Patent CA-2333788-A1 (CA)
Inventor: SASSANO MARCO A
IPC: G10K11/32
Filed: 2001-01-31
Abstract: The Acoustic Engine is designed for weightless environments like inside space stations. Some devices have been developed that use sound wave emitters to directly push on single target objects within the device itself. They are of particular interest in zero gravity environments like aboard space ships and stations. Classic designs of this type CONTAIN single target objects by intelligently emitting and controlling sound waves within a device capsule.  Sound waves devices of this type do not create an overall (multi target) gravity like effect in a large room or PROPEL the device itself around a room, rather they are used to CONTAIN and manipulate single target objects within the device. The Acoustic Engine on the other hand uses sound waves to create an artificial gravity effect that acts on all objects within a room or can be used as an out-board engine of sorts to fly objects around a room in weightless environments. Traditional technologies such as speakers (even when used in groups of multiple units or arrays) use membranes to create sound waves and or DIRECTLY impact target objects. For every outward movement of the membrane there must be an inward or resetting movement (The forces tend to cancel each other out). For this reason, traditional sound emitting devices like speakers cannot be used as efficient out board motors of sorts in weightless environments. This is why they are presently used in fixed positions to hit/manipulate single target objects. The "Soundel" (Sound Element) concept and configuration eliminates this problem because an indirect propulsion effect is generated as the result of the coordinated strobing and chasing of sound impulses across a fine grid or matrix of Soundels (analogous to pixels on a computer screen). Thus no one speaker (or sound emitter) pushes DIRECTLY but rather merely contributes to the creation of a COMBINED WAVE FORCE which does not itself alternate like a speaker but rather is continuous, has direction and unique propulsive characteristics. The direction of this force depends on Soundel placement (Angle of attack) in the matrix, power and on software control (strobing& chasing direction). The Soundel matrix can be shaped physically in a myriad of ways to create many acoustic engine applications. For example: 1. In cylindrical form with the Soundels projecting inward: the strobing Soundel matrix can be used as an outboard motor to, for example, propel itself or objects about a space station. (In this configuration an acoustic pulse motor of sorts is the resulting application).  1b. The inverse of this design is the "Sound Column" which is a cylindrical pillar with Soundels projecting outward on it's external surface. This column can be placed at the center of a cylindrical object or room. The strobing of the Soundels towards the floor of the room will create an artificial gravity effect. 2. In extremely small or nano size: Soundel-like configurations can be used to create nano precision propulsion effects. (Example: Nano surgical probes can be made to move or vibrate within a body of water.).     3. In cylindrical form with Soundels projecting inward: A "Sound Pipe" can be created. The strobing of the soundel matrix will force liquid within the pipe to move. In this way, a liquid can be piped around for cooling purposes. 3b. In large cylindrical configuration with Soundels projecting inwards: the Soundel matrix can be used to uniformly push on large bodies of water. An artificial gravity bathtub/pool/toilet can be created by filling a man sized "Sound Pipe" with sufficient water. The strobing of the Soundel matrix will effectively push the water to the floor of the pipe (the closed end of the cylinder). A man can then move down into the water and bathe et cetera. On a smaller scale a test tube or drinking cup can be created where the liquid will be forced to the bottom of the container via strobed sound waves.   4. In cube shaped or cylindrical rooms: Soundel-tiles can be placed on all the walls (or be the walls). In this way artificial gravity rooms can be easily adapted/created to aid plant growth and to force plant pollen and dirt to the floor via sound waves. The gravity effect can be quite powerful depending on power and software control (rate of strobing, intensity). Also, inaudible sound frequencies can also be used.