Abstract:
The apparatuses, methods and systems for harnessing fluid flow with flexible mechanical transducers include mechanisms that include flexible elements with strained deformations. In some implementations, oscillations of strained deformations in fins are excited by a moving fluid. By coupling the fin structure to an electrical generator and/or pump, energy from the moving fluid can be converted into electrical energy or used to perform useful mechanical work. In some implementations, the fin may be coupled to a motor or other actuator which causes the strained deformations to move, thereby imparting force onto the fluid to move or mix fluid or perform other useful work.
Abstract:
A highly maneuverable craft is disclosed, having undulating fins of a light-weight material that may undulate along the horizontal axis of the craft and/or rotate 360 degrees and continuously about the central longitudinal axis of the craft. The fins may be actuated by motors coupled to the fins and coupled to the exterior of the craft via circumferential bands, which may serve as tracks or channels along which the motors run. The circumferential bands may serve as reinforcing components, allowing the motors to exert torque against the body of the craft. An on-board battery may power the motors via electrical circuits extending around the bands. The position and travel of the motors about the bands may be controlled by a central processing unit.
Abstract:
본 발명은 진행파 원리를 이용한 이동체의 추진장치 및 그 방법에 관한 것으로서, 다수개의 구동력을 제공하며 상기 구동력이 시간에 따라 주기적으로 변하도록 제어하되 서로 위상차가 나도록 제어하는 구동부와, 다수개의 가변부재를 연속적으로 배열하고 각각의 가변부재가 구동부에서 제공한 독립된 구동력에 의하여 구동되도록 구성하여 구동부에서 제공하는 다수개의 구동력에 의하여 추진장치가 원하는 형태로 변형되며 구동부의 제어에 의하여 모양이 연속적으로 변형하게 되어 추진장치에 진행파(Progressive Wave)가 구현되고, 구현된 진행파가 진행함에 따라 진행파의 파면이 유체 또는 고정된 물체에 역방향의 힘을 작용하고, 그 반작용에 의하여 추진력이 발생되는 방법을 제공하며, 기존 추진장치의 왕복운동이나 회전운동에 따른 에너지 손실이 제거되어 에너지 효율이 높은 추진장치를 제공하는 효과가 있다.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a propulsion module (1) for generating wave-like motion in liquid. The propulsion module (1) comprises: a motor (7) for generating rotational motion; a set of conversion devices comprising a first conversion device (9 1 ) and a second conversion device (9 2 ) each comprising a movable arm (27) for converting the rotational motion from the motor (7) into oscillatory translational motion of the respective arm (27) along a movement axis, which is angled with respect to a length axis of the propulsion module; a drive mechanism for coupling the motor (7) to the first and second conversion devices (9 1 , 9 2 ) for transferring the rotational motion to the first and second conversion devices; and a flexible structure (19) extending along at least a portion of the length axis of the propulsion module (1), the flexible structure (19) being configured to be guided by the movable arms (27) to generate the wave-like motion of the flexible structure (19). A distance between the first and second conversion devices along the length axis, and/or a maximum range of motion of the movable arms (27) along the movement axis is/are adjustable.
Abstract:
A water vessel (101, 201) comprises a hydrofoil (111, 112, 211, 212) and an actuator system (150, 160) for driving the hydrofoil (111, 112, 211, 212). The actuator system (150, 160) and the hydrofoil (111, 112, 211, 212) are configured such that the actuator system (150, 160) drives the hydrofoil (111, 112, 211, 212) to provide lift and thrust to the water vessel (101, 201).
Abstract:
Traje de buceo hidrodinámico de simulación de tiburón con autopropulsión mecánica que comprende un traje de neopreno, al cual va fijada una estructura de fibra de carbono compuesta por una cabeza, una espalda, a la cual va unida mediante un muelle de sujeción, estando constituida esta a su vez por una caja de respiración que se fija a la parte trasera del traje de neopreno mediante unas placas de enganche y a la paste delantera del traje de neopreno mediante unas correas de sujeción, y un espinazo anclado a la espalda a través de una placa de anclaje y constituido por una sucesión de piezas llamadas espinas superiores y espinas inferiores insertadas entre si por remaches caracterizado por disponer de un anillo de propulsión al final de la estructura de fibra de carbono y un sistema de cinturones formado por un cinturón completo, que rodea por completo el traje de neopreno, y un cinturón exterior anclado al costado del completo, y unos cables de tensión, que al ser cerrados los cinturones tensan los cables cerrando el traje y adoptando la forma definitiva de un tiburón.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for an unmanned underwater vehicle that utilizes at least one flexible robotic fin to provide a highly maneuverable vessel with station-keeping performance in tight spaces, close to ocean structures or missions where a low-speed or station-keeping vehicle is required. A propeller is also provided for providing the main propulsion during high-speed transition with assistance provided by the flexible robotic fin. The vehicle includes sonar and camera equipment as well as a plurality of other sensors for achieving navigation and communication functions while surveying the underwater marine environment. A system controller and motor controller are synchronized to provide deflection commands to ray elements in the flexible robotic fin to achieve particular maneuvers such as pitch, yaw, and roll in confined spaces. The commands are traveling waves that undulate the fin precisely and for station-keeping the commands are opposing wave commands that fix the vehicle at one position.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of actuating a shape changeable member of actuatable material. The invention further relates to a shape changeable member and to a System comprising such a shape changeable member and a magnetic field apparatus.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of actuating a shape changeable member of actuatable material. The invention further relates to a shape changeable member and to a system comprising such a shape changeable member and a magnetic field apparatus.
Abstract:
A robotic fish comprises one or more torque reaction engines and a fin, wherein the one or more torque reaction engines cyclically oscillate and is to cause one or more waves to propagate through the fin, wherein the one or more waves accelerating thrust fluid and propel the robotic fish. The robotic fish may have a shape of a flagellum, a fish, a marine mammal, or a disc. The one or more of the one or more torque reaction engines may comprise a drive shaft or may comprise no drive shaft. When the one or more of the one or more torque reaction engines comprises no drive shaft, the one or more of the one or more torque reaction engines may comprise a bearing surface of a closed ball-and-socket joint.