The present invention generally relates to marine drives that by design use propellers for propulsion. More specifically, embodiments relate to a paddle drum drive propulsion system for outboard motors, air cooled marine engines, surface drive engines, and trolling motors.
Generally, the propulsion systems using propellers are outboard motors, air cooled marine engines (GO-DEVIL®, MUD BUDDY HYPERDRIVES, etc.) and Trolling Motor system. These propulsion systems are limited by the depth of water they can operate in without damaging propulsion systems, lake bed or vegetation on the lake bed.
Due to the destructive nature of these propeller based propulsion systems, Conservation Managers have been forced to restrict the use of these propeller driven systems. Conservation managers mark select shallow water flats and estuaries along the gulf coast as no-prop zones. The restricted areas are an attempt to prevent further destruction by the propellers to the native grasses and lake bed itself (called bottom scarring). This damage occurs when propellers come in contact with the bottom as the watercraft traverses across shallow water flats and estuaries. This contact between the propeller, rotating at high RPM's, and the lake bed results in the uprooting of the native grasses and bottom scars. Bottom Scars are narrow trenches that are dug into the lake bed by propellers rotating at high RPM's that dislodge the root systems of native grasses in the process. These bottom scars can sometimes take years to fill in and heal before being able to support new vegetation.
While the structural arrangements of the above-described devices, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices.
The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure without undue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
A watercraft propulsion system is claimed and disclosed, for replacing watercraft propellers with paddle drums, so as to provide propulsion having a more environmentally friendly impact, and less bottom-scarring, than is typical in propeller-based systems. The watercraft propulsion system includes: a mechanical drive assembly capable of coupling to and being driven by a power source element of a propeller-based watercraft engine; and a pair of paddle drums coupled to and driven by the mechanical drive assembly, thereby propelling the watercraft through a body of water.
For example, the mechanical drive assembly is adapted to couple to a drive shaft power source element, while or to an electrical wiring power source element within a positioning shaft. The paddle drums include blades capable of producing thrust via contact with a solid bottom surface containing the body of water, and/or with a top surface of the body of water. When applied to outboard engines, surface drive engines, air cooled marine engines and trolling motors, this system allows for navigation of extremely shallow water without damaging equipment, scarring lake beds or destroying native grasses.
One general aspect of the invention is a watercraft propulsion system. The watercraft propulsion system includes: a mechanical drive assembly, the mechanical drive assembly being capable of coupling to, and being driven by, a power source element of a propeller-based engine of a watercraft; and a pair of paddle drums, the pair of paddle drums being coupled to, and driven by, the mechanical drive assembly, thereby propelling the watercraft through a body of water.
In some embodiments, the power source element of the propeller-based engine is a primary drive shaft; and the mechanical drive assembly includes: a secondary drive shaft capable of turning the paddle drums; and a gear assembly connecting the secondary drive shaft to the primary drive shaft, the gear assembly also capable of transferring torque from the primary drive shaft to the secondary drive shaft, the gear assembly thereby powering the secondary drive shaft to turn the paddle drums.
In some embodiments, the power source element of the propeller-based engine is electrical wiring housed within a positioning shaft, the electrical wiring being capable of delivering electrical power; and the mechanical drive assembly includes: an armature assembly capable of turning the paddle drums; and an armature housing connecting the armature assembly to the positioning shaft, the armature housing also providing the electric wiring a path to the armature assembly, so as to enable the electric wiring to deliver power to the armature assembly, the electrical wiring thereby powering the armature assembly to turn the paddle drums.
In some embodiments, wherein the paddle drum includes blades that are capable of at least one of: producing thrust via interaction with a bottom surface of the body of water; and producing thrust via interaction with a top surface of the body of water.
In some embodiments, the blades include rods operable to improve engagement on firm sandy lake bed surfaces.
In some embodiments, the blades include a plurality of blades pivotally coupled to an outer surface of the paddle drums, the blades aligned substantially parallel to a center axis of the paddle drums.
In some embodiments, the blades have a predetermined width, height, shape, and profile.
In some embodiments, the blades are formed of one of: plastic; aluminum; metal; and stainless steel.
In some embodiments, the watercraft propulsion system further includes a protective mechanical assembly case, the protective mechanical assembly case protectively housing the mechanical drive assembly.
Another general aspect of the invention is a radial drive operable to replace a marine propeller system. The radial drive includes: a gear assembly housed within a gear case, the gear assembly being operable to receive and be driven by a primary drive shaft; a secondary drive shaft coupled to the gear assembly, the secondary drive shaft being driven by the gear assembly; and a pair of paddle drums, each coupled to the secondary drive shaft, the pair of paddle drums being driven by the secondary drive shaft, each paddle drum having a plurality of mounted blades, each paddle drum being capable of providing thrust upon rotation when partially submerged.
In some embodiments, the primary drive shaft couples to and is driven by one of: an outboard marine engine; and an air-cooled marine engine.
In some embodiments, the secondary drive is connected to the primary drive in perpendicular relationship.
In some embodiments, the blades are capable of producing thrust upon engagement with a bottom surface of a body of water.
In some embodiments, the blades include rods operable to improve engagement on sandy bottom surfaces.
In some embodiments, the blades include a plurality of blades pivotally coupled to an outer surface of each paddle drum substantially parallel to a center axis of each paddle drum.
In some embodiments, the blades have a predetermined width, height, shape, and profile.
In some embodiments, the blades are formed of one of: plastic; aluminum; metal; and stainless steel.
Another general aspect of the invention is a radial drive operable to replace a marine propeller system. The radial drive includes: an armature housing operable to be mounted on a trolling motor positioning shaft; a deflection shield coupled to the armature housing; an armature mounted within the armature housing, the armature being electrically coupled to an electrical source; a field component operable to produce a magnetic flux with which the armature interacts so as to produce an electromotive force to rotate a drive shaft coupled to the armature; and at least one paddle drum coupled to the drive shaft, the at least one paddle drum rotating about the drive shaft, wherein blades are mounted on the at least one paddle drum, the blades being operable to produce thrust when partially submerged, or when engaged with the surface of a body of water.
In some embodiments, the radial drive can pivot about the positioning shaft.
In some embodiments, the blades include a plurality of blades pivotally coupled to an outer surface of the at least one paddle drum substantially parallel to a center axis of the at least one paddle drum, wherein the blades and deflection shield have a predetermined width, height, shape, and profile, and wherein the blades and deflection shield are formed of plastic, aluminum, metal, or stainless steel.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein:
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the FIGs., like numerals being used to refer to like and corresponding parts of the various drawings.
According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a propulsion system is provided. This propulsion system, when applied to outboard, surface drive engine, air cooled marine engine and trolling motor systems allow individuals to navigate extremely shallow water without damaging the equipment, lake bed or native grasses. When applied to an outboard, surface drive engine, or air cooled marine engine the system includes a marine engine, a primary drive shaft, and a paddle drum drive. The marine engine may be pivotally mounted at a transom (or in some cases bow) of a water craft. The primary drive shaft receives mechanical output of the marine engine and provides the mechanical output to the paddle drum drive. The paddle drum drive couples to the primary drive shaft and turns one or more paddle drums to provide thrust to the water craft. The paddle drum has a number of blades on its cylindrical surface that provide the propulsive thrust by contacting the water surface or the lake bed. The Paddle drum drive utilizes a deflection shield that protects equipment and person from water spray or debris lifted by the paddle drum blades rotating above the center axis.
The paddle drum drive system provided by embodiments of the present disclosure provides for a greater product life expectancy of the outboard, surface drive engine, air cooled marine engine, or trolling motor and related equipment, access to shallower water areas, and improved environmental conservation from the angler, hunter or enthusiast that frequents shallow water flats, estuaries and backwaters. Embodiments of the present disclosure, when applied to outboard, surface drive engine, air cooled marine engine and trolling motor systems, allow individuals to navigate extremely shallow water without damaging, equipment, scarring the lake bed or harming native grasses. The paddle drums of the paddle drum drive system when applied to the outboard and air cooled marine engines use the water's surface for propulsion, never having to contact the lake bed or native grasses. In typical water craft, the propeller of the original propulsion systems of the outboard, surface drive engine, air cooled marine engine and trolling motor systems typically extend beyond the bottom of the boat to prevent cavitations. However, the paddle drum drive systems for outboards, surface drive engines and air cooled marine engines are designed to propel the vessel with out ever contacting the lake bed due to the fact the paddle drums of the paddle drum drive system need not extend beyond the bottom of the boat, except when applied to the trolling motor.
Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a paddle drum drive (paddle drive) system for a trolling motor application that may actually use the bottom for propulsion, vessel positioning and holding vessel stationary. However, in this application the paddle drums of the paddle drum drive are designed to crawl along the bottom or lake bed at very low RPM's. This low RPM operation may also prevent bottom scarring and destruction to native vegetation.
Embodiments of the present disclosure innovate beyond existing propulsion systems of electric trolling motor, outboard and air cooled motors (MUD BUDDY, go devils®, MUD BUDDY HYPERDRIVES, etc). Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a replacement drive or propulsion system for the trolling motor, outboard, surface drive engines and air cooled marine engines. The embodiments when associated with outboards, surface drive engines and air cooled marine engines may use a drive shaft that extends out both sides of the paddle drum drive systems housing or gear case. This enables a paddle drum to be attached to each side of the paddle drum drive system. On electric trolling motor applications the shaft runs through the armature assembly extending out both sides of the armature assembly housing far enough to support a paddle drum on each end. For outboard, surface drive engine and air cooled engine applications; a shaft (primary drive shaft) runs from the engine to the paddle drum drive gear box for power. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a unique and direct replacement of the original propulsion systems (propeller drive systems) for trolling motors, out boards and air cooled marine motors. The user may simply remove the original drive system with propeller and install the paddle drum drive system and paddle drums provided by embodiments of the present disclosure.
In one example of an outboard application, the existing lower unit may be uncoupled, removed and replaced with the lower unit (gear box) of the self contained paddle drum drive system. The trolling motor application may involve replacing the electric motor housing and armature assembly with the paddle drive systems electric motor housing and armature assembly. On the air cooled marine motor (GO-DEVIL®, MUD BUDDY, MUD BUDDY HYPERDRIVES, etc.) The prop would be replaced with the self contained paddle drum drive system and paddle drums, which in this application is a water proof gear box that would couple straight to the output shaft and supports from the engine.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may use two or more paddle drums, one on each end of a drive shaft that extends laterally from both sides of the paddle drum drive system. The paddle drums include blades (also known as paddles, fins, louvers etc.) Mounted about the cylindrical surface for traction and resistance with the water's surface or the lake bed. The blades on the drums, as well as the diameter and length of the drums themselves, will come in a variety of sizes, length, pitch and angle depending on bottom composition, power of motors, vessel size etc. Rods may also be incorporated within the blades for improved purchase on firm sandy bottoms for the trolling motor applications. Gear sizes and ratios will also vary with different applications. The deflection shield coupled to the paddle drum drive will also vary in size and material for compatibility with paddle drum size and blade lengths. The trolling motor application may involve new control circuitry to allow more torque at lower RPMs.
This mechanical energy may be transmitted to a left paddle drum 408 and a right paddle drum 410 via the mechanical gears 405, 406. In the embodiment shown in
The paddle drums can be coupled to reduction gears via a drive shaft , the reduction gears being coupled to an armature or electrical motor. The Paddle drums may also be coupled straight to the armature or electric motor via just a drive shaft (without the need for reduction gears).
In this particular embodiment, power is supplied to the paddle drum drive unit via a power source 706, such as a battery or generator, electrically coupled via circuitry within positioning shaft 712. In this manner, the positioning shaft 712 also serves as a conduit for electrical wiring between the paddle drum drive unit and an external power supply such as a battery or electrical generator.
The armature assembly 904 may be either the rotor or the stator depending on the configuration of the electric motor of these embodiments. The paddle drums 908, 909 couple to the drive shaft, and the magnetic flux between the rotor and stator creates an electromotive force which in turn causes the rotational motion of the armature in the field. This force converts electrical power to mechanical torque and transfers it to the load (i.e. the paddle drums) via the drive shaft (or, a reduction gear assembly). A deflection shield can substantially cover the paddle drums,.
In summary, a propulsion system that uses a paddle drum drive coupled to a marine engine or trolling motor system for a water craft is provided. This propulsion system, when applied to outboard, surface drive engine, air cooled marine engine and trolling motor systems allow individuals to navigate extremely shallow water without damaging the equipment, native grasses, vegetation or scarring the lake bed. The system when applied to outboards or air cooled marine engines include an outboard, surface drive engine, or air cooled marine engine, a primary drive shaft, and a paddle drum drive with paddle drums. The system when applied to trolling motor systems includes a trolling motor coupled to the paddle drum drive via a positioning shaft. The marine engine or trolling motor may be pivotally mounted at a transom (or in some cases bow) of a water craft. The marine engine provides the mechanical energy output to the primary drive shaft. The paddle drum drive couples to the primary drive shaft and turns one or more paddle drums to provide thrust to the water craft. The paddle drum have a number of blades on its cylindrical surface that provide the propulsive thrust by contacting the water surface or in some cases, as when applied to the trolling motor, the lake bed.
Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention except as indicated in the following claims.
This application is based on the provisional application Ser. No. 61/312,208 filed Mar. 9, 2010, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61312208 | Mar 2010 | US |