A first embodiment of the invention is therefore directed to a drive engine, wherein using electric motors, it creates a directional drive system contained within a spherical-shaped device referred to as “wheel works” or wheel element assembly. The device has an advantageous thrust to weight package, and, by working them in symmetrical arrangements they can be used for omni-directional maneuvers of a vehicle. In embodiments, the engine is driven using electricity and therefore can be adapted to navigating in a variety of environments and terrains.
The present invention is directed to a rotating first wheel or wheels within a third rotating wheel that is oriented on an axis 90 degrees from the first wheel. The device operates like a conventional gyroscope but in embodiments a second wheel is provided that spins in the opposite direction of the first wheel thereby neutralizing gyro effects. In preferred embodiments, the wheels are constructed from strong, lightweight materials, such as aluminum, synthetic resins, fiberglass and composites using carbon fiber. In a preferred embodiments, two center, closely sandwiched inner wheels are a provided that share a common rotational axis. These wheels are positioned within a third wheel or annulus and a line defining the diameter of the first wheels is oriented at a right angle or perpendicular to the plane defined by the outer wheel. The dimensions of the inner wheels are such that they will fit within the inner rim of the outer wheel or annulus.
As discussed above, in preferred embodiments the inner wheels are both simultaneously driven in opposite directions by magnetic propulsion. In this regard, a dynamic magnetic field generated from electromagnets is positioned at locations adjacent to the outer rim of the respective inner wheels and at a position 90 degrees from the axis formed by the outer wheel. The inner wheels and outer wheel are rotated at the same constant speed and therefore having synchronized timing of 1:1 ratio. The two inner wheels have rims that each in turn have weights positioned near the periphery with no counter balance. The wheels are mechanically connected so that when the inner wheels axe rotated the weights will be positioned directly opposite one another at two moments in each rotational cycle. As the outer wheel turns at a 1:1 ratio with the inner wheels rotations, the timing of the inner wheels passing of the weights at the bottom cycle accrues when the bottom has been rotated by the outer wheel into the said top position. As discussed below, the rotational cycles or the inner and outer wheels will have two top positions of weights passing in one cycle and two opposing occurrences at the left and right sides. The resulting orbits of the weights in the wheels result in a bridged figure eight orbit configuration. When all rotations are started and the speed is increased the weights transition to a vector force, sustained as long as the rotations are sustained. The force is applied at two top positions of one cycle, thereby creating two moments of force without counter balance force. As a result there is a directional or vector force that is created from the cyclic rotation.
In embodiments, the rims of the outer wheels left and right sides may be extended with half domes thereby creating an outer spherical shell or globe-shaped wheel. Preferably this globe-shaped wheel is made from a light-weight, shock resistant structural material. It is contemplated that the shell or dome may be comprised of Lexan® or other transparent thermoplastic resin composite materials. In alternative embodiments, the outer wheel includes a layer of vulcanized rubber. The globe-shaped outer wheel completely encloses the inner wheels, and serves as a means to reduce air turbulence and motion acting on the wheels. In embodiments, a vacuum may be applied to reduce air pressure or the interior of the globe may be provided with a lighter than air gas such as helium.
The globe wheel has a means of support located on opposite sides which form a lateral axel. The spokes of the inner wheels include powerful magnet rods with their polarities aligned in the same outward-feeing direction around the wheel.
The globe-shaped wheel has two types of spokes. A series of center spokes are connected to the inner wheels axis shaft and to me rim of the outer wheel. These center spokes comprise magnetic rods. A second type of spokes are thin bicycle wheel like spokes, referred to as globe spokes, that extend from the inner axis shaft to locations on the interior surface of the extended shell sections of the outer wheel. These globe spokes attach within each of the globe wheel's two half dome parts. These globe spokes are attached at a plurality of locations, and include a support means for stabilizing stresses from the inset wheels axis shaft with the outer globe wheel [should explain] The thin globe spokes are attached to the globe section using a washer that includes a curve surface that conforms to the inner surface of the globe and a threaded nut. This attachment arrangement reduces the spoke attachment stress points on the globes when the spokes are connected. The inner wheels are provided with a thin flat disk to support roller bearing gears, separating and supporting the said two inner wheels. The flat disks gear roller bearings support one of the inner wheels against the other inner wheel and have a roller bearing part and a toothed gear portion centered on the roller. As such these roller bearings enable the inner wheels to maintain a fixed position to one another during rotation.
The rotation of the outer wheel which when powered by magnetic pulses is accomplished using magnetic sensors which send a signal to a processor. The sensors send signals to the processor which in turn activate or deactivate the electromagnetic elements positioned at the periphery of the wheels to increase or decrease the electromagnetic force delivered to the inner and outer wheel magnets. The permanent magnetic rods located in the wheel spokes exert a pulling force towards a first switch position of the electromagnet's iron core and, at top center alignment position between the magnetic rod and me driving magnets a second switch position. This arrangement enables a high powered electromagnetic pulse to be generated which will attract and then repel the magnetic rods causing the wheel to rotate away.
The entire wheel works assembly is supported by an armature structure that is attached to the opposite sides of the globe at the wheel axis. These attachments having ring hearings connecting the armature and to the globe wheel dome ends.
The ring bearings are designed to allow an electromagnet to be located at a center point inside the ring bearings, wherein the electromagnet will power the two inner wheels at all phases of its rotational cycle and thereby enabling the outer wheel to rotate and create a pivoting point on the inner wheels that is oriented 90 degrees off said inner wheels axis. The armature has three additional electromagnets positioned over the outer globe wheels center rim, positioned at approximately 10:00 (ten o'clock, 12:00 (twelve o'clock) and 2:00 (two o'clock). The armature is attached to allow the wheel works or wheel assemblies to rotate.
The device is engineered to operate at high rpms which require less energy to maintain the rpm, much the same as a flywheel acts when it reaches a desired momentum. When operating at high rotational speeds a geometric arrangement of preferably three or more wheel works devices in a drive system is preferred, whereby all three devices can control the vehicle movement by directing vector forces inwards (canceling each other's directional forces) or outwards in a coordinated directional manner, adjusting for vehicle weight and/or desired elevation and adjusting for vehicle maneuvering needs. The geometric arrangement enables a controlled omni-directional drive system and a manner to provide for slow to high speed movement and maneuvering of a vehicle powered by the drive according to the invention.
It is further contemplated that to mercury could be employed as a weight electromagnetic field characteristics at high rpm and the metal could reduce gyro forces and or gravitational effects on said wheel works. Its weight could enhance the flywheel effect and/or be used in said the weighted areas of the wheels. The device being totally enclosed by a spherical means, light weight, shock resistant, structurally strong ridged material like that of Lexan®, furthermore enabled to seal for the containment of a vacuum and or any other gas to reduce turbulence and friction on the said wheel works internal moving parts.
While in embodiments described herein use two inner wheels and one outer wheel, it is contemplated that other combinations of wheels may also be used advantageously with the invention.
Now referring to
A globe structural 2 is comprises and of two semispherical parts 32 and 34 which extend from, an outer wheel structure 3. The dome parts are attached to both the left and right sides of an outer rim of outer wheel 3 and defining a spherical or “globe wheel” that encloses the inner wheels 4 and 5. The globe is preferably comprised of a shock resistant, strong, lightweight material like Lexan. The device further includes globe structure spokes 12 for stabilizing stress on inner wheels axis support shaft by omni directional secured wire spokes 12 and further serve to transfer vector forces generated by the inner wheels 4 and 5 to the outer globe location 11 and consequently to the wheel armature support 15.
Referring to
Structural axis support member 7 provides in attachment point for the outer globe wheel to be received on the armature. The support member allows the wheels to be rotated in 360 degrees. An electromagnetic rod 8 serves as the axis extended from the support member and is attached by engagement with ring bearing 10.
Washer head element 11 and similar elements are distributed over the globe and are adapted to receive and hold wheel spokes. In preferred embodiments the spokes are provide with a base sandwich with a resilient material to diminish and or disperses stress forces and vibrations between the spokes and the outer rim and maintain a seal within globe. Outer wheels spokes 12 are provided for the attachment of the inner wheels support shaft to the outer-globed wheel at multiple stress angles.
Rare earth magnetic rod spokes 13 connect the inner shaft of the outer wheel 3 with the rim and are used in connection with the electro-magnetic population system that turns the outer globe wheel 3. (See
A magnetic switch 14 is activated by the magnetic spokes 13 as they pass by the location of the switch. In the alternative, a magnetic sensor is provided that senses the magnetic spokes 13 and, in response, sends a signal to a processor that in turn switches the current in the driving electromagnetic element 101 that drives the outer wheel. Referring to
The assembly also includes rare earth magnetic rod spokes 16 and 16a that extend from the rim to the central shaft and support the inner wheels. These spokes further serve as part of the electro-magnetic motor system that turns the inner wheels 4 and 5.
As illustrated in
Support means 608 contains gear bearings (nor shown) on which the inner wheels 614 and 615 rotate. Bearings 605 and 606 are also positioned on the external sides of the inner wheels. Gear 609 maintains the position of the inner wheels in a fixed position with respect to one another. Roller hearing 610 maintains the wheel apart from one another. 611 (also referred to as 614) is one of the inner wheels.
As best seen in
Now referring to
Now referring to
In connection with the fixed weight embodiments, rotation of the wheels creates a “figure eight” orbit tor the weights or moment of mass of the weights as they travel about the inner and outer wheel. This orbital motion results from the rotation of weighted outer rotating wheel and two weighted inner rotating wheels whose rotations are perpendicular to the rotation of the outer wheel and opposite each other. As described in above, two weights on the inner wheels both begin in the top center position. The outer wheel rotates counter-clockwise θ degrees, while the inner wheels rotate clockwise and counterclockwise, respectively, by that same angle measure.
Referring now to
To derive the equations of motion for x, y and z position, as shown in
Assuming the inner wheel radius equal to 1 unit, the following derivation yields parametric equations for the motion of the two weights.
x=−z·tan θy=√{square root over (x2+z2)} tan θ
x
2
=z
2·tan θy2=(x2+z2)tan2 θ=z2(tan2 θ+1)tan2 θ=z2sec2θ·tan2θ
z
2 tan2 θ+z2sec2θ·tan2θz2=1→z2(tan2 θ+1+sec2θ·tan2θ)=1→z2(sec2θ+secθ·tan2 θ)=1→z2sec2θ(1+tan2 θ)=1→z2sec4θ=1→z2=cos4θ→z=cos2 θ
By substitution of this expression for z, the expression for x and y can be calculated.
x=−z·tan θ=−cos2 θtan θ=−sin θc cos θ
y=√{square root over (x2+z2)} tan θ=√{square root over (sin2 θ cos2 θ+cos4 θ)}·tan θ=√{square root over (cos2 θ(sin2 θ+cos2 θ))}·tan θ=√{square root over (cos2 θ(1))}·tan θ→y=cos θ tan θ=sin θ
Assuming an inner radius of 1 unit, we have the following parametric equations for position is terms of the angle of rotation θ.
x(θ)=−sin θ cos θ
y(θ)=sin θ
z(θ)=cos2θ
Given an arbitrary inner radius of r units, the equations are then:
x(θ)=−r sin θ cos θ
y(θ)=r sin θ
z(θ)=r cos2θ
Given an angular speed ω, whose units are angle measure divided by time, we can then use the substitution θ=ωt to rewrite the equations in terms of time t.
x(t)=−r sin(ωt)cos(ωt)
y(t)=r sin(ωt)
z(t)=r cos2(ωt)
If we furthermore specify ω to be measured in revelations per minute, t to be measured in seconds, and θ to be measured is radians, then we have
These equations are identical tor both masses, with the exception that the y position is opposite for the weight on the counterclockwise inner wheel. The path 2600 of motion of the weight vector is depicted in
By differentiating each of the position functions, it is possible to calculate the parametric
functions for each component of the linear velocity.
x′(θ)=sin2 θ−cos2 θ→(x′(θ))2=1−4 sin2 θcos2 θ
y′(θ)=cos θ→(y′(θ))2=cos2 θ
z′(θ)=−2 cos θsin θ→(z′(θ))2=4 sin2 θcos2 θ
The formula for the linear velocity of the mass can then be derived in terms of the angle θ. It can then be seen that the linear velocity of each mass is greatest at the top and bottom of the cycle. At a given angle or time, the two weights of the inner wheels have equal velocities.
v(θ)=√{square root over ((x(θ))2+(y(θ))2+(z(θ))2)}{square root over ((x(θ))2+(y(θ))2+(z(θ))2)}{square root over ((x(θ))2+(y(θ))2+(z(θ))2)}
v(θ)=√{square root over (cos2 θ+1)}
Differentiating again yields the function for linear acceleration in terms of θ. The linear acceleration is zero at the top and bottom of the cycle.
If we again specify ω to be measured in revolutions per minute, t to be measured in seconds, and θ to be measured in radians, giving
we have the following functions for linear velocity and acceleration of the masses in terms of time t.
The profile of the orbit recited above can be further altered by altering the
positioning of the weights on the respective wheels. For example, the wheel embodiments depicted in Figs have a dynamic weight system wherein the location of weights can move along the rim of the wheels. Contemplated alternative embodiments, such, as depleted in 19A-D, use rotating arms can also be configured to result in the orbit described above. Moreover, like the embodiment depicted in
Now referring to
Accordingly, disclosed herein are both electric powered wheels using magnetic drive propulsion as well as gear highbred versions, whereby inner wheels or “arms” have a locked gear means to the armature whereby inner wheels or “arms” rotate around said locked gear. In the embodiment depicted in
A turbine and gear embodiment of the invention is disclosed, whereby inner wheels
or “arms” have a looked gear means to the armature and whereby the inner wheels or “arms” rotate around said locked gear. In the embodiment described, only the outer wheel needs to be powered rotated to rotate the outer wheel and the inner wheels or “arms”. The inner wheels or “arms” are part of the gear assemble as depicted in
In contemplated embodiments, the weights on all embodiments of wheelworks or devices may be provided with robotic or other powered means to alter the location of the weights in the rotating wheels. In yet further embodiments, the weights, which further comprise a fertile materials, are slidably attached to spokes in the wheels and the engagement of the opposite poles cause the magnetic to be repelled toward the central axis from the rim. As the wheel continues to rotate the weight will travel to the edge of the rim because of centrifugal force.
In embodiments, the movement of the weights may be remotely controlled using a wireless controller and servomotors wherein a wireless receiver associated with servomotor can receive a control signal and will cause the weight to move from a balanced to an unbalanced position. As discussed above, alternative systems may be provided that have permanent magnet weights that are mounted to slide on the a spoke shaft and can be externally manipulated by an external electromagnet pulse that will push the weights in a radial direction towards the center of the of the wheel. The electromagnetic force that causes the weights to move in a radial direction also serves to drive and rotate the wheels. The weights are then moved back to a distal position on the end of the spoke by centrifugal forces that are created by the rotation of the wheel. By altering the location of the weights a wide base bridged figure eight configuration may be altered to a narrow the base of a figure eight configuration thereby narrowing the force vector and increasing its magnitude.
It will be clear to one skilled in the art that the embodiments described above can be altered in many ways without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents
The Applicant claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Application No. 61,796,094 tiled on Nov. 2, 2013. The present invention relates to a drive system using a plurality of weighted spinning wheels or arms that create momentum using a bridged figure eight shaped orbit that is the effect of two rotational cycles, an outer cycle and an inner cycle. The outer cycle turns the inner cycle in a sideways rotation, 90 degrees from its own rotational axis. When a weighted object is added to the combination on the inner cycle a first orbit is created. The orbit is affected by both cycles and their rotating directions and timing and generally creates a bridged figure-eight shaped orbit. Adding the moment of inertia to the weighted object in the defined orbit, a non-countered inertia three is created at the two top quarters of one cycle. When vertical and horizontal rotational maneuverability is added to the position that the inertia force is directed, a driving force is created along a vector.