Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS INCLUDING SWASHPLATES FIXED ON SHAFT ASSEMBLY AND
PISTON ASSEMBLIES
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This document relates to the technical field of (and is not limited to)
an
apparatus including a combination of swashplates fixed on a shaft assembly and
piston assemblies (and method therefor) interacting with the swashplates.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Devices for converting reciprocating motion (up and down or back and
forth)
into rotational motion, or vice versa, can serve a variety of purposes. For
example,
some such devices comprising basically cranks attached to rods include fishing
reels, pencil sharpeners, manual car windows, clocks, water pumps, and steam
engines. Combustion processes in engines may also generate pressure in a
piston, creating an upward reciprocating motion, which may be translated into
rotational motion via a crankshaft. Some conventional air compressors may also
utilize crankshaft technology to drive pistons.
[0003] Similar to crankshafts, swashplates may convert reciprocating motion
into
rotational motion, and vice versa. A swashplate normally consists of a disk
attached to a shaft, but mounted at an oblique angle (rather than aligned
directly
perpendicularly to the shaft). As the shaft rotates and the disk spins, to the
outward observer, the disk edge may appear to oscillate. The greater the angle
of
the disk to the shaft, the greater the apparent vertical movement of the disk
edge.
The apparent oscillation of the rotating disk (also called, a swashplate) may
be
converted into actual linear reciprocating motion by placing a follower device
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against one of the surfaces of the disk (swashplate). The follower device is
not
attached (affixed) to the disk (swashplate). The follower device pushes
against the
disk in such a way that the follower device urges the disk to rotate. The
follower
device may absorb (or conversely, as described below, generate) the up-and-
down motion (reciprocal motion), similar to the action between a cam and a cam
follower.
[0004] Some swashplate configurations (designs) may include followers with air
compressor chambers or pistons (such as those found in some motors). The air
compressor chambers or pistons may be positioned in-between the swashplate
and¨located on the opposite end of the swashplate¨an anchor device, such as a
cylinder block. The pistons (chambers) may be rigidly attached to the cylinder
block on one side, and on other side pistons fit against the swashplate
(preferably
with the assistance of dents or shoes formed in or provided by the swashplate
for
receiving the pistons). In other words, the pistons may often not be connected
to
the swashplate but rather be allowed some freedom of movement, for example, by
using ball bearings or other ball and socket connectors. In some swashplate
air
compressor devices, as the swashplate rotates or pivots and the pistons move
up
and down (reciprocate), a fluid may be drawn into the piston channels, and the
fluid may then be compressed and discharged.
[0005] One advantage of swashplate air compressors and/or motors over
crankshaft
technology may be efficiency, and, therefore, size. Different swashplate air
compressors and/or motor designs have been created with the objective of
increasing efficiency and power without suffering certain drawbacks from
increased power (such as weight, size, heating, etc.). For example, some
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swashplate air compressors and/or motors may include: (A) outer resin films
configured to provide greater lubrication, (B) a refrigerant device configured
to
facilitate cooling, and/or (C) oil or lubricant-free designs (to save energy
by
reducing friction).
SUMMARY
[0006] In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus is configured to
convert
reciprocating motion into rotational motion, and vice versa.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment, an apparatus includes instances of a
swashplate (also called a multi-swashplate design) in which the swashplates
are
connected by other parts and operate simultaneously. The apparatus and a
method thereof are for improving efficiency of the operation of a rotatable
motor.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment, the apparatus includes a first
swashplate mounted to a shaft assembly so that a first inner-facing surface of
the
first swashplate is at an oblique angle to the shaft assembly. The first inner-
facing
surface may be called a first inside surface. The apparatus also includes a
second
swashplate mounted to the shaft assembly so that a second inner-facing surface
of the second swashplate is also at an oblique angle to the shaft assembly.
The
second inner-facing surface may be called a second inside surface. The first
swashplate and the second swashplate are positioned opposite from and facing
one another so that the first inner-facing surface of the first swashplate
substantially faces the second inner-facing surface of the second swashplate.
The
shaft assembly is connected to the first swashplate and to the second
swashplate
so that the first swashplate and the second swashplate (once connected just
so)
are capable of rotating as the shaft assembly is made to rotate, and/or so
that the
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shaft assembly is capable of rotating as the first swashplate and second
swashplate are made to rotate.
[0009] In accordance with an embodiment, at least two piston assemblies are
aligned parallel to the shaft assembly. Hereinafter (in the summary section),
the
term "at least two piston assemblies" will be referred to as the "the piston
assemblies". Each of the piston assemblies includes a first piston end and a
second piston end. The second piston end is spaced apart from the first piston
end. The second piston end is located opposite from (spaced apart from) the
first
piston end.
[0010] In accordance with an embodiment, the first piston end is configured to
substantially fit against the first swashplate (in particular, to fit against
the inside
surface of the first swashplate). The second piston end is configured to
substantially fit against the second swashplate (in particular, to fit against
the
inside surface of the second swashplate). The piston assemblies are configured
to
be reciprocated (such as, along an up-and-down motion, etc.).
[0011] In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a
housing
assembly configured to hold the shaft assembly and the piston assemblies
together as one unit. The housing assembly is also configured allow the piston
assemblies to reciprocate and to allow the shaft assembly to rotate.
[0012] The piston assemblies 17 )ve the first piston end configured to fit
against the
first swashplate. The piston assemblies have the second piston end configured
to
fit against the second swashplate. The piston assemblies are configured to fit
against the first swashplate and the second swashplate. The piston assemblies
are configured to reciprocate due to the rotating of the first swashplate and
the
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second swashplate, and/or so the first swashplate and the second swashplate
rotate and the shaft assembly connected thereto may also consequently rotate
due to the reciprocating of the piston assemblies.
[0013] In accordance with an embodiment, the first swashplate and the second
swashplate are substantially the same shape and size. The first swashplate and
the second swashplate may be mounted symmetrically to each other about the
shaft assembly. For example:for the case where both the first swashplate and
the
second swashplate include lopsided disc shapes, the first swashplate and the
second swashplate are mounted at degrees from one another or similarly
configured so that the lopsidedness of the first swashplate and the second
swashplate may be substantially counterbalanced as the first swashplate and
the
second swashplate rotate.
[0014] In accordance with an embodiment, the apparatus includes a multi-
swashplate air compressor, with pneumatic pistons aligned parallel to the
shaft
assembly, which may also be fluid powered. The piston assemblies include the
pneumatic pistons. The piston assemblies, in one embodiment, may also be
housed in chambers, which may also have cylindrical shapes. The piston
assemblies may reciprocate due to fluid entering into the fluid chambers and
the
fluid becoming compressed. As the piston assemblies reciprocate, the first
piston
end and the second piston end may press against the inside surfaces of the
first
swashplate and the second swashplate in such a manner that the first
swashplate
and the second swashplate (with the shaft assembly connected thereto) may
engage in rotational motion. In some embodiments, the piston ends and/or the
inside surfaces of the first swashplate and the second swashplate may be
adapted
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to guide the placement/pressing of the piston ends against the inside surfaces
(of
the first swashplate and the second swashplate) without restricting the
intended
movement (for example, by using ball bearings). Moreover, in certain
embodiments, the sequence of the reciprocating movement of the piston
assemblies may be predetermined according to desired use¨for example, to
maximize (improve) the conversion of reciprocating motion into rotational
motion
without some resulting disadvantages, such as overheating or accelerated
degradation of parts, or to achieve a desired degree of pulsation. In this
manner,
the apparatus may be utilized as a motor mechanism. It will be appreciated
that
increasing the number of pistons (also called cylinders), perhaps in a
circular
formation surrounding the shaft assembly, may increase torque. By
incorporating
two swashplates rather than one, it is anticipated for some embodiments that
greater torque with high volumetric and overall efficiency may be achieved,
which
might allow a smaller size yet still sufficiently powerful air compressor.
[0015] Other aspects are identified in the claims.
[0016] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following
detailed
description of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by reference
to
the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken
in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 (SHEET 1 of 7 SHEETS) depicts a side view of an embodiment of an
apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 2 (SHEET 2 of 7 SHEETS) depicts a cutaway side view of an
embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 (SHEET 3 of 7 SHEETS) depicts a perspective front view of an
embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 (SHEET 4 of 7 SHEETS) depicts a perspective back view of an
embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5 (SHEET 5 of 7 SHEETS) depicts a schematic view of embodiments of
a first guide path provided by the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 6 (SHEET 6 of 7 SHEETS) depicts a close-up side view of an
embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 1; and
[0024] FIG. 7 (SHEET 7 of 7 SHEETS) depicts a side view of an embodiment of
the
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0025] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by
phantom
lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain
instances,
details unnecessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details
that
render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components
throughout the several figures of the drawings. Elements in the several
figures are
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illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. The
dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be emphasized relative
to
other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various disclosed
embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that are
useful
or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not depicted to
provide a less obstructed view of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
100 apparatus
102 first swashplate
103 first inner-facing surface
104 second swashplate
105 second inner-facing surface
106 shaft assembly
107 longitudinal axis
108A first guide path
108B second guide path
110A first housing piece
110B second housing piece
110C third housing piece
110D fourth housing piece
110 housing assembly
112 third swashplate
114 radial bearing, first radia, bearing, second radial bearing
116 thrust bearing
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(200, 202, 204) at least two piston assemblies, the piston assemblies
200 first piston assembly
202 second piston assembly
204 third piston assembly
206 first piston end
208 second piston end
210 input fluid port
212 output fluid port
214 interior fluid chamber
216 movable piston
218 first piston shaft
219 second piston shaft
220 fourth piston assembly
222 fifth piston assembly
224 sixth piston assembly
310 inner circle
312 intermediate circle
314 outer circle
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[0028] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not
intended to
limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described
embodiments. As used, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as
an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described as
"exemplary"
or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous
over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are
exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to
make
or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the
scope
of the disclosure. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. For
the
description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front,"
"vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented
in the
drawings. There is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory
in
the preceding Technical Field, Background, Summary or the following detailed
description. It is also to be understood that the devices and processes
illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are
exemplary
embodiments (examples), aspects and/or concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence, dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the
embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise. It is understood that the phrase "at least one" is
equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications, options,
variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described regarding
the
drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the subject
matter
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provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the
particular
aspects depicted and described.
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an embodiment of an apparatus 100.
[0030] The apparatus 100 may be called a swashplate device, a multi-swashplate
air
compressor device, a multi-swashplate device, a motor assembly or a pump
assembly. The pump assembly is configured to move a flowable material (fluid,
liquid, gas, or a slurry) by mechanical action. The pump assembly consumes
energy to perform mechanical work by moving the flowable material. The motor
assembly is a mechanical device, an electrical device or an electro-mechanical
device configured to urge motion.
[0031] The apparatus 100 ma be used as a fluid motor, a fluid compressor (a
pump) or an internal combustion engine.
[0032] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the apparatus
100
includes a first swashplate 102, a second swashplate 104 and a shaft assembly
106. The first swashplate 102 provides (defines) a first inner-facing surface
103.
The second swashplate 104 provides (defines) a second inner-facing surface
105.
The first inner-facing surface 103 is spaced apart from the second inner-
facing
surface 105. The first inner-facing surface 103 and the second inner-facing
surface 105 face each other. The first inner-facing surface 103 is oriented
non-
orthogonally relative to the shaft assembly 106. The second inner-facing
surface
105 is oriented non-orthogonally relative to the shaft assembly 106.
[0033] The shaft assembly 106 has a longitudinal axis 107 extending along a
length
thereof. The shaft assembly 106 is fixedly attached (coupled) to the first
swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104. This is done in such a way that
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the first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104 are spaced apart from
each other (once affixed or mounted to the shaft assembly 106). The first
swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104 extend radially from the shaft
assembly 106. For the case where the shaft assembly 106 is made to rotate, the
first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104 are made to rotate (in
response). For the case where the first swashplate 102 and the second
swashplate 104 are made to rotate, the shaft assembly 106 is made to rotate
(in
response).
[0034] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100
further
includes a housing assembly 110 (a partial view of the housing assembly 110 is
depicted in FIG. 1). The housing assembly 110 includes a first housing piece
110A
and a second housing piece 110B. The second housing piece 110B is spaced
apart from the first housing piece 110A. The first housing piece 110A and the
second housing piece 110B are rotatably mounted to the shaft assembly 106.
This
is done in such a way that the first housing piece 110A and the shaft assembly
106 are rotatable relative to each other, and the second housing piece 110B
and
the shaft assembly 106 are rotatable relative to each other. The first housing
piece
110A and the second housing piece 110B are fixed in position relative to each
other (the first housing piece 110A and the second housing piece 110B do not
move relative to each other).
[0035] The first housing piece 110A extends radially from the shaft assembly
106.
The second housing piece 110B extends radially from the shaft assembly 106.
The first housing piece 110A and the second housing piece 110B face each
other.
The first housing piece 110A and the second housing piece 110B are oriented
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parallel with each other. The first housing piece 110A and the second housing
piece 110B are positioned orthogonally relative to the shaft assembly 106.
[0036] For the case where the housing assembly 110 is stationary (that is,
held
relatively stationary), the shaft assembly 106 is rotatable (relative to the
housing
assembly 110). For the case where the shaft assembly 106 is stationary (that
is,
held relatively stationary), the housing assembly 110 is rotatable (relative
to the
shaft assembly 106).
[0037] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100
further
includes at least two piston assemblies (200, 202, 204). Hereinafter, the term
"at
least two piston assemblies (200, 202, 204)" will be referred to as "the
piston
assemblies (200, 202, 204)" for simplification and ease description used in
the
detailed description.
[0038] Each of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) are positioned radially
spaced
apart from the shaft assembly 106.
[0039] Each of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) extend parallel to the
shaft
assembly 106.
[0040] The piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) are positioned symmetrically
around
the shaft assembly 106.
[0041] The piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) are evenly positioned around the
shaft
assembly 106.
[0042] For the case where there are three instances of a piston assembly (as
depicted in FIG. 1), the piston assemblies are spaced 120 degrees apart from
each other (radially and symmetrically across opposite sides of the shaft
assembly
106).
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[0043] For the case where there are two instances of a piston assembly, the
piston
assemblies are spaced 180 degrees apart from each other (radially across
opposite sides of the shaft assembly 106).
[0044] The piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) are fixedly attached to the
housing
assembly 110.
[0045] More specifically, the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) are fixedly
attached
to the first housing piece 110A and the second housing piece 110B.
[0046] The piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) extend between the first housing
piece
110A and the second housing piece 110B.
[0047] Each of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) has a first piston end
206 and
a second piston end 208. The second piston end 208 is spaced apart from the
first
piston end 206.
[0048] The first piston end 206 of each of the piston assemblies (200, 202,
204) is
configured to interface (interact) with the first swashplate 102.
[0049] The second piston end 208 of each of the piston assemblies (200, 202,
204)
is configured to interface (interact) with the second swashplate 104.
[0050] For the case where a prime moving force (a rotational force or a
torque) is
applied to the shaft assembly 106 (so that the shaft assembly 106 is made to
rotate, the first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104 are made to
rotate
(in response to the rotation of the shaft assembly 106). As the first inner-
facing
surface 103 is made to rotate, the first inner-facing surface 103 urges (in
use) the
first piston end 206 of each of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) to
reciprocate. As the second inner-facing surface 105 is made to rotate, the
first
inner-facing surface 103 (in use) urges the second piston end 208 of each of
the
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piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) to reciprocate. For this case, the piston
assemblies (200, 202, 204) are urged (operated) to force the flow of a piston
fluid
(for instance, through a fluid circuit that is operatively connected to the
piston
assemblies (200, 202, 204)). For this case, the apparatus 100 is configured to
operate as a pumping device.
[0051] For the case where a prime moving force (a linear force) is applied via
piston
fluid flow through the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204), the first piston end
206 of
each of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) is forced to reciprocate, and
the
second piston end 208 of each of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) is
forced
to reciprocate. Forced movement of the first piston end 206 causes the first
inner-
facing surface 103 to be rotated (thereby urging the first swashplate 102 to
be
rotated). Forced movement of the second piston end 208 causes the second
inner-facing surface 105 to be rotated (thereby urging the second swashplate
104
to be rotated). For this case, the shaft assembly 106 is urged to rotate as a
result
of the first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104 that are made to
rotate
by reciprocating movement of the first piston end 206 and the second piston
end
208. For this case, the apparatus 100 is configured to operate as a motor
device.
[0052] FIG. 2 depicts a cutaway side view of an embodiment of the apparatus
100 of
FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a cross section of the apparatus 100 taken along a
cross-
section line A-A of FIG. 1.
[0053] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, the first
swashplate
102 provides (defines) a first guide path 108A formed on the first inner-
facing
surface 103. The second swashplate 104 provides (defines) a second guide path
108B formed on the second inner-facing surface 105. The first guide path 108A
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and the second guide path 108B are coaxially aligned relative to each other.
The
first guide path 108A and the second guide path 108B extend in a closed loop
circuit aligned around the shaft assembly 106. The apparatus 100 may be used
as
a fluid motor, a fluid compressor (a pump) or an internal combustion engine
(either
with or without the first guide path 108A provided by or formed in the first
swashplate 102, and/or either with or without the second guide path 108B
provided by or formed in the second swashplate 104.
[0054] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, an instance of a
radial
bearing 114 (two radial bearings are depicted) is axially mounted to the shaft
assembly 106, and the first housing piece 110A fixedly radially extends from
the
radial bearing 114. An instance of the radial bearing 114 is axially mounted
to the
shaft assembly 106, and the second housing piece 110B fixedly radially extends
from the radial bearing 114. Each instance of the radial bearing 114 is
axially
mounted to a thrust bearing 116 that is axially mounted to the shaft assembly
106.
[0055] Referring to the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 2, each of the piston
assemblies (200, 202, 204) provides an input fluid port 210 and an output
fluid port
212. The output fluid port 212 is paced apart from the input fluid port 210.
An
interior fluid chamber 214 extends between the input fluid port 210 and the
output
fluid port 212. A movable piston 216 is operatively received in the interior
fluid
chamber 214. The movable piston 216 is configured to be movable relative to
the
interior fluid chamber 214. The movable piston 216 is slide movable
(reciprocally
movable) along a longitudinal length of the interior fluid chamber 214 in
response
to movement of fluid through the interior fluid chamber 214.
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[0056] A first piston shaft 218 e,:tends from the movable piston 216 toward
the first
swashplate 102. The first piston end 206 is mounted to an end portion of the
first
piston shaft 218. A second piston shaft 219 extends from the movable piston
216
toward the second swashplate 104. The second piston end 208 is mounted to an
end portion of the second piston shaft 219. The first piston end 206 is
engagable
with the first guide path 108A. The second piston end 208 is engagable with
the
second guide path 108B.
[0057] Referring to the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the
apparatus
100 includes the first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104, opposite
from and facing one another and both mounted to a shaft assembly 106 (also
called a rotatable central axle). A first inner-facing surface 103 (of the
first
swashplate 102) and a second inner-facing surface 105 (of the second
swashplate
104) are mounted at oblique angles to the longitudinal axis 107 extending
through
(along) the shaft assembly 106. The piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) may run
parallel to (are aligned pareel to) the shaft assembly 106. Each of the piston
assemblies (200, 202, 204) includes a first piston end 206 and a second piston
end 208. The first piston end 206 may be called a bottom end. The second
piston
end 208 may be called a top end. The second piston end 208 may be called an
opposite piston end. Each of the first piston end 206 and the second piston
end
208 may substantially fit against either the inside first inner-facing surface
103 (of
the first swashplate 102) or the inside second inner-facing surface 105 (of
the
second swashplate 104). The apparatus 100 also includes a housing assembly
110 (also called a frame section) configured to hold the shaft assembly 106
and
the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) together as one unit.
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[0058] The piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) are configured to reciprocate
(linearly).
The combination of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204), the first piston end
206,
the second piston end 208, the first inner-facing surface 103 (of the first
swashplate 102), and the second inner-facing surface 105 (of the second
swashplate 104) are arranged or calculated to cause the first swashplate 102
and
the second swashplate 104 to rotate.
[0059] Referring to the cutaway view as depicted in FIG. 2, the first
swashplate 102
and the second swashplate 104 may have substantially similar (if not
identical)
shapes and sizes and designs (configurations), and may be mounted
symmetrically to each other about the shaft assembly 106, to allow
counterbalancing as the first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104 are
made to rotate.
[0060] In the apparatus 100, the first inner-facing surface 103 (of the first
swashplate
102) includes (provides or defines) the first guide path 108A (also called a
crevice,
a path, a radial path, a circular carved path, a curved path, a closed-loop
path,
etc.) for placing the first piston end 206 therein.
[0061] The second inner-facing surface 105 (of the second swashplate 104)
includes
(provides or defines) the second guide path 108B (also called a crevice, a
path, a
radial path, a circular carved path, a curved path, a closed-loop path, etc.)
for
placing the second piston end 208 therein.
[0062] The instances of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) may be
distributed
equal distances from each other along the first guide path 108A and the second
guide path 108B.
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[0063] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective front view of an embodiment of the
apparatus
100 of FIG. 1 (taken at a moment during motion).
[0064] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective back view of an embodiment of the
apparatus
100 of FIG. 1 (rotated 180 degrees along the longitudinal axis 107 from the
view
as depicted in FIG. 3 and at the same moment of motion as depicted in FIG. 3).
[0065] In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,
the
piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) includes a first piston assembly 200, a
second
piston assembly 202 and a third piston assembly 204 that are spaced 120
degrees
apart from each other along the first guide path 108A (provided by or formed
in the
first swashplate 102) and the second guide path 108B (provided by or formed in
the second swashplate 104). It will be appreciated that the term "piston" and
the
term "cylinder" may be used interchangeably. The first piston assembly 200 may
be called a first cylinder. The second piston assembly 202 may be called a
second
cylinder. The third piston assembly 204 may be called a third cylinder. The
first
piston assembly 200, the second piston assembly 202 and the third piston
assembly 204 may be collectively referred to as the piston assemblies (200,
202,
204). Although swashplates may vary in size, shape and material, it is
preferable
that swashplates comprising the same device are similar in size, shape and
material. As shown in FIG. 3, each the first swashplate 102 and the second
swashplate 104 may have the lowest point or the narrowest point and the
highest
point or the widest point along their circular paths (that is, the first guide
path 108A
and the second guide path 108B).
[0066] In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,
both
the first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104 are affixed (connected)
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along the shaft assembly 106 (and are spaced apart from each other). This is
done in such a way that a lowest point at the first swashplate 102 and a
highest
point at the second swashplatp 104 are aligned in a straight line extending
parallel
to the shaft assembly 106. This arrangement assures (for some embodiments)
that there is the same distance between any two points in a straight line
parallel
extending relative to the shaft assembly 106 on the circular paths (first
guide path
108A and second guide path 108B) carved on (provided by or formed on) the
swashplates (102, 104). The swashplates (102, 104) may be called spaced-apart
swashplates.
[0067] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3, as the first
swashplate 102 rotates counterclockwise, the first piston end 206 (of the
second
piston assembly 202) slides (moves) along the first guide path 108A, and the
second piston assembly 202 extends and pushes the second piston end 208
against the second swashplate 104 (as the second piston end 208 moves along
the second guide path 108B). This arrangement (motion) is configured to
generate
a torque of sufficient magnitude to urge rotation of the shaft assembly 106 in
a
counterclockwise direction Obit is, the direction of the arrow sign as
depicted) until
the first piston end 206 of the second piston assembly 202 reaches the lowest
point or the narrowest point of the first swashplate 102 (along the first
guide path
108A). At this point (in time and/or position), a sensor (known and not
depicted) is
configured to trigger the second piston assembly 202 to start retracting until
the
first piston end 206 (of the second piston assembly 202) reaches the highest
point
(the widest point) of the first swashplate 102 along the first guide path
108A. At
this point, the second piston assembly 202 may be triggered again to extend
and
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21
push the first piston end 206 against the first swashplate 102, thus (again)
generating a torque along the counterclockwise direction (as depicted by the
direction of the arrow sign). As the first piston end 206 (of the second
piston
assembly 202) moves along Vie first guide path 108A towards the highest point
or
the widest point of the first swashplate 102, the second piston assembly 202
may
also extend and slide along the second guide path 108B (of the second
swashplate 104) with the second piston end 208 (of the second piston assembly
202 as depicted in FIG. 4) pushing against the second swashplate 104. This is
done in such a way that a torque is generated and applied to the shaft
assembly
106 in the same counterclockwise direction that was previously applied against
the
first swashplate 102. In this manner, a turn-by-turn extension of the first
piston end
206 and the second piston end 208 (of the second piston assembly 202) in each
opposite direction causes rotational motion to be generated (and to be applied
to
the shaft assembly 106). This is done in such a manner that the shaft assembly
106 rotates 180 degrees in each turn, with two turns together producing a
continuous 360-degree rotational motion of the shaft assembly 106. It will be
appreciated that multiple cylinders (piston assemblies) may work (cooperate)
together with coordinated mc ion, with the number of cylinders varying
according
to a specific embodiment (such as, the first piston assembly 200, the second
piston assembly 202 and the third piston assembly 204 as depicted in FIG. 3).
[0068] In accordance with the embodiments as depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4,
the
first piston assembly 200, the second piston assembly 202 and the third piston
assembly 204 may provide coordinated pushing, extending, and retracting at
three
separate points 120 degrees apart from each other along the instances of the
first
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22
guide path 108A and the second guide path 108B. It will be appreciated that
the
overlapping forces along the circular routes (that is, the first guide path
108A and
the second guide path 108B) on the swashplates (102, 104) may strengthen and
smoothen the rotational motion of the shaft assembly 106.
[0069] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the
triggering of extending the respective ends of the first piston assembly 200,
the
second piston assembly 202 and the third piston assembly 204 against either
the
first swashplate 102 and/or the second swashplate 104 may be in a strategic
predetermined manner or pattern.
[0070] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic view of embodiments of a first guide path
108A
provided by the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.
[0071] More specifically, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in
FIG. 5,
the triggering of extending the respective ends of the piston assemblies (200,
202,
204) against either the first swashplate 102 and/or the second swashplate 104
may be in a strategic predetermined manner or pattern.
[0072] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the first guide path
108A
(depicted schematically as three circular paths), each with a set of line
types, such
as an inner circle 310 having inner dashed and solid lines, an intermediate
circle
312 having dashed and solid lines, and an outer circle 314 having outer dashed
and solid lines.
[0073] The inner circle 310, the intermediate circle 312 and the outer circle
314
represent the points along the first guide path 108A and/or the second guide
path
108B of each of the first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104
(respectively), in which each of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) begins
to
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23
push in an opposite direction against an opposite swashplate. The inner circle
310
is associated with the first piston assembly 200. The intermediate circle 312
is
associated with the second piston assembly 202. The outer circle 314 is
associated with the third piston assembly 204.
[0074] For example, the inner dashed line of the inner circle 310, the inner
dashed
line of the intermediate circle 312 and the inner dashed line of the outer
circle 314
may represent the paths where the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) push and
slip against the first swashplate 102, while the dashed lines may indicate
where
each of the piston assemblies (cylinders) retracts force against the first
swashplate
102 and starts pushing against the second swashplate 104 (the opposite
swashplate) and sliding against the second guide path 108B of the second
swashplate 104.
[0075] Although in FIG. 5 the inner circle 310, the intermediate circle 312
and the
outer circle 314 (also called circular paths) are shown with different
diameters, this
is solely for purposes of illustration, and in reality the circular paths have
the same
circular diameter (that is, the same closed-circuit outline).
[0076] In one embodiment, the point at which a piston assembly (a cylinder)
begins
to apply force against the second swashplate 104 may be at a point 180 degrees
from where the cylinder applied force in the opposite direction against the
first
swashplate 102.
[0077] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the two points on each circle
where two
half circles of different line types join to complete one circle represent the
lowest
point (the narrowest point) and the highest point (the widest point) on the
first
swashplate 102 (or the second swashplate 104). Suppose in FIG. 5 that the
first
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piston assembly 200 (cylinder A) pushing against the first swashplate 102 is
represented by the dashed line of the inner circle 310, so that the first
piston
assembly 200 (cylinder A) starts pushing against the first swashplate 102 at
the
highest or widest point where the dashed line of the inner circle 310 starts
(moving
counterclockwise). Consequently, the first swashplate 102 may rotate until the
first
piston assembly 200 (cylinderA) reaches the lowest or narrowest point, where
the
first piston assembly 200 may begin retracting away from the first swashplate
102
(as represented by dashed lines). At the same time, when the first piston
assembly 200 (cylinder A) may be retracting away from the first swashplate
102,
the second swashplate 104 (also called the oppositely-situated swashplate) may
experience similar forces that the first swashplate 102 experienced 180
degrees
earlier in the rotation, which may assist in rotating the central axle in the
desired
radial direction. In this manner, the reciprocal movement of the piston
assemblies
(200, 202, 204) (also called cylinders) between the first swashplate 102 and
the
second swashplate 104 may be converted to rotational motion of the shaft
assembly 106, connecting the first swashplate 102 and the second swashplate
104.
[0078] The apparatus 100 and method of operating the apparatus 100 (described
herein) may have a variety of applications and embodiments suited to
particular
applications. For example, ir. an application involving a fluid-powered motor,
an
embodiment may incorporate a particular pattern, timing, sequence of movement
of the cylinders (pistons) back and forth, and reciprocating motion, which
sequence may be different from that in an application involving a fluid
compressor
or pump. In an application where the shaft assembly 106 of this mechanism is
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rotated by a power source such as a combustion engine or an electric motor,
etc.,
cylinders (pistons) may compress and generate fluid flow, which may allow
additional varied tasks to be performed.
[0079] FIG. 6 depicts a close-up side view of an embodiment of the apparatus
100 of
FIG. 1.
[0080] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, each of the
piston
assemblies (200, 202, 204) includes a ball at the first piston end 206 and the
second piston end 208 of each of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204). The
ball
is configured for placement against the first swashplate 102 and/or the second
swashplate 104.
[0081] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 6, instead of a
solid
stationary end bearing that slides against the first guide path 108A (or other
part of
the swashplate surface), a free-moving lubricated ball in a solid cavity is
configured to rotate and roll along the first guide path 108A (or the
swashplate
surface) with a nominal friction force, which might increase efficiency.
[0082] FIG. 7 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 of
FIG. 1.
[0083] In accordance with the embodiment as depicted in FIG. 7, the piston
assemblies (200, 202, 204) include a stacked set of piston assemblies
(cylinders).
Specifically, the apparatus 100 further includes a third swashplate 112. The
shaft
assembly 106 is fixedly attached to the third swashplate 112. This is done in
such
a way that the first swashplate 102, the second swashplate 104 and the third
swashplate 112 are spaced apart from each other. The third swashplate 112
extends radially from the shaft assembly 106. The third swashplate 112
provides a
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third guide path (similar to the first guide path 108A and the second guide
path
108B, as depicted in FIG. 2).
[0084] The housing assembly 110 further includes a third housing piece 110C
and a
fourth housing piece 110D. The third housing piece 110C is spaced apart from
the
second housing piece 110B. The fourth housing piece 110D is spaced apart from
the third housing piece 110C.
[0085] The piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) further include a fourth piston
assembly 220, a fifth piston assembly 222 and a sixth piston assembly 224. The
fourth piston assembly 220, the fifth piston assembly 222 and the sixth piston
assembly 224 extend between the second swashplate 104 and the third
swashplate 112. The fourth piston assembly 220, the fifth piston assembly 222
and the sixth piston assembly 224 interact with the second swashplate 104 and
the third swashplate 112, in a way that is similar to the way that the third
piston
assembly 204 interacts with the first inner-facing surface 103 and the first
swashplate 102 and the second swashplate 104 (as described above).
[0086] In view of the foregoing, there is described a fluid-powered
(compressed air),
double swashplate motor mechanism with the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204)
(such as, at least two double rod cylinders, reciprocating parallel to the
shaft
assembly 106, between the swashplates (102, 104)). Both of the swashplates
(102, 104) are similar in shape and size but are fixed on the shaft assembly
106
facing opposite to each other rotated at 180 degrees from each other.
=
[0087] Specifically, the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) include three
double rod
pneumatic powered cylinders configured to reciprocate parallel to the shaft
assembly 106, between the swashplates (102, 104) in such a sequence that
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piston assemblies (cylinders) pushing against the swashplates (102, 104) in
either
direction generate rotational force in the same direction at shaft assembly
106. As
each instance of the piston assemblies (200, 202, 204) (also called,
cylinders)
generates rotational force while moving linearly in either direction, a
rotational
force with minimum pulsation is generated. Increasing the number of cylinders
(piston assemblies) in a circle could increase torque in a small size motor.
The
apparatus 100 provides a relatively simpler design that may generate
relatively
higher torque with relatively higher volumetric and overall efficiency. The
apparatus 100 may also be used to manufacture small sizeed but powerful air
compressors.
[0088] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the
best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use
the
invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and
may
include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples
are within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do
not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent
structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the
claims.
[0089] It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described above
may
be connected with each other as required to perform desired functions and
tasks
within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such combinations and
permutations without having to describe each and every one in explicit terms.
There is no particular assembly or component that may be superior to any of
the
equivalents available to the person skilled in the art. There is no particular
mode of
practicing the disclosed subject matter that is superior to others, so long as
the
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functions may be performed. It is believed that all the crucial aspects of the
disclosed subject matter have been provided in this document. It is understood
that the scope of the present invention is limited to the scope provided by
the
independent claim(s), and it is also understood that the scope of the present
invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent claims, (ii) the detailed
description of
the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary, (iv) the abstract, and/or (v)
the
description provided outside of this document (that is, outside of the instant
application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is understood, for
this
document, that the phrase "ir.cludes" is equivalent to the word "comprising."
The
foregoing has outlined the non-limiting embodiments (examples). The
description
is made for particular non-limiting embodiments (examples). It is understood
that
the non-limiting embodiments are merely illustrative as examples.
