Swivel blade drive, cranked by muscle power

Abstract

Device for generating propulsion on a primarily muscle-powered watercraft, characterized in that it does not penetrate the sealing skin of supporting boat or floating bodies below the waterline, that the positively guided movement and guidance of propulsion-generating blades via cranks is used by the seated person by means of different directions of rotation for forward and reverse travel, and as a dual drive also for cornering and turning on the spot, so that a uniform rotational movement leads to an adequately uniform propulsion at the drive blade via a suitable transmission function (crank loop), wherein the blades, which are fixed at right angles to the connecting rod and can experience reaction force compensation in a lateral, paired arrangement, lie parallel to the direction of travel in both end positions, thus ensuring minimal water resistance in the unpowered state.

Description

Technical field

[0001] This invention relates to propulsion mechanisms, preferably for watercraft, which use fin- or wing-like guided blades for propulsion. Background and state of the art

[0002] It is about energy-saving movement on water using muscle power by eliminating unnecessary auxiliary work and using a comfortable movement sequence.

[0003] The patent literature contains numerous propulsion systems for watercraft based on fin or wing elements. However, most of these inventions suffer from the following shortcomings to a greater or lesser degree: - The operator must assume a somewhat uncomfortable position - Free-slapping fins, guided at the leading edge, work in only one direction of movement, like those of fish or whales. - If the superimposed lifting and swiveling movement is not guided, suitable they are only suitable for a specific frequency range or work when limited by walls not shock-free. - The position of fins at the stern of a watercraft is suitable because of the necessary The transmission mechanism is hardly suitable for energy-saving muscle propulsion. Force-guided wings for superimposed lifting and swiveling movements, which avoid the aforementioned disadvantages, have not been able to prevail because a low-loss, practically simple and therefore also cost-effective implementation of the motion mechanics is still lacking. - existing concepts are not suitable for muscle propulsion, or if this is mentioned as possible, - no design is presented, no comfort and the offered maneuverability are not available. - The position of fins under the vehicle either poses the risk of damaging contact with the bottom or, in individual configurations, produces unfavorable vibrations because a reaction compensation mechanism is lacking. Task

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of offering a boat propulsion system for everyone that works with a comfortable body position without great skill, but with high efficiency, in which the power is used only for propulsion and not largely for holding and guiding the drive components. Solution

[0005] The problem is solved according to the invention with a propulsion mechanism which, via a linkage gear, guides the vertically immersed blade elements in such a way that a uniform rotational movement of the crank results in an adequately uniform and thus aerodynamically favorable propulsion movement of the watercraft. This means that all velocity vectors for the accelerated water over the blade stroke are nearly equal.

[0006] The drive blade describes a deformed circular path in a superimposed angular and transverse movement.

[0007] The design is ready for use and could be fitted to various boats after certain size adjustments.

[0008] The mechanism is expediently used in pairs to exploit the beneficial effects of reaction force compensation and control possibilities.

[0009] Each blade is rigidly attached to a connecting rod, which is driven by a crank.

[0010] Gliding without propulsion is possible with virtually no water resistance in either blade position. This requirement arises due to the low power output of muscle-powered propulsion. This requirement is not met by conventional, permanently submerged ship propulsion elements such as paddle wheels, and is rarely met by propellers. In contrast, the propulsion elements of rowing and paddling boats must be removed from the water when needed.

[0011] The advantages of the invention compared to conventional muscle drives are: Generally: Power is only used for propulsion; no skill or holding work is required. - large volume of water movement, low water acceleration and therefore good efficiency - without propulsion, hardly any water resistance - no wind resistance of the drive blades - shallow draft - Similar to paddle and rowing boats, with the blades retracted, the boat has a narrower width. - With paired arrangements, no steering device is needed; the blades also steer the boat. - No splashing losses, drive element always in the water - no splash water, normally no wetness in the boat - only minor effects on boat stability, no impact on diving. - Low-noise driving (fishing, ornithology, research) - Normally, no penetration of the boat skin by drive components - Drive components are captive - Normal looking in the direction of travel

[0012] Advantages over previously known fin drives: - Forward and reverse cornering and turning on the spot - Equal efficiency in both forward and reverse directions - easy access to the mechanics - comfortable seating position for the operators - Drive components in view, easy cleaning (weed removal) - Proximity to the boat's hull facilitates starting during the inward stroke. - shallow depth - suitable for people with leg disabilities construction

[0013] The drive blades act as a "replacement for oars or paddles" in a horizontal plane of movement, extending outboard on both sides of the boat, moving away from it and then back towards it.

[0014] The hands perform cranking movements that, when moving forward, resemble those used in breaststroke. To move backward, you simply turn the cranks in the opposite direction. For turning, both cranks are turned in the same direction, just like the shafts in rowing. Since there are four possible combinations of directions of rotation, this covers the four directions of movement: forward, backward, port, and starboard.

[0015] A special rowing kit is available, which can be used or retrofitted either instead of paddles or oars. For docking, encounters, lock passages, etc., the blades can be adjusted to a minimum extension. Motor drive

[0016] When using moderate speeds, the drive blades can optionally be driven by (geared) motors via the cranks.

[0017] Description, see 8 sheets of drawings: - Fig. 1. Beginning of the thrust from the inner, - Fig. 2 of the outer leaf terminal position - Fig. 3. Turning on the spot counterclockwise - Fig. 4 the inner leaf position in the version with articulated straight guide - Fig. 5 the outer leaf position with articulated straight guide - Fig. 6. Turning on the spot counterclockwise

[0018] When the operating crank (1) is turned by hand in the direction of the arrow, the crank (2) moves the connecting rod (3) outwards, while simultaneously rotating and pushing the rigidly attached blade (4) in the direction of the arrow. After a half turn of the crank, the blade reaches its other end position. After a full turn, it returns to its starting point.

[0019] In the basic design, the connecting rod runs through a pivoting, linear bearing (e.g., a telescopic rail) or is guided almost linearly in joints via a multi-point linkage system. The latter simplifies the design and allows for joint encapsulation to protect against contamination. Linear guidance via joints is also quieter than most telescopic or roller guides.

[0020] The gearbox is arranged with the position of its links in such a way that in the end positions the blade is always parallel to the thrust direction.

[0021] The direction of thrust is reversible with the direction of crank rotation and can therefore also be different on the left and right for cornering purposes.

[0022] The conversion of water speed to crank rotation speed is defined by the dimensions "distance between the frame pivot points and crank radius" and is calculated as the quotient between the two. It is always greater than 1, although values ​​below 1.5 are difficult to achieve in terms of design and function, and large values ​​affect the overreach, i.e., the overall beam of the boat, much like in (sport) rowing boats.

[0023] Steering is possible with only one crank mechanism, provided the rudder is operated. Paired crank mechanisms do not need to be arranged as mirror images, but can be offset, as long as this is practical and tolerable for operation. This may be advantageous to prevent hand collisions.

[0024] Theoretically, even an asymmetry in size is possible. However, the crank speeds on the left and right should be the same for approximately the same water speeds. For this to work, the smaller crank needs a higher gear ratio. Since this requires a longer connecting rod, however, there's no saving on the reach, for example.

[0025] If the rotary vane drive is to be scaled, and the rotational speed is maintained, a change in scale has a quadratic effect on the thrust (thrust), namely on the speed and to the same extent on the thrust cross-section, but on the power to the third power.

Claims

[1] Device for generating propulsion on a primarily muscle-powered watercraft, characterized by , that it does not penetrate the sealing skin of supporting boat or floating bodies below the waterline, that the forced movement and guidance of propulsion-generating blades via cranks, acting as a coupling mechanism, is used by the seated person by means of different directions of rotation for forward and reverse travel, and as a double drive also for cornering and turning on the spot, so that a uniform rotational movement leads to an adequately uniform propulsion at the drive blade via a suitable transmission function (crank loop), whereby the blades, which are fixed at right angles to the connecting rod and can experience a reaction force compensation in a lateral, paired arrangement, lie parallel to the direction of travel in both end positions, thus ensuring minimal water resistance in the unpowered state. [2] Drive according to claim 1., characterized by, that the loop as the straight guide of the coupling mechanism is replaced by a multi-point linkage straight guide [3] Drive according to claim 1 and 2. characterized by that it is equipped with variable geometry (crank radius, connecting rod pivot point) to, for example, change the gear ratio or reduce the blade stroke to achieve a smaller passage width. [4] Drive according to claims 1 to 3. characterized by , that for different transport tasks or loads the blades can be exchanged according to different shape and size, especially for streamlined ones, and that the mechanism can also be locked in the end positions, so that the connecting rod can carry floating blades as stabilizing outriggers or even daggerboards for sailing. [5] Drive according to claims 1 to 4. characterized by, that it can be easily removed from the boat as a modular unit and reattached, meaning it can also be retrofitted as a replacement for paddles or oars and is therefore suitable as an outboard motor. [6] Drive according to claims 1 to 5. characterized by , that an auxiliary motor can be attached under or onto the crankshaft(s), which can also be conveniently reversed. [7] Drive according to claims 1 to 6. characterized by , that both cranks are coupled in opposite directions, so that one of them can be used for single-handed operation (or a motor) for both, whereby the change of direction must then be done via the rudder. [8] Drive according to claims 1 to 7. characterized by that none of the gear components need to end at the respective pivot points or have a rod shape; for example, the connecting rod can also be extended inwards or bent to carry a handle there. [9] Drive according to claims 1 to 8. characterized by, that the crank is also driven via a gear ratio. [10] Drive according to claims 1 to 9. characterized by , that the blades can be folded vertically to shorten and avoid possible contact with the bottom when sailing in shallow water.

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