The VEHICLE WITH TRAVELING WAVE THRUST MODULE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. The fin, fin actuator or actuators, power source and central controller may be incorporated into a thrust module. Two thrust modules coupled to a central body via roll actuators and flexible coupling members may form a vehicle with exceptional maneuverability.
B62D 57/02 - Véhicules caractérisés par des moyens de propulsion ou de prise avec le sol autres que les roues ou les chenilles, seuls ou en complément aux roues ou aux chenilles avec moyens de propulsion en prise avec le sol, p. ex. par jambes mécaniques
F03B 13/00 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil
B60L 50/60 - Propulsion électrique par source d'énergie intérieure au véhicule utilisant de la puissance de propulsion fournie par des batteries ou des piles à combustible utilisant de l'énergie fournie par des batteries
B60F 3/00 - Véhicules amphibies, c.-à-d. véhicules capables de se déplacer sur la terre et sur l'eauVéhicules terrestres capables de se déplacer sous l'eau
The VEHICLE WITH TRAVELING WAVE THRUST MODULE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained- deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip tin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fms causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. The fin, fin actuator or actuators, power source and central controller may be incorporated into a thrust module. Two thrust modules couple to each other via roll actuators and flexible coupling members may form a vehicle with exceptional maneuverability.
A highly maneuverable craft, which may be lighter-than-air, is disclosed, having undulating fins of a light-weight material that may undulate along the horizontal axis of the craft and/or rotate 360 degrees and continuously about the central longitudinal axis of the craft. The fins may be actuated by motors coupled to the fins and coupled to the exterior of the craft via circumferential bands. Motion of the fins creates aerodynamic thrust. The circumferential bands may serve as tracks or channels along which the motors run, allowing the motors to travel 360 degrees or travel continuously around the exterior of the craft and thereby draw the fins about the craft. The circumferential bands may serve as reinforcing components, allowing the motors to exert torque against the body of the craft which may be thin-walled for maximum positive buoyancy. An on-board battery may power the motors via electrical circuits extending around the bands. The position and travel of the motors about the bands may be controlled by a central processing unit. A moveable weight, such as on a track with a motor, may be incorporated into or onto the craft for additional pitch control.
A highly maneuverable craft is disclosed, having undulating fins of a light-weight material that may undulate along the horizontal axis of the craft and/or rotate 360 degrees and continuously about the central longitudinal axis of the craft. The fins may be actuated by motors coupled to the fins and coupled to the exterior of the craft via circumferential bands, which may serve as tracks or channels along which the motors run. The circumferential bands may serve as reinforcing components, allowing the motors to exert torque against the body of the craft. An on-board battery may power the motors via electrical circuits extending around the bands. The position and travel of the motors about the bands may be controlled by a central processing unit.
The VEHICLE WITH TRAVELING WAVE THRUST MODULE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. The fin, fin actuator or actuators, power source and central controller may be incorporated into a thrust module. Two thrust modules couple to each other via roll actuators and flexible coupling members may form a vehicle with exceptional maneuverability.
F03G 7/08 - Mécanismes produisant une puissance mécanique, non prévus ailleurs ou utilisant une source d'énergie non prévue ailleurs récupérant l'énergie produite par le balancement, le roulement, le tangage ou des mouvements semblabes, p. ex. par les vibrations d'une machine
H02K 7/18 - Association structurelle de génératrices électriques à des moteurs mécaniques d'entraînement, p. ex. à des turbines
F04D 33/00 - Pompes à déplacement non positif utilisant un mouvement autre que la rotation pure, p. ex. du type oscillant
B63H 1/37 - Propulseurs à mouvement ondulant, c.-à-d. comportant des moyens de propulsion comprenant une structure ondulante souple
F03D 5/06 - Autres mécanismes moteurs à vent les pièces en contact avec le vent oscillant et ne tournant pas
F03B 5/00 - "Machines" ou machines motrices caractérisées par des rotors sans aubes, p. ex. dentelés, utilisant le frottement
6.
Apparatuses, methods and systems for harnessing the energy of fluid flow to generate electricity or pump fluid
The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HARNESSING THE ENERGY OF FLUID FLOW TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY OR PUMP FLUID include a device which, when placed in fluid-flow, harnesses the kinetic energy of the flow to generate electricity or to perform useful mechanical work such as pumping. For example, the undulating mechanical action of traveling waves along flexible fins may be harnessed by summing the varying speeds and torques along the fins into a unified circulatory system for power take-off or fluid extraction. The device may include two fins, a chassis, and bellows/pistons/rotary vanes and the like which are connected via a circulatory system of tubes or conduits.
The apparatuses, methods and systems for harnessing the energy of fluid flow to generate electricity or pump fluid include a device which, when placed in fluid-flow, harnesses the kinetic energy of the flow to generate electricity or to perform useful mechanical work such as pumping. For example, the undulating mechanical action of traveling waves along flexible fins may be harnessed by summing the varying speeds and torques along the fins into a unified circulatory system for power take-off or fluid extraction. The device may include two fins, a chassis, and bellows/pistons/rotary vanes and the like which are connected via a circulatory system of tubes or conduits.
F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
8.
Traveling wave propeller, pump and generator apparatuses, methods and systems
The TRAVELING WAVE PROPELLER, PUMP AND GENERATOR APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. In a fluid medium, the traveling waves of sinusoidal deformations may exert force on the fluid causing the fluid to move and/or creating thrust. Arched blades affixed to the fins facilitate propulsion on hard surfaces such as ice.
F03B 13/00 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil
H02P 9/04 - Commande s'exerçant sur un moteur primaire non électrique et dépendant de la valeur d'une caractéristique électrique à la sortie de la génératrice
F03B 17/06 - Autres "machines" ou machines motrices utilisant un écoulement de liquide, p. ex. du type à clapets oscillants
H02K 7/18 - Association structurelle de génératrices électriques à des moteurs mécaniques d'entraînement, p. ex. à des turbines
B63H 1/37 - Propulseurs à mouvement ondulant, c.-à-d. comportant des moyens de propulsion comprenant une structure ondulante souple
F03B 13/18 - Utilisation du mouvement relatif entre un élément déplacé par les vagues et un autre élément l'autre élément étant fixé, à au moins un point, par rapport au fond ou au bord de la mer
H02K 11/21 - Dispositifs pour détecter la vitesse ou la position, ou actionnés par des valeurs de ces variables
9.
Traveling wave propeller, pump and generator apparatuses, methods and systems
The TRAVELING WAVE PROPELLER, PUMP AND GENERATOR APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. In a fluid medium, the traveling waves of sinusoidal deformations may exert force on the fluid causing the fluid to move and/or creating thrust. When anchored in moving fluid, hydrodynamic loading of the fins may cause the fins to move and transmit force to an electromagnetic generator or other energy-harnessing transducer to generate electricity.
F03B 13/00 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil
H02P 9/04 - Commande s'exerçant sur un moteur primaire non électrique et dépendant de la valeur d'une caractéristique électrique à la sortie de la génératrice
F03B 17/06 - Autres "machines" ou machines motrices utilisant un écoulement de liquide, p. ex. du type à clapets oscillants
F03B 13/18 - Utilisation du mouvement relatif entre un élément déplacé par les vagues et un autre élément l'autre élément étant fixé, à au moins un point, par rapport au fond ou au bord de la mer
10.
APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HARNESSING FLUID FLOW WITH FLEXIBLE MECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS
The apparatuses, methods and systems for harnessing fluid flow with flexible mechanical transducers include mechanisms that include flexible elements with strained deformations. In some implementations, oscillations of strained deformations in fins are excited by a moving fluid. By coupling the fin structure to an electrical generator and/or pump, energy from the moving fluid can be converted into electrical energy or used to perform useful mechanical work. In some implementations, the fin may be coupled to a motor or other actuator which causes the strained deformations to move, thereby imparting force onto the fluid to move or mix fluid or perform other useful work.
B63H 1/37 - Propulseurs à mouvement ondulant, c.-à-d. comportant des moyens de propulsion comprenant une structure ondulante souple
F03B 13/00 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil
F03C 7/00 - Machines motrices du type à parois élastiques
F04B 43/00 - "Machines", pompes ou installations de pompage ayant des organes de travail flexibles
H02K 7/18 - Association structurelle de génératrices électriques à des moteurs mécaniques d'entraînement, p. ex. à des turbines
11.
Apparatuses, methods and systems for harnessing fluid flow with flexible mechanical transducers
The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HARNESSING FLUID FLOW WITH FLEXIBLE MECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS include mechanisms that include flexible elements with strained deformations. In some implementations, oscillations of strained deformations in fins are excited by a moving fluid. By coupling the fin structure to an electrical generator and/or pump, energy from the moving fluid can be converted into electrical energy or used to perform useful mechanical work. In some implementations, the fin may be coupled to a motor or other actuator which causes the strained deformations to move, thereby imparting force onto the fluid to move or mix fluid or perform other useful work.
The EFFICIENT POWER CONVERSION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include circuits for efficiently converting electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice-versa, such as within a multitude of ElectroActive Polymer (EAP) transducers. Embodiment may support a multitude of EAP transducers while also being capable of directing the movement of energy between electrical and mechanical forms in either direction. In another aspect, an efficient mode of transferring mechanical energy is discussed, via one or more strained and paired elastic transducers coupled to a potential energy reservoir.
H01L 41/107 - Eléments piézo-électriques ou électrostrictifs à entrée électrique et sortie électrique
H02N 2/18 - Machines électriques en général utilisant l'effet piézo-électrique, l'électrostriction ou la magnétostriction fournissant une sortie électrique à partir d'une entrée mécanique, p. ex. générateurs
13.
THE RIBBON TRANSDUCER AND PUMP APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS
The ribbon transducer and pump apparatuses, methods and systems include, in various embodiments, a variety of mechanisms comprised of components that include flexible elements with persistently strained deformations. Under operation, the deformations may be reconfigured via actuation to produce useful work, or may be reconfigured when subjected to external forces, such as from flowing fluid. The external energy input used to reconfigure these deformations may be harnessed and converted into electrical energy or may be converted into useful mechanical work, such as pumping.
The RIBBON TRANSDUCER AND PUMP APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include, in various embodiments, a variety of mechanisms comprised of components that include flexible elements with persistently strained deformations. Under operation, the deformations may be reconfigured via actuation to produce useful work, or may be reconfigured when subjected to external forces, such as from flowing fluid. The external energy input used to reconfigure these deformations may be harnessed and converted into electrical energy or may be converted into useful mechanical work, such as pumping.
F03B 13/00 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil
F04B 9/08 - "Machines" ou pompes à piston caractérisées par les moyens entraînants ou entraînés liés à leurs organes de travail les moyens étant à fluide
H02N 2/18 - Machines électriques en général utilisant l'effet piézo-électrique, l'électrostriction ou la magnétostriction fournissant une sortie électrique à partir d'une entrée mécanique, p. ex. générateurs
F03B 17/06 - Autres "machines" ou machines motrices utilisant un écoulement de liquide, p. ex. du type à clapets oscillants
15.
Mechanisms for creating undulating motion, such as for propulsion, and for harnessing the energy of moving fluid
Mechanisms are described which receive and transfer forces via transducers having one or more persistent deformations in changeable locations. Actuator or propulsion embodiments are powered by elastic or variable length transducers that exert forces on the deformed members which in turn exert forces onto ambient fluid such as air or water. Generator embodiments receive forces from ambient moving fluid via deformed members which transfer those forces to elastic or variable length transducers which convert those forces into electrical energy.
H02P 9/04 - Commande s'exerçant sur un moteur primaire non électrique et dépendant de la valeur d'une caractéristique électrique à la sortie de la génératrice
16.
PLIANT OR COMPLIANT ELEMENTS FOR HARNESSING THE FORCES OF MOVING FLUID TO TRANSPORT FLUID OR GENERATE ELECTRICITY
Pliant, or compliant mechanisms for extracting electrical energy or useful work from a moving fluid are described. Persistent deformations in flexible elements are maintained with deformation retaining, or restraining components. The deformation retaining components may, in various embodiments, include rigid or tensile members, elastic coils, and/or the like. The deformations of the mechanisms may be configured so as to receive forces from moving fluid and transfer those forces in a variety of ways so as to pump fluid or generate electricity from this pumped fluid, or to generate electricity from material strains induced by moving fluid.
F04B 17/00 - Pompes caractérisées par leur combinaison avec des machines motrices ou moteurs particuliers qui les entraînent ou par leur adaptation à ceux-ci
17.
PLIANT MECHANISMS FOR EXTRACTING POWER FROM MOVING FLUID
Flexible mechanisms for extracting power from a moving fluid are described. A flexible sheet-like material may be deformed during fabrication through applied force so as to create strains within the undulating deformations of said material. In some embodiments, deformations may be maintained by deformation-retaining components. When anchored in moving fluid the energy of the moving fluid excites the undulating deformations within the material. Power may be extracted from excitations of the undulations in a wide variety of ways, including via the utilization of a flexible material which exhibits an electrical response to mechanical strain, whereby electricity is extracted via two or more electrodes. In other implementations, power may be extracted via mechanical coupling of the undulations in the sheet-like material to a power-extracting output device, such as a rotating mechanism which turns an electro-magnetic generator. In other implementations, mechanisms transfer energy from one moving fluid to another.
Flexible and elastic mechanisms for extracting power from a moving fluid. Sheet-like material is deformed during fabrication through an applied force so as to create undulations in said material, whose stresses are maintained through restraining components, thereby maintaining the occurrence of said deformations in the material. When placed in moving fluid, the resulting pressure differentials cause the positions of the undulations within the material to travel along said material in the same direction as the moving fluid. Power is extracted in one of two principle ways. The first is via a mechanical coupling of the sheet-like material to a rotating mechanism, which turns an electro-magnetic dynamo or other output device. The second is via the utilization of a flexible material which exhibits an electrical response to mechanical strain, whereby the strains caused by the travel of undulations along the material create an electrical current which is extracted via two or more electrodes.
F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
H01L 41/08 - Eléments piézo-électriques ou électrostrictifs
19.
Pliant or compliant elements for harnessing the forces of moving fluid to transport fluid or generate electricity
Pliant, or compliant mechanisms for extracting electrical energy or useful work from a moving fluid are described. Persistent deformations in flexible elements are maintained with deformation retaining, or restraining components. The deformation retaining components may, in various embodiments, include rigid or tensile members, elastic coils, and/or the like. The deformations of the mechanisms may be configured so as to receive forces from moving fluid and transfer those forces in a variety of ways so as to pump fluid or generate electricity from this pumped fluid, or to generate electricity from material strains induced by moving fluid.
H02P 9/04 - Commande s'exerçant sur un moteur primaire non électrique et dépendant de la valeur d'une caractéristique électrique à la sortie de la génératrice
20.
Pliant mechanisms for extracting power from moving fluid
Flexible and elastic mechanisms for extracting power from a moving fluid. Sheet-like material is deformed during fabrication through an applied force so as to create undulations in said material, whose stresses are maintained through restraining components, thereby maintaining the occurrence of said deformations in the material. When placed in moving fluid, the resulting pressure differentials cause the positions of the undulations within the material to travel along said material in the same direction as the moving fluid. Power is extracted in one of two principle ways. The first is via a mechanical coupling of the sheet-like material to a rotating mechanism, which turns an electro-magnetic dynamo or other output device. The second is via the utilization of a flexible material which exhibits an electrical response to mechanical strain, whereby the strains caused by the travel of undulations along the material create an electrical current which is extracted via two or more electrodes.
F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
Flexible and elastic mechanisms for extracting power from a moving fluid. Sheet-like material is deformed during fabrication through an applied force so as to create undulations in said material, whose stresses are maintained through restraining components, thereby maintaining the occurrence of said deformations in the material. When placed in moving fluid, the resulting pressure differentials cause the positions of the undulations within the material to travel along said material in the same direction as the moving fluid. Power is extracted in one of two principle ways. The first is via a mechanical coupling of the sheet-like material to a rotating mechanism, which turns an electro-magnetic dynamo or other output device. The second is via the utilization of a flexible material which exhibits an electrical response to mechanical strain, whereby the strains caused by the travel of undulations along the material create an electrical current which is extracted via two or more electrodes.
F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
brevets
