WO2008051175A2

WO2008051175A2 - Semi-rigid air vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2008051175A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/045424
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Alman
Original assignee: James Alman
Priority date: 2004-12-17
Filing date: 2005-12-16
Publication date: 2008-05-02
Also published as: WO2008051175A3

Abstract

A lighter than air semi-rigid air vehicle utilizing two or more spherical chambers with composite fairings in between to reduce drag. The vehicle also may utilize a reverse ballonet or conventional ballonet system for the lift gas control (Helium, Hot Air, Hydrogen or any other lift gas). The power plants may use reversible pitch propellers to enhance maneuverability.

Description

SEMI-RIGID AIR VEHICLE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to the utility patent application identified by U.S. Serial No. 11/050,960, filed on February 4, 2005, which claims priority to the U.S. provisional patent application identified by U.S. Serial No. 60/637,035, filed on December 17, 2004. The patent applications identified by U.S. Serial No(s). 11/050,960 and 60/637,035 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to air craft. More specifically the present invention relates to a lighter than an air airship with a modular design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Traditional modern day aircraft typically have a single wing located on either side of the fuselage of the aircraft. They rely on the pressure differential between the top and bottom of the wings as the air flows over them to create lift for the aircraft. [0005] Airships also referred to as blimps or dirigibles date back centuries. They rely on the buoyancy of a lighter than air gas captured in an envelope to cause the airship to fly or float. There are many modern variations of the airships. Some of the best know are the Goodyear blimps often used to televise sporting events. These are cigar shaped airships. [0006] The disadvantage of the traditional cigar shaped airships such as the ones owned by Goodyear is that they are extremely large and difficult to transport except when inflated and flown to the desired destination. Because of their slow airspeed flying cigar shaped airship to a distant destination can involve several days of travel. [0007] The traditional cigar shaped airships are also designed to operate with a specific payload within a specific range of altitudes. If additional payload or altitude is required, a different airship must be used.

[0008] Other less known modern examples of airships are chronicled in the U.S. Patent database. U.S. Patent Number 5,294,076 entitled, "Air Ship and Method for Controlling the Flight," issued to Hakan Colting on March 15, 1994. Mr. Colting also has a pending patent application, publication number US2003/0234320 A1 entitled, "Air Ship and Method of Operation." The Colting patent and pending application both disclose a non-rigid air ship with a spherical shape. The air ships are propelled by engine driven propellers mounted to the sides of the sphere. Publications dating back to the 1930's also speak of spherical airships but none mention the use of spherical chambers joined together in an elongated lighter than an air vehicle.

[0009] The drawback to the design found in Colting is that the spherical shape has less than optimum aerodynamics. The high drag of the sphere in motion requires more horsepower than other shapes. The additional horsepower requirements reduce the useful payload of the spherical airship. Aerodynamics can deteriorate further when communications equipment such as antennas and satellite dish are needed and must be mounted on the spherical airship. Aerodynamics are further hurt by deformation of the envelope which can occur when the spherical airship attempts to move at higher speeds. [0010] Another disadvantage of the spherical shape is that it like the cigar shaped airship is designed to operate with a specific payload limit and within a specific altitude range. If additional altitude or payload is required, a larger airship must be used. Because it is spherical in shape, the size of the airship becomes extremely large and unmanageable for higher altitudes. These larger spherical airships would also be hard to deploy over long distances due to the size of their deflated envelopes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a lighter than air semi-rigid air vehicle utilizing two or more spherical chambers with composite fairings in between to reduce drag. The vehicle also may utilize a reverse ballonet or conventional ballonet system for the lift gas control (Helium, Hot Air, Hydrogen or any other lift gas). The power plants may use reversible pitch propellers to enhance maneuverability.

[0012] The present invention is a lighter than air semi-rigid airship utilizing a spherical chamber for each of the gas chambers. The vehicle is designed to be modular in that it can be as few as two spheres up to as many as is required to lift the weight to the desired altitude. The benefit here is that the sphere size does not change. The number of spheres is determined by the payload requirement. The manufacturing process would only require tooling for a single size sphere.

[0013] The power plants may incorporate the use of reversible pitch propellers. This along with a rotation feature would allow the vehicle to rise and descend vertically as well as fly forward and backwards.

[0014] The area outside the spheres but inside the fairings could be used for such payloads as satellite antennas or other payloads that required protection without taking up valuable volume from the lift gas spheres. Because they are mounted under the fairings, these additional payloads do not effect the aerodynamics of the airship and should not require additional horsepower.

[0015] The present invention would also allow for a modular storage facility that would be sized for a single sphere. The addition of additional spheres would drive the requirement for additional storage bays. They would all be the same size, reducing production costs. [0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and which constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain embodiments of the invention, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0017] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in this application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims are regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0018] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the design engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0019] Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth, in part, in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the description and/or from the practice of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Fig 1 is a partial sectional top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0021] Fig 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0022] Fig 3 is a detailed sectional view of the area indicated in Fig 2. [0023] Fig 4 is a detailed sectional view of the area indicated in Fig 2. [0024] Fig 5 is an end view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0025] Fig 6 is a sectional view as indicated in Fig 1.

[0026] Fig 7 is a partial sectional top view of an additional embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig 8 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig 7. [0028] Fig 9 is an end view of the embodiment shown in Fig 7. [0029] Fig 10 is a partial sectional top view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig 11 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig 10. [0031] Fig 12 is an end view of the embodiment shown in Fig 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The airship of the present invention can be as a stationary platform as well as a moving platform. Typical applications include but are not limited to communications, or surveillance. This does not preclude it from being a moving platform but the design is better suited for holding stationary at a desired altitude. The vehicle will have the ability to operate at much higher altitudes than conventional airships. The vehicle has the ability to carry a variety of payloads including large satellite antennas.

[0033] A larger scale, high altitude (approx. 65000 feet altitude) version may require a different size sphere. The concept would be identical to the smaller one. As in all applications, the power plant selection will be based on the mission requirements, this might include diesel, gas, hydrogen fuel cell, nuclear, or any other system that would meet the mission requirements.

[0034] Fig 1 shows a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Fig 1. Fig 5 is an end view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The air ship 20 is comprised of two or more spherical envelopes 22 containing a lighter than air gas, such as helium or hydrogen. The spheres are held together by a connection 24 and a fairing 26. The shape of the spherical envelopes 22 is maintained by internal air pressure or gas pressure. It is also possible to use an inner gas bag using a reverse ballonet system with free expansion. The spherical envelopes 22 are also connected together by connection 28 to the fairing 26. They are typically connected to a reinforced section of the spherical envelope 22. The shape of the air ship 20 is also maintained by the use of battens 30. These are contained or fixed to the fairing 26. This helps keep the two or more spherical envelopes 22 aligned.

[0035] The shape of the front end of the air ship 20 is also maintained by nose rib structural reinforcements 32. The battens 30 and nose ribs 32 would typically be made from carbon fiber or other composite materials. However, any light weight semi-rigid material would work.

[0036] The air ship 20 is propelled by a plurality of engines or motors 34 equipped with reversible pitch propellers. These could be powered by electrical, internal combustion or other means, depending upon the required payloads, altitude and other specifics of the application.

[0037] The payload of the air ship 20 can be attached below the air ship 20. Additional payload space 36 is located outside the spheres 22 and inside the fairing 26. This space can be particularly useful for antennas and satellite communications equipment when the fairing is made from material which is transparent to these transmissions.

[0038] The air ship 20 can be operated as a manned vehicle when the payload configuration allows. In certain situations, it may be beneficial to operate the air ship 20 as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This would allow for additional payload without having to take up payload by the weight of the pilot and any necessary equipment for him or her.

Regardless of whether the air ship 20 is a manner or unmanned vehicle, the controls would utilize equipment commonly know in the aviation field.

[0039] Figs. 7 through 9 and 10 through 12 show two additional embodiments of the present invention. Smaller diameter spheres 28 are used to provide a more aerodynamic shape. This further reduces drag and increases maneuverability and payload. The smaller sphere can be located at either or both ends of the air ship 20. Higher pressure can be used in the smaller spheres 38 to prevent deformation when the air ship 20 is in motion.

Nose ribs 32 can be used in conjunction with the smaller spheres 38 to help further prevent deformation. The smaller spheres 38 are contained within a fairing 40. The fairing 40 can be part of the first fairing 26 or the two fairings can be separate. Likewise the fairing 40 may have battens 30.

[0040] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides for inventive concepts capable of being embodied in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use the invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the instant invention.

[0041] The claims and specification describe the invention presented and the terms that are employed in the claims draw their meaning from the use of such terms in the specification. The same terms employed in the prior art may be broader in meaning than specifically employed herein. Whenever there is a question between the broader definition of such terms used in the prior art and the more specific use of the terms herein, the more specific meaning is meant.

[0042] While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is clear that many changes may be made in the details of construction and the arrangement of components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled. [0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the construction, configuration, and/or operation of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments mentioned above, variations in the materials used to make each element of the invention may vary without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of the invention, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. [0044] While this invention has been described to illustrate embodiments, this description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon referencing this disclosure. It is therefore intended that this disclosure encompasses any such modification or embodiments.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A semi-rigid airship comprising: a. A plurality of spheres in a linear formation; b. A fairing attached to the spheres; c. One of more engines connected to the airship; and d. A payload volume defined as being inside the fairing and outside of the spheres.

2. The airship of claim 1 further comprising reversible pitch propellers driven by the engines.

3. The airship of claims 1-2 wherein the engines are rotatably mounted to the airship.

4. The airship of claims 1-3 wherein the fairing further comprises one or more battens.

5. The airship of claims 1-4 wherein one of the spheres further comprises a nose rib.

6. The airship of claims 1-5 wherein the linear formation has a first end and a second end and further comprising a sphere with a smaller diameter than the other spheres at the one of the ends.

7. The airship of claim 6 wherein the sphere with the smaller diameter has a greater internal pressure than an internal pressure of the other spheres.

8. The airship of claims 1-7 wherein the linear formation has a first end and a second end and further comprising a sphere with a smaller diameter than the other spheres located at the first end and a sphere with a smaller diameter than the other spheres located at the second end.

9. The airship of claim 8 wherein the spheres with the smaller diameters have a greater internal pressure than the internal pressure of the other spheres.

10. A semi-rigid airship comprising: a. A plurality of spheres in a linear formation with a first and a second end; b. A fairing attached to the spheres; c. The fairing having one or more battens; d. The sphere on the first end having one or more nose ribs; e. One or more engines rotatably attached to the fairing; f. Each engine driving a reversible pitch propeller; and g. A payload volume defined as being inside the fairing and outside of the spheres.

11. The airship of claim 10 wherein the sphere on the first end has a smaller diameter than the other spheres.

12. The airship of claims 10-11 wherein the sphere on the first end has a higher internal pressure than the other spheres.

13. The process of adjusting the targeting operating altitude of a semi-rigid airship comprising: a. Determining the targeting operating altitude; b. Determining the required payload; c. Connecting a plurality of spheres in a linear formation with a fairing; and d. Varying the number of spheres to achieve the targeting operating altitude.