FLUIDIC DRIVE APPARATUS

Abstract: A torque converting linkage (10) comprising two turbines within separate fluid-filled housings (20 and 22) is disclosed. An external torque applied to shaft (16) turns the impeller turbine (12), forcing the fluid (36) through a first conduit (34) into the reactor housing (22). The fluid (36) acts on the vanes (38) of the reactor turbine (14), causing it to rotate and to transfer rotational energy to shaft (18).

Description: Fluidic Drive Apparatus TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention pertains to fluid drive systems. More particularly, one embodiment of the present invention concerns a drive system for bicycles. BACKGROUND ART Previous transmissions have utilized a wide variety of devices to transfer rotary power from one location to another. Conventional automobile transmissions employ a complex combination of gear and fluid drive systems. Conventional bicycles usually depend upon rotating sprockets, chains and derailleurs. Several examples of attempts to provide improved mechanical transmissions are described below. In U.S. Patent No. 3,850,448, issued on 26 November 1974, Stewart describes a vehicle that can be bodily powered without the aid of a combustion motor. In U.S. Patent No. 4,313,714, issued on 2 February 1982, Kubeczka discloses a high pressure radial pump for delivering a stream of liquid at high velocity for cleaning of various surfaces. In U.S. Patent No. 4,546,990, issued on 15 October 1985, Harriger describes a hydraulic drive system having a variable speed drive mechanism. In U.S. Patent No. 4,684,143, issued on 4 August 1987, Sato discloses a stepless speed change device. In U.S. Patent No. 4,688,815, Smith discloses a manually powered hydraulically driven bicycle. In U.S. Patent No. 4,975,025, issued 4 December 1990, Yamamura et al. disclose a hydraulic radial piston pump having a set of pistons arranged radially around the rotary shaft for sequential reciprocating motion for suction and delivery of working oil. U.S. Patent No. 5,112,111, issued 12 May 1992 to Addington Resources, Inc. describes an apparatus for mining aggregate material from a seam. In U.S. Patent No. 5,116,070, issued 26 May 1992, Becoat describes a dual wheel driven bicycle which uses an elongate flexible shaft or cable to provide rotational movement to the front wheel. U.S. Patent No. 5,230,519, issued on 27 July 1993 to Honda Motor Co., Ltd. discloses a hydraulically operated power transmission apparatus. In U.S. Patent No. 5,281,104, issued on 25 January 1994, Bublitz discloses a sequential displacement piston pump. In U.S. Patent No. 5,342,075, issued on 30 August 1994, Williams discloses a variable speed drive for a bicycle. In U.S. Patent No. 5,346,234, issued on 13 September 1994, Kadaja describes a hydraulic drive mechanism for tricycles and the like that comprises a variable volume, positive displacement hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor. In U.S. Patent No. 5,351,575, issued on 4 October 1994, Overby discloses a pumping propulsion system. U.S. Patent No. 5,354,082, issued on 11 October 1994 to Topeak,Inc. discloses a mudguard for a bicycle. U.S. Patent No. 5,358,078, issued on 25 October 1994 to Fichtel & Sachs, AG discloses a hydraulically operable disk brake for bicycles or similar vehicles. U.S. Patent No. 5,385,359, issued on 31 January 1991 , discloses a stabilization device for front wheel drive bicycles. In U.S. Patent No. 5,362,278, issued on 8 November 1994, Bergles et al. discloses a chain driving mechanism for a bicycle or the like. U.S. Patent No. 5,378,201, issued on 3 January 1995, discloses a multi-geared bicycle transmission assembly comprising internal gear sets. In U.S. Patent No. 5,387,000, issued on 7 February 1995, Sato discloses a hydraulic drive system for bicycles and the like. U.S. Patent No. 5,390,565, issued on 21 February 1995 to Maeda Industries, Ltd., discloses a bicycle speed change system. U.S. Patent No. 5,390,946, issued on 21 February 1995, discloses a sifting clutch for a dual-wheel driven bicycle. U.S. Patent No. 5,407,395, issued on 18 April 1995, discloses a steplessly variable belt drive for bicycles. A brochure from Banjo Corporation in Crawfordsville, Indiana, advertises a product called "Dry Mate Polypropylene Dry Disconnect" and provides specifications for the product. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a torque converting linkage which employs two turbines in fluid filled chambers. An external torque rotates the first turbine, which forces fluid into a chamber containing a second turbine. The displaced fluid rotates the second turbine, furnishing rotational power to a device attached to a shaft which the second turbine rotates. The housings enclosing the two turbines are filled with a force transmitting fluid, and are coupled by two conduits. Each housing has an inlet and an outlet which provide connections for the conduits. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a volute which directs fluid against the vanes of the turbines to optimize the transfer of energy. The invention may also include a ratio adjustment device, which controls the flow of fluid to the turbines, and a pressure adjustment device, which changes the working pressure within the housings. Other features which may be incorporated into the invention include a quick connect device, a dual flow conduit, a dual flow quick connect device, a reversing valve and automatic shifting and torque adjustment devices. One embodiment of the invention is intended for use with bicycles. The invention offers the advantage of transferring power from one location to another even if the two shafts are not in line, or if the two turbines are not mounted in the same plane or their locations are moving with respect to each other. The invention may be utilized in a wide variety of mechanical devices, including automobiles, machinery, tools and appliances. An appreciation of other aims and objectives of the present invention and a more complete and comprehensive understanding of this invention may be achieved by referring to the description of preferred and alternative embodiments that follows and by referring to the accompanying drawings. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1, 2 and 3 present views of the present invention mounted on a bicycle. Figure 1 shows an embodiment which provides rear wheel drive. Figure 2 shows an embodiment which provides front wheel drive. Figure 3 shows an embodiment which provides both front and rear wheel drive. Figures 4, 5 and 6 offer views of one embodiment of the present invention, showing a driver turbine and a reactor turbine each mounted in housings coupled by fluid-filled conduits. Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 supply exploded views of one embodiment of the invention, revealing a turbine, a shaft, a volute, a housing and fluid ports. Figures 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 furnish views of a ratio adjustment device, which functions as an adjustable aperture that controls fluid flow to the turbines. Figures 16 and 17 contain additional views of the ratio adjustment device. Figures 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 depict various examples of the ratio adjustment device. Figures 26, 27 and 28 exhibit three views of a pressure adjustment device that may be employed to change the working pressure experienced by the turbines. Figures 29, 30 and 31 portray a quick connect assembly that is used to connect or disconnect the fluid conduits from the turbine housings. Figure 32 supples views of some of the various impeller configurations which may be used to implement the invention. Figures 33 and 34 provide illustrations of an auto-dial assembly, which is used to adjust the ratio adjustment device to maintain constant torque pressure on the driver turbine to facilitate automatic shifting or ratio adjustment. BESTMODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION I. Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Figures 1 , 2 and 3 show different embodiments of the present invention 10 mounted on a conventional bicycle B. Figures 4, 5 and 6 reveal the details of a generalized embodiment of the present invention 11. The embodiment portrayed in Figures 4, 5 and 6 comprises two disc-shaped turbines 12 and 14 which rotate on shafts 16 and 18, and which are enclosed by housings 20 and 22. Each housing has a pair of fluid ports, an inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet ports on the impeller turbine housing 20 are marked 24 and 34. The inlet and outlet ports on the reactor turbine housing 22 are marked 26 and 28. The two housings 20 and 22 are coupled by a pair of conduits 32 and 34, forming a closed loop. Conduit 32, the driver conduit, connects the outlet port 24 on the impeller housing 20 to the inlet port 26 on the reactor housing 22. Conduit 34, the return conduit, connects the outlet port 28 on the reactor housing 22 to the inlet port 30 on the impeller housing 20. The housings 20 and 22, as well as the conduits 32 and 34, are all filled with a generally incompressible fluid 36. The first turbine functions as an impeller 12, which is rotated by an external force which is applied to the impeller turbine shaft 16. The second turbine functions as a reactor 14, which is turned by the motion of the fluid 36 that is forced by direct pressure away from the impeller turbine 12 and through driver conduit 32. The fluid 36 then acts on the passive reactor turbine 14, inducing the reactor turbine 14 to rotate its shaft 18. The spent fluid 36 then returns to the housing containing the impeller turbine 12 through return conduit 34. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid 36 is a natural or synthetic gel or lubricant that is capable of withstanding high temperatures and that has a very low freezing temperature. Each turbine 12, 14 includes generally spiral-shaped vanes 38 which radiate from their centers. The vanes 38 each have a convex and a concave side. In Figure 4, the impeller turbine 12 is shown rotating in the clockwise direction as a result of the external torque imposed on shaft 16. In the specific case of a bicycle, a crank with pedals would be fixed to shaft 16. When the external torque rotates the impeller turbine, the fluid 36 is "caught" against the concave side of each vane 38 and pushed out of the impeller housing 20 into its outlet port 24, which is connected to driver conduit 32. The fluid 36 then enters the reactor housing 22 through its inlet port 26, and is then caught by the vanes 28 on the concave side of the reactor turbine 14. The displaced fluid forces the reactor turbine 14 to rotate its shaft 18, and then exits the reactor housing 22 by passing through reactor housing outlet port 28 into the return conduit 34. The fluid 36 completes its journey by arriving back in the impeller housing 20 through its inlet port 30. The embodiments shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 are generalized versions of the invention, and are provided only to disclose the invention in one of its more simple forms. The turbines 12 and 14 represent only one of the many embodiments of the invention. Similarly, the spiral vanes 38 constitute only one of the many variations which may be employed to implement the invention. Any means which transmits a medium under pressure from a first rotating turbine to a second rotating turbine may be utilized to practice the invention. Figure 5 discloses an important benefit offered by the invention. Because the conduits 32 and 34 may be flexible, the turbines 12 and 14 may be located in different planes as shown in Figure 5. Unlike a conventional chain drive on a bicycle, where the rotating sprockets must be located in-line and generally in the same plane in a fixed location, the present invention offers a means for transmitting power without the geometric constraints of previous mechanical drive systems. The rotating shafts and associated housing and turbines may be moved to other non coplanar locations with respect to each other while in operation. Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, showing the housings 20 and 22 connected in a configuration which is different from that shown in Figure 4. In Figure 4, the impeller and the reactor turbines rotate in opposite directions. By changing the position of the turbine housings as shown in Figure 6, both turbines may be made to rotate in the same direction. Figure 7 furnishes an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention which includes a turbine 14, a shaft 18, a housing 20, inlet and outlet ports 24 and 30, and a volute 40. In this embodiment of the invention, the volute 40 comprises two pieces and encloses the turbine (14) within the turbine housing (20). The volute may be a generally disc-shaped element which is shaped to direct the flow of the fluid 26 within the housing to optimize the transfer of power to and from the turbines. The volute 40 may comprise two separate pieces which are installed on either side of a turbine, or may be integrally formed as part of a housing. The volute 40 may be an integral part of one of said housing means 20, 22 or may be in the form of a replaceable cartridge. The volute 40 may have a number of openings 41 formed in its sides, or may incorporate venturi or contours which are designed to direct the fluid flow within a turbine housing. Figure 8 presents a side view of the housing 20, showing an inlet and an outlet port 24 and 30. Figure 9 offers another exploded rendering, depicting the turbine 14, shaft 18, housing 20 and volute 40 in a perspective view. Figure 10 furnishes yet another illustration of this same embodiment of the present invention. Figures 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 contain sequential views of a ratio adjustment device 42, which functions as an adjustable aperture or iris that controls fluid flow to or from the turbines. In one embodiment of the invention, the ratio adjustment device 42 changes the torque ratio and/or speed of one of the shafts with respect to another of the turbine shafts. The ratio adjustment device 42 may comprise two discs mounted side by side. Both the first fixed disc 44 and the second movable disc 46 are formed with spiral-shaped openings 48. The second movable disc 46 is rotated so that the overlap of the spiral openings on each disc create a variable aperture for the flow of the force transmitting fluid 36. The volume and position of fluid that flows to a turbine is determined by the size and shape of the opening that is created by the superposition of the two discs 44 and 46. Figures 16 and 17 contain additional views of the ratio adjustment device. The ratio adjustment device 42 may be integrated with a volute 40 or with a housing 20, or may be manufactured as a separate unit. The ratio adjustment device 42 may be controlled by a variety of different mechanisms, including a lever, a cable, a belt, gears, rollers or springs or magnetic actuator, as shown in Figures 18 through 25. Figures 26, 27 and 28 illustrate a pressure adjustment device 50 that is used to control the fluid pressure inside the turbine housings 20 and 22. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure adjustment device 50 comprises a pump which increases or reduces the pressure in the space inside one or both of the housings 20, 22. Figure 27 depicts a pressure adjustment device 50 comprising a housing 52, a pressure gauge 54, a release valve 56, a bladder membrane 58, a pumping mechanism 53 and a vent 60. Figure 28 shows a pressure adjustment device 50 mounted on a bicycle frame. The pressure adjustment device may also be employed to capture any gas that may accumulate in the force transmitting fluid 36. Figures 29, 30 and 31 reveal the details of a quick connect assembly 62 that may be used to connect or disconnect the fluid conduits 32 and 34 from the turbine housings 20 and 22. In one embodiment of the invention, the quick connect assembly 62 includes two pivoting ball valves 64 located in a housing 66. One of the balls has a mating surface dimple 68, while the other has a mating surface ring 70. The use of the quick connect assembly 62 allows for quick and easy decoupling without re- pressurizing or bleeding the system. This feature is especially useful when the invention is incorporated with a bicycle, where it is important to be able to remove and to reattach the front or rear wheel frequently. II. Alternative Embodiments of the Invention Figure 32 supplies views of some of the various impeller configurations 72 which may be used to implement the invention. These depictions are provided to educate the reader about the wide variety of embodiments which may be employed to practice the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the Claims which follow. Figures 33 and 34 provide illustrations of an auto-dial assembly 74, which is used to adjust the ratio adjustment device to maintain constant torque pressure on the driver turbine. The auto-dial assembly 74 utilizes the pressure differential between the two ports of a housing to automatically control the ratio adjustment device 42. An auto-dial pressure adjuster 76 is moved by increasing the pressure of the fluid flowing through an internal port. This action, in turn, rotates the movable disc 46 of the ratio adjustment device 42. The invention may also include a torque adjustment device 78 which uses the pressure differential of the fluid at the two ports on a housing to automatically adjust the ratio adjustment device 42. When fluid pressure at an internal inlet falls, fluid is forced from the outlet side into an internal fluid expansion chamber 80 forcing a torque adjuster 82 and the fluid within the expansion chamber 80 to alter the position of the rotatable disc 46 of the ratio adjustment device 42. The invention may also include a dual flow conduit incorporating the driver conduit 32 and the return conduit 34 into a single element. The invention may also include dual flow impeller housing inlet/outlet parts incorporating impeller housing inlet port 30 and impeller housing outlet port 24 into one element. The invention may also include dual flow reactor housing inlet/outlet parts incorporating reactor housing inlet port and reactor housing outlet port 28 into one element. The invention may also include a dual flow quick disconnect assembly to allow quick and easy disconnection and re-connection of dual flow conduit to dual flow impeller housing inlet/outlet port or dual flow reactor inlet/outlet port. The invention may also include a reversing valve 84 which redirects the direction of fluid flow through the housings 20 and 22. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY One embodiment of the present invention is intended for use with bicycles. The invention may also be employed in a wide variety of mechanical devices, including automobiles, machinery, tools and appliances. CONCLUSION Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to a particular preferred embodiment, persons possessing ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the Claims that follow. The List of Reference Characters which follows is intended to provide the reader with a convenient means of identifying elements of the invention in the Specification and Drawings. This list is not intended to delineate or narrow the scope of the Claims. LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 10 Fluidic Drive Apparatus 11 Generalized embodiment of the invention 12 Impeller turbine 14 Reactor turbine 16 Impeller turbine shaft 18 Reactor turbine shaft 20 Impeller turbine housing Reactor turbine housing Impeller housing outlet port Reactor housing inlet port Reactor housing outlet port Impeller housing inlet port Driver conduit Return conduit Fluid Vanes Volute Volute opening Ratio adjustment device Fixed disc Rotating disc Aperture Pressure adjustment device Housing Pumping mechanism Gauge Release valve Bladder membrane Vent Quick disconnect assembly Ball valves Housing Mating surface dimple Mating surface ring Examples of impeller configurations Auto-dial device Pressure adjuster Torque adjustment device Expansion chamber Torque adjuster Reversing valve Bicycle

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An apparatus comprising: a first turbine means (12) for converting an external torque to a pressure imposed on a fluid; said first turbine means (12) including a shaft means (16) for transferring said external torque and a housing means (20) for enclosing said fluid and including an outlet port (24) and an inlet port (30); characterized in that the apparatus further comprises: a second turbine means (14) for converting a pressure imposed on said fluid to rotational energy; said second turbine means (14) including a shaft means (18) for transferring said rotational energy and a housing means (22) for enclosing said fluid and including an inlet port (26) and an outlet port (28); and a first and a second conduit means (32, 34) for conveying said fluid between said housings (20, 22). 2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet ports (24, 30; 26, 28) are directed in opposite circumferential directions relative to the respective turbine means (12, 14). 3. An apparatus as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, further comprising a volute means (40) for directing the flow of the fluid within the or each housing means (20, 22) to optimize the transfer of power to and from said turbine means (12, 14). 4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a ratio adjustment means (42) for changing the ratio of the torques of said shaft means (16, 18). 5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, in which said ratio adjustment means (42) comprises a fixed disc (44) and a rotatable disc (46), both said fixed disc (44) and said rotatable disc (46) having apertures (48). 6. An apparatus as claimed in Claims 4 or 5, further comprising means (74) for automatically controlling said ratio adjustment means (42). 7. An apparatus as claimed in Claims 5 and 6, wherein said automatic control means (74) comprises a pressure adjuster (76) which is moved by changing pressure of said fluid and which, in turn, rotates said rotatable disc (46) of said ratio adjusting means (42). 8. An apparatus as claimed in Claims 4 or 5, further comprising a torque adjustment means (78) for using the pressure differential of said fluid at said ports (24, 30; 26, 28) on said housing means (20, 22) to automatically adjust said ratio adjustment means (42). 9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising pressure adjustment means (50) for controlling the pressure within one or each of said housing means (20, 22). 10. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, in which said pressure adjustment means (50) is a pump. 1 1. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 or 10, in which said pressure adjustment means (50) includes a vent (60). 12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a quick connect means (62) for coupling or decoupling said conduit means (32, 34) from said housing means (20, 22). 13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, in which said quick connect means (62) comprises a pair of pivoting ball valves (64) residing in a housing (66) which lock together to form a passageway for said fluid. 14. A cycle (B) having an apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein pedals of the cycle are drivingly connected to said shaft means (16) of the first turbine means (12) and said shaft means (18) of one or more second turbine means (14) are arranged to be drivingly connected to respective wheels of the cycle. 15. A method comprising the steps of: imposing an external torque on a first turbine (12); displacing fluid as a consequence of the rotation of said first turbine (12); characterized in that the method comprises the further steps of: conveying said fluid to a second turbine (14); and rotating said second turbine (14) using the force of said fluid to provide rotary power for an external device. 16. An apparatus comprising: a first turbine means (12) for converting an external torque to a pressure imposed on a fluid (36); said first turbine means (12) including a shaft means (16) for transferring said external torque and a housing means (20) for enclosing said fluid (36); said housing means (20) including an outlet port (24) and an inlet port (30) arranged to optimize the transfer of said external torque to said fluid (36); a second turbine means (14) for converting a pressure imposed on said fluid (36) to rotational energy; said second turbine means (14) including a shaft means (18) for transferring said rotational energy and a housing means (22) for enclosing said fluid (36); said housing means (22) including an inlet port (26) and an outlet port (28) arranged to optimize the transfer of the pressure of said fluid (36) to said rotational energy; and a first and a second conduit means (32 and 34) for conveying said fluid (36) between said housings (20 and 22). 17. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which said first and second turbine means (12 and 14) are generally disc-shaped. 18. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which said first and second turbine means (12 and 14) are formed with generally spiral-shaped vanes (38). 19. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which said first conduit means (32) connects outlet port (24) of housing (20) to inlet port (26) of housing (22). 20. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which said second conduit means (34) connects outlet port (28) of housing (22) to inlet port (30) of housing (20). 21. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which said fluid (36) is generally incompressible. 22. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising a volute means (40) for directing the flow of the fluid (36) within said housing means (20, 22) to optimize the transfer of power to and from said turbine means (12, 14). 23. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, in which said volute means (40) is an integral part of one of said housing means (20, 22) or is a replaceable cartridge. 24. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, in which said volute means (40) is generally disc-shaped. 25. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, in which said volute means (40) includes an opening (41) formed on its side. 26. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising a ratio adjustment means (42) for changing the ratio of the torques of said shaft means (16, 18). 27. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, in which said ratio adjustment means (42) comprises a fixed disc (44) and a rotatable disc (46); both said fixed disc (44) and said rotatable disc (46) having apertures (48). 28. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising a pressure adjustment means (50) for controlling the pressure within one of said housing means (20, 22). 29. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 28, in which said pressure adjustment means (50) is a pump. 30. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 28, in which said pressure adjustment means (50) includes a vent (60). 31. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 28, in which said pressure adjustment means (50) is employed to capture any gas that may accumulate in said fluid (36). 32. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, in which said fluid (36) withstands high temperatures and which has a very low freezing temperature. 33. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising a quick connect means (62) for coupling or decoupling said conduit means (32 and 34) from said housing means (20 and 22). 34. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 33, in which said quick connect means (62) comprises a pair of pivoting ball valves (64) residing in a housing (66) which lock together to form a passageway for said fluid (36). 35. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, further comprising an auto-dial means (74) for automatically controlling said ratio adjustment means (42). 36. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 and 35, further comprising a pressure adjuster (76) which is moved by changing pressure of said fluid (36) which, in turn, rotates said rotatable disc (46) of said ratio adjusting means (42). 37. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising a torque adjustment means (78) for using the pressure differential of said fluid (36) at said ports (28 and 30 or 24 and 26) on said housing means (20 or 22) to automatically adjust said ratio adjustment means (42). 38. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, further comprising a reversing valve (84) which redirects the direction of fluid flow through said housing means (20 or 22). 39. A method comprising the steps of: imposing an external torque on a first turbine (12); displacing fluid (36) as a consequence of the rotation of said first turbine (12); conveying said fluid (36) to a second turbine (14); and rotating said second turbine (14) using the force of said fluid (36) to provide rotary power for an external device.

Inventors: HINRICHS DENNIS C, HINRICHS, DENNIS, C.
Applicants: HINRICHS DENNIS C, HINRICHS, DENNIS, C.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: F16H41
IPC codes: B62M19, F16H41