An apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a first body, a second body that is rotatable about a rotational axis, and a third body configured to guide the first body along a path, in use, in which the first body simultaneously travels around the rotational axis and reciprocates in the axial direction relative to the second body. The second body comprises an engagement portion for engaging the first body such that the second body is able to be driven to rotate by the first body traveling around the rotational axis and / or is able to drive the first body to travel around the rotational axis.

Description

[0001] AN APPARATUS

[0002] This application claims priority to GB 2400420.2 filed 11 January 2024, the contents and elements of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an apparatus for converting between a reciprocating motion and a rotating motion.

[0005] Background

[0006] Apparatuses are known for converting one type of motion to another type of motion. Such apparatuses may be used, for example, in power generation. This may be useful, for example, where an external force creates one motion that must be converted into a different motion (e.g. a rotational motion) that can be more readily used to generate electricity.

[0007] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a first body (e.g. reciprocating member) a second body (e.g. rotating member) that is rotatable about a rotational axis; and a third body (e.g. guide) configured to guide the first body along a path, in use, in which the first body simultaneously travels around the rotational axis and reciprocates (i.e. moves back and forth) in the axial direction (i.e. a direction along the rotational axis) relative to the second body; wherein the second body comprises an engagement portion for engaging the first body such that the second body is able to be driven to rotate by the first body traveling around the rotational axis and / or the second body is able to drive the first body to travel around the rotational axis.

[0010] The arrangement of the apparatus of the first aspect provides means for converting (e.g. for energy extraction) a reciprocating movement into a rotational movement and / or for converting a rotational movement into a reciprocating movement. The continuous application of force between the first body and the second body may, in some cases, provide more efficiency over other means for converting a reciprocating movement into a rotational movement.

[0011] In some examples, the first body may be configured to be reciprocated by an external force (e.g. provided by a motor, such as a step motor). In such examples, the first body may thus drive the second body to rotate. Accordingly, the apparatus may comprise a driver (e.g. motor) for driving the first body to reciprocate.

[0012] In some examples, the second body may be configured to be rotated by an external force (e.g. provided by a motor). Accordingly, the apparatus may comprise a driver (e.g. motor) for driving the second body to rotate. In such examples, the second body may thus drive the first body to reciprocate. The driver may be a clutched motor, which may provide improved control of the rotation of the second body.

[0013] The path (along which the first body is guided by the third body) may form a loop (i.e. continuous loop). In other embodiments, the path may not be a loop. The path may be substantially elliptical or substantially mandorla-shaped. The elliptical and / or mandorla-shaped path may be tilted with respect to the rotational axis. Thus, one end (e.g. of the major axis of the ellipse) may be on a first side of the rotational axis and the other end may be on a second, opposite, side of the rotational axis.

[0014] The path may extend around the second body (e.g. fully around). One end (e.g. of the major axis of the ellipse) may be at a first axial end of the second body and the other end may be at an opposite second axial end of the second body.

[0015] At least a portion of the path may be helical. A central axis of the helical shape (i.e. which would run through the helix if fully formed) may be parallel to, e.g. collinear with, the rotational axis.

[0016] The path may have a forward segment along which the first body moves in a first direction. The path may have a return segment along which the first body moves in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The forward and / or return segment may have a helical shape (e.g. may have a shape that forms part of a helix).

[0017] The first body may be configured to move along a substantially linear (i.e. straight) path relative to the second body. That is, in the frame of reference of the second body, the first body may move linearly.

[0018] The linear path may be parallel to the rotational axis. The first body may be restricted to movement along the linear path relative to the second body.

[0019] The engagement portion may be configured for physical engagement (i.e. physical contact) with the first body or may, for example, be configured for non-physical engagement. For example, the engagement portion may be configured for magnetic engagement with the first body (e.g. engagement may be provided by magnetic repulsion). Alternatively, the engagement portion may be configured to receive a jet of fluid from the first body.

[0020] The engagement portion may be configured to restrict movement of the first body relative to the second body. For example, the engagement portion may be configured to restrict movement of the first body relative to the second body to a linear path. The engagement portion may be elongate. The engagement portion may extend along a path that is parallel to the rotational axis.

[0021] The engagement portion may comprise a flange. The flange may extend radially from the second body. The flange may be arranged to abut the first body. Accordingly, the first body may, in use, abut (i.e. engage) the flange to move, or to be moved by, the flange. The engagement portion may comprise a mounting portion for moveably mounting (e.g. slideably mounting) the first body to the second body. The mounting portion may comprise, for example, a rail or a track along which the first body may move. The first body may be slideably mounted (e.g. to the second body).

[0022] The engagement portion and / or first body may be configured to provide low-friction contact therebetween. This may be provided, for example, by bearings, a coating and / or a lubricant.

[0023] The first body may include a contact portion for engaging the third body. The contact portion may be in the form of a projection that projects from a body portion of the first body (the first body engaging the engagement portion via body portion). The contact portion may be moveable. For example, the contact portion may be moveable towards and away from the body portion. In other words, the first body may be expandable, for example in a direction between the second body and the third body. This expansion may be controllable (e.g. by a controller and e.g. an actuator).

[0024] In some examples, the first body may comprise a pressurised space (i.e. a space for receipt of fluid above atmospheric pressure) and a portion of the contact portion (e.g. an end of the contact portion) may at least partly be exposed to the pressurised space. In this way, the pressurised space may be arranged to urge the contact portion away from the body portion of the first body when pressurised.

[0025] In some examples, the apparatus may comprise pressure control means (e.g. comprising a pump and e.g. a controller) for controlling fluid pressure in the pressurised space. The pressure control means may be configured to control the pressure in the pressurised space of the first body so as to vary the pressure in the pressurised space (e.g. to provide pulses of increased pressure in the pressurised space). As may be appreciated, such pressure may result in the application of feree (e.g. in a pulsed manner) to the third body and / or the second body. This application of feree may move the second body (i.e. cause the second body to rotate).

[0026] The contact portion and / or third body may be configured to provide low-friction contact therebetween. This may be provided, for example, by bearings, a coating and / or a lubricant.

[0027] The first body may be configured to discharge a jet of fluid (e.g. high pressure fluid). The first body may, for example, be configured to discharge the jet of fluid onto the third body. In such examples, the first body may be spaced from the third body. The spacing between the first body and the third body may be a small distance (e.g. equal to or less than 30 mm, or e.g. 10 mm, or e.g. 5 mm, or e.g. 1 mm).

[0028] Alternatively, the first body may be configured to discharge the jet of fluid onto the second body (e.g. onto the engagement portion of the second body) to cause the second body to rotate the second body. For example, the jet of fluid may be directed onto a projection (e.g. wing or extension) of the second body. In such examples, the third body may comprise a rail or track (or other retaining means) for retaining the first body to the third body (while allowing movement of the first both along the third body).

[0029] The third body may be substantially elliptical or substantially mandorla-shaped. The third body may extend around the second body (e.g. fully around). At least a portion of the third body may extend along a helical path (e.g. a path having the shape of part of a helix). The third body may comprise one or more tracks or rails. At least one of the one or more tracks or rails may be curved. At least one of the tracks or rails may have a helical shape. At least one of the one or more tracks or rails may extend both in a direction along the second body and in a direction around the second body. The third body may comprise two tracks or rails. The tracks or rails may be symmetrical about a plane along which the rotational axis extends.

[0030] The apparatus may comprise a support structure. The support structure may be configured to support the apparatus on a surface. The support structure may support the second body. The second body may be rotatably mounted to the support structure. The third body may be fixed to the support structure (e.g. such that the third body is stationary in use).

[0031] The second body may be substantially cylindrical, but in other examples may take other forms. The second body may be mounted to a shaft. The shaft may be rotatably mounted to the support structure. The shaft may allow for the provision of a power input to the apparatus (e.g. from a motor) and / or a power output from the apparatus (e.g. to a generator).

[0032] In some examples, the apparatus may comprise further means for operatively coupling reciprocating movement of the first body to rotational movement of the second body.

[0033] For example, the apparatus may comprise a ball screw mechanism operatively connecting the second body (e.g. the engagement portion) to the first body. In general, a ball screw mechanism includes a rotatable part (e.g. shaft) and a translatable part that is caused to move along the rotatable part when the rotatable part rotates.

[0034] When the engagement portion comprises a rail, the rail may comprise a thread (or threads). The body portion of the first body may be configured to extend around the rail (and thus the thread) such that a passage may be defined between the body and the thread along which ball bearings may travel. The body portion may further comprise a channel connecting ends of the passage to form a loop along which the ball bearings may travel. In this way, as the first body is moved along the rail, the rail may be caused to rotate. Likewise, if the rail is rotated then the first body may be caused to move along the rail.

[0035] The apparatus may be configured such that rotation of the rotatable part of the ball screw mechanism (e.g. the rail) is transmitted to the second body (and vice-versa). For example, the rail may comprise a first gear (e.g. spur gear) and the apparatus (e.g. the support structure) may comprise a second gear that is engageable with the first gear. The second gear may be a rack gear (e.g. a curved rack gear), which may extend around the rotational axis. In this way, as the second gear is rotated, the second gear may travel along the rack gear, causing the rotation of the second body. Likewise, rotation of the second body, again, causes the first gear to travel along the second gear, causing the rail to rotate.

[0036] The apparatus may comprise a third gear, which may be a rack gear (e.g. a curved rack gear), which may extend around the rotational axis. The third gear may be configured to engage the first gear. The third gear may have radially inwardly facing teeth (i.e. facing towards the rotational axis). The second gear may have radially outwardly facing teeth (i.e. facing away from the rotational axis). In this way, the second and third gears may be configured to rotate the first gear in opposite directions, which can provide the reciprocating movement of the first body. Each of the second and third gears may extend around the rotational axis for between 160 and 180 degrees.

[0037] In examples in which there is further means for operatively coupling the reciprocating movement of the first body to rotational movement of the second body, and in which the contact portion is moveable or the first body is otherwise expandable (as discussed above), the movement of the contact portion may drive reciprocating movement of the first body. For example, the first body can be expanded (the contact portion may be moved away from the body portion) so as to apply a force to the second body to rotate the second body. This rotation of the second body may then be transmitted to the first body by the further means coupling the reciprocating and rotation movements. As may be appreciated, the third body may be configured to accommodate the expansion of the first body.

[0038] The apparatus may comprise more than one first body. For example, the first body may be a primary first body and the apparatus may comprise a secondary first body. The primary and secondary first bodies may engage with respective first and second engagement portions (each being as described above). The primary and secondary first bodies may be located on diametrically opposite sides of the second body.

[0039] In a second aspect, there is disclosed a system, comprising: a first body (e.g. reciprocating member), a second body (e.g. rotating member), configured to receive force from the first body and undergo consequential rotational movement, a third body (e.g. guide), configured to experience a reactive force from the second body, maintaining its stationary role, wherein the third body functions as a holder, encircling the second body in an elliptical trajectory, and the overall configuration is devised for the purpose of generating power or performing useful work through the rotational movement of the second body.

[0040] The system may comprise an auxiliary force originating from the first body during substance propulsion, aligning partially parallel to the rotational axis of the second body, and said auxiliary force may cause elliptical motion in synchronization with the path of the first body. The auxiliary force may originate from the first body during substance propulsion or by any other driving machine such as an electric motor.

[0041] This force may aligns partially parallel to the rotational axis of the second body, causing elliptical motion in synchronization with the path of the first body.

[0042] The second body may have a cylindrical shape with a fixed diameter or other shapes featuring circular cuts of varying diameters, which may all be perpendicular to its rotational axis.

[0043] The system may provide synchronized motion between the linear motion of the first body, influenced by an external force, and the rotational motion of the second body.

[0044] The system may be configured such that dual forces from the first body influence the second body through pneumatic, hydraulic, or propulsion means, operate continuously or with a propulsive effect. The system may be further configured to provide an external force acting independently on the first body, guiding its motion, action and reaction forces between the first and second bodies, influencing their rotational dynamics.

[0045] The system may be configured to apply the external force to partially align with the rotational direction of the second body, to guide the first body along an elliptical path at a specific speed.

[0046] In general, in the system of the second aspect the first body provides force in dual directions onto two distinct bodies: a mobile participant (the second body) and a stationary counterpart (the third body). In this way, the first body imparts rotational force upon the second body.

[0047] A reactive force is exerted onto the third body, which is stationary. The third body functions as a holder (or guide) and encircles the second body along an elliptical trajectory.

[0048] Thus, in general terms, the first body can be propelled by an external force that partially aligns with the rotational direction of the second body, guiding the first object along a specific elliptical path at a defined speed. Simultaneously, the elliptical motion of the first object needs to synchronize with the circular motion of the second object. Moreover, the first body's influence extends to two other bodies through action and reaction: it acts on the second body, inducing rotational motion around its axis, and it reacts on the third body, which stays stationary while encircling the second body along its trajectory.

[0049] The system can include an auxiliary force, which may originate from the first body when it propels or jets substances, causing it to move in due to the reaction force from propulsion. This force aligns partially parallel to the rotational axis of the second body. The movement of the force is elliptical because the path of the first body is elliptical.

[0050] The system may comprise an external force acting independently on the first body, guiding its motion, and capable of being any source of pushing or pulling, facilitated by any applicable means.

[0051] The elliptical path of the first body can involve a complete full turn (i.e. the first body may complete a full revolution), or it can be a partial turn (i.e. revolution).

[0052] The system may comprise a single second body or multiple second bodies, which can be connected by efficient and varied arrangements.

[0053] The second body may include a longitudinal arm parallel to its axis of rotation.

[0054] Various means may be used reduce friction forces between the first body and the second and / or third bodies, facilitating smoother motion of the first body. For example, this may be achieved using lubricants or bearings, or employing any other suitable means.

[0055] The system of the second aspect may include one or more features of the apparatus of the first aspect.

[0056] Summary of the Figures

[0057] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a first example of an apparatus;

[0058] Figure 1 B is a detailed view of the apparatus of Figure 1A;

[0059] Figure 2A is a schematic side view of a second example of an apparatus; and

[0060] Figure 2B is an end view of the apparatus of Figure 2A.

[0061] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0062] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0063] Figures 1A and 1 B illustrate an apparatus 10 according to a first example. The apparatus 10 includes a first body that is in the form of a reciprocating member 11 , a second body in the form of a rotating member 12, and a third body in the form of a guide 13.

[0064] The rotating member 12 is rotatable about a rotational axis 14, which in the present example is by way of mounting of the rotating member 12 to a rotatable shaft 15. The rotating member 12 includes an engagement portion 16 that engages the reciprocating member 11. In particular, the engagement portion 16 comprises a rail 20 to which the reciprocating member 11 is mounted. The rail 20 extends axially (i.e. parallel to the rotational axis) for the length of the rotating member 12 and therefore restricts movement of the reciprocating member 11 , relative to the rotating member 12, to the axial direction.

[0065] The reciprocating member 11 includes a body portion 18 and a contact portion in the form of a projection 19 that projects from the body portion 18 (in a radial direction) to engage an inner portion of the guide 13 (facing the rotating member 12). This engagement is such that movement of the reciprocating member 11 is restricted by the guide 13 (i.e. such that the reciprocating member 11 is caused to move along a path defined by the guide 13).

[0066] Although not illustrated, in a variation of the illustrated example, the extent of the projection 19 from the body 18 may be adjustable. Thus, at least the end of the projection 19 may be moveable away from (and towards) the body 18 to apply a force to the guide 13. In this variation, movement of the projection 19 may thus be controlled to cause rotation of the rotating member 12 (and as discussed below, such rotation can in turn drive movement of the reciprocating member 11). In such examples, guide 13 may be configured (i.e. shaped) to accommodate the expansion of the reciprocating member 11 . The movement of the projection 19 may, for example, be provided by a pneumatic or hydraulic arrangement, or e.g. by magnetic repulsion.

[0067] Returning to the illustrated example, the guide 13 comprises two curved elongate tracks 21a, 21 b that, together, form a loop around the rotating member 12 (and thus around the rotational axis 14). As should be apparent from Figure 1A, these tracks 21a, 21 b provide the guide with a substantially elliptical (or mandorla) shape. Each track 21 extends both in a direction along the rotating member 12 (and thus along the rotational axis 14) and in a direction around the rotating member 12. As a result, each track 21 has a part-helical shape.

[0068] The guide 13 and rotating member 12 are supported by a stationary support structure 22. The support structure 22 comprises end members 23, between which the rotating member 12 extends. Although not shown in Figure 1 A, the support structure 22 also includes cross beams that connect the end members 23 (i.e. so as to span the space between the end members 23), and which provide a structure to which the guide 13 can be mounted. Accordingly, the guide 13 is fixed to the support structure 22, so as to be stationary in use.

[0069] In use, the reciprocating member 11 can be reciprocated (e.g. by an external force such as a motor) to cause rotational movement of the rotating member 12. When the reciprocating member 11 is moved along the rail 20, a force is applied by the reciprocating member 11 to a track 21 of the guide 13, which in turn provides a reaction force. This reaction force is transmitted to the rail 20 and thus the rotating member (to which the rail 20 is ultimately affixed). This force causes the rotating member 12 to rotate.

[0070] In other words, as the reciprocating member 11 is moved along the rail 20, the guide 13 urges the reciprocating member to follow a path that extends around the rotational axis 14, causing the reciprocating member 11 to move around the rotational axis and thus the rotating member 12 to rotate. The path along which the reciprocating member 11 moves is generally elliptical or mandorla shaped.

[0071] As may be appreciated, the path along which the reciprocating member 11 travels has a forward segment and a return segment. That is, moving to the right in Figure 1 A, the reciprocating member 11 will first travel along a first of the tracks 21a. This first track 21a extends for the length of the rotating member 12 and halfway around the circumference of the rotating member 12. As a result, when the reciprocating member 11 travels the length of the first track 21a, the rotating member 12 will rotate (anti-clockwise as illustrated) 180 degrees. This represents the forward segment of the travel of the reciprocating member 11 .

[0072] The reciprocating member 11 is then moved back along the rotating member 12 while being guided by a second of the tracks 21 b. This represents a return segment of the travel of the reciprocating member 11 . When the reciprocating member 11 is moved in this way, the rotating member 12 is caused to move a further 180 degrees in the anti-clockwise direction. Accordingly, completing a full loop of the guide 13 (a back and forth movement of the reciprocating member 11) causes a full rotation of rotating member 12. As may be appreciated, this can be repeated to provide continuous movement of the rotating member 12.

[0073] The apparatus 10 may also operate in reverse. For example, an external force may be applied to the rotating member 12 to cause the rotating member to rotate, which in turn will cause the reciprocating member 11 to reciprocate.

[0074] As will be explained below, in the present example, the apparatus 10 also includes a further mechanism operatively connecting the rotating member 12 to the reciprocating member 11. In variations of the present example, this further mechanism may be omitted. The reciprocating member 11 is operatively connected to the rotating member 12 by way of a ball screw mechanism, which is more readily apparent from Figure 2. The ball screw mechanism includes the rail 20 which is threaded (i.e. includes a thread 24) to form a passage along which bearings may travel between the rail 20 and the body 18 of the reciprocating member 11. Although not apparent in the figures, the body 11 includes a channel that forms a loop with the passage (formed between the thread of the rail 20 and body 11), around which bearings travel as the reciprocating member 11 is moved along the rail 20. Accordingly, bearings travel around the rail (i.e. in the passage between portions of the thread 24) and through the body 18 in a loop.

[0075] The result of this arrangement is that, movement of the reciprocating member 11 along the rail 20 causes rotation of the rail 20. Similarly, if the rail 20 is rotated, then the reciprocating member 11 is caused to move along the rail 20. To ensure that the rail 20 rotates, rather than the reciprocating member 11 , the reciprocating member 11 is also engaged with tracks 25 that also form part of the engagement portion 16.

[0076] In addition to the ball screw mechanism, the apparatus 10 of the present example includes a gearing arrangement operatively connecting the rail 20 to the rotating member 12 (which may be omitted, for example, in variations in which the ball screw mechanism is not present). Again, this mechanism is best shown in Figure 1 B (but can also be seen in Figure 1A). The gearing arrangement comprises a first gear 26 (in the form of a spur gear) provided at an end of the rail 20, and second and third gears 27, 28 that are both in the form of curved gear racks.

[0077] Both of the second and third gears 27, 28 are fixed to the support 22 (so as to be stationary in use) and extend in a circumferential direction around the rotational axis 14 for a small amount less than 180 degrees. Together, the second and third gears 27, 28 therefore extend for nearly a full circle around the rotational axis 14.

[0078] The second gear 27 has teeth that face radially outwardly and the third gear 28 has teeth that face radially inwardly (towards the rotational axis 14). Both of the second and third gears 27, 28 are aligned such that their respective teeth are engageable with teeth of the first gear 26. To allow for this, the second gear 27 has a smaller diameter than the first gear 26, such that the second gear 27 is engageable with an inner portion of the first gear 26 and the third gear 28 is engageable with an outer portion of the first gear 26.

[0079] In use, if the reciprocating member 11 is moved axially (i.e. reciprocated), the rail 20 is caused to rotate (i.e. by the ball screw mechanism) which causes the first gear 26 to rotate so as to move along the second gear 27 or third gear 28 (i.e. depending on which gear the first gear 26 is engaged with). This can aid in control of the rotational of the rotatable member 12.

[0080] Similarly, if the rotatable member 12 is instead rotated, then the first gear 26 is caused to rotate by relative movement with the second gear 27 or third gear 28 and this in turn causes the reciprocating member 11 to move axially along the rail 20 (due to the ball screw mechanism).

[0081] Although not shown in Figure 1A, the apparatus 10 may be provided with a further engagement portion and reciprocating member (e.g. diametrically opposite to the illustrated engagement portion 16 and reciprocating member 11). These may have the same construction and may operate in the same manner as described above.

[0082] In yet a further variation, the first body 11 may be guided by the third body 13 while being configured to discharge a jet of fluid (e.g. a liquid) onto the second body 12 to rotate the second body 12 (rather than causing such movement by way of direct contact). In such a variation, the first body 11 may be engaged with the third body 13 to slide along the third body 13 and may be spaced from the second body 12. The engagement portion 16 of the second body may be an extension (e.g. flange) for receipt of the jet of fluid (i.e. the rails of the illustrated example may be replaced by such an extension). In such examples, the jet of fluid discharged from the first body 11 impacts the extension and causes rotation of the second body 12, and (when present) the ball screw mechanism and gearing arrangement discussed above may translate this rotation to reciprocation of the first body 11. Meanwhile, the guide 13 guides the first body 11 (as it reciprocates) such that the jet of fluid continue to be discharged onto the engagement portion 16 (i.e. extension).

[0083] Figure 2A schematically illustrates a first example apparatus 10’. In this example, the apparatus 10’ comprises a first body 11 (which can be considered a reciprocating member) that undergoes motion due to a driving force (not shown). The apparatus 10 also comprises a second body 12 (which can be considered a rotating member), preferably in the form of a cylinder, upon which the first body 11 exerts an action force while moving. The apparatus 10’ also comprises a third body 13 (only part of which is shown) that can be considered a guide. A reaction force, resulting from the action force by the first body 11 on the second body 12, acts on the third body 13. The location of the action force of first body 11 on the second body 12 traces an elliptical path 31 (although only part of this path is shown in Figures 1A and 1 B). The first body 11 acts upon the second body 12 via a wing, arm or extension 16 (which may be considered an engagement portion) to cause the second body 12 to rotate. The power generated from the second body 12 can be transmitted through a rotating shaft 15 connected to a useful work machine, such as an electrical motor, pump, or compressor 30.

[0084] Accordingly, the cylindrical second body 12 rotates in a circular motion while the first body 11 orbits on an elliptical path 31 . The stationary third body 13 surrounds the second body 12 to provide this motion.

[0085] Figure 2B provides a (schematic) end view of the apparatus 10’. This figure illustrates the clockwise rotation (see arrow 29) that can be produced from the arrangement of the first 11 , second 12, and third 13 bodies. In particular, this figure shows the interaction between the first body 11 and the second body 12. Although not specifically depicted, as discussed above, an action force is applied to the arm 16, resulting in a reaction force on the third body 13. The applied action force on the second body 12 initiates a clockwise motion or rotation.

[0086] Aspects of the invention are also defined by the following numbered clauses:

[0087] 1 . A dynamic force augmentation system, referred to as Dynamic Angular Force Augment (DAFA), comprising: a first body configured to unfold influential capabilities, a second body, configured to receive force projections from the first body, undergo consequential rotational movement, and propel along a defined path, a third body, configured to experience a reactive force from the rotational movement of the second body, maintaining its stationary role, wherein the third body functions as a holder, encircling the second body in an elliptical trajectory, and the overall configuration is devised for the purpose of generating power or performing useful work through the rotational movement of the second body.

[0088] 2. A system according to clause 1 , further comprising: an auxiliary force originating from the first body during substance propulsion, aligning partially parallel to the rotational axis of the second body, said auxiliary force causing elliptical motion in synchronization with the path of the first body.

[0089] 3. A system according to clause 1 , wherein: the second body takes the form of a cylindrical shape with a fixed diameter or other shapes featuring circular cuts of varying diameters, all perpendicular to its rotational axis.

[0090] 4. A system according to clause 1 , requiring synchronized motion between: the linear motion of the first body, influenced by an external force, the rotational motion of the second body.

[0091] 5. A system according to clause 1 , wherein dual forces emanating from the first body: influence the second body through pneumatic, hydraulic, or propulsion means, operate continuously or with a propulsive effect.

[0092] 6. A system according to clause 1 , further comprising: an external force acting independently on the first body, guiding its motion, action and reaction forces between the first and second bodies, influencing their rotational dynamics.

[0093] 7. A system according to clause 1 , practically applying the external force to: partially align with the rotational direction of the second body, guide the first body along an elliptical path at a specific speed.

[0094] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0095] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0096] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0097] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0098] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0099] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / - 10%.

Claims

Claims:1 . An apparatus comprising: a first body; a second body that is rotatable about a rotational axis; and a third body configured to guide the first body along a path, in use, in which the first body simultaneously travels around the rotational axis and reciprocates in the axial direction relative to the second body; wherein the second body comprises an engagement portion for engaging the first body such that the second body is able to be driven to rotate by the first body traveling around the rotational axis and / or the second body is able to drive the first body to travel around the rotational axis.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the path along which the first body is guided by the third body is a continuous loop.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the path is elliptical and / or mandorla shaped.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the path is helical.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the path comprises a forward segment along which the first body moves in a first direction, and a return segment along which the first body moves in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the forward and / or return segment has a helical shape.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body is configured to move along a linear path relative to the second body.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion is configured to restrict movement of the first body relative to the second body to a linear path.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement portion comprises a flange, a rail or a track.

10. The apparatus according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body comprises a contact portion for engaging the third body, the contact portion being moveable towards and away from a body portion of the first body.11 . The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third body comprises one or more tracks or rails.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein at least one of the one or more tracks or rails has a helical shape.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body is connected to the second body by a ball screw mechanism.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, configured such that rotation of a rotatable part of the ball screw mechanism is transmitted to the second body.

15. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body is expandable.

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