| Propulsion and steering system for hovering models -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Propulsion and steering system for hovering modelsPropulsion and steering system for hovering models description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070173173, Propulsion and steering system for hovering models. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATION DATA [0001]This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/761,650 filed on Jan. 24, 2006. BACKGROUND [0002]1. Field of the Technology [0003]The present invention relates to hovering models. More particularly, it relates to a steering and propulsion system for hovering models. [0004]2. Description of the Related Art [0005]Generally, conventional toy models that have a hovering feature produce thrust by one or multiple propellers mounted on the top side of the vehicle. Steering is achieved by one or more rudders placed behind the propulsion fans. In other alternative arrangements, steering can be achieved by reversing the thrust of a single fan versus the opposite fan in a dual fan setup. [0006]Thrust produced by propeller(s) has proven to be very inefficient for operation, and also drains power from a typical rechargeable battery very quickly. Thus, runtime for the toy is disappointingly short compared to electric powered traditional toy R/C cars with wheels. Rechargeable battery powered toy models that have hovering capability typically do not have sufficient thrust, consequently, acceleration and handling are adversely affected. The ability to move in reverse is severely limited due to even weaker propeller thrust in the reverse direction. [0007]Conventional models generally have an inflatable air cushion underneath the vehicle that is not capable of climbing even the slightest incline since it can function only as a frictionless air bearing. Additionally, these conventional models with hovering capability require smooth surfaces to operate on so that a pocket of pressurized air can be effectively maintained under the air cushion for air bearing function. As a prior art hovering model gathers speed via propulsion propellers, its ability to steer is greatly reduced since the thrust of the propellers is typically not great enough to overcome the vehicle's momentum. Therefore steering response is slow and as a result, the steering radius is large. [0008]It becomes apparent that there is a need for a more power efficient hovering model that also includes effective steering and propulsion system. SUMMARY [0009]According to one aspect of the present principles, the model with hovering capability includes air cushions that include both an air bearing function and a steering/propulsion system. [0010]According to another aspect of the present principles, the model with hovering capability includes air cushions that are exclusively air bearings and other air cushions that include both air bearing and steering/propulsion capability. [0011]These and other aspects of the model with hovering capability are achieved by a model having at least one front air cushion, at least one rear air cushion, and a propulsion system connected to the at least one front air cushion or the at least one rear air cushion. The propulsion system causing the connected air cushion to tilt in a predetermined manner and rotate in a user selected direction. [0012]In accordance with one aspect, the tilting in a predetermined manner includes tilting the at least one air cushion from a flat air bearing condition to an angular disposition with respect to a ground running surface the model is being operated on. [0013]According to another aspect, the at least one front air cushion is fixedly mounted in a horizontal, air bearing position and the propulsion system is connected to the at least one rear air cushion such that the at least one rear air cushion provides steering and propulsion to the model. [0014]In yet a further aspect of the present principles, the model includes two rear air cushions, and one front air cushion operating exclusively as an air bearing. In this implementation, the propulsion system is connected to the two rear cushions such that rotation of each in opposite directions with respect to each other causes the model to move in a straight direction. [0015]In a further implementation, the model includes an air compression fan with corresponding ducting configured to provide air to the air cushions, and a shut off mechanism connected to the air cushions connected to the propulsion system for shutting off air flow to the air cushions when the propulsion system is activated and the air cushions are tilted. [0016]In yet another implementation of the present principles, the model includes a front right and a front left air cushion, and a rear right and a rear left air cushion. A left side gear housing is connected to the front left and rear left air cushions, and is pivotally mounted to a chassis of the model. A right side gear housing is connected to the front right and rear right air cushions, and is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the model. A control means is connected to the left side gear housing and the right side gear housing for independently and selectively pivoting said gearing housings, and thereby the respective air cushions to provide at least two different modes of operation for said air cushions. [0017]The control means can include, for example, a right side servo having a right side servo horn, a left side servo having a left side servo horn, a right side control arm connected at one end to the right side servo horn and an opposite end connected to the right side gear housing, and a left side control arm connected at one end to the left side servo horn and an opposite end connected to the left side gear housing. The servos selectively control the operating position of the gear housings in response to user received commands from a radio controller. [0018]The services are capable of pivoting the gear housings in a range of more than 90 degrees to provide both a 4 wheel operating vehicle in one mode, and the tilted wheel propulsion system for the model in another operating mode. [0019]Other aspects and features of the present principles will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the present principles, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020]In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote similar components throughout the views: Continue reading about Propulsion and steering system for hovering models... Full patent description for Propulsion and steering system for hovering models Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Propulsion and steering system for hovering models patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Propulsion and steering system for hovering models or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Dynamo powered toy Next Patent Application: Toys with view ports Industry Class: Amusement devices: toys ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Propulsion and steering system for hovering models patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.11343 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
