Flying vehicle propulsion system utilizing centrifugal force

Abstract

A method of propelling a flying vehicle, comprising rotating a plurality of eccentrically-mounted shafts (11) within separate housings (16), each shaft (11) having multiple extendable arms (8) with masses (9) at their distal ends, guiding the masses (9) along elliptical tracks (18, 19) fixed within each housing (16), each track having an upper portion farther from the shaft's axis of rotation than a lower portion, generating a net upward force due to the eccentricity of the elliptical tracks (18, 19); and independently controlling rotation speed of each shaft (11) to maneuver the vehicle in three-dimensional space.

Description

FLYING VEHICLE PROPULSION SYSTEM UTILIZING CENTRIFUGAL FORCECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is an International Application and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 831,107, titled “Skyrider,” filed July 16, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to flying vehicles, and more particularly to a flying vehicle utilizing centrifugal force generated by rotating power packs to produce uplift and directional control.BACKGROUND

[0003] The present disclosure pertains to vehicles put in motion by one or multiple orbital rotating power packs with multiple rotating weights, and utilizing a vertically created centrifugal force to produce vehicle uplift.

[0004] To date there are several systems used to enable humans to fly, and most of them were invented in early twentieth century, remaining unchanged to present date.

[0005] Currently used are the following propulsion systems:

[0006] sHot air balloon

[0007] • Rocket (action and reaction)

[0008] sJet engine (action and reaction)

[0009] • Propeller (vertically or horizontally positioned)

[0010] • Wing (typically combined with propeller or jet engine action)

[0011] Each of the propulsion systems mentioned above have its own positive and negative sides, however all (except hot air balloon) produce air disturbance around the vehicle and are required to be operated by highly trained operators, ground staff, high operating costs and inability to provide mass usage of air space for daily commutes by ordinary people - short and long, similar to what current motor vehicle provide but on the ground.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0013] The Skyrider is a novel flying vehicle that utilizes centrifugal force for propulsion and control. At its core, the Skyrider comprises multiple power packs mounted to a vehicle body. Each power pack contains a sealed housing with an elliptical track inside. A rotatable shaft is positioned eccentrically relative to this track. Connected to the shaft are telescopically extendable arms, each with a mass at its end that travels along the elliptical track as the shaft rotates.

[0014] The key innovation is the eccentric positioning of the rotating components. As the arms rotate, the masses travel farther from the central axis at the top of their rotation compared to the bottom. This generates a net upward force that can lift the vehicle. By independently controlling the rotation speed of each power pack through variable-speed electric motors, the vehicle can be maneuvered in any direction. Increasing rotation speed on all power packs causes the vehicle to ascend, while synchronized deceleration results in descent. Differential speed adjustments between front / rear or left / right power packs enable forward / backward motion and turning. The Skyrider’s design allows for precise three-dimensional control without the complexity and air disturbance of traditional aircraft propulsion systems.

[0015] The foregoing general description of the illustrative embodiments and the following detailed description thereof are merely exemplary aspects of the teachings of this disclosure and are not restrictive.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0016] Non-limiting and non- exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.

[0017] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle showing approximate location of four power packs (different arrangements and number of power packs is possible depending on vehicle lifting capacity / speed requirements);

[0018] Fig. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the vehicle showing approximate shape, cabin and location of power packs;

[0019] Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of the vehicle with approximate arrangement of the cabin;

[0020] Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of the power pack assembly with braces;

[0021] Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of power pack assembly with braces;

[0022] Fig. 6 illustrates a vertical cross section through the power pack assembly;

[0023] Fig. 7 illustrates a power control and distribution to independent power packs;

[0024] Fig. 8 illustrates a vertical cross section through the power pack.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description sets forth exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the description also encompasses combinations and modifications to those exemplary aspects described herein.

[0026] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may however be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0027] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or section from another element, component, region, layer, and / or section.

[0029] It will be understood that the elements, components, regions, layers and sections depicted in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” or “includes” and / or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0031] Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” “upper” or “top,” “left” or “right,” “above” or “below,” “front” or “rear,” may be used herein to describe one element’s relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to idealized embodiments of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances, are to be expected. The numbers, ratios, percentages, and other values may include those that are ±5%, ±10%, ±25%, ±50%, ±75%, ±100%, ±200%, ±500%, or other ranges that do not detract from the spirit of the invention. The terms about, approximately, or substantially may include values known to those having ordinary skill in the art. If not known in the art, these terms may be considered to be in the range of up to ±5%, ±10%, or other value higher than these ranges commonly accepted by those having ordinary skill in the art for the variable disclosed. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapesof regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any elements that are not specifically disclosed herein. All patents, patent applications and non-patent literature cited through this Specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0034] In one respect, the subject matter described herein is directed to vehicle body powered with single or multiple centrifugal rotating power packs, described in detail further below, that provide positive vertical uplift force. When rotating plain is strictly vertical, only uplift force is created for vehicle vertical movement. When rotating plain is tilted combination of vertical and horizontal force is created which is utilized for vehicle uplift and forward / backward movement.

[0035] Vehicle control (up and down only) is achieved by increasing RPM of each power pack simultaneously and for the same amount.

[0036] Vehicle control (forward and backward) is achieved by increasing / decreasing RPM on front / back set of power packs. For forward motion front power packs will run at lower RPM than back ones, creating slight tilt in vehicle position towards forward, which would create horizontal component of the force and propel vehicle forward. Same but opposite would be done for backward motion.

[0037] Vehicle control (left and right) is achieved by increasing / decreasing RPM on left / right set of power packs. To turn right, left power packs would run at higher RPM than right ones to achieve this movement. Same but opposite would be done for the turn to the left.

[0038] I. Use of Centrifugal Force as Uplift Force of Orbital Power Pack

[0039] Typically, when considering centrifugal force, systems are required to be balanced. For decades, engineers have worked to achieve perfect balance in rotating systems to minimize the impact of centrifugal force. The concept of this patent application is to harness centrifugal force in a novel manner. If weights are made to rotate in a vertical plane with their axes of rotation positioned off-center, the centrifugal force generated will be greater when the weights are farther from the axis (i.e., at the upper position) compared to when they are closer to the axis (i.e., at the lower position). This difference in force would produce a net upward thrust that couldbe used to counteract gravity. An assembly designed in this way, as described further below, will be referred to as a “power pack.”

[0040] II. Multiple Orbital Rotating Arms For Each Power Pack

[0041] By having only two opposed arms, maximum uplift force would be created when one arm is in the far upper position (furthest from the axis of rotation) vs. the opposed one in the lower position (closest to the axis of rotation). Action like this is possible; however, force produced would be intermittent and impractical for use. By adding multiple arms, force produced becomes more uniform and continuous, which is required for producing practical uplifting force and enabling powering of the vehicle.

[0042] III. Orbital Power Pack Compact Design

[0043] Power train assemblies on modern vehicles can have thousands of moving parts and quite complicated designs to achieve performance. The power pack’s compact design provides efficiency and simplicity, while delivering performance with fewer than 100 parts per assembly.

[0044] IV. Multiple Orbital Power Packs Per Each Vehicle for Stability and Control

[0045] To achieve proper stability of the vehicle, typically multiple power packs are required. Size, capacity and number of power packs is determined by vehicle’ specifications (lifting capacity, speed, etc.).

[0046] V. Vehicle Cabin Assembly

[0047] Vehicle cabin and body assembly is designed to provide maximum comfort, security while housing all power and control systems required for vehicle operation.

[0048] VI. Vehicle Direction Control by Altering Power to Individual Orbital Power Packs

[0049] Vehicle directional control is achieved by applying different power and changing RPM’s on each individual power pack, which will be explained below.

[0050] VII. Battery Powered Power Packs

[0051] Vehicle power source could be any source of electrical power for electric motors, however current design is based on battery powered power packs.

[0052] The following description details the components, figure by figure.

[0053] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 schematically illustrate top and side view for the vehicle, which in general includes the body 1, positioned on the chassis 2, and single to multiple power packs 3 , providing uplift force, as well as directional capabilities.

[0054] The illustrations show the vehicle equipped with four power packs 3. The seats 4, in general provides seating, protection for passengers as well as housing for control panel, steering devices 5. Passengers cabin could be with O2 pressurization option for vehicles intended for higher altitudes.

[0055] Each power pack 3, is powered with independent electric motor / drive 6, mounted on the chassis and coupled with designated power pack.

[0056] Electric motors and all vehicle controls are powered by battery pack 7.

[0057] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates cabin interior arrangement.

[0058] Fig. 4, Fig. 5, and Fig. 6 schematically illustrate centrifugal rotating power pack, comprising multiple rotating arms 8, with weights at the ends rotating in elliptical pattern with axes of rotation eccentrically positioned to the horizontal center line of the housing, which comprises housing enclosure half-casings bolted together. Each housing enclosure casing has a centrifugal groove embedded into it to enable centrifugal rotation of weights at the end of arms.

[0059] Telescopically extendable arms 8 are attached to the hub 15. Once arms start rotating, centrifugal force would start increasing depending on RPM, transferring the force via bearings to the housing enclosure. Considering the elliptical movement, centrifugal force will be greater on upper section of the track, rather than on the lower that is closer to the axes of rotation.

[0060] Each arm is equipped with set of ball bearings 10, that enable rotation of arms along the housing tracks and at the same time transfer the forces from the arms to the housing enclosure.

[0061] Main shaft 11, connects all rotating arms together and is rested on two pillow block bearings attached to the housing. The power from the electric motor is transmitted to the main shaft via belt / pulley assembly or chain / sprocket assembly 14.

[0062] Once certain RPM is reached, difference between centrifugal force on the upper part of the track and lower becomes greater than weight of the power pack / vehicle at which point sufficient uplifting force is created to overcome earth’s gravity.

[0063] Fig. 7 shows simplified wiring control schematic individually supplying signal to each of the power packs from the control panel.

[0064] For vehicle up lift - gradually increase RPM on all four motors.

[0065] For vehicle forward - gradually increase RPM on #3 and #4, reduce #2 and #1.

[0066] For vehicle backward - gradually increase RPM on #1 and #2, reduce #3 and #4.

[0067] For vehicle left turn - gradually increase #2 and #4.

[0068] For vehicle right turn - gradually increase #1 and #3.

[0069] Fig #8 shows other cross section of the power pack, perpendicular on section #6.Section shows oval path of the weights and off-center shaft position, including extendable arms, shaft and hub.

[0070] Reference Numbers

[0071] 1. Vehicle body

[0072] 2. Chassis

[0073] 3. Power pack (typ. for four, as shown in Figures)

[0074] 4. Seats

[0075] 5. Battery

[0076] 6. Dash and controller

[0077] 7. Lights and signaling

[0078] 8. Extend able arms of the power pack

[0079] 9. Bearing connector, block and weight

[0080] 10. Bearings

[0081] 11. Main shaft

[0082] 12. Pillow block bearings

[0083] 13. Electric motor with VFD

[0084] 14. Power transmission (pulleys and belts, chain and sprockets or direct drive)

[0085] 15. Hub

[0086] 16. Two-part housing enclosure

[0087] 17. Cap / connector

[0088] 18. Inner bearing track

[0089] 19. Outer bearing track

[0090] 20. Reinforcing ribs

[0091] 21. Power pack mounting plate

[0092] The following examples pertain to further embodiments.

[0093] Embodiment 1 is a propulsion system for a flying vehicle, comprising: a plurality of power packs mounted to a vehicle body, each power pack comprising: a sealed housingenclosure; an elliptical track fixed within the housing enclosure, the track having an upper portion farther from a central axis than a lower portion; a rotatable shaft eccentrically positioned relative to the elliptical track; a plurality of telescopically extendable arms connected to the rotatable shaft, each arm having a mass at its distal end configured to travel along the elliptical track; and a variable-speed electric motor coupled to the rotatable shaft via a power transmission system; and a control system configured to independently adjust rotation speed of each power pack to vary the movement direction of the vehicle; wherein rotation of the extendable arms along the eccentric elliptical track generates a net upward force; whereby synchronized adjustment of the rotation speed of all power packs causes the vehicle to ascend or descend without directional movement.

[0094] In Embodiment 2, the power transmission system of Embodiment 1 comprises one of: a belt and pulley assembly, or a chain and sprocket assembly.

[0095] In Embodiment 3, the sealed housing enclosure of Embodiment 1 comprises two half-casings bolted together.

[0096] In Embodiment 4, each power pack of Embodiment 1 further comprises pillow block bearings supporting the rotatable shaft.

[0097] In Embodiment 5, the control system of Embodiment 1 is configured to increase rotation speed of rear power packs relative to front power packs to propel the vehicle forward.

[0098] In Embodiment 6, the control system of Embodiment 5 is further configured to increase rotation speed of power packs on one side of the vehicle relative to power packs on an opposite side to turn the vehicle.

[0099] In Embodiment 7, the propulsion system of Embodiment 1 further comprises a pressurized cabin within the vehicle body to enable operation at high altitudes.

[0100] Embodiment 8 is a flying vehicle, comprising: a body; a plurality of power packs mounted to the body, each power pack comprising a housing enclosure containing an elliptical track and a rotatable shaft eccentrically positioned relative to the track; a plurality of extendable arms connected to each rotatable shaft, each arm having a mass configured to travel along the elliptical track; an electric motor coupled to each rotatable shaft; and a control system configured to independently adjust rotation speed of each power pack; wherein the eccentricity of the elliptical tracks generates a net upward force during rotation of the shafts.

[0101] In Embodiment 9, the extendable arms of Embodiment 8 are telescopically extendable.

[0102] In Embodiment 10, each power pack of Embodiment 9 further comprises pillow block bearings supporting the rotatable shaft.

[0103] In Embodiment 11, the electric motor of Embodiment 10 is coupled to the rotatable shaft via a power transmission system comprising one of: a belt and pulley assembly, or a chain and sprocket assembly.

[0104] In Embodiment 12, the control system of Embodiment 11 is configured to increase rotation speed of rear power packs relative to front power packs to propel the vehicle forward.

[0105] In Embodiment 13, the control system of Embodiment 12 is further configured to increase rotation speed of power packs on one side of the vehicle relative to power packs on an opposite side to turn the vehicle.

[0106] In Embodiment 14, the flying vehicle of Embodiment 13 further comprises a pressurized cabin within the vehicle body to enable operation at high altitudes.

[0107] Embodiment 15 is a method of propelling a flying vehicle, comprising: rotating a plurality of eccentrically-mounted shafts within separate housings, each shaft having multiple extendable arms with masses at their distal ends; guiding the masses along elliptical tracks fixed within each housing, each track having an upper portion farther from the shaft’s axis of rotation than a lower portion; generating a net upward force due to the eccentricity of the elliptical tracks; and independently controlling rotation speed of each shaft to maneuver the vehicle in three- dimensional space.

[0108] In Embodiment 16, the method of Embodiment 15 further comprises synchronizing extension and retraction of the telescopic arms with rotational position to enhance force generation.

[0109] In Embodiment 17, the method of Embodiment 15 further comprises: mounting multiple power packs to a vehicle body, each power pack comprising a housing enclosure containing the rotatable shaft; connecting a variable-speed electric motor to each rotatable shaft via a power transmission system; and providing a control panel within the vehicle body for controlling the rotation speed of each power pack.

[0110] In Embodiment 18, independently controlling rotation speed of each shaft of Embodiment 17 comprises adjusting rotation speed and direction of power packs on different sides of the vehicle to control pitch, roll, and yaw.[OHl] In Embodiment 19, the method of Embodiment 18 further comprises: providing a pressurized cabin within the vehicle body to enable operation at high altitudes; and incorporating signal lights at the front and rear corners of the vehicle body.

[0112] In Embodiment 20, the method of Embodiment 19 further comprises: providing a watertight vehicle body; constructing watertight power pack compartments within the vehicle body; and incorporating a seating area in a central portion of the vehicle body.

[0113] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI Claim:

1. A propulsion system for a flying vehicle, comprising: a plurality of power packs (3) mounted to a vehicle body (1), each power pack (3) comprising: a sealed housing enclosure (16); an elliptical track (18, 19) fixed within the housing enclosure (16), the track having an upper portion farther from a central axis than a lower portion; a rotatable shaft (11) eccentrically positioned relative to the elliptical track (18, 19); a plurality of telescopically extendable arms (8) connected to the rotatable shaft (11), each arm having a mass (9) at its distal end configured to travel along the elliptical track (18, 19); a variable-speed electric motor (13) coupled to the rotatable shaft (11) via a power transmission system (14); and a control system (6) configured to independently adjust rotation speed of each power pack (3) to vary the movement direction of the vehicle; wherein rotation of the extendable arms (8) along the eccentric elliptical track (18, 19) generates a net upward force; whereby synchronized adjustment of the rotation speed of all power packs (3) causes the vehicle to ascend or descend without directional movement.

2. The propulsion system of claim 1 , wherein the power transmission system comprises one of: a belt and pulley assembly, or a chain and sprocket assembly.

3. The propulsion system of claim 1, wherein the sealed housing enclosure comprises two halfcasings bolted together.

4. The propulsion system of claim 1 , wherein each power pack further comprises pillow block bearings supporting the rotatable shaft.

5. The propulsion system of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to increase rotation speed of rear power packs relative to front power packs to propel the vehicle forward.

6. The propulsion system of claim 5, wherein the control system is further configured to increase rotation speed of power packs on one side of the vehicle relative to power packs on an opposite side to turn the vehicle.

7. The propulsion system of claim 1, further comprising a pressurized cabin within the vehicle body to enable operation at high altitudes.

8. A flying vehicle, comprising: a body (1); a plurality of power packs (3) mounted to the body (1), each power pack (3) comprising a housing enclosure (16) containing an elliptical track (18, 19) and a rotatable shaft (11) eccentrically positioned relative to the track (18, 19); a plurality of extendable arms (8) connected to each rotatable shaft (11), each arm having a mass (9) configured to travel along the elliptical track (18, 19); an electric motor (13) coupled to each rotatable shaft (11); and a control system (6) configured to independently adjust rotation speed of each power pack (3);wherein the eccentricity of the elliptical tracks (18, 19) generates a net upward force during rotation of the shafts (11).

9. The flying vehicle of claim 8, wherein the extendable arms are telescopically extendable.

10. The flying vehicle of claim 9, wherein each power pack further comprises pillow block bearings supporting the rotatable shaft.

11. The flying vehicle of claim 10, wherein the electric motor is coupled to the rotatable shaft via a power transmission system comprising one of: a belt and pulley assembly, or a chain and sprocket assembly.

12. The flying vehicle of claim 11, wherein the control system is configured to increase rotation speed of rear power packs relative to front power packs to propel the vehicle forward.

13. The flying vehicle of claim 12, wherein the control system is further configured to increase rotation speed of power packs on one side of the vehicle relative to power packs on an opposite side to turn the vehicle.

14. The flying vehicle of claim 13, further comprising a pressurized cabin within the vehicle body to enable operation at high altitudes.

15. A method of propelling a flying vehicle, comprising: rotating a plurality of eccentrically-mounted shafts (11) within separate housings (16), each shaft (11) having multiple extendable arms (8) with masses (9) at their distal ends; guiding the masses (9) along elliptical tracks (18, 19) fixed within each housing (16), each track having an upper portion farther from the shaft's axis of rotation than a lower portion; generating a net upward force due to the eccentricity of the elliptical tracks (18, 19); andindependently controlling rotation speed of each shaft (11) to maneuver the vehicle in three-dimensional space.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising synchronizing extension and retraction of the telescopic arms with rotational position to enhance force generation.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: mounting multiple power packs to a vehicle body, each power pack comprising a housing enclosure containing the rotatable shaft; connecting a variable-speed electric motor to each rotatable shaft via a power transmission system; and providing a control panel within the vehicle body for controlling the rotation speed of each power pack.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein independently controlling rotation speed of each shaft comprises adjusting rotation speed and direction of power packs on different sides of the vehicle to control pitch, roll, and yaw.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: providing a pressurized cabin within the vehicle body to enable operation at high altitudes; and incorporating signal lights at the front and rear corners of the vehicle body.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: providing a watertight vehicle body; constructing watertight power pack compartments within the vehicle body; and incorporating a seating area in a central portion of the vehicle body.

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