WO1982000221A1 - Directional transfer energy production method - Google Patents

Abstract

Energy production processes using centrifugal / centripetal force and / or gravitational force in combination with the former. The methods include using a force producing means (10), a means for effecting a giroscopic translational movement (3, 4) of the force into a movement of a mass (2) in a plane other than the plane of the original force so as to need less energy to support a level of effort, and a means (5) of extracting energy from the movement of the giroscopic mass in the background. The means of force production can be an electric motor, the energy extraction means can be an electric generator or piezoelectric crystals.

Description

Description

Directional Transfer Energy Production Method

Technical Field

This generic invention, set forth in two species, re lates to energy production by means of transferring energy from the Earth's gravitational field and/or a developed centrifugal force in sequence with a gyroscopic element to utilize precession. Second species utilizes a developed centrifugal force upon a crystal structure to produce elec tricity.

Background Art

Heretofore, the use of gravity as an energy source has inherently required the working medium, such as water turning a waterwheel, to come from a relatively higher to a lower elevation to do work. Obviously any "closed cycle" attempt to achieve an energy output by raising the same water back to its original level to repeat the cycle would require greater energy input than output.

Prior art usage of centrifugal force in one form or another as a primary factor in energy production has never been feasible because inherently, as an example, when the base center of rotation of a revolving weighted arm is moved by arm centrifugal force, said movement of base center is but a transfer of energy rather than any actual energy generation. The use of a means of pressure upon crystals with piezoelectric properties has long been within the state of the art. Energy generation from this combination has not been economical primarily due to crystal mechanical/electrical limitation characteristics and the relatively high cost of both natural and man-made crystal, plus the obvious energy requirement to supply the means of pressure.

Disclosure of Invention

Accordingly, the first object of my invention is to create a true energy production method which used the Earth's gravity and/or a developed centrifugal force that acts in correspondence with a gyroscopic means in the first species. In order to attain part of my first objective, another objective of centrifugal force embodiments of the gyroscopic species is to produce centrifugal force upon the gyroscopic element, thereby producing energy output later therefrom in the operational cycle in such a manner as to require only minimal or zero movement of the centrifugal force element base of rotation. This inherently would mean only minimal or zero energy input for production and sustainment of said centrifugal force. The degree of movement of base of rotation of centrifugal force developing element is regulated by design means„ As another objective for the gyroscopic species, the Earth's gravity may also be used, either alone or with said centrifugal force as the motive force upon the gyroscopic element for energy production.

An objective αf the second piezoelectric species is to produce energy with a relatively high degree of efficiency and total output, using the aforementioned centrifugal force in combination with a piezoelectric element.

The concepts set forth herein will operate with presently available crystals; however, economical use of this species is contemplated only after vastly superior crystals with better mechanical/electrical properties and far lower costs become available when they are produced in zero gravity condition in outer space.

Brief Description of Drawings All drawings are schematics.

Figures 1 through 7 relate to Gyroscopic Species embodiments. Of these, Figures 1 through 3 relate to the gravity sub-species, and Figures 4 through 7 relate to the centrifugal force sub-species. Figure 1 is a side view crosssection of gyroscopic and base elements and side view of energy extraction element. Figure 2 is an end view of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top view of gyroscopic element and energy extraction means only. Figures 4 through 7 relate to centrifugal force subspecies.

Figure if. is a side view.

Figure 5 is an end view of the centrifugal force production element. Figure 6 is a side view crosseαtion of the energy production element and gyroscopic arm axis.

Figure 7 is a top view of Figure 4.

Figure 8 is a side view crossection of the piezoelectric species.

General Description/Operation of Gyroscopic Species

Basic operational principle is the same for both gravitational and centrifugal force modes. The first is activated in response to the Earth's gravitational field. The second may be also, but primary activation is achieved by a rotating mass other than the gyroscopic factor or a plurality of same to develop centrifugal force normally polarized which is translated upon a gyroscope axis. Said axis has a relatively fixed central rotation point with gyroscopic element outboard therefrom. Gravity in first sub-species constantly exerts a "downward" force upon gyroscopic axis when it is mounted parallel to the Earth's surface and rotating from a fixed base point.

In the second sub-species which is the most preferred, developed centrifugal force may be accomplished by only one rotating eccentric mass, but preferred embodiments use a plurality of eccentric rotating masses, rotating in opposite directions to polarize centrifugal force movement tendencies. Two general embodiments may be employed, having gyroscope on an arm axis describe a circle about a fixed point of rotation with centrifugal force input upon gyroscopic element limited to only one pole with the other polar effort applied against the general mechanism frame, either in a synchronized or unsynchronized mode relative to energy extraction points along said arm circle of travel, or:

More preferred, a reciprocating gyroscopic arm travel path which essentially would by comparison be over only a segment of the prior arm complete circle path. This reciprocating mode utilizes both poles of the developed two pole centrifugal force output.

Although only the basic modes will be depicted, it is possible to utilize a plurality of complete operating assemblies and/or opposing rotation directions in order to cancel all inherent vibrations and/or for greater operating efficiencies. Energy extraction from the operational cycle: The gyroscope assembly arm while moving in only one direction has both mass and velocity which may be translated when slowed or stopped by a design means into useful power output. Said arm movement is of course also overcoming, the gyroscope tendency to remain in the same plane and represents classical precession.

Some of said power output is channeled into meeting desired gyroscope rotational rate requirements, some for the centrifugal sub-species into meeting centrifugal force rate require ments, and the balance, less overcoming various types of friction, is available for power output external to the operational cycle.

Centrifugal Force sub-species power requirements: As earlier stated, if a rotating mass upon the end of a moving arm exerts sufficient centrifugal force to move the base center of rotation of said arm, an energy transfer is effected the base center is "accelerated" and correspondingly the rotating arm is of course decelerated, removing energy from said arm.

As a corollary, if said rotating arm moving at a constant rotation rate, generating centrifugal force, does not exert enough force to move the center or rotation, then theoretically no additional energy input is required to maintain said constant rotation rate other than that to overcome various frictions, bearings, aerodynamic, etc. Operating Efficiency for Centrifugal Force Sub-Species: Specifically, very high values of constant centrifugal force may be maintained with no inherent energy input when centrifugal force activates a gyroscopic element which translates said centrifugal force to another plane (90° to original force direction if gyroscopic mass/rotation values are sufficiently high.)

Specifically, this method -permits energy extraction in a direction other than the centrifugal force direction which does not deplete the original centrifugal force when a centrifugal force base of rotation location is not changed by said energy extraction.

A limited movement of base of centrifugal force modus operandus may also be employed with corresponding energy input requirements. Said limited movement creates a higher degree of acceleration and velocity of gyroscope arm, hence greater potential for further energy transfer.

Gyroscopic Energy Transfer Features: When gravity or centrifugal force is acting upon the gyroscopic element, said element is mounted upon a freely swiveling universal base to give free play to gyroscopic action.

After a certain span of "free flight" precession, in order to accelerate gyroscopic assembly, energy transfer is effected when gyroscopic assembly contacts whatever is in the path of arm movement, transferring the value of the mass and velocity of said assembly to a receiving correspondent. At such time, said contact causes an attempted further 90° undesired precession which may optionally be restricted by design means or allowed as a form of harmonic. Optional restriction has the purpose of limiting movement tendency of centrifugal force rotational base, consequently reducing energy input required for centrifugal force requirements.

It should be noted that when said energy transfer is accomplished that the gyroscopic axis arm portion which is in correspondence with the centrifugal force developer is still unrestricted in precession movement, i.e. all precession restriction in the shown embodiments is done by the correspondence of the energy transfer element and gyroscopic axis arm.

Direct energy expression of this method is integrally designed for and may include: 1. Mechanical — rotary or reciprocating motion.

2. Electricity generation.

3. Hydraulic flow and pressure. 4. Pneumatic flow and pressure, including thermal generation for heating and cooling. 5. Any desired combination thereof.

Throttle control is provided for in all modes by a variety of means, such as varying respective rotation rates between gyroscope and centrifugal elements, and/or varying relative locations of gyroscopic/energy production elements. A plurality of any and all operative units as desired is implied. Another design mode of the centrifugal force subspecies, not shown in drawings because it is not so preferred but quite feasible, employs the mounting of all units as described upon a moving reciprocating platform which is linked by normal crank arrangement to a flywheel. Acceleration and deceleration of said platform is thereby translated into polarized thrust upon gyroscopic element/s.

The continually revolving arm mode of the centrifugal force sub-species as compared to the featured reciprocating mode also is not shown in the drawings because of the superiority of the reciprocating arm mode which more conveniently utilizes both poles of polarized centrifugal force enabling an embodiment of fewer components and more compact design.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Specific description of Gravity-Gyroscopic Sub-Species/ Specific Operation of Gravity-Gyroscopic Sub-Species: As depicted by Figures 1 through 3, beginning with Figure 1, a side view crossection, gyroscopic mass 2, a cylindrical mass in this depiction, is mounted on rotating shaft 3, which is mounted upon fixed base 6. Said shaft is free to move in all three dimensions, i.e. on a universal mount 4 on base 6. Earth's gravity 1 affects rotating mass 2 which is rotating in direction 8, causing gyroscopic precession 9. Said preces- sion creates movement of entire arm assembly 2-3 which has mass and velocity. When a portion of entire arm assembly 2-3 encounters an energy transfer means 5. such as reciprocating arm for mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic or electromagnetic partial impedence to arm 2-3 movement, said energy trans fer is effected. Figure 2 an end view best depicts this. Normally only a portion of kinetic energy of arm 2-3 movement is transferred, with enough energy retained in arm 2-3 so it will tend to continue, in its original path. Element 5 upper portion is substantially above normal precession path 9 of gyroscope arm and said element 5 downward travel is limited to contact with point 7 of base β. Forward momentum of element 2-3 upon contact with element 5 causes depression of element 5 and continued forward movement of arm 2-3 since gyroscope rotary rate and mass value is sufficient to permit this. Amount of energy transferred to element 5 is also determined by design. A means of returning energy transfer means 5 back to original contact position for another energy transfer such as spring 29 is employed or a positive return linked to another energy transfer mechanism in sequence may be used (not shown) . Energy transmitted to element 5 is now available both for external use outside established operating cycle and also for employment toward meeting internal energy requirements. For external employment, a means of energy transfer such as reciprocating element 5 transmitting to overrunning clutch 11 for continual rotary motion of shaft 12 may be employed. For internal employment, a means of energy transfer from element 5 such as mechanical gearing or hydraulic or pneumatic or electrical generation and transfer 30 may be employed to a means of producing and maintaining rotation 10 (motor) of rotational mass 2. It should be noted that the amount of harvested energy from arm movement 2-3 is independent of the energy requirement to sustain constant rate gyroscopic mass rotation. This is true of both sub-species of this invention. Figure 3, the top view of Figure 1, best depicts the essentially circular precession path 10 of gyroscopic mass 2 and 3, and the fixed energy transfer means 5 being in said path.

Specific Description and Operation of Centrifugal Force — Gyroscopic Sub-Species

As depicted by Figures 4 through 7, this sub-species es- sentially employs the same gyroscopic/90º force thereupon as the. aforementioned gravity sub-species, except in lieu of the Earth's gravitational field a means of polarized centrifugal force is employed. Both a rotary or reciprocating motion of gyroscope axis may be employed with only reciprocating mode described in the drawings.

The depicted reciprocating mode is basically the same assembly as the prior species, with the vital addition of an assembly 13 to generate centrifugal force upon the gyroscope as- sembly 2-3 in lieu of the Earth's gravity, which may be far more powerful than said gravity.

Figure 5 also depicts the general application of this force for both rotary and reciprocating embodiments with the difference being that for the reciprocating mode, which is shown, centrifugal force developing assembly 13 develops force in "twice" essentially 180° different directions upon gyroscope assembly 2-3, (i.e. all force is transmitted to 2-3) as compared to the rotary mode (not shown) where the same type of assembly 13 is permitted to develop force in basically only one direction "once" upon gyroscope assembly 2-3 with the reciprocal thrust of assembly 13 absorbed by base 6. Although not vital to operation, preferred embodiment may have a plurality of complete units exerting force in opposite di rections to inherently cancel vibration.

Assembly 13 is a base for containing one or more rotating centrifugal force producing units. Although single units may be employed, in actual practice a plurality are rotating either in same or opposite directions for the purpose of pro ducing polarized thrust 1-19.

Rotating contra-rotating weights 14 in assembly 13 are tile specific means of producing centrifugal thrust. A means of powering rotation of said weights 14 such as electric motors 25 deriving power through an energy transfer means such as electrical lines 26 from a means of producing energy such as an electrical generator 5 is employed.

In the operational cycle, the very heart of this invention species is to control assembly 13' s attempted reciprocal centrifugal force movement which applies force 1 or 19 alter nately to rotating gyroscope 2 on arm 3 which translates said force 1 or 19 essentially 90°, the degree of said translation depending on the relative values for gyroscope rotation mass of assembly 2-3 as compared to centrifugal force 1 or 19 value (shown reciprocally) which is developed by rotating arm/s Hj. velocity/mass value of complete assembly 13-14. External, structural supports 15 guide assembly 13's reciprocal path. The Object of this translated force is to enable gyroscope assembly 2-3 to accelerate relatively unopposed in "free flight" from a stationary state to whatever velocity the afore-mentioned gyroscope/centrifugal force factors will create in a specified time and distance — said forces obviously simultaneously also overcoming the gyroscopic resistance to planar change.

In Figures 5 and 6, for energy output, this "free flight" of assembly 2-3 continues within the bounds of one-half of the centrifugal force cycle until assembly 2-3 encounters in its path resistance which is the means of energy translation, such as piston 20, which is designed to enable some movement of assembly 2-3 to contact piston 20 before end of cycle travel of assembly 2-3. Figures 5 and 6 depict arm 3 in the position of transferring energy to piston 20. Also shown in dotted lines is arm position at other periods of the operational cycle, in "free flight" while arm is accelerating 17 and reciprocal other power stroke later 18. Piston 20 as shown has arm 3 passing through said piston 20, with this slot containing feature 24 which is a ramp design intended to insure a very close fit of arm 3 and piston 20 during energy transferring contact point and minimal resistance to gyroscopically directed travel of arm 3 when it is accelerating. Said ramp design 24 slot size variation in piston 20 may be fixed, as shown, or variable (not shown).

In this depiction, energy transfer is shown in an electrical generation mode. Piston 20 has magnets 21 at either end, and electromagnetic correspondence is effected by recip- rocal motion 22 or 23, in sequence. Said reciprocal motion is the only basic movement allowed to piston 20 and element 5 is of course rigidly mounted to base 6.

Again, during said energy transfer gyroscope arm axis 3 is completely free to attempt to continue precession travel in its relation with centrifugal force element 14 and said centrifugal force element is at all times completely free to attempt reciprocating movement in one plane only on guides 15 of base 6.

The sum of assembly 2-3 mass times its velocity in essentially one direction translated into contact with piston 20 is the "power stroke." This is reciprocally repeated when assembly is moved in opposite direction by the other polarized centrifugal force effort.

Immediately upon said assembly 2-3/piston 20 contact, this resistance tends to undesirably further translate the gyroscopic force another 90°, "down" (same direction as corresponding centrifugal force input 1) upon piston 20. This undesired aspect may be prevented by optional piston 20 design feature 24. which essentially insures that assembly 2-3 and piston 20 meet with close tolerances so little or no deflected movement is possible and also by virtue of design, insures an unimpeded "free flight" condition in the direction dictated by centrifugal/gyroscopic forces when assembly 2-3 is closer to a mid-point of its reciprocating operational cycle.

The degree of freedom of movement of assembly 2-3 in same direction as centrifugal force reciprocation may be either fixed or adjustable insofar as the piston design is concerned. As an alternate mode, piston may be designed which will not constrain undesired gyroscopic direction tendency, relating to the use of length of arm travel and velocities in comparison with centrifugal force values for a designed harmonic effect (not shown).

Energy production is effected when piston 20 interacts with a corresponding element 5, depicted in this particular embodiment as an electricity generation method as is common to the state of the art. A means for creating a rebound arrangement of piston 20 may be used, such as a spring between element 5 and piston 20 (not shown here) to tend to return piston to center of cycle, or the depicted means for returning piston 16 from element 5 which, since piston 20 is essentially one unit, means that the respective ends of piston 20 are simultaneously both to and away from their corresponding elements 5. Figure 7 is a top view best showing the reciprocal travel path of arm 3 in correspondence with centrifugal force assembly 13 and piston 20 with element 5. Again, all depictions are schematic.

It is well recognized that in order for piston 20 to have only reciprocal travel relative to angular arm 3 contact and for the tended, albeit zero or slight reciprocal movement of centrifugal force element 13 relative to angular arm 3 contact, that mechanical compensating design for such "sliding" must be employed, and all such design requirements are expressly implied.

For rotary motion mechanical power output, not shown, an assembly for the reciprocating species, such as a connecting rod translating piston 20 reciprocal motion into a means for converting said motion into rotary motion, such as a crank assembly on an overrunning clutch, such as is common to the state of the art (and shown in Figure 2 for gravity subspecies) may be employed. Two such assemblies, one at each end of piston 20 travel, would be employed in the same manner as the depicted electrical generation mode. Variation in length of stroke of piston 20 is also considered at different operational rates.

For hydraulic power output, a pump assembly on each end, in lieu of the aforementioned mechanical or electromagnetic assemblies, would produce liquid pressure and flow as designed for.

For pneumatic output, a similar means as for hydraulic output may also integrally include in the operational cycle means for utilizing thermal increase or decrease of gases. Said increase employs some of the heat of compression in a desired manner, said decrease by same means with heat exchanger devices as are well known in the state of the refrigeration/ air conditioning arts. Open or closed cycles of the gaseous medium may be used.

The respective mountings of gyroscopic, centrifugal and energy transfer elements in relative position to a center of rotation may be varied as desired.

A means of starting process, such as an electric motor with battery/generator operational cycle as is common to the automotive state of the art is not shown but is expressly implied. Description of Piezoelectric Species/Operation of Piezoelectric Species: This species employs centrifugal force to deform cyrstaline structures having piezoelectric capability and/or a plurality of same in order to produce electricity. In contrast to the prior species, force production is directly transmitted to said crystals rather than a gyroscopic translation of direction.

In the depicted embodiment in Figure 8 the same polarized centrifugal force development means, assembly 13, is used to tend to move assembly 13 in direction 1 and 19. This "double acting" thrust capability is employed against a combination of electrical conducting plates 25 with piezoelectrically capable crystals 26 between each set of-conducting plates 25. All elements are in close proximity to each other so any tendency of movement of assembly 13 is immediately translated into pressure upon respective plates 25. Case 6 is of such design that two or more complete elements are supported in such a manner that each polarized movement of centrifugal force element 13 produces simultaneous expansion and contraction of respective crystal elements 26 on each side of element 13.

The degree of movement of element 13 represents the necessary power input. Crystal 26 expansion following prior compression against element 13 represents a return of energy to element 13. Power output is accomplished by closed electrical circuits 28 to and from plates 25 on each side of a particular crystal 26. Said power output powers a means to sustain centrifugal force such as electric motor 10, and also is available for use outside the operational cycle. A means of throttle control is employed, such as varying rate of energy to a means of sustaining centrifugal force (electric motors 10 in this embodiment).

A means of starting process, such as a generator/battery inclusion in the electrical circuit with aforementioned elec tric motors 10, is included. The relative cost, efficiency, electrical mechanical characteristics of presently available crystals, both natural and man-made, are well known. While this species will most certainly operate with minor power output and restricted dura bility using presently available crystals, its performance will be tremendously enhanced when crystals made in outer space of idle same basic characteristics but of vastly superior operating abilities become available.

Therefore, while the above description of the two species contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, in addition to varying gyroscopic and/or centrifugal force rates in the Centrifugal Force — Gyroscopic sub-species for throttle control and operational efficiency variations, it is also possible to vary the mass or effective mass of the gyroscopic assembly 2-3. This may be done by movement of effective mass distance from the arm center of reciprocation or rotation or, more preferred, by actually increasing or decreasing the mass of said arm assembly 2-3 during operation by such means as maintaining a desired level of a fluid in a container mounted upon arm assembly 2-3 or integral thereto, normally suitable valving being employed to effect said fluid entry path from arm center of reciprocal or rotational movement and also for an exit path outboard of arm movement path due to arm action centrifugal force.

This concept may also be used as another means of expressing the aforementioned hydraulic and pneumatic modes, either in an open or closed cycle. Said open cycle is also a mode which may be employed to directly create a propulsive effect upon the entire mechanism, said moving fluid being guided by suitable case elements after discharge from gyroscopic arm into one general direction of movement to invoke Newton's third Law of Motion for the fluid mass flow rates with opposing and desired result of opposite movement of said entire mechanism.

Mass changes during operation by design means for gyroscopic and centrifugal elements is also expressly implied for another-means of throttle control.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

ClaimsHaving described the invention, I claim as new:

1. A three stage method of energy production comprising:

A. Means for producing centrifugal/centrepital force and/or utilizing gravitational force in combination with;

B. Means to gyroscopically translate said force into movement of a mass in a plane other than original centrifugal/centrepital force plane and/or gravitational force plane for the purpose of reducing the otherwise required degree of energy to sustain a certain level of centrifugal/centrepital force effort, in combination with;

C. Means to extract energy from said movement of gyroscopic mass in secondary plane and express said energy for maintenance of operational cycle and also for external expression therefrom.

2. The invention as described in Claim 1 and further including: means for optionally limiting further and different directional gyroscopic precession of mobile mass when energy extraction accomplished from gyroscopic mass change of rate of movement.

3. The invention as described in Claim 1 and further including: means for structural support of all method elements.

4. The invention as described in Claim 1 and further including: means of throttle control.

5. The invention as described in Claim 1 and further including: means for starting process.

6. The invention as described in Claim 1 and further in cluding: means for expressing energy output as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and any combination thereof.

7. The invention as described in Claim 1 and further including: means for transmitting and regulating energy between the operative elements.

8. The invention as described in Claim 1 and further in- eluding: means for balancing vibration effects for operative elements.

9. The invention as described in Claim 1 and further including: means for directly expressing propulsive effect by hydraulic and pneumatic embodiments.

10. A two stage method of energy production comprising:

A. Means for producing centrifugal/centrepital force in combination with;

B. Means for generating electricity by application of said force upon crystals with piezoelectric capabil- ities.

11. The invention as described in Claim 10 and further including: means for structural support of all method elements.

12. The invention as described in Claim 10 and further in- eluding: means of throttle control.

13. The invention as described in Claim 10 and, further including: means for starting process.

14. The invention as described in Claim 10 and further including: means for expressing energy output as elec trical or mechanical and/or any combination thereof.

15. The invention as described in Claim 10 and further in- eluding: means for transmitting and regulating energy between the operative elements.

16. The invention as described in Claim 10 and further in cluding: means for balancing vibration effects for operative elements.