WO2018002555A1

WO2018002555A1 - Inertial propulsion system including braking of the return trajectory of the mass by a fluid

Info

Publication number: WO2018002555A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/051771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Laurent PICOT
Original assignee: Pi Co
Priority date: 2016-06-30
Filing date: 2017-06-30
Publication date: 2018-01-04
Also published as: FR3053411A1

Abstract

The invention relate to an inertial propulsion system for driving a mobile vehicle in a forward direction, including a mass (4) circulating in a guide tube (6) forming a closed-cycle circuit comprising an outward path having a component in the forward direction, and a return path having a component in the opposite direction to the forward direction, said system comprising a motorisation means (8) using energy that places said mass (4) in movement in the return path, and a means for braking the return path of the mass (4) by fluid friction comprising a fluid flow restriction.

Description

INERTIAL PROPULSION SYSTEM COMPRISING BRAKING BY A FLUID OF THE TRAJECTORY RETURN OF THE MASS

The present invention relates to an inertial propulsion system for mobile machines.

The various mobile machines comprise propulsion systems comprising, for land vehicles, a motorization driving driving wheels, and for vehicles moving in a fluid such as aircraft and boats, a propeller that bears on the fluid, such as air or water, to reject it backwards by generating a driving force forward.

The engines of these mobile machines therefore require ground-motion transmissions for drive wheels, or propeller systems, which have a size, a certain complexity, as well as a certain danger.

As a variant, it is known for rockets in particular to use a reaction system carrying both the fuel and the oxidant to produce an internal combustion ejecting masses of gas through a nozzle at a very high speed. These systems rejecting a large mass of gas are valid especially for the space in the absence of atmosphere.

Inertial thrusters offer a breakthrough alternative to current thrusters. These systems have a structure and a mass whose internal kinematics can transform an externally supplied energy into an inertial resultant. Thus, these thrusters can set moving machinery in motion without moving external body: wheel, propeller, blade and without ejecting material: neither gas nor pollution. Indeed, as soon as they are supplied with energy, they generate an inertial force that applies directly to their structure, useful for the stabilization or propulsion of a mobile machine in a terrestrial or space environment.

Research in this field has resulted in the proposal of several patents that can be organized in the following categories: pure kinematic systems and mass-controlled braking systems. The systems with pure kinematics are systems whose architecture makes it possible to set in motion masses whose internal kinematics to the system is supposed to generate an inertial result on the thruster. This is the case of the patents: US 5,831,354, WO 92 16746 and DE 39 02 221.

Controlled mass braking systems are systems having a mass capable of moving within the system under the impulse of externally supplied power and whose braking is controlled. Thus, the mass is initially accelerated by generating a reaction on the system. Then, the braking of the mass is controlled by a device. The absence of reaction on the system during the braking phase is supposed to generate on the system, an inertial resultant. These braking can be implemented in different ways: by magnetic force or by friction,

The patents: WO 201 1 158048 A2, US 5,831,354, WO 92 16746 and DE 2014 005 273 propose inertial thruster architectures whose braking of the mass is controlled by a magnetic force.

DE 10 2014 005 273 proposes an inertial thruster architecture whose braking of the mass is controlled by a solid friction.

DE 10 2014 005 273 proposes an inertial thruster architecture whose braking of the mass is controlled on the forward path by the lamination of a fluid to which the kinetic energy of the mass is transmitted.

To date, no patent proposes inertial thruster architecture controlling the braking of the mass by fluid friction, the fluid flows inside or outside the mass on the return path of the mass.

Systems based on pure kinematics are not able to change the momentum of the mass. Thus the balance of dynamic efforts applied to the system remains systematically zero.

Systems accelerating a mass and then controlling its braking modify the momentum of the mass. But the magnetic braking and solid friction generate reactions on the system. The reaction principle then applies to the system and the balance of effort is also zero. Systems accelerating a mass and controlling its braking on the path to go by laminating a fluid to which the kinetic energy of the mass has been transmitted to modify the amount of movement of the mass. This architecture theoretically makes it possible to obtain an inertial thruster, but the description made in patent DE 10 2014 005 273 imposes the control of the motorization and the braking of the mass on the same trajectory: the forward trajectory. Thus, a control command is more complex to implement, particularly if it is desired to have a variable power booster. Finally, this solution requires filling and loss of fluid at each cycle. In a space environment, this solution requires the loading of large gas reservoirs that greatly limit the autonomy of the mobile machine.

Systems accelerating a mass and then controlling its braking on the return path, by applying a fluid flow external friction through a restriction of passage of the fluid between the mass and the system can change the amount of movement of the mass. The braking energy is then broken down into two components. On the one hand in lamination of the fluid and on the other hand in reaction on the system because of the turbulences. The portion of energy dissipated by lamination does not react on the system. This architecture theoretically makes it possible to obtain an inertial thruster. Moreover, because of the turbulence reaction on the system, their performance will be intrinsically lower than those whose principle is based on the implementation of a fluid flow internal friction.

The present invention is intended in particular to avoid these disadvantages of the prior art by proposing inertial thrusters consisting of a system in which a mass is set in motion by an external energy supply on a forward trajectory and whose braking is controlled by a fluid flow internal friction, by a restriction of passage of the fluid, on the return path. The fluid can flow either through the moving mass, or in a variable manner through a valve connected to the system, positioned on a return circuit of the fluid to the system, or both at the same time. In fact, the systems accelerating a mass thanks to an external energy on the forward trajectory, then controlling its braking on the return trajectory by fluid friction with internal flow, modifies the momentum of the mass and dissipates the braking energy without reaction. on the system. Fluid friction with internal flow dissipates all their energy by lamination of the fluid. This phenomenon does not generate any mechanical reaction on the system. At the system level the balance of the reaction forces related to the acceleration and the braking of the mass generates a reaction at the height of the energy dissipated by lamination of the fluid that has passed internally. An inertial result then applies to the system.

The present invention proposes for this purpose an inertia propulsion system provided for advancing a mobile machine in a direction of advance, comprising a mass flowing in a guide tube forming a circuit according to a closed cycle comprising a forward path having a component in the direction of advance, and a return path having a component in the opposite direction in advance, the system comprising a motorization means using an energy setting in motion that mass in the path to go, this propulsion system being remarkable in it comprises means for braking the return path of the mass by a fluid friction comprising a restriction of passage of a fluid.

This system comprising a motorization means uses an energy setting in motion this mass in the path to go. The momentum energy of the mass, during the forward trajectory, is accumulated in a mechanical or pneumatic spring allowing the mass to realize the return trajectory. For the outward and return paths, the acceleration and braking of the mass generate reactions on the system in the direction of advance and in the opposite direction. The motorization system can be achieved, for example by a gas pressurized in a tank. It is then possible to detail the effects of the forces applying on the mass and on the propulsion system for the four phases of the cycle: acceleration of the mass on the forward trajectory, braking of the mass on the forward trajectory, acceleration of the mass on the return trajectory, braking of the mass on the return trajectory.

During the acceleration of the mass in the forward path, the implementation of the motor whose energy is supplied externally, generates a force on the mass and a reaction on the system. The mass then accelerates in the guide tube in the direction of the advance movement and the system then moves in the opposite direction,

The braking of the mass on the forward path is generated by a spring positioned opposite the motorization system. This spring, pneumatic for example, will store all the kinetic energy of the mass. At the end of the race, the spring is completely compressed. During compression of the spring, the system has a reaction generating a movement in the direction of its advance movement.

During the forward trajectory, the internal channel of the mass is closed. The balance of the forces (motive power, compression of the spring, solid friction) is null. So, at the end of the trajectory going from the mass, the system came back rigorously to the same place. During the return trajectory. A device opens the system closing the internal flow channel to ground. In the case of a pneumatic spring, the channel is equipped with an anti-return valve.

During the acceleration of the mass in the return path, the non-return valve being in the locked direction, the mass undergoes the pressure force of the air spring. It engages in the return trajectory and accelerates. During the relaxation of the spring, the system undergoes a reaction generating a movement in the direction of its movement in advance.

When braking the mass on the return path, the check valve opens, allowing the fluid to flow through the mass through the channel. Indeed, this means of propulsion is remarkable in that it comprises a means controlling the braking of the mass by a fluid friction by means of a restriction of passage of a fluid whose flow takes place internally. Thus, the kinetic energy that the mass has acquired during the acceleration, of the return trajectory, is broken down into two components: A component linked to the compression of the gas motor side that will open the check valve and the second related to the flow of fluid inside the channel. The first then generates a reaction on the system and thus a movement in the opposite direction to the advance movement. This reaction must be removed from the energy that has dissipated in lamination of the fluid inside the mass. This lamination energy does not generate a reaction on the system, so, given the system, the effort budget is different from zero. The system undergoes an inertial result.

The propulsion system according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following features, which may be combined with each other.

Advantageously, the mass forms a piston flowing in the guide tube, comprising at least one channel therethrough and forming the fluid passage restriction.

According to one embodiment, the motorization means is for example a pressurized gas tank or an electromagnetic motor. As alternatives, the motorization means can be pneumatic, electromagnetic or thermochemical.

It should be understood that any other suitable fluid that the gas may be considered in the context of the implementation of the invention.

In particular, the guide tube can be rectilinear.

In this case, the rectilinear guide tube may comprise at the front a spring portion containing gas which is compressed by the mass at the end of the forward trajectory, this mass comprising on the channel a non-return valve allowing the passage of gases to the rear, and a shutter that closes automatically at the end of the back stroke and opens automatically at the end of the race before.

For a rectilinear guide tube, this tube may comprise at the front a return spring of the mass towards the rear.

In this case, the rectilinear guide tube may comprise a return pipe comprising an automatic valve, which connects the two ends of this guide tube. In particular, for the purpose of obtaining a symmetrical propulsion the guide tube may comprise two springs, at least one pair of electromagnetic actuators and a return pipe comprising on each side two automatic valves which connect the two ends of this guide tube. .

In particular, the guide tube can form a closed loop.

In this case, the guide tube advantageously comprises a starting point of the mass disposed at the rear of the circuit, comprising an automatic valve.

In particular, the closed loop of the guide tube having different radii of curvature, the mass has several elements interconnected by a hinge.

In these cases, the mass can be solid forming a piston flowing in the guide tube and the fluid friction is implemented in a variable manner at a proportional valve positioned on a return circuit of the fluid to the system.

Moreover, the propulsion system may comprise heat exchange means comprising an internal or external circulation of a cooling fluid, in order to absorb the calories generated by the motorization system, by the compressions of fluid or their lamination so as to to generate the fluid friction, engine of the inertial thruster.

The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will emerge more clearly on reading the following description given by way of example, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 shows in axial section a first propulsion system according to the invention using a pneumatic energy, comprising a linear path, the mass being at the start of the cycle;

FIG. 2a shows this propulsion system, the mass being in the acceleration phase during the forward trajectory. The dotted line shows the movements of the system at each phase; - Figure 2b shows this propulsion system, the mass being at the end of the path to go. The air spring is compressed. The shutter system of the channel opens;

FIG. 2c shows this propulsion system, the mass being in the acceleration phase during the return trajectory;

- Figure 2d shows this propulsion system, the mass being in braking phase during the return trajectory. The fluid is able to escape through the internal channel of the mass, forming a restriction of passage of the fluid and generates a fluid friction which has the effect of braking the mass:

FIG. 2e shows this propulsion system, the mass being at the end of the return trajectory. The open shutter is about to close. The valves allow the reservoirs to be placed again at the set pressures in order to operate a new cycle;

- Figure 3 shows a second inertial propulsion system using electromagnetic energy;

FIG. 4 shows a third inertial propulsion system using electromagnetic energy, in a symmetrical mode;

- Figure 5 shows a fourth propulsion system using a magnetic energy, in a symmetrical mode, the traction and compression springs are operated in both directions of propulsion;

- Figure 6 shows a fifth propulsion system using a magnetic energy and a solid mass whose fluid friction is implemented in a variable manner by means of a proportional valve;

- Figure 7 shows a sixth symmetrical propulsion system using electromagnetic energy and a solid mass whose fluid friction is implemented in a variable manner by means of proportional valves, in a reversible mode;

FIG. 8 shows a seventh propulsion system comprising a circular trajectory;

FIG. 9 shows a variant of this system comprising a solid mass whose fluid friction is implemented in a variable manner by means of a proportional valve; and - Figure 10 shows a variant of this propulsion system comprising an elliptical trajectory.

FIG. 1 shows a propulsion system comprising a rectilinear tube 2 comprising the front side indicated by the arrow marked "AV", a guide portion 6 of a mass 4 sliding inside, and at the rear a pressurized gas tank. 8.

The mass 4 follows a closed cycle comprising a starting point which is the rearward point of the guide tube 6, in the position shown in FIG. 1, this cycle forming a forward motion then a return towards this starting point.

The mass 4 sliding in the guide tube 6 with a certain seal, such as a piston, comprises an axial channel 16 comprising on its front a check valve 10 allowing only a passage of the fluid forward. In particular, the seal around the mass 4 with the guide tube 6 may be formed by dynamic seals, or segments as on the piston of an internal combustion engine.

The mass 4 also has on its rear a shutter 12 automatically controlled by a not shown mechanical system, which closes the shutter at the rear starting point of the cycle, and opens it at the point before this cycle.

The reservoir 8 forming a motorization means, can be loaded by a gas under pressure with any known means, in particular by a compressor, or by a thermodynamic system using a chemical reaction or combustion. The tank 8 comprises a controlled valve, not shown, which puts it into communication with the guide tube 6.

The operation of the propulsion system is as follows. The tank 8 is pressurized, the mass 4 being at its starting point, the shutter 12 being closed.

The controlled valve of the tank 8 is suddenly opened, which releases the gas contained in this tank, propelling the mass 4 forward in a forward trajectory and the rearward propulsion system (Fig. 2a).

Arrived in the position shown in Figure 2b, the gas in the guide tube 6 is strongly expanded, and the gas contained in the spring portion 14 of this tube guide disposed forward of the piston 4 is strongly compressed. Two reactions of the same module are observed on the system during the forward trajectory. The second in the forward direction and the first in the opposite direction. Thus, when the mass is at the end of the race, the system has returned strictly to its original position.

At this point before the cycle, the automatic opening of the shutter 12 takes place.

By an expansion of the gas in the spring portion 14, an energetic return of the mass 4 towards the rear in a return trajectory is obtained, which gives a forward impulse on the complete propulsion system (Fig. 2c). .

As the pressure in the spring portion 14 is greater than that behind the mass 4, the non-return valve 10 remains closed, and the pressurized gas in this spring portion continues to push the mass backwards.

When the pressure in the spring portion 14 becomes lower than that behind the mass 4, the non-return valve 10 opens allowing gas to pass forwards. The mass 4 can finish its return trajectory by returning to the starting point, thanks to the kinetic energy accumulated during the expansion of the spring gas, being braked by the back pressure which is formed behind this mass 4 and by the fluid friction due to the lamination of the gas through the mass 4 (Fig 2d).

FIG. 2e shows the system having a filling valve 18 of the tank 8 and a purge valve 28 of the spring portion 14. Indeed, the implementation of the system in an automatic operating mode requires the control of the pressures of the tank 8 and the spring portion 14. The filling of the tank 8 occurs through the filling valve 18 when the mass 4 is at the end of the forward path, the shutter 12 opens and the rapid opening valve (not shown) of the tank 8 closes. Thus, the filling takes place during the return path of the mass 4.

The purge of the spring portion 14 is effected by means of the purge valve 28 as soon as the non-return valve 10 opens. It closes as soon as mass 4 is back to its original position in order to restart a new cycle. It should be noted that the purge of the spring portion 14 represents the release of a secondary energy that can be used to increase the overall efficiency of the propellant.

These indications reveal the need to have, on the one hand, an energy storage means such as a pressurized tank allowing the propeller to have a certain autonomy, and on the other hand, a control system based for example on the position in real time of the mass 4 and, or on the pressures that are implemented in the various compartments of the system.

FIG. 3 shows the guide tube 6 comprising, at the front, a mechanical compression spring 20 designed to return the mass 4 backwards in the return trajectory, in order to apply the forward pulse to the control system. complete propulsion.

The mass 4 comprises a channel 16 which is always free, without shutter or non-return valve. The mass 4 is thus simpler to produce.

A return pipe 22 connects the front end of the guide tube 6 to a controlled rear valve 24 which opens directly to the rear end of the guide tube, without passing through a rear tank.

An electromagnetic motor 26 surrounding the rear portion of the guide tube 16, comprises at least one coil using an electric current, to deliver to the mass 4 a large force forward that propels the mass in its path forward.

The operation of this propulsion system is as follows. The mass 4 being at the starting point, the rear valve 24 is open.

The electromagnetic motor 26 propels the mass 4 forward in the forward path. A negligible portion of the gas disposed in front of the mass 4 passes through the axial channel 16 of this mass which is calibrated, the majority of these gases pass through the return pipe 22 and the rear valve 24 to return back from this mass. The circulation of closed-loop gases thus avoids braking the mass 4 by a front pressure or a rear depression. The mass 4 arriving at the end of trajectory go on the spring 20, compresses this spring which then returns the mass backward in a return trajectory by giving a reaction by a forward pulse on the propulsion system. At the same time the rear valve 24 is closed.

During the return trajectory of the mass 4, the gases arranged behind this mass pass forward through the calibrated channel 16, forming a fluid friction by the rolling of these gases in this channel.

Under the action of the spring 20, the mass 4 arrives at the end of the guide tube on the valve side. A new cycle can then begin.

It should be noted that the maximum power of the thruster is reached for a magnetic power for compressing the spring 20 as much as possible. It is possible to obtain a variable propulsion power by adjusting the magnetic power and obtaining a lower compression of the spring. Thus, the solutions shown in Figures 3 to 7 have with this principle, a variable propulsion.

Since the system forms a closed loop, it is possible to adjust the initial pressure prevailing inside the system in order to maximize the fluid friction and therefore the performance of the thruster. The solutions represented by FIGS. 3 to 7 have this capability.

For all the solutions represented in FIGS. 3 to 7, it is possible to equip the electromagnetic winding or coils with heat exchangers, not shown in the figure, in order to evacuate the calories generated by the Joule effect.

Finally, it is possible to use several coils positioned along the guide tube in order to smooth the propulsion force of the mass 4. The use of several coils can also be implemented for the solution shown in FIG. It should be noted that the use of several coils is also useful to provide additional impulses on the system in the direction of the advance movement during the passage of the mass during the return trajectory. FIG. 4 shows a symmetrical propulsion system comprising on each side a compression spring 20, an electromagnetic actuator 26, and a rear valve 24.

In addition, each spring 20 comprises a mechanical locking means 30, which can maintain the compressed spring to neutralize it.

A reversible propulsion system is obtained, which maintains the spring 20 compressed by the blocking means 30 on one side, by using the electromagnetic actuator 26 on the same side, and leaving the rear valve 24 disposed at all times open. on the other hand, gives operation similar to that shown in FIG. 3, providing propulsion of the complete system in one direction.

Conversely, one can change sides by reversing the locking sides of the spring 20, use of the electromagnetic actuator 26 and permanent opening of the rear valve 24 to obtain a propulsion system providing symmetrically a direction of rotation. 'advance in the opposite direction.

FIG. 5 shows a symmetrical propulsion system comprising a guide tube 6 and on each side a tension and compression spring 21 d and 21 g each fixed to the inner ends of the propulsion system and to the mass 4.

An electromagnetic motorization consisting of at least two coils 26d and 26g surrounding the tube and positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the tube.

A return pipe 22 connects the ends of the tube via two valves 24d and 24g.

The operation of this system is as follows. At rest, the mass 4 under the balanced action of the springs 21 d and 21 g, is in the center of the guide tube 6. The valves 24d and 24g are open.

Under the pulling action of the coil 26g and the repulsion of the coil 26d, the mass is moved towards the valve 24g which remains constantly open for sense of propulsion. The mass 4 arrives at the end of the guide tube 6, the spring 21g is then compressed while the spring 21d is in tension.

The valve 24d is then closed. The two springs bring the mass 4 to the valve 24d. Fluid friction is implemented through the mass 4 during the entire return trajectory. The coils can then provide an additional pulse to the mass 4 in its movement to the valve 24d, when the mass 4 passes to their level. This has the effect of providing additional power to the system in the direction of advance (AV).

The mass 4 then arrives at the end of the guide tube 6, near the valve 24d. The spring 21g is then in tension and the spring 21d in compression. The valve 24d is then open, allowing the fluid contained in the system to circulate freely through the return channel 22.

Under the action of the springs 21 d and 21g, the mass is returned to the valve 24g. The coils then provide an additional pulse to the mass 4 in its movement towards the valve 24g, to ensure that the mass 4 reaches the end of the guide tube.

The cycles can then begin again, generating then a continuous inertial propulsion in the direction of the advance movement (AV).

It is then possible to reverse the direction of the thrust by leaving the valve 24d open permanently and closing the valve 24g when the mass 4 moves from the valve 24d to the valve 24g. The pulses printed by the coils at the different phases of the cycle are then adapted to maximize the propulsion performance in the opposite direction to the advance movement.

FIG. 6 shows a guide tube 6 comprising, at the front, a mechanical compression spring 20 designed to return the mass 5 backwards in the return path, in order to apply the pulse forward to the control system. complete propulsion.

The mass 5 has no channel. The mass 5 is thus simpler to achieve. It is also heavier, which is a key element to maximize the performance of the thruster.

A return pipe 22 connects the front end of the guide tube 6 to a proportional valve 25, positioned at the rear and controlled by variable way that opens directly to the rear end of the guide tube.

An electromagnetic motor 26 surrounding the rear portion of the guide tube 16, comprises at least one coil using an electric current, to deliver to the mass 5 a large force forward that propels the mass in its path to go.

The operation of this propulsion system is as follows. With the mass 5 at the starting point, the rear valve 25 is open.

The electromagnetic motor 26 propels the mass 5 forward in the forward path. The gases arranged in front of the mass 5 pass through the return pipe 22 and the rear valve 25 to return back from this mass. The flow of closed-loop gases thus avoids braking the mass 5 by a front pressure or a rear depression.

The mass 5 arrives at the end of the trajectory going by compressing the spring 20, which then returns the mass backwards in a return trajectory by giving a forward impulse on the propulsion system. From the moment when the mass 5 compresses the spring 20 as much as possible, the proportional rear valve 25 is controlled in order to optimize at all times the fluid friction in order to maximize the inertial propulsion.

Under the action of the spring 20, the mass 5 arrives at the end of the proportional valve-side guide tube. A new cycle can then begin.

This solution is remarkable vis-à-vis the fact that the fluid friction is not effected at the level of the mass 5, but at the level of the system 6, inside the valve 25 which forms a restriction of passage of the fluid . Since the valve is proportional, this makes it possible to vary the friction of the fluid by varying the cross section of the fluid. This makes it possible to simply maximize the fluid friction over the entire return path of the mass 5.

Indeed, it is possible to measure the position and speed of the mass at any time by a sensor not shown in the figure and to deduce the optimal opening of the valve to maximize the fluid friction.

The implementation of fluid friction at the proportional valve simplifies the evacuation of the calories that can be generated by lamination of the fluid inside the valve by adding for example a heat exchanger not shown in the diagram.

Figure 7 shows a symmetrical propulsion system hybridizing the solutions shown in Figures 5 and 6.

It comprises a guide tube and on each side a tension and compression spring 21 d and 21 g each fixed to the inner ends of the propulsion system and to the solid mass 5.

A return pipe 22 connects the ends of the tube via two proportional valves 25d and 25g.

The operation of this system is as follows. At rest, the mass 5 under the balanced action of the springs 21 d and 21 g, is in the center of the guide tube 6. The proportional valves 25d and 25g are open.

Under attraction of the coil 26g and repulsion of the coil 26d, the mass 5 is moved to the valve 25g which remains constantly open for this direction of propulsion. The mass 5 arrives at the end of the guide tube 6, the spring 21 g is then compressed while the spring 21 d is in tension.

From the moment when the mass 5 is at its extreme position, the rear valve 25d is controlled in order to generate a maximum fluid friction. The two springs 21g and 21d then return the mass backward in a return path by giving a forward impulse on the propulsion system.

The coils can then provide an additional pulse to the mass 5 in its movement towards the valve 25d, when the mass 5 passes to their level.

The mass 5 then arrives at the end of the guide tube 6, near the valve 25d. The spring 21g is then in tension and the spring 21d in compression. The valve 25d is then open, allowing the fluid contained in the system to flow freely through the return channel 22. Under the action of the springs 21 d and 21g, the mass is returned to the valve 25g. The coils then provide an additional pulse to the mass 5 in its movement towards the valve 25g, to ensure that the mass 5 reaches the end of the guide tube.

The cycle can then begin again and follow each other generating then a continuous inertial propulsion in the direction of the advance movement (AV).

It is then possible to reverse the direction of the thrust by leaving the valve 25d open permanently and by controlling the valve 25g when the mass 5 moves from the valve 25d to the valve 25g. The pulses printed by the coils at the different phases of the cycle are then adapted to maximize the propulsion performance in the opposite direction to the advance movement.

FIG. 8 shows a circular guide tube 6, and a mass 1 1 forming an arc of a circle fitted in this circular tube, comprising the axial channel 16 passing through this mass. This has the effect of providing additional power to the system in the direction of advance (AV).

The electromagnetic actuator 26 covers a rear portion of the guide tube 6 on the forward path side, starting a little before the starting point of the cycle which is the furthest rearward point of this tube.

A rear automatic valve 40 arranged at the starting point comprises an automatic actuator detecting the position of the mass 1 1 for closing the section of the guide tube 6, and to open the passage of this mass.

The electromagnetic motor 26 covers an angular sector of the guide tube 6, allowing an acceleration of this mass during the forward trajectory. The rear automatic valve 40 is kept open during this forward trajectory so as not to brake the mass 1 1.

The rear automatic valve 40 makes it possible, by keeping it closed during the start of the return trajectory, to compress the gases in front of the mass 1 1, forcing them to pass through the axial channel 16, which carries out the fluid friction braking of this mass by means of a restriction of passage of the fluid. It should be noted that it will be possible to provide a doubling of the device for circulating masses 1 1 in opposite directions in order to cancel the circular inertia results.

FIG. 9 shows a variant of the solution presented in FIG. 8. For this solution, the mass 13 is solid and the fluid friction is implemented by means of a restriction of passage of the fluid on the return path, at the level of the proportional valve 41.

FIG. 10 shows a guide tube 6 forming an ellipse, which makes it possible to lengthen the path along the longitudinal direction of advance of the propulsion system, and to reduce the transverse strokes.

The mass 12 has several separate elements hung between them, each comprising a seal on the periphery and an axial channel 16, forming an articulated train that allows to take the different bends of the ellipse. The operation with the guide tube 6 forming an ellipse is similar for the guide tube forming a circle.

For inertial thrusters whose guide tube forms a loop whose radii of curvature are variable, it is also possible to operate with one or more masses without flow channel. The fluid friction is implemented at the level of the automatic valve used in a variable manner, thus forming a restriction of passage of the fluid on the return path.

In general terms, on the different variants of the propulsion system, it is possible to add heat exchange means comprising an internal or external circulation of a cooling fluid, in order to absorb the calories generated by the gas compressions and their lamination during their passage inside the mass 4, 1 1, 12 generating the fluid friction.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying figures. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1 - Inertia propulsion system provided for advancing a moving machine in a direction of advance, comprising a mass (4, 5) flowing in a guide tube (6) forming a circuit according to a closed cycle comprising a forward path having a component in the direction of advance, and a return trajectory having a component in the opposite direction in advance, this system comprising motorization means (8, 26) using an energy moving this mass (4, 5) in the forward path, characterized in that it comprises a braking means of the return path of the mass (4, 5) by a fluid friction comprising a passage restriction of a fluid.

2 - propulsion system according to claim 1, characterized in that the mass (4) forms a piston flowing in the guide tube (6), comprising at least one channel (16) passing through it and forming the passage restriction of a fluid.

3 - propulsion system according to claim 2, characterized in that the drive means (8, 26) is a pressurized gas tank or an electromagnetic motor.

4 - propulsion system according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide tube (6) is rectilinear.

5 - Propulsion system according to claim 4, characterized in that the rectilinear guide tube (6) comprises at the front a spring portion (14) containing gas which is compressed by the mass (4) at the end of the path to go , this mass (4) comprising on the channel (16) a non-return valve (10) allowing the passage of gases to the rear, and a shutter (12) which closes automatically at the end of the rear stroke and opens automatically at the end of the race before.

6 - Propulsion system according to claim 5, characterized in that the rectilinear guide tube (6) comprises at the front a spring (20) for returning the mass (6) rearwardly.

7 - propulsion system according to claim 6, characterized in that the rectilinear guide tube (6) comprises a return pipe (22) comprising an automatic valve (24), which connects the two ends of this guide tube.

8 - symmetrical propulsion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide tube (6) comprises two springs (21 d, 21 g), the mass (4, 5), at least one pair of engines electromagnetic (26d, 26g) and a return pipe (22) comprising on each side two automatic valves (24d, 24g or 25d, 25g) which connect the two ends of this guide tube.

9 - Propulsion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide tube (6) forms a closed loop.

10 - propulsion system according to claim 9, characterized in that the closed loop of the guide tube (6) comprises a starting point of the mass (4) disposed at the rear of the circuit, comprising an automatic valve (40) .

1 1 - propulsion system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the closed loop of the guide tube (6) has different radii of curvature, and in that the mass (4) has several elements interconnected by a joint.

12 - Propulsion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mass (5) forms a piston flowing in the guide tube (6) and that the fluid friction is implemented in a variable manner during the trajectory return of the mass, at a proportional valve (25 or 40) positioned on a return circuit of the fluid to the system.

13 - propulsion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it allows to move objects to be moved without moving external member: wheel, propeller, or blade, and without eject material: neither gas nor pollution. 14 - Propulsion system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises heat exchange means for absorbing the calories generated by the motorization system, by fluid compressions or lamination to generate fluid friction, inertial thruster motor.