Artificial Gravity Generator

Abstract

The objective is to reduce the effects of Coriolis force in an artificial gravity generator. [Solution] An artificial gravity generating device comprising: a driving source 1; a rotating shaft member 2 that is rotated by the driving source 1; an arm 3 attached to the rotating shaft member 2; and a first box-body 6 that can accommodate a person and is connected to the arm 3 via a joint member 4 that can rotate in any direction and can be tilted in any direction by the joint member 4, thereby reducing the effects of the Coriolis force acting during rotation; and wherein the rotation of the rotating shaft member 2 causes the first box-body 6 to rotate around the rotating shaft member 2, thereby generating centrifugal force.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for generating artificial gravity. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices that create gravity artificially have been considered. For example, there is a known patent that states, "An excessive gravity facility 1 is a gravity facility that generates an artificial gravity F on Earth that is greater than the Earth's gravity, and includes a rotor 5 that rotates around a vertical rotation axis A. The artificial gravity F is generated on a floor 10 inside the rotor 5 as a resultant force of the Earth's gravity F1 and a centrifugal force F2 due to the rotation of the rotor 5. In a cross section perpendicular to the rotation axis A, the floor 10 extends along a circle centered on the rotation axis A, and in a cross section including the rotation axis A, the floor 10 forms a curve that bulges outward" (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7629559 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, although the above-mentioned rotational artificial gravity generating device can generate artificial gravity, it does not provide any countermeasures against the discomfort caused by the Coriolis force that occurs when a person moves in the living space.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an artificial gravity generating device that can reduce the discomfort caused by Coriolis force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention is a drive source, a rotating shaft member rotated by the drive source, an arm attached to the rotating shaft member, and a first box body capable of accommodating a person, the first box body being suspended by being connected to the arm via a joint member that is passively rotatable in any direction, and that is passively tiltable in any direction by the joint member, so that the direction of the normal to a flat floor surface on which a person is standing coincides with the direction of the centrifugal force or the resultant force of centrifugal force and gravity that the floor surface receives, thereby reducing the influence of the Coriolis force that acts during rotation; The artificial gravity generating device is characterized in that the first box body is fixed to the end of a rod-shaped holding member fixed to the joint member, and the direction of the rod-shaped holding member is configured to coincide with the normal direction of the flat floor surface on which the person is standing. The second aspect of the present invention is the driving source is installed on the surface of the celestial body, and the driving source can stop the rotation of the rotating shaft member; The artificial gravity generating device of the first invention is characterized in that the rotating shaft member is provided with an electric emergency stop switch that can be operated by an operator or by an external command. The third aspect of the present invention is The rotating shaft member is provided with a centrifugal clutch type brake that is automatically activated in the event of abnormal acceleration or loss of rotation control, and this brake is activated by an independent mechanical means when a preset acceleration is exceeded, thereby physically stopping the rotation, which is the second artificial gravity generating device of the present invention. The first invention related to the present invention is: This artificial gravity generating device comprises a drive source, a rotating shaft member that is rotated by the drive source, an arm attached to the rotating shaft member, and a first box-body that can accommodate a person and is connected to the arm via a joint member that can passively rotate in any direction and can passively tilt in any direction by the joint member, thereby reducing the effects of the Coriolis force acting during rotation; and is characterized in that rotation of the rotating shaft member causes the first box-body to rotate around the rotating shaft member, generating centrifugal force.

[0007] Second invention related to the present invention teeth, An artificial gravity generating device comprising: a drive source; a rotating shaft member that rotates due to the drive source; an arm attached to the rotating shaft member; and a second box body that can accommodate a person and is fixed to the arm, wherein the second box body has an outer shell having a spherical space inside, and an inner body that a person can ride on and is arranged inside the outer shell and has a spherical outer surface that is arranged so that it can swing freely in any direction along the inner surface of the spherical space, wherein the inner body is arranged so that it can swing freely, thereby reducing the effects of the Coriolis force acting during rotation, and wherein centrifugal force is generated by the rotation of the second box body around the rotating shaft member.

[0008] Third invention related to the present invention teeth, A ball bearing is disposed between the outer shell and the inner body as a sliding mechanism for allowing the inner body to swing freely. Second invention related to the present invention It is an artificial gravity generator.

[0009] The fourth invention related to the present invention teeth, the driving source is installed on the surface of the celestial body, and is capable of stopping the rotation of the rotating shaft member; The first or second invention related to the present invention It is an artificial gravity generator.

[0010] Fifth Invention Related to the Present Invention teeth, First invention related to the present invention The artificial gravity generator is characterized in that two artificial gravity generators of the above type are combined, the two artificial gravity generators are connected to each other by the central axes inside the rotating shaft members, and the rotation directions of the two rotating shaft members are opposite to each other.

[0011] The sixth invention related to the present invention teeth, Second invention related to the present invention The artificial gravity generator is characterized in that two artificial gravity generators of the above type are combined, the two artificial gravity generators are connected to each other by the central axes inside the rotating shaft members, and the rotation directions of the two rotating shaft members are opposite to each other.

[0012] Seventh Invention Related to the Present Invention teeth, The rotating shaft member is provided with an electric emergency stop switch that can be operated by an occupant or an external command. The fourth invention related to the present invention It is an artificial gravity generator.

[0013] Eighth invention related to the present invention teeth, The rotating shaft member is provided with a centrifugal clutch type brake that automatically operates in the event of abnormal acceleration or loss of rotation control, and the brake operates by an independent mechanical means when a preset acceleration is exceeded, thereby physically stopping the rotation. Seventh Invention Related to the Present Invention It is an artificial gravity generator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate or reduce the Coriolis force that occurs when a person inside moves, and to prevent the person moving from feeling uncomfortable. According to the second invention, when the rotation of the rotating shaft member is stopped on the surface of a celestial body where gravity exists, centrifugal force disappears, and the first box body or inner body containing the person automatically changes its posture in the direction of gravity due to that gravity, which has the advantage that it is easy for the person to descend from the first box body or the second box body to the surface of the celestial body. The first or second invention related to the present invention This makes it possible to eliminate or reduce the Coriolis force that occurs when a person inside moves, and to prevent the person moving from feeling uncomfortable.

[0015] That is, when a passenger or an object moves inside a rotating body, an apparent force called the Coriolis force is generated relative to the observation system. This is a type of acceleration in the rotating coordinate system, and an unnatural inertial force acts sideways or diagonally on the passenger's body, causing problems such as dizziness, abnormalities in balance, and physical strain.

[0016] So , inventions related to the present invention According to the study, the direction of artificial gravity is roughly aligned with the axis of the occupant's body, and the generation and effects of Coriolis force can be structurally avoided or reduced, making it possible to provide a safe and comfortable artificial gravity environment even during long-term stays.

[0017] Third invention related to the present invention This allows the inner body to slide smoothly.

[0018] The fourth invention related to the present invention As a result, when the rotation of the rotating shaft member is stopped on the surface of a celestial body where gravity exists, centrifugal force disappears, and the first box body or inner body containing the person automatically changes its position in the direction of gravity due to that gravity, which has the advantage that it is easy for a person to descend from the first box body or the second box body to the surface of the celestial body.

[0019] Fifth and sixth inventions related to the present invention As a result, each artificial gravity generator rotates in the opposite direction, reducing the torque reaction.

[0020] Seventh Invention Related to the Present Invention Thus, in an emergency, the rotation of the rotary shaft member can be stopped by the passenger or by an external command, ensuring safety.

[0021] Eighth invention related to the present invention This makes it possible to automatically stop the rotation of the rotary shaft member in the event of abnormal acceleration or loss of control of rotation, ensuring safety. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an artificial gravity generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the artificial gravity generator in operation. [Figure 3] Figure 1: Plan view of the artificial gravity generator [Figure 4] A perspective view of a conventional artificial gravity generator [Figure 5] Operational plan view of the gravity generating device of Figure 5 [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a modification of the artificial gravity generator of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] Figure 6: Plan view of the artificial gravity generator [Figure 8] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the artificial gravity generator in operation. [Figure 9] Figure 1: Plan view of the artificial gravity generator [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of Example 2 of the artificial gravity generator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 8: Schematic diagram of the operation of the artificial gravity generator [Figure 12] Schematic perspective view of Example 3 of the artificial gravity generator according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Side view of Figure 10 [Figure 14] Schematic perspective view showing an example of applying Example 2 to Example 3, installed on the moon. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram showing an experiment that supports the reduction and elimination of Coriolis force in this embodiment. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram showing an experiment that supports the reduction and elimination of Coriolis force in this embodiment. [Figure 17] Graph showing changes in G-force inside the cradle in this embodiment [Figure 18] Graph showing the change in wing direct fixation G force in this embodiment [Figure 19] Graph showing the results of the above experiment [Figure 20] A graph showing the setup of the above experiment [Figure 21] A graph showing a comparison of the results of the above experiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0024] 1 is a schematic diagram of an artificial gravity generator according to Example 1 of the present invention. The artificial gravity generator includes a drive source 1, a rotating shaft member 2, an arm 3, a joint member 4, a holding member 5, a first box body 6, and the like.

[0025] The driving source 1 is a motor or engine device that rotates a rotating shaft member 2. An arm 3 is attached to this rotating shaft member 2. A joint member 4 is provided at the tip of the arm 3. This joint member 4 can have a universal joint structure such as a structure with two shafts 4a and 4b as shown in Figure 1, or a ball joint structure. The shaft 4a is rotatable horizontally in the drawing, and the shaft 4b is rotatable vertically.

[0026] A holding member 5 is fixed to this joint member 4. As a result, the holding member 5 can rotate and tilt in any direction relative to the arm 3.

[0027] A first box-shaped member 6 is fixed to the lower end of the holding member 5. The inside of this first box-shaped member 6 is capable of accommodating a person 7. In other words, it forms a living space. In practice, a plurality of arms 3 may be attached radially to the rotating shaft member 2, and a plurality of first box-shaped members 6 may also be provided. Alternatively, an annular member 8 fixed to the rotating shaft member 2 may be arranged concentrically with the rotating shaft member 2 (see FIG. 6), and the first box-shaped member 6 may be attached thereto via a joint member 4.

[0028] 1 shows the artificial gravity generator of this embodiment installed on the surface of the Earth or the Moon, so axis 4a does not break, but gravity causes holding member 5 to bend downward at axis 4b. In zero-gravity space, such a bent state is not expected (see FIG. 6).

[0029] Now, when the driving source 1 starts to rotate the rotating shaft member 2, centrifugal force starts to act on the first box-body 6, and the first box-body 6 rotates on the axis 4b together with the holding member 5 like an arrow, resisting gravity when present, or without resistance in outer space where there is no gravity. Eventually, the holding member 5 is aligned on the same straight line as the arm 3 (see Figure 6. On the Earth or the Moon, it is aligned in the direction of the combined force of gravity and centrifugal force).

[0030] With this centrifugal force acting, the person 7 in the first box body 6 can stand perpendicular to the floor 6a (see FIG. 6).

[0031] Now, if the person 7 starts to move inside the first box body 6, a Coriolis force will be generated, but as shown in FIG. 3, the axis 4a will start to rotate so as to reduce the Coriolis force, and the Coriolis force will be reduced.

[0032] Here, the Coriolis force is an apparent force acting on an object moving relatively in a rotating coordinate system, and is expressed by the following formula: Fc=-2m(ω×v) where: Fc: Coriolis force m: mass of the object ω: rotational angular velocity vector v: velocity of the object in the rotating coordinate system If an object is not moving in a rotating coordinate system (v = 0), then no Coriolis force acts.

[0033] The reduction of the Coriolis force will be explained using Figures 4 to 7. In these figures, a circular member 8 fixed to the rotary shaft member 2 rotates instead of the arm 3.

[0034] 4 is an explanatory diagram of a commonly known gravity generating device that does not have the above-mentioned joint member 4. A living room is provided on the rotating circular member 8 itself, and a person 7 stands upright on its floor 8a due to centrifugal force.

[0035] When a person 7 tries to move, Coriolis force occurs in addition to centrifugal force, as shown in Figure 5. This makes the person feel uncomfortable when they try to move.

[0036] 6 shows this embodiment, in which, under zero gravity, the annular member 8 has no living space and is provided with a joint member 4 to which the holding member 5 and the first box body 6 are connected as described above. Then, centrifugal force keeps the person 7 standing vertically on the floor 6a.

[0037] Now, when person 7 tries to move, Coriolis force is generated, but as shown in Figure 7, joint member 4 rotates, and holding member 5 and first box body 6 rotate and tilt together in a direction that reduces the Coriolis force.

[0038] As a result, the Coriolis force that would otherwise be generated by the movement of the person 7 is reduced, and the person 7 can move as if in a normal manner.

[0039] In other words, vertically stable gravity can be ensured by combining centrifugal force and accelerated inertia in the living space with a suspended external habitat. Because there is no movement above the centrifugal force point (universal), pure vertical gravity can be felt inside the cradle. The living space is like a Ferris wheel (cradle), and a combined vertical gravity is generated on the human body following the centrifugal force and inertial force, so people only feel gravity directly below. The living space is like a Ferris wheel (cradle), and a combined vertical gravity is generated on the human body following the centrifugal force and inertial force, so people only feel gravity directly below.

[0040] Figures 8 and 9 show the effect of artificial gravity under the gravity of the Moon or Earth. Here, centrifugal force is isolated by a suspended external habitat, and vertically stable gravity can be ensured in areas under gravity (such as the Moon or Mars) by constructing the habitat with a two-axis frame.

[0041] The structure of this embodiment is a new mechanism that structurally blocks the generation of Coriolis force as described above, and the mathematical formula that describes this is as follows: lim(θ→θ_eq)v_rel(θ)→0 ⇒Fc→ 0 where: θ: swing angle of the first box body 6 (angle with respect to the direction of gravity due to centrifugal force) θ_eq: Angle when the first box 6 is perfectly aligned with the direction of gravity (equivalent gravity direction) v_rel(θ): Relative velocity within the first box 6 in the rotating coordinate system That is, when θ approaches θ_eq, the relative velocity becomes zero and no Coriolis force is felt.

[0042] By aligning the first box body 6 with the direction of gravity, the internal relative motion essentially disappears, and the Coriolis force is not felt (or can be neglected).

[0043] 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams of an artificial gravity generator according to another embodiment 2 of the present invention. This artificial gravity generator includes a drive source 1, a rotating shaft member 2, an arm 3, a second box body 9, etc.

[0044] As described above, the driving source 1 is a motor or an engine device that rotates the rotating shaft member 2. The rotating shaft member 2 has an arm 3 attached thereto.

[0045] A second box-shaped body 9 capable of accommodating a person 7 is fixed to the tip of the arm 3. This second box-shaped body 9 has an outer shell 9a with a spherical space inside, and an inner body 9b, on which the person 7 can ride, that is arranged inside the outer shell 9a and has a spherical outer surface so that it can swing freely in any direction along the inner surface of the spherical space. The outer shell 9a may have any shape as long as it has a spherical space inside, and this spherical space may be only a partial space. For example, the upper left half of FIG. 8 does not have to be a spherical space.

[0046] In Figure 10, the spherical outer shell 9a of the second box 9 is subjected to centrifugal force due to the rotational force, and the hemispherical inner body 9b disposed inside it is also subjected to centrifugal force. Here, this inner body 9b has a spherical outer surface 9b1 that is disposed so as to be able to swing freely in any direction along the inner surface 9a1 of the spherical space of the outer shell 9a, and is therefore subjected to centrifugal force and pressed to the right side in the drawing as shown in Figure 10. And, person 7 is standing vertically on the flat surface 9b2 of the hemispherical inner body 9b due to centrifugal force.

[0047] Now, when the person tries to move on the plane 9b2, the Coriolis force acts, but the internal body 9b slides in a direction that reduces the Coriolis force, resulting in the state shown in FIG.

[0048] As a result, it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the person 7 who is moving on the plane 9b2 of the internal body 9b. This also ensures safety (collision prevention, controllability, etc.), reduces the risk of breakdowns during long-term operation, and improves automatic adjustment in emergencies.

[0049] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a ball bearing is provided between the outer body 9a and the inner body 9b as a sliding mechanism 10 for allowing the inner body 9b to automatically adjust its own position.

[0050] This allows for measures to be taken against wear and deterioration over time due to long-term use. The design requires no basic maintenance. In other words, it is not a structure that is constantly rotating and subject to wear, but rather only moves when gravity is generated, so there is almost no wear or deterioration. Furthermore, in consideration of breakage or malfunction, the system is equipped with three times as many balls as in normal operation, and is equipped with a spare function that also serves as a weight. This improves maintainability in the space environment and long-term stability during commercial use.

[0051] Next, in each of the above-described first and second embodiments, the drive source 1 can stop the rotation of the rotating shaft member 2. This can be done not only in a normal manner, but also in an emergency, preferably by an electric emergency stop switch (not shown) provided on the rotating shaft member 2 that can be operated by a passenger or by an external command.

[0052] Alternatively, the rotating shaft member 2 may be provided with a centrifugal clutch type brake (not shown) that automatically activates in the event of abnormal acceleration or loss of rotation control, and the brake may be configured to be activated by an independent mechanical means when a preset acceleration is exceeded, physically stopping the rotation.

[0053] Stopping rotation in this manner is effective in the case of an artificial gravity generator installed on the surface of a celestial body such as the moon. That is, when rotation is stopped, gravity exists on a celestial body such as the moon, and in the case of the above-mentioned Example 1, the first box body 6 is pulled by that gravity and changes its posture in the direction of gravity, that is, perpendicular to the surface of the celestial body (see FIG. 1). This allows the inhabitants inside the first box body 6 to easily descend to the surface of the celestial body. Furthermore, in the case of the above-mentioned Example 2, the inner body 9b moves downward due to gravity, providing an excellent effect in that the inhabitants riding on it can easily descend to the surface of the celestial body.

[0054] 12 and 13 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In this third embodiment, two artificial gravity generators similar to those of the first and second embodiments are combined, with the central shafts 11 in the rotating shaft members 2 of each artificial gravity generator being connected to each other, and the rotation directions of the two rotating shaft members 2 being opposite to each other. This configuration can reduce torque reaction. It is also possible to combine one artificial gravity generator of the first embodiment with the other artificial gravity generator of the second embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 14 shows the above-mentioned artificial gravity generator constructed on the surface of the moon 12, in which the artificial gravity generators of Example 2 in FIG. 10 are connected in two tiers, upper and lower, by a central shaft 11 as in Example 3 above.

[0056] Next, experiments were carried out as shown in Figures 15 and 16 to confirm the reduction or elimination of the Coriolis force. Hereinafter, the living space will be referred to as Cradle M. Here, 20 is a rotary motor, 21 is an arm that rotates due to the rotary motor 20, 22 is an analog horizontal system, 23 is a glass of water, 24 is a digital horizontal system, and 25 is a smartphone.

[0057] Artificial gravity comparison experiment record (cradle vs. fixed wings): In this experiment, the G-forces (XYZ axes) in the cradle structure and the directly fixed wing structure were compared and recorded.

[0058] As a result, we confirmed that the X / Y axis vibrations inside the cradle were extremely small, and only the Z axis was changing stably, blocking non-inertial forces.

[0059] When the wings were fixed, periodic vibrations were observed on the X and Y axes, indicating the presence of Coriolis force and non-inertial forces originating from the rotating system.

[0060] This result shows that the structure of this embodiment is effective for the stable generation of an artificial gravity field.

[0061] Figure 17 is a graph of the change in G-force inside the cradle, and Figure 18 is a graph of the change in G-force when the wing is fixed directly.

[0062] In the cradle data in Figure 17, **gFx, gFy (X and Y axes) are very stable (maintained near 0) →No horizontal shaking or Coriolis force even when rotating **Only gFz (Z axis) changes in stages →Weak →Medium rotation clearly shows an increase in vertical acceleration due to centrifugal force Overall, only the acceleration of the "Z axis = gravity direction" changes, and there is no effect on the X / Y axes. In the data directly fixed to the wing in Figure 18, **Periodic fluctuations are observed in gFx and gFy (especially gFy) →Coriolis components and structural vibrations due to rotation have been detected. **gFz also undulates up and down → Evidence that accurate gravity extraction is not possible These graphs very clearly visualize the difference in stability of artificial gravity when placed in a cradle and when attached directly to the wing.

[0063] The structure of this example blocks non-inertial forces such as Coriolis force and can stably extract only centrifugal force, a result that is visually and quantitatively supported by acceleration data.

[0064] FIG. 19 is a chart showing the results of the above experiment.

[0065] The above experiments can be summarized as follows. Objective of the experiment: Within the rotating structure, to what extent does the "cradle structure" block Coriolis force compared to conventional structures? Verify whether mitigation is possible. Experimental setup: As shown in the table in Figure 20. Results comparison (table): As shown in the table in Figure 21.

[0066] As a result, even while rotating, the inside of the cradle is tilted to just under 1°, and the bubble remains stationary near the center.

[0067] It was demonstrated that the water surface was stable and the effects of the Coriolis force were blocked.

[0068] On the other hand, in conventional structures, centrifugal force and Coriolis force are combined, making the structure so unstable that water may spill.

[0069] Therefore, this invention is an extremely effective structure that can block and absorb non-inertial forces (especially Coriolis forces) in rotating systems. It is expected to be applied to a wide range of uses, including future artificial gravity technology, space habitation modules, dynamic medical equipment, and gravity stabilization systems on ships and aircraft.

[0070] The joint member of the present invention is not limited to the above means, and other means may be used as long as the member can rotate and tilt in any direction.

[0071] Furthermore, each means of the present invention may be realized by using software or by a hardware circuit having a dedicated function. [Industrial Applicability]

[0072] The artificial gravity generator of the present invention can be modularized and mass-produced as an artificial gravity providing unit in space hotels and space medical bases, and is useful not only in zero-gravity space but also on celestial bodies with a certain amount of gravity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Drive source 2 Rotating shaft member 3 Arm 4 Joint members 4a, 4b axis 5. Retaining member 6 First box 6a floor 7 people 8 Circular member 8a floor 9 Second box 9a Outer body 9b Internal body 10 Sliding mechanism (ball bearing) 11 Center axis december 20 rotation motor 21 Arm 22 Analog horizontal system 23 Cup 24 Digital horizontal system 25 Smartphones M Cradle

Claims

1. A device comprising: a drive source; a rotating shaft member rotated by the drive source; an arm attached to the rotating shaft member; a first box body capable of accommodating a person, which is suspended by being connected to the arm via a joint member which can passively rotate in any direction, and which can be passively tilted in any direction by the joint member, so that the normal direction of a flat floor surface on which a person is standing coincides with the direction of the centrifugal force or the resultant force of centrifugal force and gravity which the floor surface receives, thereby reducing the influence of the Coriolis force acting during rotation; and when the rotating shaft member rotates, the first box body rotates around the rotating shaft member, generating centrifugal force. The artificial gravity generating device is characterized in that the first box body is fixed to the end of a rod-shaped holding member fixed to the joint member, and the direction of the rod-shaped holding member is configured to coincide with the normal direction of the flat floor surface on which the person is standing.

2. the driving source is installed on the surface of the celestial body, and the driving source can stop the rotation of the rotating shaft member; 2. The artificial gravity generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotary shaft member is provided with an electric emergency stop switch that can be operated by an operator or an external command.

3. 3. The artificial gravity generating device according to claim 2, wherein the rotating shaft member is provided with a centrifugal clutch type brake that is automatically activated in the event of abnormal acceleration or loss of control of rotation, and the brake is activated by an independent mechanical means when a preset acceleration is exceeded, thereby physically stopping the rotation.

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