Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PITCH CONTROLLED GROUND EFFECT VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to ground effect vehicles
operating on a cushion of air in general, and more speci-
fically to a vehicle having pitch controlled by an air-
foil behind a thrust fan.
BACKGROUND ART
Previously, many types of vehicles have been in use
using the principle of a cushion of air to provide lift
from the surface upon which it is operating in conjunction
with thrust directed air flow for forward propulsion. In
most cases, however, no consideration has been given to
the control of the pitch of the vehicle to provide an
optimum use of air gap or escape nozzle of the vehicle
over an irregular ground surface, and also provisions to
maximize the lift potential during operation over water.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents
that read directly on the claims of the instant invention.
However, the followin~ U.S. patents were considered
related:
3~
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PATENT NO. INVEN~OR ISSUE DATE
3,078,939 Bollum, Sr. Feb. 26, 1963
3,187,817 Colley June 8, 1965
3,412,956 Cockerell Nov. 26, 1968
5 3,583,520 Kirpitznikoff June 8, 1971
3,968,851 Windt July 13, 1976
Bollum, Sr. teaches an earth skimming vehicle with
a rudder directly behind a screw propeller providing hori-
zontal thrust for driving the vehicle. The rudder is pro-
vided for iaw control and is attached by a stationaryvertical support on the same plane and aligned fore and
aft with the vertical diameter of the propeller shroud
ring. Side thrust is provided by an open cylindrical tube
having a D.C. motor driven fan supplementing the rudder
for steering control.
Colley discloses a power plant for ground effect
aircraft and consists of one or more engines which are
arranged to supply power for the operation of two separate
air moving devices. A power reduction means reduces the
supply whenever the speed falls below a predetermined
level maintaining constant power supply to the remaining
drive.
Cockerell is concerned with stabilizing a vehicle
hovering over land or water. This invention provides
means for bringing about a stepped pressure distribution
over at least part of the cushion when the vehicle is de-
flected from its intended orientation with a restoring
force applied righting the directional orientation.
Kirpitznikoff teaches an air cushion vehicle with
the hull formed of two integral sections. The upper part
forms the passenger cabin and the lower part is a plenum
chamber. The sections are secured together with a flange
and a bumper and side wall buoyancy chamber are included
around the plenum chamber.
Windt includes a vehicle in which the lift fan and
~1~691Z8
the propulsion unit are driven from the same engine in
such a manner as to keep the lift fan at a constant speed
and vary the propulsion fan for speed control. The lift
fan is driven by two adjustable pulleys, one sensing tor-
que from the lift fan adjusting its effective diameter,the other is regulated by spring force.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Propelling an air cushion or ground effect vehicle
over an irregular surface has been difficult in the past
as considerable compressed ~luid in the form of air
driven by a rotating fan is required due to the varying
distance from the fixed surface. This invention taken
another approach to the problem, instead of simply in-
creasing the air flow, the vehicle itself is controlled
in the pitch angle allowing the vehicle to change the dis-
tance or air gap in the front or rear of the apparatus.
This feature then becomes a primary object of the invention
allowing optimurn air flow during normal operation and com-
pensating for the irregular surface with the same air flow,
however, in a controlled manner. This is accomplished by
the use of a movable aileron behind a thrust fan moving
the rear of the vehicle up or down upon demand of the
operator effectively changing the directional air flow.
This aileron also provides stability about the pitch axis
durins normal operation.
An important object of the invention includes floats
suspended by a framework allowing airspace above. This
open area assists the lifting force required to support
the craft, as the vortex created increases the lifting
force in a smaller area. With the combined utilization
of airspace and configuration reduction in weight, more
lift is accomplished.
Another object of the invention is the versatility
of the vehicle operating effectively on land as well as
4 lZ691Z8
water with components so arranged as to accomplish this
feature without modifications or complex adjustments.
Further, the device is relatively small adapted to convey
two passengers with ease sitting comfortably on top of
the structure with a removable canopy on top for protection
from adverse weather conditions.
Still another object of the invention includes the
use of a motor driven reversing fan installed in the
immediate front of the vehicle in direct opposition to the
rear thrust fan. This auxillary fan is driven by a direct
current motor and applies breaking power when the vehicle
is traveling down hill or is coming to a stop. The thrust
fan is throttled in speed for this purpose and with the
use of this type of air moving device, complete and posi-
tive control may be achieved.
Yet another object of the present invention is theaddition of a fluid pump located at the bottom rear of
the vehicle. This pump is also powered by a direct cur-
rent motor and ingests water in the inlet and discharges
this fluid at a high velocity in the opposite direction.
This system allows the craft to be steered in the docking
mode while operating upon the surface of the water. As
the discharge is directional, the steering capability may
be realized, within limitations, and low speeds are
dictated by the function.
A final object is directed toward the overall
safety of the vehicle. Roll bars and seat belts, or har-
nesses, are included in case of a collision of a magni-
tude that would affect the passengers. Further, all of
the controls are spring loaded to return the operating
motors to the idle position at a low speed in the event
the operator removes his hands from the control. The
steering mechanism is also spring loaded returning the
aileron to a netural position leveling the craft when
direction is lost or removed, Only one engine is util-
ized for ~oth fans while lifting the craft from the
:12691~8
surface, and as such, if power is lost the craft will
settle easily. Separate prime movers would have the
immediate effect of instability if one is lost or the
speed is abruptly altered. A parachute near the aft
roll bar insures safety of the passengers in the event
the terrain is such that sufficient distance of free
fall is possible.
These and other objects and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the subse-
quent detailed description of the preferred embodiment
and the appended claims taken in con~unction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OE THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a partial isometric view of the pre-
ferred embodiment with the side wings retracted.
FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of the preferred
embodiment.
FIGURE 3 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment.
FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
embodiment taken along lines 4-4 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 5 is a front view of the preferred embodiment.
FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along
lines 6-6 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along
lines 7-7 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along
lines 8-8 of FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 9 is a pictorial diagram of the steering
control system in partial isometric representation com-
pletely removed from the invention for clarity.
FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
embodiment taken along lines 10-10 of FIGURE 2.
36 FIGURE 11 is an illustration of the drive connection
of the thrust engine and the thrust fans completely
6 1 Z 69 1 Z 8
removed from the invention for clarity.
FIGURE 12 is a view of one of the keels in the
retracted mode completely removed from the invention for
clarity.
FIGURE 13 is a view of one of the keels in the de-
ployed or extended mode, as above.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
. ~
The best mode for carrying out the invention is pre-
sented in the terms of a preferred embodiment that is com-
prised of a body 20 having an aerodynamic shape, flat on
the bottom with a seating portion on the top and a pair
o~ round orifices 22 penetrating completely through on
each end. The body 20 consists of a structural frame 24
having sufficient integrity to support the propelling
apparatus, along with two or more passengers. The frame
24 may be of any material, such as steel, magnesium,
plastic compositions, etc., with aluminum being preferred.
A shell 26 is attached to the frame encompassing the
outside area, providing not only the outside protective
enclosure, but also incorporating an integral air plenum.
This shell 26 is preferably constructed of fiberglass,
however, any thermoplastic, or the like, may also provide
the necessary structural prerequisites.
A plurality of skirts 28 project downwardly from the
shell 26 define an outside peripheral boundary for dis
charge of air underneath. These skirts may be either
attached from the frame 24, or shell 26, and may be con-
structed of a resilient material that contains sufficient
elastic properties to allow irregular objects to deform
them or move them aside when the vehicle is being pro-
pelled.
On the interior of the vehicle, attached to the
frame 24, is a plurality of foam filled float chambers 30.
These chambers 30 are preferably, but not mandatorily,
7 ~Z69128
filled with one third polyurethane foam on the bottom,
one third dead air space in the middle r and the remain-
ing top section foamed, as above. With this combination
a greater lifting force for a smaller area may be rea-
lized by the overall system. Fiberglass~ or the like,encloses the chambers 30, making them completely sealed
and watertight.
Finally, the body 20 further contains a windshield
32 in the front of the driver allowing protection from
the prevailing ambient conditions while the vehicle is
in operation. The windshield 32 is formed of an opti-
cally clear thermoplastic material, such as cellulose,
acetate, polypropylene, polycarbonate, or acrylic methyl
methacrylate.
The prime mover for the vehicle utilizes an inter-
nal combustion lift engine 34 installed in the middle of
the body 20, including all of the necessary auxillary
equipment for operation, such as a fuel tank 58, battery
60, exhaust system 62, and remote switch gear 64. The
lift engine 34 is resiliently mounted on a separate pad
on the frame 24 and all of the interconnecting wiring,
fuel piping, exhaust piping, etc. are routed within the
structure. A plurality of fuel tanks 58 are incorporated
for additional storage with the necessary crossover
switches in the interconnecting lines located at con-
venient positions providing the operator with manual con-
trol. The lift engine 34 is preferably the air cooled
type having an internal fan to move air across extended
surface areas within the block and heads for dissipating
the heat developed by the engine in operation.
A pair of lift fans 36 are positioned within the
round orifices 22 in the body 20 and furnish a direct
movement of air when rotated from the top of the vehicle
to within the plenum chamber of the shell 26. Each fan
36 operates in an opposite direction counter rotating to
balance the system and provide additional stability of
8 1 Z69 ~ 2 8
the craft. The air flow produced by these fans 36 create
a lift effect by pushing a pressurized curtain of air
underneath the body 20 forcing a separation of the craft
from the surface upon which it is resting in an air
cushion manner.
The fans 36 are mechanically linked to the lift
engine 34 with drive means changing the rotational force
of the engine from vertical to horizontal. This is
accomplished with a flywheel gear 40 attached directly
to the flywheel of the engine 34. A worm gear 42 is
rotatably meshed with the flywheel gear 40 and a pair
of first bevel gears 44 are attached on each end. This
arrangement changes the speed and rotational plane of
the engine 34. A set of second bevel gears 46 are meshed
into the first gears 44 restoring the operational plane,
however, in opposite directions. Directly on top of the
second gears are a pair of first sprockets 48 that have
teeth extending outwardly. Each fan 36 is mechanically
linked to a gear box 52 on one side and a second sprocket
50 on the other. This gear box 52 has internal speed
changing capabilities allowing the optimum rotation of
each fan 36. The second sprocket 50 is much like the
first 48 in that it is planar and has similar extending
teeth. A pair of chains 54, metal or plastic, link the
first sprocket 48 and second sprocket 50 together, trans-
mitting power from the lift engine 34 to the fans 36.
Necessary lubrication means and tensioning means are in-
cluded in this drive to accomplish the purpose. It will
be noted that all of the components thus described are
not necessarily required to be within the scope of this
invention, as simplified drive means may be incorporated
with equal ease.
A forward thrust engine 56 is rotatably mounted at
the rear of the vehicle to propel the craft forward. This
engine 56 is also air cooled and includes all of the same
accessories as described in the lift engine 34. This
.
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thrust engine 56 is pivotally mounted on the frame 24
in such a manner as to move from side to side by the
use of a rotatable pedestal 66. This pedestal 66 is best
illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 8 and has a platform on the
top for receiving the engine 56 and a retained base
attached to the body 20 on the bottom.
A forward thrust fan 68 is connected directly to
the drive shaft of the thrust engine 56 or a gear box
may be included at the interface for changing the fan
speed. A protected orifice ring 70 is utilized around
the periphery of the fan to maximize the air flow and
provide safety protection from the moving blades of the
fan 68. This orifice ring 70 is preferably attached to
the top platform of the pedestal 66 and becomes a struc-
tural member thereof.
An aileron 72 having an aerodynamic shape is pivot-
ally disposed directly behind the forward thrust fan 68
allowing the discharge air to directly impinge upon the
exposed surface. When the aileron 72 is rotated, the air
is directed in a controlled manner, either up or down,
and the vehicle reacts in the opposed manner. This move-
ment controls the pitch of the vehicle and allows the
thrust fan 68 to remain in a horizontal plane simplifying
the mounting.
Steering of the vehicle is controlled by a linkage,
best illustrated in FI~URE 9. A movable handlebar steer-
ing devlce 74 is mounted on the body 20 forward of the
midsection and lifts up, or is pushed down, and is rotated
side to side. Movable aileron linkage 76 connects the
handlebar devide 74 to the aileron 72 providing horizontal
orientation in response to lifting or dropping the handle-
bars 74, thereby controlling the desired pitch of the
vehicle. This aileron linkage 76 may be rigid bars~ tubes,
rods, and the like, with pivotal clevises and yokes, or
may utilize a combination of rigid members and cables with
pulleys therebetween. The side to side direction of
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steering is controlled by a thrust fan linkage 78 that
extends from the bottom of the handlebar steering device
74 to the thrust fan rotatable pedestal 66. The makeup
of this linkage is the same as described above, with a
crossover occurring in the horizontal run changing dir-
ectional orientation for positive turning response from
the handlebars 74. As the handlebars 74 are turned side
to side, the thrust fan linkage 78 rotates the fan 68 in
an arcuate vertical orientation controlling the direction
of the fan discharge in an opposed manner, thereby steer
ing the vehicle in the desired direction.
A plurality of seats 80 are attached to the top of
the body 20 allowing the driver and an occupant to be
seated thereon.
A pair of movable keels 82 are positioned under
the body 20 within the plenum area of the craft. A manual
pivotal keel lever mechanism 84 is attached to each keel
82 providing vertical movement. Moving the lever mechan-
ism 84 in a horizontal direction changes the orientation
of the pivot points in scissor fashion allowing free move-
ment up and down in an independent manner. This movement
extends the keels 82, which is the optimum position for
traveling on the water, decreasing the effective peri-
meter area, allowing greater lift to be provided to the
vehicle in this mode of transportation. The keel 82 and
lever mechanism 84 are pictorially illustrated completely
removed from the vehicle in FIGURES 12 and 13 depicting
this functional capability.
A pair of side wings 86 extend movably from each
side of the vehicle body changing the perimeter area to
clear irregular surfaces of the ground mass while the
craft is in operation. Side wing positioning means 88
are mechanically linked to each wing 86 in the same
manner as the keel lever mechanism 84~ except in the hori-
zontal direction. The operating mechanism of the posi-
tioning means 88 is located in the proximity of the
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drivers seat 80, allowing the wings 86 to be deployed by
the operator of the vehicle while it is in motion.
A motor driven water pump 90 is located within the
body 20 of the vehicle. The pump 90 contains an integral
motor with the impeller connected directly upon the drive
shaft and a surrounding housing. The motor operates on
direct current electrical power generated by the lift
engine 34 and is included in the storage battery 60
electrical system. A single inlet and a pair of outlet
conduits extend beneath the body 20 and ingest water into
the inlet of the pump 90 and discharge the pressurized
fluid at high velocity in a jet fashion. This movement
of water propels the vehicle while in the water at slow
speeds and is used primarily for maneuvering and docking
without starting the main engines or at an idle speed
prior to lifting off.
A motor driven reversing fan 92 is mounted on the
front of the vehicle and supplies an air flow to the bow.
This air movement is to reverse the movement of the
vehicle when the thrust fan 68 is not operating, or is
used for braking while going down hill. This reverse
thrust of air operates on a small scale, as does the
thrust fan 68, except in an opposite direction. Power
for this reversing fan 92 is supplied from the same
source and in the same manner as the motor on the water
pump 9o,
A plurality of roll bars 94 are rigidly mounted to
the frame 24 near the seats 80. These roll bars 94 are
"U" shaped with a mounting plate on each end protecting
the occupants if the vehicle is accidently rolled on to
its top. The roll bars 94 are preferably fabricated of
a round metal tube having the structural integrity to
accommodate such an impact.
Each seat 80 is equipped with seat belts 96, which
may include a harness. These seat belts 96 are anchored
securely to the frame 24 and provide a restraining means
12 ~269128
to hold the occupants in their seats in the event of an
accidental collision, a sharp turn, or an abrupt stop,
etc.
A removable canopy 98 is attached to the vehicle
on the top over the seats 80 resting upon the roll bars
94. This canopy 98 may be rigid, such as fabricated of
fiberglass, or constructed of a resilient cloth material
of a synthetic fiber, or the like. In any event, the
canopy 98 is removably attached to the structure and
functions to protect the occupants from the elements dur-
ing all weather conditions.
A hinged lift fan cover 100 is positioned on top ofthe lift fan 36. This fan cover lOo is hinged in a fold-
able manner, and also at one edge attached to the body
20. The purpose of the cover is to provide a flat plat-
form for standing on and working on top of the vehicle,particularly when it is reating upon the water. The cover
100 may be of any structural material, such as metal,
fiberglass, or the like, as long as it possesses the
structural integrity for the application. The cover 100
is shown folded in FIGURE 4.
A parachute 102 is mounted on the top surface of
the body 20 in back of the rear seat 80. The folded para-
chute 102 is intended for slowing the descent in the
event that the vehicle accidently falls.
A deflector plate 104 is located under the bottom
surface of the body 20 directly beneath the lift fan 36.
This plate 104 is best illustrated in FIGURE 7 and covers
almost the interior surface. A even space between the
outside edge of this plate 104 and the body 20 provides
increased velocity of the discharge air thereby improving
the lift effect. The plate 104 contains oval shaped
edges 106 and is held in place with spacer brackets 108
as required to maintain the integrity of the structure.
13 1 2 6 9 ~ 2 8
The vehicle operates on the air cushion, or ground
effect principle with the lift fans 36 drawing air in
from the top side and delivering it into a plenum integral
with the shell 26. The compressed gas, or ambient air, is
discharged from around the bottom skirt 28 with an even
escape velocity creating a lifting force. The plenum, or
underside, of the crafts shell 26 in conjunction with the
skirts 28 provides the inside surface area that is pres-
surized and inasmuch as the surface upon which it is
resting is relatively solid, the gap or space there-
between becomes the boundary for the compressed gas
creating the lift effect Forward propulsion is provided
by a separate thrust engine 56 and fan 68 giving direction
to the craft. this propulsion and li~t system allows the
invention to travel over earth, sand, snow, and water,
etc.
While the invention has been described in complete
detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings,
it is not to be limited to such details, since many
changes and modifications may be in the invention without
departing from the spirit and the scope thereof. Hence,
it is described to cover any and all modifications and
forms which may come within the language and scope of
the appended claims.
