Drive unit for mobile assembly
a technology of drive unit and mobile assembly, which is applied in the direction of display means, toys, advertising, etc., can solve the problem of not being able to reverse direction, and achieve the effect of saving energy and long battery li
Inactive Publication Date: 2008-04-17
DANCING HELIX
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Benefits of technology
"The present invention is a drive unit for a mobile assembly that includes a rotational coupling unit for storing and delivering energy to the mobile assembly. The drive unit converts electrical energy into motion of the mobile assembly. The coupling unit functions as a speed changer to reduce the higher rotational speed of the motor to a lower speed of the mobile without need for speed reducing gears. The drive unit operates with low duty-cycle drive pulses to conserve energy and produce long battery life. The rotation of the coupling unit is determined by the coactions of the drive unit and the suspended mobile, which exhibits oscillating periods. The drive-pulse period is tailored for the mobile assembly to cause oscillation. The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings."
Problems solved by technology
Such mobiles, however, are not designed to reverse direction and do not oscillate when driven indoors by conventional rotary motors.
Method used
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[0033]In FIG. 1, a motorized oscillating mobile apparatus 33 includes a drive unit 2 that drives a mobile assembly 30 including a dynamic coupling unit 31 and a mobile 10. The mobile 10 is intended to be an artistic object that attracts attention and is pleasing to watch, particularly when moving. In one preferred embodiment, the drive unit 2 includes a low duty-cycle impulse motor 43 having a short ON drive period and a long OFF non-drive period whereby the amount of energy utilized to drive the mobile 10 is conserved. Typically, the motor 43 operates on conventional size batteries such as two C batteries. During the ON period, a drive pulse from the drive unit 2 rotationally drives the dynamic coupling unit 31 in one direction and causes the coupling unit 31 to wind and to store energy from the drive pulse. The dynamic coupling unit 31 thereafter supplies energy by unwinding and rotationally driving the mobile 10. The momentum of the mobile 10 continues the rotation until the dyna...
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A drive unit for driving a mobile assembly where the mobile assembly includes a mobile and a rotational coupling unit for storing and delivering energy to the mobile and where the mobile assembly has an oscillating period. The drive unit includes a motor for connecting to the mobile assembly, a power source, a motor driver for providing power from the power source to the motor and a control unit for controlling the motor driver to provide drive-pulse impulses to the motor with a low duty cycle and with a pulse period tailored to the mobile assembly.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates to an electromechanical drive unit that imparts rotary motion to suspended items such as mobiles, toys and kinetic sculptures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]It is popular these days for people to have many different types of items in homes, offices and other places that, when watched, bring a feeling of calmness and relaxation or which draw attention and interest. These items include aquariums, computer screen-savers with an aquarium or other pleasing image, fountains and waterfalls and they all provide rhythmical wave patterns that can lead to a state of greater relaxation, a sense of peace and calmness. They produce an effect that is similar to the effect of being out at the ocean and watching the waves.[0003]Currently Feng Shui, the Chinese art of creating balanced and healthy living environments, has found acceptance in modern American interior design. They define rhythmically moving mobiles as Chi or energy generating. There ...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): A63H1/00
CPCG09F19/02
Inventor LIGHTNER, BRUCE D.
Owner DANCING HELIX