WO2013087991A1

WO2013087991A1 - Device for providing propulsion force

Info

Publication number: WO2013087991A1
Application number: PCT/FI2012/051229
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kauko Uolevi HELAVUO
Original assignee: Helavuo Kauko Uolevi
Priority date: 2011-12-12
Filing date: 2012-12-12
Publication date: 2013-06-20

Abstract

The object of the invention is a device for providing propulsion force. The device comprises a first weight element (6) and a gear wheel arrangement for moving the center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) about a first axis of rotation A of a wheel (2) in such a path (8) in which the centrifugal force provided by the weight element (6) is larger at a first portion (16) of the path (8) of the center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) than at a second portion (17) of the path (8) of the center of gravity (7). The result is an asymmetrical centrifugal force, which endeavors to move, i.e. pull, the first axis of rotation A towards the first portion (16) of the path (8), since the centrifugal force is larger at said first portion (16) than at said second portion (17), as a result of which the device provides the aforementioned propulsion force.

Description

DEVICE FOR PROVIDING PROPULSION FORCE

Background of the invention

The object of the invention is a device for providing propulsion forcepropulsion force according to the preamble of Claim 1.

Of engines in use today, only the rocket engine and comparable technical engine solutions, and the ion engine can create propulsion forcepropulsion force to itself, or to devices attached to it, without the propulsion forcepropulsion force being bound to its operating environment, such as the surface of the earth.

Through patent publications, however, several devices are known that provide propulsion forcepropulsion force also in environments, where there is no possibility of connection to a base, like the surface of the earth, nor to a base via some medium, such as air or water.

From the patent publication US 4,631,971, one such device for providing propulsion forcepropulsion force is known, which device is able to create propulsion forcepropulsion force without being directly or indirectly in connection with the surface of the earth.

Brief description of the invention

An objective of the invention is to accomplish a device for providing propulsion forcepropulsion force, which device is able to operate both in environments, where there is a direct or indirect connection to the surface of the earth, as well as in such environments, where there is no possibility for such a direct or indirect connection to the surface of the earth.

The objective of the invention is achieved by a device for providing propulsion forcepropulsion force according to the independent Claim 1.

Preferable embodiments of the device according to the invention are presented in the dependent Claims 2 to 13.

Four different arrangements for providing propulsion forcepropulsion force are presented in the dependent Claims 14 to 25, in which two devices are used for providing propulsion forcepropulsion force.

The device can be made to be of any size depending on the purpose and object of use. One of a small size is suitable, for example, for a drone or charting model plane, and one of a large size is suitable, for example, for a passenger plane. The device can be installed, for example, in the body of an airplane or inside a wing. Maintenance of the device is done rapidly and easily. The device can also be in the form of a module, and thus, it can be replaced in its object of use by a complete other one, for example for the duration of a maintenance job.

In space, the device is particularly efficient in use. The device enables exact maneuvering of a spacecraft, and it is efficient in its use of energy. The device enables manifold increased traveling speed for a spacecraft (no fuel carrying load). On long journeys, the flight speed is one of the most central problems. If the object of use for the device is such that ability to rotate the device, i.e. changing the direction of propulsion forcepropulsion force during use, is important, this can be accomplished by installing the device in a turning mechanism or by providing the device with a turning mechanism.

List of figures

Below, some preferable embodiments are presented in greater detail with reference to the attached figures, of which

Figure 1 shows a preferable first embodiment of the device and the path of the first weight element in this first embodiment,

Figure 2 shows a first position of the first weight element and a second position of the first weight element as the first weight element rotates about the first axis of rotation in a first embodiment of the device,

Figure 3 shows positions of the first weight element as the first weight element rotates about the first axis of rotation in a first embodiment of the device,

Figure 4 shows a second preferable embodiment of the device,

Figure 5 shows a first arrangement according to the first embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according to the first embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force and in which, additionally, there are two linear motors for driving the devices,

Figure 6 shows a second arrangement according to the first embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according the first embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two linear motors for driving the devices, and a device housing,

Figure 7 shows a third arrangement according to the first embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according the first embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, Figure 8 shows a fourth arrangement according to the first embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according the first embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two motors for driving the devices,

Figure 9 shows an arrangement according to a second embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according the first embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force,

Figure 10 shows a first arrangement according to a third embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according to the second embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two linear motors for driving the devices, and a device housing,

Figure 11 shows a second arrangement according to the third embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according to the second embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force,

Figure 12 shows a third arrangement according to the third embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according to the second embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two motors for driving the devices,

Figure 13 shows an arrangement according to a fourth embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according to the second embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force,

Figure 14 shows a first arrangement according to a fifth embodiment of the arrangement, in which four devices according to the first embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two linear motors for driving the devices,

Figure 15 shows a second arrangement according to the fifth embodiment of the arrangement, in which four devices according to the first embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two motors for driving the devices,

Figure 16 shows a first arrangement according to a sixth embodiment of the arrangement, in which four devices according to the second embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two linear motors for driving the devices,

Figurel7 shows a second arrangement according to the sixth embodiment of the arrangement, in which four devices according to the second embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two motors for driving the devices,

Figure 18 shows a fifth arrangement according to the first embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according to the first embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two linear motors for driving the devices, and a device housing and a turning arrangement,

Figure 19 shows a fourth arrangement according to the third embodiment of the arrangement, in which two devices according to the second embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two linear motors for driving the devices, and a device housing and a turning arrangement, and

Figure 20 shows a third arrangement according to the sixth embodiment of the arrangement, in which four devices according to the second embodiment are used in order to provide propulsion forcepropulsion force, and in which, additionally, there are two linear motors for driving the devices, and a turning arrangement.

Detailed description of the invention

Below, the device is presented in greater detail by presenting a first embodiment of the device as well as preferable variations of the first embodiment of the device and by presenting a second embodiment of the device as well as preferable variations of the second embodiment of the device. In addition, two arrangements (a first embodiment of the arrangement and a second embodiment of the arrangement) for providing propulsion forcepropulsion force are presented, which arrangements comprise two devices according to the first embodiment, and two arrangements (a third embodiment of the arrangement and a fourth embodiment of the arrangement) for providing propulsion force are presented, which arrangements comprise two devices according to the second embodiment.

A first embodiment of the device is first presented in greater detail. Figures 1 to 3 show an example of such a device according to a first embodiment of the device.

In this first embodiment, the device comprises a first shaft 1, which forms a first axis of rotation A.

In this first embodiment, the device additionally comprises a wheel 2 being rotatably mounted to the first shaft 1 such that the wheel 2 and the first shaft 1 are coaxial, and such that the wheel 2 is rotatable about the first axis of rotation A of the first shaft 1.

In this first embodiment, the device additionally comprises a first gear wheel 3, which is non-rotatably mounted to the first shaft 1 such that the first gear wheel 3 and the first shaft 1 are coaxial.

In this first embodiment, the device additionally comprises a second shaft 4, which forms a second axis of rotation B, and which is mounted to the wheel 2 at a distance from the first shaft 1 such that, as the wheel 2 is rotated about the first axis of rotation A of the first shaft 1, the second shaft 4 moves about the first axis of rotation A of the first shaft 1.

In this first embodiment, the device additionally comprises a second gear wheel 5, which is rotatably mounted to the second shaft 4 such that the second shaft 4 and the second gear wheel 5 are coaxial, and such that the second gear wheel 5 is rotatable about the second axis of rotation B.

In this first embodiment, the device additionally comprises a first weight element 6, which is mounted to rotate with the second gear wheel 5 about the second axis of rotation B, and the first center of gravity 7 of which is located at a distance from the second axis of rotation B.

In this first embodiment, the first gear wheel 3 and the second gear wheel 5 are adapted to mesh and they comprise identical gear teeth at least in the spots where the first gear wheel 3 and the second gear wheel 5 are adapted to mesh.

In this first embodiment, the first axis of rotation A and the second axis of rotation B are parallel.

In this first embodiment, the first gear wheel 3 and the second gear wheel 5 are adapted to mesh such that, as the wheel 2 is rotated about the first axis of rotation A, the first weight element 6 is adapted to perform two complete rounds about the second axis of rotation B while the first weight element 6 rotates one complete round about the first axis of rotation A such that the first center of gravity 7 of the first weight element 6 moves in such a path 8 about the first axis of rotation A, in which path 8 the distance between the first center of gravity 7 of the first weight element 6 and the first axis of rotation A varies such that the distance between the first center of gravity 7 of the first weight element 6 and the first axis of rotation A is at its maximum in a first position of the first weight element 6 (in this second position, the first weight element 6 is drawn in solid lines in Figure 2) and such that the distance between the first center of gravity 7 of the first weight element 6 and the first axis of rotation A is at its minimum in a second position of the first weight element 6 (in this second position, the first weight element 6 is drawn in dotted lines in Figure 2), which, in the rotation motion of the first weight element 6 about the first axis of rotation A, is located at half a round in relation to the first position of the first weight element 6, as a result of which the device provides propulsion force at least in a direction extending outwards from the first axis of rotation A in the direction in which the first center of gravity 7 of the first weight element 6 is situated when the first weight element 6 is in said first position. The device provides propulsion force because the weight element 6 induces an asymmetrical centrifugal force as it moves about the first axis of rotation A.

In this first embodiment of the device, the movement of the first weight element 6 in relation to the first axis of rotation A can be divided in two portions, i.e. a first portion 16 and a second portion 17.

The first portion 16 starts one quarter of a round, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, before the first weight element 6 reaches said first position, and ends one quarter of a round, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, after the first weight element 6 has been in said first position.

The second portion 17 starts one quarter of a round, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, before the first weight element 6 reaches said second position, and ends one quarter of a round, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, after the first weight element 6 has been in said second position.

In this first embodiment of the device, the centrifugal force induced by the first weight element 6 is larger in said first portion 16 than in said second portion 17. This centrifugal force endeavors to move, i.e. pull, the first axis of rotation A towards the first portion 16 of the path 8, since the centrifugal force is larger in said first portion 16 than in said second portion 17, as a result of which the device provides the aforementioned propulsion force.

In this first embodiment of the device, the path 8 of the first center of gravity 7 of the first weight element 6 preferably, but not necessarily, intersects the first axis of rotation A such that, in the second position of the first weight element 6, the distance between the first center of gravity 7 and the first axis of rotation A is essentially zero.

In this first embodiment of the device, in said first position of the first weight element 6, the first center of gravity 7 of the first weight element 6 preferably, but not necessarily, is located in such a plane D, in which also the first axis of rotation A and the second axis of rotation B are located.

In this first embodiment of the device, the first weight element 6 preferably, but not necessarily, comprises a first arm 6a, by which the first weight element 6 is attached to the second gear wheel 5, and a first weight 6b, which is attached to the first arm 6a. In this case, the first weight 6b possesses a center point, and the distance between the center point of the first weight 6b and the first axis of rotation A is, in the second position of the first weight element 6, preferably, but not necessarily, essentially zero.

In this first embodiment of the device, the device preferably, but not necessarily, comprises a drive device, such as a motor 13, for instance a linear motor 18, for driving the wheel 2, i.e. for rotating the wheel 2 about the first axis of rotation A.

In this first embodiment of the device, the wheel 2 is preferably, but not necessarily, a gear wheel, which constitutes a fourth gear wheel. In case the wheel 2 is a gear wheel, it can be a straight cut wheel, for example, or a helical gear. The number of teeth of the gear wheel can depend on, for example, the diameter of the wheel 2 and/or the size of the device.

In a first embodiment of the device, the thickness of the wheel 2 is more than 10 % of its diameter.

In the first embodiment of the device, the number of teeth provided on the first gear wheel 3 and on the second gear wheel 5 must be equal. In a first embodiment of the device, the number of teeth is 12 on both the first gear wheel 3 and on the second gear wheel 5.

In a first embodiment of the device, the diameter of the first gear wheel 3 is 20 - 25 % of the diameter of the wheel 2. In a first embodiment of the device, the diameter of the second gear wheel 5 is 20 - 25 % of the diameter of the wheel 2. In a first embodiment of the device, the thickness of the first gear wheel 3 is about 50 % of its diameter. In a first embodiment of the device, the thickness of the second gear wheel 5 is about 50 % of its diameter.

In a first embodiment of the device, the diameter of the first shaft 1 and of the second shaft 4 is about 33 - 37 % of the diameter of the first gear wheel 3 and of the diameter of the second gear wheel 5. In a first embodiment of the device, such as in the arrangement presented in Figure 6, the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing 19, and the first shaft 1 is non-rotatably attached to the frame.

In a first embodiment of the device, such as in the arrangement presented in Figure 18, the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing 19, and the first shaft 1 is mounted to the frame rotatably in relation to the first axis of rotation A, and the device comprises turning elements 23 for turning the first shaft 1 in relation to the first axis of rotation A. In Figure 18, the turning elements comprise a fifth gear wheel 20, which is attached to the first shaft 1 outside the device housing 19, and a helical pinion 21 cooperating with the fifth gear wheel 20, and a servomotor 22 for driving the helical pinion 21. Since the first shaft 1 is mounted to the frame rotatably in relation to the first axis of rotation A, the direction of the propulsion force provided by the device can be aimed by turning the first shaft 1 in relation to the first axis of rotation A.

In the following, two embodiments of an arrangement for providing propulsion force are presented (hereafter "the first embodiment of the arrangement" and correspondingly "the second embodiment of the arrangement"), which arrangements comprise two devices for providing propulsion force according to the first embodiment of the device.

The first embodiment of the arrangement, a first example of which is presented in Figure 5, a second example in Figure 6, a third example in Figure 7, a fourth example in Figure 8, and a fifth example in Figure 18, comprises two identical devices according to the first embodiment of the device such that it contains a device forming a first device unit 9 and a device forming a second device unit 10. In this first embodiment of the arrangement, the first device unit 9 and the second device unit 10 are arranged in relation to each other

• such that the first weight element 6 of the first device unit 9 and the first weight element 6 of the second device unit 10 constitute one common first weight element,

• such that the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit 9 and the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit 10 are located on the same first imagined axis of rotation A', and

• such that the second axis of rotation B of the first device unit 9 and the second axis of rotation B of the second device unit 10 are located on the same second imagined axis of rotation B'. In the first embodiment of the arrangement, presented in Figure 5, there are additionally two driving devices in the shape of linear motors 18, for driving the wheels 2.

In the first embodiment of the arrangement, presented in Figure 6, there are additionally two driving devices in the shape of linear motors 18, for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 to protect the devices.

In the first embodiment of the arrangement, presented in Figure 8, there are additionally two driving devices in the shape of motors 13, for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 to protect the devices.

In the first embodiments of the arrangement, presented in Figures 5 - 8, the wheels 2 are in the form of fourth gear wheels.

The first embodiment of the arrangement can comprise a frame, such as a device housing 19, as presented in Figure 6, into which the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 is non-rotatably attached to the frame, and into which the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 is non-rotatably attached to the frame.

As Figure 18 shows, it is also possible that the first embodiment of the arrangement comprises a frame, such as a device housing 19, into which the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9, in relation to a first imagined axis of rotation A', is rotatably mounted to the frame, and into which the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10, in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A', is rotatably mounted to the frame. Then, the arrangement comprises turning elements 23 for turning the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A', and for turning the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A'. Since the first shafts 1, in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A', are rotatably attached to the frame, the direction of the propulsion force provided by the arrangement can be aimed by turning the first shaft 1, in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A'.

The second embodiment of the arrangement, an example of which is presented in Figure 9, comprises two identical devices according to the first embodiment of the device such that it contains a device forming a first device unit 9 and in which the wheel 2 is a fourth gear wheel, and that it contains a device forming a second device unit 10 and in which the wheel 2 is a fourth gear wheel. In this second embodiment of the arrangement, the first device unit 9 and the second device unit 10 are arranged in relation to each other • such that the fourth gear wheels of first device unit 9 and of the second device unit 10 are adapted to mesh,

• such that the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit 9 and the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit 10 are parallel,

• such that the second axis of rotation B of the first device unit 9 and the second axis of rotation B of the second device unit 10 are parallel, and

• such that the first device unit 9 and the second device unit 10 are synchronized such that the first weight element 6 of the first device unit 9 is at said first position when the first weight element 6 of the second device unit 10 is at said first position, and such that the first weight element 6 of the first device unit 9 is at said second position when the first weight element 6 of the second device unit 10 is at said second position.

The second embodiment of the arrangement can comprise a frame, such as a device housing 19, and that the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 is non-rotatably attached to the frame and that the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 is non- rotatably attached to the frame.

It is also possible that the second embodiment of the arrangement comprises a frame, such as a device housing 19, and that the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 is rotatably mounted to the frame in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit 9, and that the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 is rotatably mounted to the frame in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit 10. Then, the arrangement comprises turning elements 23 for turning the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit 9 and for turning the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit 10 in order to aim the direction of the propulsion force provided by the arrangement.

Next, a second embodiment of the device is presented in greater detail. An example of such a device according to the second embodiment of the device is presented in Figure 4.

In this second embodiment of the device, the device is in accordance with first embodiment presented above, with the exception that the device additionally comprises a third shaft 11 forming a third axis of rotation C and being mounted to the wheel 2 at a distance from the first axis of rotation A such that the second shaft 4 and the third shaft 11 are mounted at the same distance from the first axis of rotation A and such that the second shaft 4 and the third shaft 11 are located on opposite sides of the first axis of rotation A at 180 degrees from each other in relation to the first axis of rotation A. The third shaft 11 will move about the first axis of rotation A of the first shaft 1 when the wheel 2 is being rotated about the first axis of rotation A of the first shaft 1.

In this second embodiment of the device, the device additionally comprises a third gear wheel 12, which is rotatably mounted to the third shaft 11 such that the third shaft 11 and the third gear wheel 12 are coaxial, and such that the third gear wheel 12 is rotatable about the third axis of rotation C.

In this second embodiment of the device, the device additionally comprises a second weight element 14, which is identical to the first weight element 6 and which is mounted to rotate with the third gear wheel 12 about the third axis of rotation C, and the second center of gravity 15 of which is located at a distance from the third axis of rotation C.

In this second embodiment of the device, the first gear wheel 3 and the third gear wheel 12 are adapted to mesh, and the second gear wheel 5 of the device and the third gear wheel 12 of the device are identical.

In this second embodiment of the device, the first axis of rotation A, the second axis of rotation B, and the third axis of rotation C are parallel.

In this second embodiment of the device, when the wheel 2 is being rotated, the second weight element 14 is adapted to make two full rounds about the third axis of rotation C as the second weight element 14 rotates one full round about the first axis of rotation A such that the second center of gravity 15 of the second weight element 14 moves in the same path 8 as the first center of gravity 7 of the first weight element 6 about the first axis of rotation A, in which path the distance between the second center of gravity 15 of the second weight element 14 and the first axis of rotation A is at its maximum at a third position of the second weight element 14, and such that the distance between the second center of gravity 15 of the second weight element 14 and the first axis of rotation A is at its minimum at a fourth position of the second weight element 14, which, in the rotational motion of the second weight element 14 about the first axis of rotation A is located at a point half a round away in relation to the third position of the second weight element 14, as a result of which the device additionally provides propulsion force at least in a direction extending outwards from the first axis of rotation A in the direction in which the second center of gravity 15 of the second weight element 14 is located when the second weight element 14 is in said third position. In this second embodiment of the device, the first gear wheel 3 and the second gear wheel 5 are adapted to mesh and the first gear wheel 3 and the third gear wheel 12 are adapted to mesh such that the second weight element 14 is in the fourth position when the first weight element 6 is in the first position, and then the second weight element 14 is in the third position when the first weight element 6 is in the second position.

In a manner corresponding to that of the first embodiment of the device, in this second embodiment of the device, the motion of the second weight element 14 about the first axis of rotation A can be divided in two portions, i.e. a first portion 16 and a second portion 17.

The first portion 16 starts one quarter of a round, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, before the second weight element 14 reaches said third position, and ends one quarter of a round, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, after the second weight element 14 has been in said third position.

The second portion 17 starts one quarter of a round, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, before the second weight element 14 reaches said fourth position, and ends one quarter of a round, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, after the second weight element 14 has been in said fourth position.

In this second embodiment of the device, the centrifugal force provided by the second weight element 14 is larger in said first portion 16 than in said second portion 17. This centrifugal force endeavors to move, i.e. pull, the first axis of rotation A towards the first portion 16 of the path 8, since the centrifugal force is larger in said first portion 16 than in said second portion 17, as a result of which the device will provide the aforementioned propulsion force.

In this second embodiment of the device, the wheel 2 is preferably, but not necessarily, a gear wheel forming a fourth gear wheel. In case the wheel 2 is a gear wheel, it can be a straight cut wheel, for example, or a helical gear. The number of teeth of the gear wheel can depend on, for example, the diameter of the wheel 2 and/or the size of the device.

In a second embodiment of the device, the thickness of the wheel 2 is more than 10 % of its diameter.

In the second embodiment of the device, the first gear wheel 3, the second gear wheel 5 and the third gear wheel 12 must be provided with the same number of teeth. In a first embodiment of the device, the number of teeth of the first gear wheel 3, the second gear wheel 5 as well as the third gear wheel 12 is 12. In a second embodiment of the device, the diameter of the first gear wheel 3 is 20 - 25 % of the diameter of the wheel 2. In a second embodiment of the device, the diameter of the second gear wheel 5 is 20 - 25 % of the diameter of the wheel 2. In a second embodiment of the device, the diameter of the third gear wheel 12 is 20 - 25 % of the diameter of the wheel 2.

In a second embodiment of the device, the thickness of the first gear wheel 3 is about 50 % of its diameter. In a second embodiment of the device, the thickness of the second gear wheel 5 is about 50 % of its diameter. In a second embodiment of the device, the thickness of the third gear wheel 12 is about 50 % of its diameter.

In a second embodiment of the device, the diameter of the first shaft 1, the second shaft 4, and the third shaft 11 is about 33 - 37 % of the diameter of the first gear wheel 3 and the diameter of the second gear wheel 5.

In a second embodiment of the device, the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing 19, and the first shaft 1 is non-rotatably attached to the frame.

In a second embodiment of the device, the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing 19 and the first shaft 1 is mounted rotatably to the frame in relation to the first axis of rotation A, and the device comprises turning elements 23 for turning the first shaft 1 in relation to the first axis of rotation A. Since the first shaft 1 is mounted to the frame rotatably in relation to the first axis of rotation A, the direction of the propulsion force provided by the device can be aimed by turning the first shaft 1 in relation to the first axis of rotation A.

Next, two embodiments of the arrangement for providing propulsion force are presented (hereafter "the third embodiment of the arrangement" and correspondingly "the fourth embodiment of the arrangement"), which arrangements comprise two devices for providing propulsion force according to the second embodiment.

The third embodiment of the arrangement, of which a first example is presented in Figure 10, a second example in Figure 11, and a third example in Figure 12, comprises two identical devices according to the second embodiment of the device such that it contains a device forming a first device unit 9 and a device forming a second device unit 10. In this third embodiment of the arrangement, the first device unit 9 and the second device unit 10 are arranged in relation to each other • such that the first weight element 6 of the first device unit and the first weight element 6 of the second device unit constitute one common first weight element 6',

• such that the second weight element 14 of the first device unit and the second weight element 14 of the second device unit constitute one common second weight element 14',

• such that the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit and the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit are located on the same imagined first axis of rotation A',

• such that the second axis of rotation B of the first device unit and the second axis of rotation B of the second device unit are located on the same imagined second axis of rotation B', and

• such that the third axis of rotation C of the first device unit and the third axis of rotation C of the second device unit are located on the same imagined third axis of rotation C.

The third embodiment of the arrangement, presented In Figure 10, additionally contains two driving devices in the form of linear motors 18 for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 for protecting the devices.

The third embodiment of the arrangement, presented In Figure 12, additionally contains two driving devices in the form of motors 13 for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 for protecting the devices.

In the third embodiment of the arrangement shown in Figures 10 - 12, the wheels 2 are in the form of fourth gear wheels.

The third embodiment of the arrangement, as shown in Figure 10, can comprise a frame, such as a device housing 19, into which the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 is non-rotatably attached to the frame, and into which the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 is non-rotatably attached to the frame.

It is also possible that the third embodiment of the arrangement, as shown in Figure 19, comprises a frame, such as a device housing 19, and that the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 is mounted to the frame rotatably in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A', and that that the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 is mounted to the frame rotatably in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A'. Then, the device comprises turning elements 23 for turning the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A', and for turning the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A'. Since the first shafts 1 are mounted to the frame rotatably in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A', the direction of the propulsion force provided by the arrangement can be aimed by turning the first shafts 1 in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation A'.

The fourth embodiment of the arrangement, an example of which is presented in Figure 13, comprises two identical devices according to the first embodiment of the device such that it contains a device forming a first device unit 9 and in which the wheel 2 is a fourth gear wheel, and that it contains a device forming a second device unit 10 and in which the wheel 2 is a fourth gear wheel. In this fourth embodiment of the arrangement, the first device unit 9 and the second device unit 10 are arranged in relation to each other

• such that the fourth gear wheels of the first device unit 9 and of the second device unit 10 are adapted to mesh,

• such that the second axis of rotation B of the first device unit 9 and the second axis of rotation B of the second device unit 10 are parallel,

• such that the third axis of rotation C of the first device unit 9 and the third axis of rotation C of the second device unit 10 are parallel, and

• such that the first device unit 9 and the second device unit 10 are synchronized such that the first weight element 6 of the first device unit 9 is in said first position when the first weight element 6 of the second device unit 10 is in said first position, and such that the first weight element 6 of the first device unit 9 is in said second position when the first weight element 6 of the second device unit 10 is in said second position, and such that the second weight element 14 of the first device unit 9 is in said third position when the second weight element 14 of the second device unit 10 is in said third position, and such that the second weight element 14 of the first device unit 9 is in said fourth position when the second weight element 14 of the second device unit 10 is in said fourth position.

In this fourth embodiment, the arrangement can comprise a frame, such as a device housing 19, into which the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 is non- rotatably attached to the frame, and into which the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 is non-rotatably attached to the frame. It is also possible that, in this second embodiment, the arrangement comprises a frame, such as a device housing 19, and that the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 is mounted to the frame rotatably in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit 9, and that the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 is mounted to the frame rotatably in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit 10. Then, the arrangement comprises turning elements 23 for turning the first shaft 1 of the first device unit 9 in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit 9, and for turning the first shaft 1 of the second device unit 10 in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit 10 in order to aim the direction of the propulsion force provided by the arrangement.

A fifth embodiment of the arrangement is further shown in the Figures 14 and 15, which embodiment comprises four identical devices according to the first embodiment, and two motors for driving the devices. This fifth embodiment of the arrangement can be regarded as comprising two identical arrangements according to the first embodiment presented above, in which the wheels 2 are fourth gear wheels, and in which the fourth gear wheels are adapted to mesh in pairs. On the other hand, this fifth embodiment of the arrangement can be regarded as comprising two identical arrangements according to the second embodiment presented above, in which the first weight elements are combined as in the second embodiment of the arrangement, and in which the second weight elements are combined as in the first embodiment of the arrangement. Thus, in this fifth embodiment of the arrangement, two devices according to the first embodiment of the arrangement or, correspondingly, two devices according to the second embodiment of the arrangement have been combined, in a way.

In the fifth embodiment of the arrangement according to Figure 14, there is a driving device in the form of a linear motor 18 for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 for protecting the devices.

In the fifth embodiment of the arrangement according to Figure 15, there is a driving device in the form of a motor 13 for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 for protecting the devices.

A sixth embodiment of the arrangement is further shown in the Figures 16 and 17, which embodiment comprises four identical devices according to the second embodiment, and two motors for driving the devices. This sixth embodiment of the arrangement can be regarded as comprising two identical arrangements according to the third embodiment presented above, in which the wheels 2 are fourth gear wheels, and in which the fourth gear wheels are adapted to mesh in pairs. On the other hand, this sixth embodiment of the arrangement can be regarded as comprising two identical arrangements according to the fourth embodiment presented above, in which the first weight elements are combined as in the third embodiment of the arrangement, and in which the second weight elements are combined as in the third embodiment of the arrangement. Thus, in this sixth embodiment of the arrangement, two devices according to the third embodiment of the arrangement or, correspondingly, two devices according to the fourth embodiment of the arrangement have been combined.

In the sixth embodiment of the arrangement according to Figure 16, there is a driving device in the form of a linear motor 18 for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 for protecting the devices.

In the sixth embodiment of the arrangement according to Figure 17, there is a driving device in the form of a motor 13 for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 for protecting the devices.

In the sixth embodiment of the arrangement according to Figure 20, there is a driving device in the form of a motor 18 for driving the wheels 2, and a device housing 19 for protecting the devices, and a turning device 23 for turning the first rotational shafts 1 of the devices around the imagined first axes of rotation A' in order to direct the propulsion force provided by the arrangement in relation to the arrangement.

It is evident to a person skilled in the art that, with developments in the technology, the basic idea of the invention can be implemented in many different ways. Thus, the invention and its embodiments are not restricted to the examples described above, but, rather, they can vary within the scope of the patent claims.

Claims

Patent claims

1. A device for providing propulsion force, characterized in, that it comprises: a first shaft (1) forming a first axis of rotation A,

a wheel (2), which is rotatably mounted to the first shaft (1) such that the wheel (2) and the first shaft (1) are coaxial, and such that the wheel (2) is rotatable about the first axis of rotation A of the first shaft (1),

a first gear wheel (3), which is non-rotatably mounted to the first shaft (1) such that the first gear wheel (3) and the first shaft (1) are coaxial,

a second shaft (4), which forms a second axis of rotation B, and which is mounted to the wheel (2) at a distance from the first shaft (1) such that, as the wheel (2) is being rotated about the first axis of rotation A of the first shaft (1), the second shaft moves about the first axis of rotation A of the first shaft (1),

a second gear wheel (5), which is rotatably mounted to the second shaft (4) such that the second shaft (4) and the second gear wheel (5) are coaxial,and such that the second gear wheel (5) is rotatable about the second axis of rotation B,

a first weight element (6), which is mounted to rotate with the second gear wheel (5) about the second axis of rotation B, and the first center of gravity (7) of which is located at a distance from the second axis of rotation B,

wherein the first gear wheel (3) and the second gear wheel (5) are adapted to mesh and they are of the same size and they comprise identical gear teeth, at least in the spots where the first gear wheel (3) and the second gear wheel (5) are adapted to mesh,

wherein the first axis of rotation A and the second axis of rotation B are parallel,

wherein the first gear wheel (3) and the second gear wheel (5) are adapted to mesh such that, as the wheel (2) is being rotated, the first weight element (6) is adapted to make two complete rounds about the second axis of rotation B as the first weight element (6) rotates one complete round about the first axis of rotation A such that the first center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) moves in such a path (8) about the first axis of rotation A, in which path (8) the distance between the first center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) and the first axis of rotation A varies such that the distance between the first center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) and the first axis of rotation A is at its maximum in a first position of the first weight element (6) and such that the distance between the first center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) and the first axis of rotation A is at its minimum in a second position of the first weight element (6), which position is located at a point half a round about the first axis of rotation A in relation to the first position of the first weight element (6), as a result of which the device provides propulsion force at least in the direction extending outwards from the first axis of rotation A in the direction in which the first center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) is located when the first weight element (6) is in said first position.

2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in, that the path of the first center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) intersects the first axis of rotation A such that, in the second position of the first weight element (6), the distance between the first center of gravity (7) and the first axis of rotation A is essentially zero.

3. Device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in, that, in said first position of the first weight element (6), the first center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) is located in such a plane D, in which also the first axis of rotation A and the second axis of rotation B are located.

4. Device according to any one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized in, that the first weight element (6) comprises a first arm (6a) by means of which the first weight element (6) is connected to the second gear wheel (5), and a first weight (6b), which is connected to the first arm (6a).

5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in,

that the first weight possesses a center point, and

that, in the second position of the first weight element (6), the distance between the center point of the first weight (6b) and the first axis of rotation A is essentially zero.

6. Device according to any one of the Claims 1 to 5, characterized in, that it comprises a driving device, such as a motor, for driving the wheel (2).

7. Device according to any one of the Claims 1 to 6, characterized in, that the wheel (2) is a gear wheel, which forms a fourth gear wheel.

8. Device according to any one of the Claims 1 to 7, characterized in, that the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19), and that the first shaft (1) is attached non-rotatably to the frame.

9. Device according to any one of the Claims 1 to 7, characterized in

that the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

that the first shaft (1) is attached rotatably, in relation to the first axis of rotation A, to the frame, and

that the device comprises turning elements (23) for turning the first shaft (1) in relation to the first axis of rotation A.

10. Device according to any one of the Claims 1 to 6, characterized in,

that the device additionally comprises a third shaft (11), which forms a third axis of rotation C and which is mounted to the wheel (2) at a distance from the first axis of rotation A such that the second shaft (4) and the third shaft (11) are mounted at the same distance from the first axis of rotation A, and such that the second shaft (4) and the third shaft (11) are situated on opposite sides of the first axis of rotation A at 180 degrees from each other in relation to the first axis of rotation A, whereby the third shaft (11) is adapted to move about the first axis of rotation A as the wheel (2) is being rotated about the first axis of rotation A,

that the device additionally comprises a third gear wheel (12), which is identical to the second gear wheel (5) and which is rotatably mounted to the third shaft (11) such that the third shaft (11) and the third gear wheel (12) are coaxial and such that the third gear wheel (12) is rotatable about the third axis of rotation C,

that the device additionally comprises a second weight element (14), which is identical to the first weight element (6) and which is adapted to rotate with the third gear wheel (12) about the third axis of rotation C, and the second center of gravity of which (15) is located at a distance from the third axis of rotation C,

that the first gear wheel (3) and the third gear wheel (12) are adapted to mesh,

that the first axis of rotation A, the second axis of rotation B, and the third axis of rotation C are parallel, that the second weight element (14), as the wheel (2) is being rotated, is adapted to perform two full rounds about the third axis of rotation C as the second weight element (14) rotates one full round about the first axis of rotation A such that the second center of gravity (15) of the second weight element (14) moves in the same path (8) as the first center of gravity (7) of the first weight element (6) about the first axis of rotation A, in which path the distance between the second center of gravity (15) of the second weight element (14) and the first axis of rotation A varies such that the distance between the second center of gravity (15) of the second weight element (14) and the first axis of rotation A

is at its maximum in a third position of the second weight element (14), and such that the distance between the second center of gravity (15) of the second weight element (14) and the first axis of rotation A is at its minimum in a fourth position of the second weight element (14), which, in the rotating motion of the second weight element (14) about the first axis of rotation A, is located at a point half a round in relation to the third position of the weight element (14), as a result of which the device additionally provides propulsion force at least in the direction extending outwards from the first axis of rotation A in the direction in which the second center of gravity (15) of the second weight element (14) is located when the second weight element (14) is in said third position, and

that the first gear wheel (3) and second gear wheel (5) are adapted to mesh and, correspondingly, the first gear wheel (3) and the third gear wheel (12) are adapted to mesh such that, when the first weight element (6) is in said first position, the second weight element (14) is in said fourth position, and when the first weight element (6) is in said second position, the second weight element (14) is in said third position.

11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in, that the wheel (2) is a gear wheel forming a fourth gear wheel.

12. Device according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, characterized in,

that the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19), and that the first shaft (1) is non-rotatably attached to the frame.

13. Device according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, characterized in,

that the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19), and that the first shaft (1), in relation to the first axis of rotation A, is mounted rotatably to the frame, and

14. Arrangement for providing propulsion force, characterized in

that it comprises two identical devices according to any one of the Claims 1 to 7, such that it contains a device forming a first device unit, and a device forming a second device unit, and

that the first device unit and the second device unit, in relation to each other, are arranged

• such that the first weight element (6) of the first device unit and the first weight element (6) of the second device unit form one common first weight element (6'),

• such that the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit and the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit are situated on the same first imagined axis of rotation A', and

• such that the second axis of rotation B of the first device unit and the second axis of rotation B of the second device unit are situated on the same imagined second axis of rotation B'.

15. Arrangement according to Claim 14, characterized in,

that it comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

that the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9) is non-rotatably attached to the frame, and

that the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10) is non-rotatably attached to the frame.

16. Arrangement according to Claim 14, characterized in,

that the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

that the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9), in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation (Α'), is rotatably attached to the frame, and

that the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10), in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation (Α'), is rotatably attached to the frame, and that the device comprises turning elements (23) for turning the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9) in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation (Α'), and for turning the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10) in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation (A')-

17. Arrangement for providing propulsion force, characterized in,

that it comprises two identical devices according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 such that it contains a device forming a first device unit and a device forming a second device unit, and

• such that the second weight element (14) of the first device unit and the second weight element (14) of the second device unit form one common second weight element (14'),

• such that the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit and the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit are situated on the same imagined first axis of rotation A',

• such that the second axis of rotation B of the first device unit and the second axis of rotation B of the second device unit are situated on the same imagined second axis of rotation B', and

• such that the third axis of rotation C of the first device unit and the third axis of rotation C of the second device unit are situated on the same imagined third axis of rotation C.

18. Arrangement according to Claim 17, characterized in,

that it comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

19. Arrangement according to Claim 17, characterized in, that the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

that the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9), in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation (Α'), is rotatably mounted to the frame, and

that the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10), in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation (Α'), is rotatably mounted to the frame, and

that the device comprises turning elements (23) for turning the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9) in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation (Α'), and for turning the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10) in relation to the first imagined axis of rotation (Α').

20. Arrangement for providing propulsion force, characterized in

that it comprises two identical devices according to Claim 7 such that it contains a device forming a first device unit (9) and a device forming a second device unit (10), and

that the first device unit (9) and the second device unit (10), in relation to each other, are arranged

• such that the fourth gear wheels of the first device unit (9) and of the second device unit (10) are adapted to mesh,

• such that the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit (9) and the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit (10) are parallel,

• such that the second axis of rotation B of the first device unit (9) and the second axis of rotation B of the second device unit (10) are parallel, and

• such that the first device unit (9) and the second device unit (10) are synchronized such that the first weight element (6) of the first device unit (9) is in said first position when the first weight element (6) of the second device unit (10) is in said first position, and such that the first weight element (6) of the first device unit (9) is in said second position when the first weight element (6) of the second device unit (10) is in said second position.

21. Arrangement according to Claim 20, characterized in,

that it comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

22. Arrangement according to Claim 20, characterized in,

that the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

that the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9), in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit (9), is attached rotatably to the frame,

that the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10), in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit (10), is attached rotatably to the frame, and

that the device comprises turning elements (23) for turning the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9) in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit (9), and the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10) in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit (10).

23. Arrangement for providing propulsion force, characterized in,

that it comprises two identical devices according to Claim 9 such that it contains a device forming a first device unit (9) and a device forming a second device unit (10), and

• such that the second axis of rotation B of the first device unit (9) and the second axis of rotation B of the second device unit (10) are parallel,

• such that the third axis of rotation C of the first device unit (9) and the third axis of rotation C of the second device unit (10) are parallel, and

• such that the first device unit (9) and the second device unit (10) are synchronized such that the first weight element (6) of the first device unit (9) is in said first position when the first weight element (6) of the second device unit (10) is in said first position, and such that the first weight element (6) of the first device unit (9) is in said second position when the first weight element (6) of the second device unit (10) is in said second position, and such that the second weight element (14) of the first device unit (9) is in said third position when the second weight element (14) of the second device unit (10) is in said third position, and such that the second weight element (14) of the first device unit (9) is in said fourth position when the second weight element (14) of the second device unit (10) is in said fourth position.

24. Arrangement according to Claim 23, characterized in,

that it comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

25. Arrangement according to Claim 23, characterized in,

that the device comprises a frame, such as a device housing (19),

that the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9), in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit (9), is rotatably mounted to the frame,

that the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10), in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit (10), is rotatably mounted to the frame, and

that the device comprises turning elements (23) for turning the first shaft (1) of the first device unit (9) in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the first device unit (9), and for turning the first shaft (1) of the second device unit (10) in relation to the first axis of rotation A of the second device unit (10).