Pneumatically driven kinetic modular system with ball bearings

Abstract

Pneumatically driven kinetic module system comprising at least one ball bearing with a free inner or outer ring, wherein a directed compressed air pulse acts tangentially on the outer ring or via a micro-opening on the balls inside, causing a rotation of the freely moving ring and mechanically transferring it to a connected component.

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a pneumatically driven, modularly constructed kinetic system that uses ball bearings as active rotating elements. The aim is the mechanical energy transfer, movement, lifting, and navigation of objects without the use of a ball bearing. - electrical components. 2. State of the art

[0002] Known pneumatic conveying systems use compressed air to move materials through closed pipelines. Ball bearings typically serve as passive friction reducers. However, no system exists that uses directed compressed air to set ball bearings in rotation and functionally utilizes this movement for energy transmission or motion control. 3. Object of the invention

[0003] The object of the invention is the development of a modular, locally manufactured system that sets ball bearings into rotation by means of directed pneumatic impulses. This rotation is used to control transport, lifting, and navigation. The system operates entirely without electronics and is designed for use in extreme or power-less environments. The rotation can be selectively applied to either the inner or outer ring of the ball bearing to drive different mechanical components. 4. Description of the invention 4.1 Basic structure

[0004] The system includes: • at least one ball bearing with a free outer or inner ring, • a compressed air source (e.g. hand pump or pneumatic pulse generator), • a mechanical potentiometer for regulating the airflow, • optional cylindrical balls or axles connected to the inner ring, • Modular guide elements (e.g. rails, channels, support plates). 4.2 Functionality

[0005] A directed pulse of compressed air strikes the outer ring tangentially or, via a micro-opening, the balls inside the ball bearing. Depending on whether the inner or outer ring is fixed, the rotation is transferred to the respective free component. This allows the system to: • to power a transport route, • activate a winch to lift loads, • generate vertical or horizontal thrust through attached propellers, • can be navigated via potentiometer and airflow direction. 4.3 Variants • Transport module: Ball bearing with a supporting plate for moving objects. • Lifting module: Ball bearing with wound rope for vertical load movement. • Levitation module: Ball bearings with propellers on the outer ring to generate lift. • Navigation module: Potentiometer controls airflow → controlled rotation - directed movement. • Reversible module: fixing the inner ring → rotation of the outer ring; fixing the outer ring → rotation of the inner ring (e.g. for controlling an axle or shaft). 5. Advantages of the invention • Electronics-free: Works without a power supply. • Modular: Scalable for various applications. • Locally producible: Components are available in workshops. • Robust: Suitable for use in extreme environments. • Multifunctional: Transport, lifting, navigation, signal transmission. • Reversible: Adjustable depending on the desired direction of movement. 6. Applications • Infrastructure projects in remote regions • Emergency technology in areas without electricity • Mechanical signal transmission • Mobile transport modules on ice, glass or concrete • Experimental kinetic systems • Pneumatic drives for machine axes or modular robotics Pneumatically driven kinetic modular system with ball bearings. Illustrations labeled. Fig. - Schematic diagram of ball bearings with air pistol Fig. This illustration demonstrates the operation of a pneumatically driven ball bearing system. An air gun directs a tangential pulse of compressed air onto the balls inside the ball bearing. Depending on whether the inner or outer ring is fixed, the rotation is transferred to the respective free component. The illustration clarifies that targeted air pulses generate mechanical movement, with the balls acting as kinetic mediators. Fig. - Basic principle of pneumatic rotation Fig. This illustrates the basic principle of the kinetic modular system. The inner ring of the ball bearing is manually fixed with two fingers, while a directed compressed air pulse acts tangentially on the balls inside. This generates a rapid rotation of the outer ring and the balls. The illustration demonstrates the targeted energy transfer through pneumatic pulses with the inner ring fixed. Fig. - Industrial application: Spring manufacturing by rotating the inner ring Fig.This illustration demonstrates an industrial application of the kinetic modular system for spring manufacturing. The outer ring of the ball bearing is fixed, while the inner ring is set into rotation by directed pulses of compressed air. The inner ring is connected to a central shaft onto which a wire from a spool is wound in a spiral. The rotation creates uniform coils that form a mechanical spring. The illustration demonstrates the system's ability to perform precise winding processes using pneumatic energy without electronic components. Summary - Pneumatically driven kinetic modular system with ball bearings

[0006] The invention relates to a fully mechanical modular system that sets ball bearings into rotation by means of directed compressed air pulses. Either the outer or inner ring of the ball bearing is activated to transfer mechanical energy to connected components. The system operates without electronic components and is particularly suitable for environments without electricity or with limited infrastructure.

[0007] In a practical experiment, a ball bearing with an outer diameter of approximately 30 mm was set into rotation by an air pressure of 6-8 bar. The rotation of the outer ring produced a clearly audible high-frequency noise, which served as an indicator of high rotational speed. After release, the ball bearing moved over a distance of more than 30 meters and caused a visible dent upon impact with a concrete wall. This demonstrates the system's efficiency in converting rotational into translational energy.

[0008] Energy calculations show that at a rotational speed of approximately 20,000 rpm, a rotational energy of about 5.5 joules is achieved, which corresponds to a speed of over 80 km / h. The resulting impact force is over 1800 newtons.

[0009] The system can be used in various ways, including: • Winding modules for coils or springs with precise speed control, • Pneumatic lifting systems for tools and loads, • Signal and activation modules in shielded environments, • Passive transport modules through modular pulse transmission, • kinetic actuators for mechanical controls, • as well as educational and research applications to demonstrate physical principles.

[0010] Due to the high kinetic energy, suitable protective measures such as guidance systems, safety barriers, and controlled release mechanisms are required. The system can be manufactured locally, is scalable, and offers a sustainable solution for a wide range of technical challenges.

Claims

[1] Pneumatically driven kinetic module system comprising at least one ball bearing with a free inner or outer ring, wherein a directed compressed air pulse acts tangentially on the outer ring or via a micro-opening on the balls inside, causing a rotation of the freely moving ring and mechanically transferring it to a connected component. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the inner ring of the ball bearing is rigidly connected to a ball, a support plate, a shaft or a winch, such that the rotation of the outer ring causes a mechanical movement or energy transfer. [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein alternatively the outer ring is fixed and the compressed air pulse causes a rotation of the inner ring to drive a component connected to the inner ring. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one propeller is rigidly attached to the rotating ring of the ball bearing, such that a directed thrust is generated by rotation. [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mechanical potentiometer, a controllable air nozzle or a variable air channel is provided for controlling the compressed air pulse in order to control the rotational speed and direction of movement. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein several ball bearings and balls are arranged in a linear or modular structure such that a kinetic impulse is transmitted through a chain of modules. [7] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ball bearing is positioned in a guide rail or channel which defines the direction of movement of the connected ball or module. [8] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation of the ball bearing serves to lift loads by winding a rope onto a shaft connected to the inner ring. [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the kinetic energy generated by rotation is sufficient to move the module over a distance of at least 30 meters and to produce a mechanical effect. [10] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire module is operated without electrical components and functions exclusively by compressed air and mechanical coupling. [11] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ball bearing is positioned in a safety capsule or a closed housing that prevents uncontrolled release and risk of injury. [12] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a mechanical locking mechanism is provided which allows the rotation of the ball bearing only when released in a controlled manner. [13] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a protective barrier, a catch net or a restraint device is provided to safely stop the module after release and to avoid unintentional collisions. [14] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a visual or acoustic warning signal is activated as soon as the ball bearing exceeds a critical rotational speed. [15] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the application of the module is limited to closed or shielded environments to minimize risks to persons.

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