Abstract:
An air-thrust vehicle ( 100 ) includes a base ( 130 ) and an inverted saucer shaped body ( 132 ) mounted on the base ( 130 ). A plurality of sets of apertures ( 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121 ) is defined at a plurality of pre-determined locations on the base ( 130 ) and the saucer shaped body ( 132 ). A plurality of air-displacement mechanisms ( 105 ) is configured to draw air via pre-determined sets of apertures and force air via other pre-determined sets of apertures for providing lift for forward and backward movement and for providing horizontal pivoting of the vehicle ( 100 ) on the base. A plurality of ducts ( 122 ) is adapted to operatively connect the air-displacement mechanisms ( 105 ) to each aperture of the sets of apertures ( 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121 ) and an engine ( 106 ) is coupled to operate the air-displacement mechanisms ( 105 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to the field of airborne vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Presently, roadways are extensively used for transportation of goods as well as for commuting by people. This is because roadways provide a cost effective method of transportation over other modes of transportation. Hence, over the past few years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of vehicles plying on roads. As a result, roads are becoming increasingly congested. Road congestion causes wastage of valuable time. Further, fuel consumption of land vehicles increases during congestion, thereby increasing operational cost of the land vehicles and also causes environmental pollution. 
         [0003]    In order to overcome the problems associated with roadways, alternate mode of transportation by air has been developed with the advent of airplanes. However, commuting by airplanes involve high cost and requires specific location for landing and take-off. Further, airplanes are operated on fossil fuel which causes environmental pollution. 
         [0004]    There is thus felt a need for eliminating the problems associated with the presently available modes of transportation. 
       OBJECTS 
       [0005]    Some of the objects of the present disclosure which at least one embodiment is adapted to provide, are described herein below: 
         [0006]    An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-thrust vehicle having a low production cost. 
         [0007]    Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-thrust vehicle that does not require wings to fly. 
         [0008]    Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-thrust vehicle that can operate on any category of airfield. 
         [0009]    Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-thrust vehicle that is easy to drive. 
         [0010]    Still a further object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-thrust vehicle with reduced operational cost. 
         [0011]    Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an air-thrust vehicle. The air-thrust vehicle includes
       a base;   an inverted saucer shaped body mounted on the base;   a plurality of sets of apertures defined at a plurality of pre-determined locations on the base and a plurality of sets of apertures defined at a plurality of pre-determined locations on the saucer shaped body;   a plurality of air-displacement mechanisms configured to draw air via pre-determined sets of apertures and force air through other pre-determined sets of apertures for providing lift for forward and backward movement and for providing horizontal pivoting of the vehicle on the base;   a plurality of ducts adapted to operatively connect the air-displacement mechanisms to each aperture of the sets of apertures; and   an engine coupled to operate the air-displacement mechanism.       
 
         [0019]    Typically, the plurality of pre-determined locations are selected from the group consisting of front side, upper side, back side, front left side, rear left side, front right side, rear right side and bottom side. 
         [0020]    The air-displacement mechanism is selected from the group consisting of an axial compressor, a booster, a blower and a gas turbine. 
         [0021]    Typically, the air-displacement mechanism is configured to draw air via set of apertures defined at said upper side and force air via set of apertures defined at the bottom side for providing the lift to the air-thrust vehicle. 
         [0022]    Typically, the air-displacement mechanism is configured to draw air via set of apertures defined at said front side and force air via set of apertures defined at the back side for providing the forward movement to the air-thrust vehicle. 
         [0023]    Typically, the air-displacement mechanism is configured to draw air via set of apertures defined at the front left side and force air via set of apertures defined at the rear left side for turning the air-thrust vehicle in operative left direction. 
         [0024]    Additionally, the air-displacement mechanism is further configured to draw air via sets of apertures defined at the front left side and the rear right side of the air-thrust vehicle and force the air via sets of apertures defined at the front right side and the rear left side for turning the air-thrust vehicle in operative left direction. 
         [0025]    Typically, the air-displacement mechanism is further configured to draw air via set of apertures defined at the front right side and force air via set of apertures defined at the rear right side for turning the air-thrust vehicle in operative right direction. 
         [0026]    Additionally, the air-displacement mechanism is configured to draw air via sets of apertures defined at the front right side and the rear left side of the air-thrust vehicle- and force air via sets of apertures defined at the front left side and the rear right side for turning the air-thrust vehicle in operative right direction. 
         [0027]    Typically, the air-displacement mechanism is configured to draw air via sets of apertures defined at the front left side and the rear left side of the air-thrust vehicle and force the air via sets of apertures defined at the front right side and the rear right side for moving the air-thrust vehicle in operative left direction. 
         [0028]    Typically, the air-displacement mechanism is configured to draw air via sets of apertures defined at the front right side and the rear right side of the air-thrust vehicle and force air via sets of apertures defined at the front left side and the rear left side for moving the air-thrust vehicle in operative right direction. 
         [0029]    Typically, the air-displacement mechanism is configured to draw air via set of apertures defined at the back side and force air via set of apertures defined at the front side for providing the backward movement to the air-thrust vehicle. 
         [0030]    Typically, the sets of apertures are provided with an air filter. 
         [0031]    Further, the air-thrust vehicle includes a rubber coating covering at least a portion of the body and the base. 
         [0032]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the air-thrust vehicle further includes a window glass disposed on at least a portion of the body. 
         [0033]    Typically, the air-thrust vehicle is having a centre of gravity located at the centre point of the base. 
         [0034]    Additionally, the air-thrust vehicle may be adapted to accommodate at least one passenger, 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
         [0035]    The disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0036]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a side view of an air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing lift for upward movement of the air-thrust vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0037]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing lift for upward movement of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 1C  illustrates a bottom view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing lift for upward movement of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 2A  illustrates the side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for forward movement of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a front view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for forward movement of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a back view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for forward movement of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 3A  illustrates the side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for turning the air-thrust vehicle in an operative left direction; 
           [0043]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a top view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for turning the air-thrust vehicle in the operative left direction; 
           [0044]      FIG. 3C  illustrates the top view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for turning the air-thrust vehicle in the operative left direction; 
           [0045]      FIG. 4A  illustrates the side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for turning the air-thrust vehicle in an operative right direction; 
           [0046]      FIG. 4B  illustrates the top view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for turning the air-thrust vehicle in the operative right direction; 
           [0047]      FIG. 4C  illustrates the top view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for turning the air-thrust vehicle in the operative right direction; 
           [0048]      FIG. 5A  illustrates the side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for the movement of the air-thrust vehicle in the operative left direction; 
           [0049]      FIG. 5B  illustrates the top view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for the movement of the air-thrust vehicle in the operative left direction; 
           [0050]      FIG. 6A  illustrates the side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for the movement of the air-thrust vehicle in the operative right direction; 
           [0051]      FIG. 6B  illustrates the top view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for the movement of the air-thrust vehicle in the operative right direction; 
           [0052]      FIG. 7A  illustrates the side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for the backward movement of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 7B  illustrates the front view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for the backward movement of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 7C  illustrates the back view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the air-displacement mechanism providing thrust for the backward movement of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a perspective front view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the disposition of air filters on a plurality of apertures defined on the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a back view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the disposition of air filters on a plurality of apertures defined on the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a perspective side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting a rubber coating on a body and base of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 9B  illustrates a bottom view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the rubber coating on the base of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 10A  illustrates the side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the arrangement of the window glass on the body of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0060]      FIG. 10B  illustrates the bottom view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the arrangement of the window glass on the base of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 11A  illustrates the side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the position of center of gravity of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 11B  illustrates the bottom view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the position of center of gravity of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 12A  illustrates the seating arrangement for the passengers inside the air-thrust vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0064]      FIG. 12B  illustrates the seating arrangement for the passengers inside the air-thrust vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0065]      FIG. 13A  illustrates the perspective side view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the comprehensive structure of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 13B  illustrates the top view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the comprehensive structure of the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0067]      FIG. 14  illustrates a diagram of the air-displacement mechanism utilized by the air-thrust vehicle of  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0068]      FIG. 15A  illustrates a schematic diagram of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the connection of the air-displacement mechanism with the plurality of apertures; and 
           [0069]      FIG. 15B  illustrates the bottom view of the air-thrust vehicle depicting the connection of the air-displacement mechanism with an engine; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0070]    The air-thrust vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description relates purely to the exemplary preferred embodiments of the disclosed system and its suggested applications. 
         [0071]    The system herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. 
         [0072]    Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. 
         [0073]    The air-thrust vehicle as envisaged by the present disclosure is basically an air vehicle capable to fly in the air based on the thrust generated by the forced displacement of the air in a particular direction. The plurality of air-displacement mechanism is utilized to draw and expel air via plurality of apertures to provide lift for the movement of the air-thrust vehicle. 
         [0074]    The air-thrust vehicle of the present disclosure will now be explained with reference to  FIG. 1A  through  FIG. 15B  with key components referenced generally as illustrated in the figures. 
         [0075]    The air-thrust vehicle  100  includes a saucer shaped body  132  mounted on a base  130 . The air-thrust vehicle  100  further includes a plurality of sets of apertures defined at a plurality of locations on the body  132 , wherein a set of apertures  114  is defined on a front side portion  107 , a set of apertures  115  is defined on an upper side portion  108 , a set of apertures  116  is defined on a back side portion  109 , sets of apertures  117  and  118  are defined on a left side portion  110 , and sets of apertures  119  and  120  are defined on a right side portion  111  of the body  132 . Further, a set of apertures  121  is defined on a bottom side  112  of the base  130 . 
         [0076]    The air-thrust vehicle  100  includes a plurality of air-displacement mechanism  105  disposed within the body  132  and is operatively connected to the plurality of sets of apertures via a plurality of ducts  122 . Typically, the air-displacement mechanism is a blower. The air-displacement mechanism is not limited to a blower and an axial. compressor, a booster and a gas turbine may be used for the displacement of air. 
         [0077]    The air-displacement mechanism  105  is used to generate lift for the upward and backward movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  and the horizontal pivoting of the air-thrust vehicle  100  on the base  130 . 
         [0078]      FIGS. 1A ,  1 B and  1 C illustrate an upward movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  due to the lift generated by the air-displacement mechanism  105 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  115  via the plurality of ducts  122  and force the air through the set of apertures  121  via the plurality of ducts  122 . Due to forced pushing of the air through the set of apertures  121  defined on the bottom side  112  of the base  130  (as shown in  FIGS. 1B and 1C ), a force of equal magnitude but opposite in direction acts on the bottom side  112  of the base  130 , thereby lifting the vehicle in an upward direction. 
         [0079]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B and  2 C illustrate a forward movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  due to thrust developed by the air-displacement mechanism  105 . As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  114  via the plurality of ducts  122  and force the air through the set of apertures  116  via the plurality of ducts  122 . Due to pushing of air through the set of apertures  116  defined on the back side portion  109  of the body  132  (as shown in  FIG. 2C ), a reaction force acts on the back side portion  109  of the air-thrust vehicle  100 , thereby providing a movement to the air-thrust vehicle  100  in a forward direction. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C illustrate a turning movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative left direction. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, the air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  117  defined at the front position of the left side portion  110  and force the air from the set of apertures  118  defined at the rear position of the left side portion  110  (as shown in  FIGS. 3A &amp; 3C ), thereby providing a force for turning the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative left direction. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  117  defined at the front position of the left side portion  110  and the set of apertures  120  defined at the rear position of the right side portion  111 (as shown in  FIG. 3B ). 
         [0081]    The air-displacement mechanism  105  force the air through the set of apertures  119  defined at the front position of the right side portion  111  and through the set of apertures  118  defined at the left side portion  110 . Due to pushing of the air through the above mentioned set of apertures, a thrust acts on the front position of the right side portion  111  and the rear position of the left side portion  110 , thereby turning the air-thrust vehicle in the operative left direction. 
         [0082]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C illustrate the turning movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative right direction. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure (as shown in  FIG. 4A ), the air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  118  and force the air through the set of apertures  117  for turning the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative right direction. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure (as shown in  FIG. 4C ), the air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  119  and force the air through the set of apertures  120  for turning the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative right direction. 
         [0083]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure (as shown in  FIG. 4B ), the air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  119  and the set of apertures  118  and force the air through the set of apertures  117  and the set of apertures  120 . Due to forcing of the air through the aforementioned set of apertures, an equal and opposite force acts on the rear position of the right side portion  111  and the front position of the left side portion  110 , thereby turning the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative right direction. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  illustrate the movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative left direction. The air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  117  and the set of apertures  118  and force the drawn air through the set of apertures  119  and the set of apertures  120 , thereby generating the thrust that enables the movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative left direction. 
         [0085]      FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  illustrate the movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative right direction. The air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  119  and the set of apertures  120  and force the drawn air through the set of apertures  117  and the set of apertures  118 , thereby generating the thrust that enables the movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100  in the operative right direction. 
         [0086]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C illustrate the backward movement of the air-thrust vehicle  100 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the air-displacement mechanism  105  draws air from the set of apertures  116  via the plurality of ducts  122  and force the air through the set of apertures  114  via the plurality of ducts  122 . Due to pushing of air through the set of apertures  114  defined on the front side portion  107  of the body  132  (as shown in  FIGS. 7C and 7B ), a reaction force acts on the front side portion  107  of the air-thrust vehicle  100 , thereby moving the air-thrust vehicle  100  backward. 
         [0087]    In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the apertures are provided with an air filter  103 , typically a net cap (as shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B ) for prohibiting the suction of air-bags, papers and other waste products by the air-displacement mechanism  105 . In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a rubber coating is provided on the bottom side  112  of the base  130  and on the surrounding lower portion of the body  132  of the air-thrust vehicle  100  (as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) for protecting the air-thrust vehicle  100  from electric currents in case it comes into contact of any electric pole and to prevent the body  132  to come into contact of any object present on the earth surface. 
         [0088]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the air-thrust vehicle  100  comprises a window glass  102  (as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B ) disposed on the body  132  and on the bottom side  112  of the base  130 . The window glass  102  is typically used for enabling the user to get the view of ground and surroundings. Further, the window glass  102  is provided to protect occupants of the vehicle from wind and flying debris such as dust, insects, and rocks. 
         [0089]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the center of gravity of the air-thrust vehicle  100  is located at the center point  126  of the base  130  (as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ) for providing the appropriate balance to the air-thrust vehicle  100  during the flight. 
         [0090]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, the air-thrust vehicle has a seating arrangement  129  for facilitating the seating of at least one passenger  127  (as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B ). 
         [0091]      FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 13B  illustrate the comprehensive outer structure of the air-thrust vehicle  100  depicting the arrangement of net caps  103  on the apertures defined on the body  132  and the base  130 , rubber coating on the body  132  and the base  130 , a bumper  113  and disposition of a door  101  on the body  132  of the air-thrust vehicle  100 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 14  illustrates a diagram of the air-displacement mechanism  105  utilized by the air-thrust vehicle  100 . The air-displacement mechanism  105  includes the rotatory and stationary components, typically rotor blades  123  and the stator blades  124 . The plurality of ducts  122  are connected to the air-displacement mechanism  105  at both the ends for facilitating the inlet and outlet of air flow. 
         [0093]      FIG. 15A  and  FIG. 15B  illustrate the connection of the air-displacement mechanism  105  with the plurality of apertures and with an engine  106 . The air-displacement mechanism  105  is operated by the engine  106 , typically an electric motor is used. The engine  106  is not limited to the electric motor and any conventional engine utilizing a fossil fuel may be used to operate the air-displacement mechanism  105 . 
         [0094]    The air-thrust vehicle of the present disclosure does not have wheels, gearbox, suspensions and wing structures, thereby having reduced production cost. Moreover, the air-thrust vehicle of the present disclosure is movable on any type of surface and is capable of take-off and landing on unimproved airfields. The air-thrust vehicle of the present disclosure is easy to drive, has low fuel consumption due to reduced weight and has an effective balancing during the flight, thereby rendering the vehicle economical and safe. 
         [0095]    Technical Advancements and Economic Significance. 
         [0096]    The technical advantages of the system envisaged by the present disclosure include the realization of:
       an air-thrust vehicle having a low production cost;   an air-thrust vehicle that does not require wings to fly;   an air-thrust vehicle that can operate on any category of airfield;   an air-thrust vehicle that is easy to drive; and   an air-thrust vehicle with reduced operational cost.       
 
         [0102]    Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 
         [0103]    The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. 
         [0104]    The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.