GB2451488A

GB2451488A - Propulsion mechanism having colliding masses

Info

Publication number: GB2451488A
Application number: GB0714947A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Francis Mchale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-08-01
Filing date: 2007-08-01
Publication date: 2009-02-04
Also published as: GB0714947D0

Abstract

A mechanism for vehicle propulsion that works by the action of collisions of oscillating masses. One embodiment of the mechanism can comprise: a mass 2 which is oscillated about its axis 13 along arcing path 9 by the movement of crank mechanism 7. The mass 2 and its attached spring 1 collide repeatedly with collision assembly 11 when oscillation of the masses occurs. The crank mechanism is moved by the motor 8 which is fixed to the structure 4. As the gear 5 is turned, the other gear is turned and this oscillates the mass 3 along arcing path 10 about its axis 12 causing collisions with the other collision assembly 14.

Description

MECHANISM FOR PROPULSION

This invention relates to a mechanism for propelling a vehicle.

The present invention proposes a mechanism for propulsion that works by the action of repeating collisions of oscillating masses. The mechanism consists of: a structure; two masses; means for providing oscillating motion to each mass so that each mass can oscillate along an arcing path; a solid feature for collisions physically bound to said structure and positioned to intersect the path of oscillation of a said mass; two arms attached to said structure One of the masses is attached to the end of one of the arms and the other mass is attached to the end of a different arm.

Each arm can rotate about or with its own separate axle, each axle being connected to the said structure.

There can be two solid features for collisions, each one positioned to intersect the path of oscillation of a different mass The two arms can be linked together by gears so that when one mass rotates about its axle in a clockwise direction the other mass rotates about its axle in an anti-clockwise direction The oscillating motion can be provided to the masses by a crank mechanism. One end of the crank mechanism can be linked to an arm and the other end to a motor driven shaft attached to the structure. A motor can drive the crank mechanism.

Alternatively, the oscillating motion can be provided to the masses by electromagnetic means such as by electric motor connected to an axle. In this case the oscillating motion would be provided by varying the direction of motor's shaft rotation.

In another embodiment, a crank and slider mechanism could be used to provide oscillating motion to the masses In this case a rack could form part of the slider and the two gears would be pinions engaged to the rack and would oscillate when the rack is moved backwards and forwards by the rotary motion of the crank.

A spring can be attached to each mass or to a said solid feature so that energy transfer of collision is greater.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention.

In figure 1 the mass 2 is oscillated about its axis 13 along arcing path 9 by the movement of crank mechanism 7 The mass 2 and its attached spring 1 collide repeatedly with collision assembly 11 when oscillation occurs. The crank mechanism is moved by the motor 8 which is fixed to the structure 4. As the gear 5 is turned, the other gear is turned and this oscillates the mass 3 along arcing path 10 about its axis 12 causing simultaneous collisions with the other collision assembly 14.

Claims

I A mechanism for vehicle propulsion comprising: a structure; two masses and means for oscillating said masses along arcing paths; a solid feature for collisions physically bound to said structure and positioned to intersect a said arcing path so as to cause collisions when said masses oscillate; two arms attached to said structure, said mechanism where one of the masses is attached to the end of one of the arms and the other mass is attached to the end of a different arm.
2. A mechanism for vehicle propulsion according to claim 1, in which there are two solid features for collisions, each one positioned to intersect the path of oscillation of a different mass.
3. A mechanism for vehicle propulsion according to any of the preceding claims, in which each said arm can rotate about or with its own separate axle, each axle being connected to said structure
4. A mechanism for vehicle propulsion according to any of the preceding claims, in which a spring is attached to each said mass or to said solid feature.
5. A mechanism for vehicle propulsion according to any of the preceding claims, in which the two said arms are linked together by gears so that when one said mass rotates about its axle in a clockwise direction the other said mass rotates about its axle in an anti-clockwise direction.
6. A mechanism for vehicle propulsion according to any of the preceding claims, in which the oscillating motion is provided by a crank mechanism and in which the said crank mechanism is connected to a motor.
7. A mechanism for vehicle propulsion according to any of the preceding claims, in which a crank and slider mechanism is used in the provision of oscillating motion to the masses.
8. A mechanism for vehicle propulsion according to any of the preceding claims, in which an electric motor is motor is attached and where the direction of the motor's shaft rotation is varied to provide the oscillating motion to the masses.