Patent Publication Number: US-2022221029-A1

Title: 360° Advanced Rotation System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a National Phase Application claiming priority to PCT Application No. PCT/US20/50391, filed on Sep. 11, 2020 which claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/898,733, filed on Sep. 11, 2019, the contents of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to propulsion systems and, more specifically, to a system configured to rotate, vector and tilt and provide directional thrust such as those that may be used in aircraft or watercraft. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Existing propulsion devices generally rely upon a turning arm comprising a discrete axle or integrated axle, which is used as a fixed articulated arm for the propulsion system. One such example is a conventional ducted fan propulsion system. These types of propulsion systems may be used in a variety of applications, including aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, submersibles, and other watercraft. 
     However, existing propulsion devices such as conventional ducted fan systems suffer from a number of disadvantages. 
     First, the fixed arm holding the propulsion system allows the propulsion system to rotate and vector about only a single axis of rotation. The propulsion system is thus incapable of providing thrust in multiple different axial directions. 
     Second, the limited (if any) movement provided by the articulated arm in conventional systems results in low maneuverability of the vehicle to which the propulsion system is mounted. 
     Third, the low maneuverability of a vehicle using a conventional propulsion system is directly proportional to high-energy consumption of the propulsion system. 
     Fourth, in the case of a turbo propeller device included in a propulsion system with a fixed structure with one degree of articulated rotation (as may be found, for example, on the Bell V-22 Osprey helicopter), the arm is capable of moving only vertically, horizontally, or in some combination thereof. 
     The foregoing disadvantages limit the variety of maneuvers of the vehicle to which the propulsion system is mounted. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved propulsion system that provides greater flexibility in the orientation of the propulsion device. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards an improved propulsion device (termed an “advanced rotation system,” “ARS,” “360° Advanced Rotation System,” or “ARS 360° ” herein) that addresses the foregoing disadvantages, saving resources and energy through its ability to work with all types of maneuvers in three coordinates, of two-degree rotation process. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an improved propulsion device capable of two-plane rotation. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a conceptual and constructive improvement of propulsion devices widely applied to aviation propulsion systems. In an embodiment, an improved propulsion device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises an assembly made of a universal support, articulated and mechanized by two levers that take up the movement unison and/or independently of the two electric dumb shaft through two transmission discs. 
     In an embodiment, an improved propulsion device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises integrating rotating mechanisms into a set of discs, overlaid and articulated with the outgoing transmission, offering two degrees of freedom that reduce the weight and a compact form factor. Transmissions are made with levers and transmission belts that ensure high movability. 
     In an embodiment, an improved propulsion device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises an intermediate articulated mechanism between a ducted fan or double ducted fan propulsion device and a wing and/or fuselage of any aerial or aquatic vehicle. Such improved propulsion devices are lightweight, with a minimal number of components, easy to build, conceptually scalable, and easy to maintain. Embodiments of improved propulsion devices in accordance with the present disclosure may be used to improve the flying qualities of drones and other aircrafts, as well as the aquatic performance of naval vessels by improving the ability of conventional propulsion systems to increase maneuverability required for use by either an automated control system or a pilot. 
     In an embodiment, an improved propulsion device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises an advanced rotation system that may be applied to various flight apparatuses such as drones and traditional aircraft, automated by the two-plane movements, which greatly increases the productivity of a standard ducted fan. In embodiments, the control of the working process is provided by an electronic computing and/or control device via electrical cables, fiber optics, or wireless technology. 
     In an embodiment, an improved propulsion device in accordance with the present disclosure comprises an ARS  100  comprising a first rotatable mounting bracket  402  comprising structural members  26 ,  27 , and  28  and a second rotatable mounting bracket  404  comprising structural members  26 ,  27 , and  28  and brace  41 . Each of mounting brackets  402 ,  404  is rotatably coupled a respective chassis  30  via a bearing  302 . The chassis  30  is in turn movably coupled to tracks on an inner surface of outer housing  29  by bearings  202 , permitting the chasses  30  to move about the inner surface of the housing  29 . The top rim  32   a  and bottom rim  32   b  are movably mounted to the outer housing  29  via a plurality of bearings  202 . Two wire cables  302  pass through housing  29  (and are thereby operative connected to the housing  29 ) and are also each operatively connected with the a respective one of the chasses  30 . A transmission belt  40   a  extends about the outside of the top rim  32   a  and while a second transmission belt  40   b  extends about the outside of the bottom rim  32   b . The transmission belts  40   a ,  40   b  are operative engaged with the rims  32   a ,  32   b  via a plurality teeth on the inner surface of the transmission belts  40   a ,  40   b  and the outer surface of the rims  32   a ,  32   b . The transmission belts  40   a ,  40   b  are each engaged with respective motors/reducers  33   a ,  33   b , each of which is mounted to a respective toothed wheel  35   a  and  35   b  (also termed a gear) and a pair of pretensioner rollers  36 . Bracket  41  is connected to levers  34   a  and  34   b , which interlock with the top rim  32   a  and the bottom rim  32   b . Top rim  32   a  and bottom rim  32   b  are fastened to the transmission belts  40   a ,  40   b  via gears  35   a  and  35   b . In use, the mounting brackets  402 ,  404  connect the ARS  100  to the propulsion device. The mounting brackets  402 ,  404  are configured to rotate about a first axis, permitting the propulsion system  102  to pitch relative to the ARS  100 . The mounting brackets  402 ,  404  are also configured to move about the housing  29 , thereby rotating the propulsion device about a second axis. The movement and rotation of the mounting brackets  402 ,  404  is controlled by the movement of transmission belts  40   a ,  40   b  (which cause top rim  32   a  and bottom rim  32   b  to rotate). As top rim  32   a  and bottom rim  32   b  rotate in opposite directions, mounting brackets  402 ,  404  rotate about the first axis. As top rim  32   a  and bottom rim  32   b  rotate in the same direction, mounting brackets  402 ,  404  move about the housing. By controlling the movement of transmission belts  40   a ,  40   b , the orientation of the propulsion system can thereby be controlled about two axes. 
     Embodiments of improved propulsion devices in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise alloys, polymers, rigid, elastic, and flexible composite materials in various proportions. In an embodiment, an ARS is formed from substantially the following elements: 50% titanium; 20% aluminum T6; 5% carbon fiber; 15% rubber reinforced with Kevlar; and 10% polymers. 
     Additional aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an ARS in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure integrated with a ducted fan. 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the ARS of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective exploded view of the ARS of  FIG. 1  without component  29 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective exploded view of the basic joint arm of the ARS of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the changing the angle of inclination of the ARS of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the tilt rotation of the ARS of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a detailing view of how the changing of the angle of the ARS of  FIG. 1  works. 
         FIG. 8  is detailing view of how the tilt rotation of the ARS of  FIG. 1  works. 
         FIG. 9  is a detailing sectional view of the ARS of  FIG. 1  showing the assembly of upper rim  32   a  and lower rim  3   b  with housing  29  and chassis  30  taken through the gears  35   a ,  35   b  and angular contact bearing  302 . 
         FIG. 10  is a detailing sectional view of the ARS of  FIG. 1  through pretensioner rollers  36 . 
     
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  an ARS  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in its initial position for calibrating electronic positioning components mounted to a ducted fan  102 . As shown, the ducted fan  102  is an air moving arrangement comprising a mechanical fan  104  (also termed a propeller) mounted within a cylindrical shroud  106  (also termed a duct). The ARS  100  surrounds and is mounted to the shroud  106  of the ducted fan  102 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an ARS  100  is shown alone (without the accompanying ducted fan  102  propulsion device). 
       FIG. 3  depicts an exploded view of the ARS  100  of  FIG. 1  with the housing  29  omitted so as to better view the other elements. As shown, a transmission belt  40   a  surrounds the top rim  32   a  and passes between the top gear  35   a  and a pair of pretensioner rollers  36 . A second transmission belt  40   b  surrounds the bottom rim  32   b  and passes between the bottom gear  35   b  and a pair of pretensioner rollers  36 . Screws or bolts  304  each pass through a respective opening in the top rim  32   a  or bottom rim  32   b , which optionally feature extrusions  1002  adapted to receive the screw or bolt  304  and support a bearing  202 . Each screw or bolt  304  rotatably supports a bearing  202  and is secured to a nut  306 . 
     The bearings  202  permit the top rim  32   a  and bottom rim  32   b  to each independently rotate with respect to the housing  29 . The bearings  202  rest against the inner surface of the housing  29  and move freely across that surface. 
     Wire cables  108  pass through housing  29  such that the enclosures  30  are operatively connected to the wire cables  108 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts an exploded view of mounting brackets  402 ,  404  in accordance with the present disclosure which connect the ARS  100  to a propulsion system, such as ducted fan  102 . As will be clear to one of skill in the art, these mounting brackets  402 ,  404  may be adapted so as to connect the ARS  100  to any ducted fan or cylindrical propulsion system. For example, the size of components  26  and  27  may be selected based on the specific requirements of the propulsion system. A plurality of screws  406  or other connective elements are used to secure components of the mounting brackets  402 ,  404  together. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of an ARS  100  with an integrated ducted fan  102 , showing the ducted fan  102  pitched forward. The inclination of the ducted fan  102  is accomplished through the opposite rotation of the top rim  32   a  and bottom rim  32   b.    
       FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of an ARS with integrated ducted fan, whereby arrows demonstrate the rotation process on the vertical axis to the component  29  due to the unidirectional rotation of the components  32   a  and  32   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , through the arrows, the kinematic process of changing the angle of an ARS100 to allow for a vertical inclination is shown. 
       FIG. 8 , through the arrows, details the one-way circular rotation of the ARS that allows a 360° horizontal rotation. 
     Embodiments may combine both working processes described above regarding rotation around the vertical axis and the horizontal axis together at different angles. 
     In order to better understand the working process described above, the following discussion decomposes the components shown in  FIGS. 1-8 . Specifically, embodiments of an ARS consistent with the present disclosure comprise a disc  29 , with a revolving profile, which contains a channel for arranging the two wire cables  108  and their outputs. At the same time, the component  29 , on the perimeter, has equidistant radially spaced clamping elements  204  that serve as a fixing zone to connect the ARS  100  to the wing or fuselage of an aircraft or other vehicle. Also, in the inner surface of housing  29  is provided with a pair of tracks for the movement of bearings  202 ; the bearings  202  affixed to the top rim  32   a  move along a top track while the bearings  202  affixed to the bottom rim  32   b  move about the bottom track. 
     In  FIGS. 1-3 and 5-8 , top rims  32   a  and  32   b , which are discs, are illustrated, and on the outside of which are radially distributed coupling teeth and a clamping attachment for a lever  34   a  and  34   b , and the revolving of which is described by the profile of a cornice with two non-parallel sides. On the interior of the rims  32   a  and  32   b  are located radially distributed extrusions, which serve to fix the bearings  202  which assures the rotation and fixation of the discs  32   a  and  32   b  on the tracks of component  29 . Conceptually, rims  32   a  and  32   b , in connection with housing  29 , have a functioning principle and similar to that of a “Radial Bearing.” 
     In  FIGS. 1-3, 5-9 , transmission belts  40   a  and  40   b  are illustrated which comprise evenly spaced teeth distributed along the length of the transmission link between the discs  32   a  and  32   b  with the gear wheels  35   a  and  35   b  which are rigidly fixed on the axis of the motors  33   a  and  33   b . But the components  36  provide an optimal belt tensioning  40   a  and  40   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 7, 8, and 9 , two chassis  30  are distinguished, which are rolled by bearings  202  (also termed “angular contact bearings”) on tracks on the inner surface of housing  29 . In the chassis  30  is mounted an angular contact bearing, in which is mounted a component  31 , on one side with a single component  41 ; on the other hand, the component  28  only fastens with the component  31 . 
     The singular element  41 , rigidly fixed to the component  28 , which articulates by the levers  34   a  and  34   b  with the discs  32   a  and  32   b , provides rotation and/or angle inclination to the horizontal plane of any ducted fan mounted within the ARS 360°. The component  28  is fixed in a series of conceptually variable elements  26  and  27  in  FIG. 4 , which serve to fix any ducted fans with the 360° ARS. 
     As shown, the ARS 360° device, in addition to being a rigid suspension for any build-in ducted fans in its passive state, is working on three distinctive scenarios. 
     First, changing the angle vertical positioning of the integrated ducted fan or any propulsion system, due to the opposite rotation of the independent motors  33   a  and  33   b ; coupled to toothed wheels  35   a  and  35   b ; connected with discs  32   a  and  32   b ; through belts  40   a  and  40   b ; moving the levers  34   a  and  34   b  which slopes elementally  41 , obtaining a vertical rotation of the ducted fan propulsion system. 
     Second, changing the angle of horizontal positioning, due to the unison movement of all elements:  33   a  and  33   b ;  35   a  and  35   b ;  40   a  and  40   b ; and  41 . 
     Third, a variable combination of scenarios  1  and  2 . 
     In an embodiment, an ARS 360° in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a disc with a revolving profile that serves the base of consecutive mounting of all the construction elements of the device. The disk in its profile contains a cable channel for arranging and outputting two wires. At the same time, the disc on the perimeter has radially spaced equidistant clamping elements of the 360° ARS body, which serves to fix it on the wings or fuselage of any flying apparatus. Also, the profile of the disc has tracks for the movement of the bearings. 
     In an embodiment, an ARS 360° further comprises two discs, on the outside of which are radially distributed coupling teeth. A clamp for the joint of a lever; revolving is described by the profile of a cornice with two non-parallel sides; on the inside of the discs we find radially a few extrusions with the function of fixing the bearings for rotation and fixing them to the base plate tracks. 
     In an embodiment, an ARS 360° further comprises two existing standardized belts as part of the 360° ARS assembly; two toothed wheels with the tooth profile adapted to the coupling transmission belt; two existing reduction gears, standardized for the 360° ARS assembly; two chassis with rigid/semi rigid bearings; a geometric center with a cassette for mounting an angular bearing; two bushings with sharpened axes, strapped by a channel which on one side branches into three access channels; a two-arm crank specially fitted with articulated mounting areas and having a slit hole in the geometric middle; a slitted bush from the inside; and a bearing mounting area on the outside. 
     Each of the mentioned components is designed to be scalable and easily adapted to any required size. They could be made in varying proportions of light alloys, composite materials, rigid and flexible polymers. 
     Each of these embodiments and any obvious variation thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. Moreover, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the preceding elements and aspects. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific illustrated example but extends to alternative embodiments and other shapes and/or configurations in accordance with the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art applied consistent with the presently disclosed principles.