propulsive force.

15. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 12 wherein said frame is supported by a positioning device comprising a universal joint and a toggle joint that operate to support and attach said frame to an object and to permit said frame to be rotated about a first axis in such a manner that the propulsive force can be directed in a desired direction.

16. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 15 wherein said positioning device further comprises a second toggle joint for permitting said frame to rotate about a second axis.

17. The propulsion apparatus of Claim 12 further comprising a positioning device having an inner ring mounted to said frame and an outer ring mounted to said inner ring; wherein said inner is mounted for 360 degrees of movement about a vertical axis and said outer ring is mounted for 360 degrees of movement about a horizontal axis.

18. A method of producing a net propulsive force utilizing centrifugal force comprises the steps of: revolving at least one large mass along a track configured for directing each revolving mass along a predetermined path; and adjusting the track for producing a net propulsive force.

19. The method of Claim 18 further comprising the step of adjusting the orientation of the track to direct the net propulsive force in a desired direction.

20. The method of Claim 18 further comprising the step of increasing and decreasing the speed of each revolving mass to increase or decrease the net propulsive force.