US20110201246A1

US20110201246A1 - Ground effect model

Info

Publication number: US20110201246A1
Application number: US13/028,548
Authority: US
Inventors: Masaki Suzuki
Original assignee: Top Notch Toys Ltd Co
Current assignee: Top Notch Toys Ltd Co
Priority date: 2010-02-17
Filing date: 2011-02-16
Publication date: 2011-08-18

Abstract

This present invention provides an unconventional and proprietary flying “ground effect vehicle” or model. This vehicle features thrust propellers that generate airflow. The airflow is directed to the bottom of vehicle causing it to rise completely off the ground surface and as the airflow increases it is directed rearward so as to achieve and sustain forward “ground effect” flight. This type of flight effect occurs near the ground surface as the vehicle flies on a cushion of air that is generated between the ground surface and underside of the vehicle body with or without auxiliary horizontal stabilizers.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 61/305,268 filed on Feb. 17, 2010.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to remote control models, and more particularly to remote controlled ground effect model.
2. Related Technology
Conventional hovercrafts or air cushion vehicles are known as “vehicles which are able to lift up, hover just above the ground surface and move forward.” In order to hover or glide over the ground, these vehicles must reduce the drag from friction caused by contact with the ground surface as much as possible. Those types of vehicles, which are generally referred to as “hovercrafts,” generate airflow by propeller or fan and direct airflow evenly out from a gap between the bottom of the vehicle or skirt underneath vehicle and surface of the ground or water. However, this application still puts a portion of vehicle or skirt underneath into contact with surface of the ground or water. As a result, hovercrafts are easily caught or stuck on the ground when they encounter any surface protrusions, however small they may be. Also, hovercrafts can become easily stuck when they encounter any hollow or porous surfaces such as ditches, lawns or grasses. Those rougher terrains result in excess amount of air leakage from under the vehicle (or skirt) so overall friction drag is increased which results in slowing the vehicle down or stopping it altogether.

SUMMARY

According to an implementation of the invention, the ground effect model includes a body having a front, a back, sides, a top and a bottom, at least one air duct having an inlet at the front of the body and an outlet positioned at the bottom of the body, at least one propeller positioned in the at least one air duct at the inlet to selectively increase air flow through the air duct from the inlet to the outlet, and at least one motor connected to the at least one propeller.
According to another implementation, the ground effect model is configured to fly over a ground surface and includes a body having a front, a back, sides, a top and a bottom, a first air duct having an air inlet at the front of the body and an air outlet positioned at the bottom of the body, a second air duct adjacent said first air duct and being separated there from by a wall, said second air duct having an air inlet at the front of the body and an air outlet positioned at the bottom of the body, a first propeller positioned in the first air duct; a second propeller positioned in the second air duct, a first motor connected to the first propeller; a second motor connected to the second propeller, a first skirt positioned on the bottom of the body along an outer side of the air outlet of the first air duct opposite the wall, a second skirt position on the bottom of the body along an outer side of the air outlet of the second air duct opposite the wall, radio control electronics and a battery power source positioned on the body and connected to the first and second motors to allow independent wireless operation of the first and second motors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views:

FIG. 1 is top left side perspective view of the ground effect model according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is bottom right perspective view of the ground effect model according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the ground effect model showing the air flow there through according to one operable state of the same;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the ground effect model showing the air flow there through according to a second operable state of the same; and

FIG. 5 is front view of the ground effect model according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “ground effect” flying vehicle or model, as referred to herein, is a vehicle or model capable of flying over the ground surface, yet utilizes the ground surface to maintain the desired ground flying effect.
In operation, the vehicle first rises and achieves “ground effect” and secondly builds thrust to move forward by subsequent airflow in the rearward direction. The vectoring of the airflow to the bottom of the vehicle at start up (for lifting) and then vectoring immediately to the rear (for propulsion) is handled by proprietary hinged/pivoting flaps placed behind the propellers that operate passively as pressurized air or thrust flow over them. When a different rotational speed is selected for either left or right propeller, it creates a difference in thrust between left and right propellers thereby allowing the vehicle turn left or right freely. The vehicle is preferably designed to be as lightweight as possible to enhance performance and achieve “ground effect” flight more readily.
In accordance with one exemplary implementation, the ground effect is achieved by a model having two propellers at left and right sides as described below, however, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the same effect can be also achieved by a vehicle with a single centrally located propeller which turns left or right by rudder. Additionally, a vehicle with more than two propellers can achieve the same effect.
In accordance with one implementation of the invention, two thrust propellers can be installed diagonally in relation to the longitudinal center line of the vehicle so that propeller-generated airflow can be directed diagonally downward. The airflow can be channeled to the ground efficiently by the shape and configuration of vehicle body, so that the desired “ground effect” can be generated by increasing the air pressure between the vehicle body and the ground surface.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle or model 10 consists of a body 12, motors 24, gears 26, propellers 22, RX PCB (receiver or printed circuit board) 28, battery 30 and skirts 16. The body 10 is preferably designed for efficient airflow to the ground and subsequent airflow in the rearward direction. The body 12 has a rear wing assembly which can consist of two vertical fins and a horizontal wing. The body 12 may also include auxiliary horizontal stabilizers 18 at each side. Left and right motors 24 a and 24 b, control the rotational speed of the respective propellers 22 a and 22 b, for thrust. The motors 24 a and 24 b, and the thrust they generate via propellers 22 a and 22 b, respectively, can be individually controlled by radio control (RC) or infrared rays (IR) using stepped or infinitely stepped proportional control. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the motors 24 a and 24 b can be reduced by gears 26 a and 26 b, respectively, to make the propellers 22 a and 22 b, turn more efficiently. In a preferred implementation, the configuration of left and right propellers 22 a and 22 b, respectively, should be symmetric, and preferably counter rotate with respect to each other in order to cancel or eliminate an adverse “torque steer” condition.
When a different rotational speed is selected for either the left or right propeller 22 a or 22 b, respectively, the vehicle can be turned either to the left or to the right. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that differences in the rotational speeds of the left and right propeller will change the rotation radius of the model. For example, the larger the difference of the rotational speed between left and right propellers, the shorter the turning radius of the model will be, and vice versa. That is, the smaller the difference of the rotational speed between left and right propellers, the greater the turning radius of the model will be. Left and right air ducts, 21 a and 21 b (See FIG. 2) in the body 12 are preferably completely separated from each other by a wall 40, so air pressure in either duct is maintained, at their different respective levels, even in the event that either motor is stalled.
As shown in FIG. 3, according to one embodiment pivoting flaps 32 are located just behind each of the propellers 22 inside the respective air duct 21 of the body. The pivoting flaps 32 are passively held down by gravity or by a spring biasing of the same when the propellers are not generating sufficient thrust. Rotation of the two propellers 22 a and 22 b at the frontal area of the body pulls air into the body ducts 21 a and 21 b. As shown in FIG. 3, upon start up of the propeller rotation, inhaled air is steered by the downwardly directed pivoting flaps 32 and thereby directed toward the bottom (represented by lines A1, A2). This airflow pushes against the ground surface G to force the frontal area of the body 12 to rise up as air pressure builds under the vehicle.
As shown in FIG. 4, and in accordance with the increasing flow of air resulting from increased speed of the propellers 22, the pivoting flaps 32 are pushed up by air pressure, such that the angle of the flaps becomes almost to parallel with respect to airflow A1, A2, and A3 through the ducts 21. In this position, airflow can be diverted to rear of the model and thereby turned into strong thrust force. The incremental velocity gain of the vehicle, will enable constant flying near the ground surface to be achieved. This ground effect flying can be further enhanced and/or stabilized when the rear wing assembly 14 and/or auxiliary horizontal stabilizers 18 are added to the body 12.
According to an alternative embodiment, the pivoting flaps 32 are removed completely from the model. With sufficient air pressure in the respective air ducts 21 a, 21 b as generated by propellers 22 a, 22 b, the model can still operate as described above. The pivoting flaps 32 assist with the initial lift and flight in ground effect, but are not required for operation of the model.
As shown in FIGS. 1-5, skirts 16 can be added to the underside of the body 12 such that they are positioned adjacent the output of the respective air ducts 21. Skirts 16 are preferably made of flexible material and assist to prevent air leakage from both sides of the body initially as the vehicle rises at start up. As a result, the skirts 16 effectively operate to increase air pressure near the ground by containing the air enough to force the body to rise up. The skirts 16 also maintain air pressurization under the vehicle during “ground effect” flight. As shown in FIG. 5, the air effect resulting from the positioning and inward configuration of the skirts 16 is such that the model can fly over the ground G without physically touching the same.
It is important to note that skirts 16 enhance flight over the ground surface by maintaining positive pressure area under the vehicle. However, in alternative implementations, skirts 16 are removed completely from the model. When there is sufficient air pressure in the respective air ducts 21 a, 21 b as generated by propellers 22 a, 22 b, the model can still operate as described above without skirts 16.
While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the present principles, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the same. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or implementation of the present principles may be incorporated in any other disclosed, described or suggested form or implementation as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A ground effect model comprising:

a body having a front, a back, sides, a top and a bottom;

at least one air duct having an inlet at the front of the body and an outlet positioned at the bottom of the body;

at least one propeller positioned in the at least one air duct at the inlet to selectively increase air flow through the air duct from the inlet to the outlet;

at least one motor connected to the at least one propeller.

2. The ground effect model according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one skirt positioned along the outlet of said at least one air duct and configured to prevent air leakage from the sides of the body and thereby increase air pressure near a ground surface over which the model flies.

3. The ground effect model according to claim 1, further comprising:

radio control electronics and a battery power source positioned on the body and connected to the at least one motor to allow wireless operation of the ground effect model.

4. The ground effect model according to claim 3, further comprising at least one pivoting flap positioned in the at least one air duct and behind the at least one propeller, the at least one pivoting flap being initially positioned to direct air downward toward a ground surface upon initial activation of the at least one motor and at least one propeller, and as air pressure in the at least one air duct increases, said at least one pivoting flap pivoting so as to be substantially parallel with the airflow through the air duct thereby diverting air toward the rear of the body for thrust.

5. The ground effect model according to claim 1, further comprising a rear wing assembly positioned at the back of the body, said rear wing assembly providing balancing control of the model during ground effect flight.

6. The ground effect model according to claim 1, further comprising horizontal stabilizer wings on each side of the body and for providing lateral stabilization of the model during ground effect flight.

7. The ground effect model according to claim 1, wherein said at least one air duct comprises two air ducts, said at least one propeller comprises two propellers, one for each air duct; and said at least one motor comprises two motors, one for each of said two propellers.

8. The ground effect model according to claim 1, further comprising gearing connecting said at least one motor to said at least one propeller.

9. A ground effect model configured to fly over a ground surface, the ground effect model comprising:

a body having a front, a back, sides, a top and a bottom;

a first air duct having an air inlet at the front of the body and an air outlet positioned at the bottom of the body;

a second air duct adjacent said first air duct and being separated there from by a wall, said second air duct having an air inlet at the front of the body and an air outlet positioned at the bottom of the body;

a first propeller positioned in the first air duct;

a second propeller positioned in the second air duct;

a first motor connected to the first propeller;

a second motor connected to the second propeller;

a first skirt positioned on the bottom of the body along an outer side of the air outlet of the first air duct opposite the wall;

a second skirt position on the bottom of the body along an outer side of the air outlet of the second air duct opposite the wall;

radio control electronics and a battery power source positioned on the body and connected to the first and second motors to allow independent wireless operation of the first and second motors.

10. The ground effect model of claim 9, further comprising a pivoting flap positioned in each of the first and second air ducts, the pivoting flap being passively positioned to direct air downward toward a ground surface upon initial activation of the first and second propeller via first and second motors, respectively, to increase airflow against the ground surface and force the model to be raised from the ground surface.

11. The ground effect surface model of claim 10, wherein as air pressure increases in the air ducts as a result of increased propeller speed, the pivoting flap pivots so as to be substantially parallel with the airflow through the air duct thereby diverting air toward the rear of the body for thrust.