AU2011203326A1 - The rotary global skyship - Google Patents

Abstract

THE The Invention Idea is to design Aircraft that incorporate a New theory of Flight of having the Fuselage Rotate as it Flies through the Air, while still being able to Fly with the Fuselage NOT revolving in a static position. The idea is further extended when built in larger sizes, with all of the unoccupied internal space making approximately 60%, being filled with bagged Helium gas to aid Lift The shape of the Fuselage body therefore has to be equally balanced from its centre, and this idea is to design a Circular/Oval body that is Aerodynamically sound to carry out its Dual purpose Role. Accordingly. the shape of the Aircraft's Body is Circular-like and slightly Oval but with two very definitive Scalloped areas removed from the front elevation creating a central pronounced Nose in between and one lesser sized central semi-circular area at the rear. The Aircrafts overall height being about 15% of its span, and its shape in profile is Convex above and Concave below, the Convex curve is the greater than the lesser Concave curve underneath. As the cut-out edges extend to the left and right of the formed Nose they act as a Wing profile. When the Fuselage body faces forward in Flight the cut-outs provide Airflow access to underneath the Body, and when it Rotates they Scoop and direct Airflow beneath the Fuselage body. Central to the Body is the Command centre and Occupiable space, which is geared to remain stationary as the Fuselage outer perimeter Revolves. Very prominent are the six locations of large Rotary Wing Helicopter blade arrays, almost equidistantly spaced around the Fuselage perimeter and penetrate the body through from the top to underneath. These blade arrays are able to be adjusted for fore, aft, sideways and for up and down, and turning and the angle of attack. Each being powered individually from one another. The choice of rotary Wing propulsion being the most economic and providing the flexibility to Hover and Fly slowly when the Fuselage body is stationary, and by being encased in a streamlined body, capable of high speed Flight. Beneath each Rotary Wing array, under the Fuselage are a set of adjustable blade vanes in a housing which can turn through 360 degrees to provide further directional control of the Aircraft. Being extremely manoeuvrable due to each Rotary Winged blade array being spread roughly equally near the Aircrafts perimeter, the Aircraft is also especially stable while Static positioned, Hovering or Rotating in Flight. The design exercise to construct the New theory of Flight Aircraft, is successful in the Areas of Aerodynamics, flexibility of operation, and by creating a movement of the outer surface when presented to the Air, a reduction in Fuselage drag and Power savings required to drive it against the Air's resistance in Flight. Other benefits come with the Aircraft being Safer as a one piece Monocoque construction when compared to having Fixed Wing and Tail extensions of a three piece Aircraft. 'I 0' (5 (5 o p. A ~ I El. U) S

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE STANDARD PATENT SPECIFICATION THE ROTARY GLOBAL SKYSHIP The invention is described in the following statement 9 Text Pages including this one, and 5 Pages of Illustrative Drawings l IP Australia 8 7 JUL 2011J nWrey @hta 0mhep 2 cpTyd Dmftuwam pmyauty offekm Cirks THE ROTARY GLOBAL SKYSUIP A study in a change in Aerodynanics in Aircraft Design HISTORY The Old: Since flight began, man has designed aircraft that require extensive runways to operate, and larger and more powerful engines to keep them airborne. Especially fixed wing aircraft with the conventional fuselage, with opposing 90 degree wings and tail appendage, and only 30% being flying surface. Along with the penalties of high Fossil Fuel consumption, and residual air pollution, the headlong rush governed by old entrenched flight technology ideas continues. Also, previously flying in aircraft could pose a safety risk to commuters, as aviation fixed wing and unstable helicopter rotary wing types, flown by Pilot Risk Management, carry volatile dangerous fuel in large amounts, which usually can exacerbate a catastrophic result if an engine fails. Commercial Aviation currently is served by three main types of Aircraft: * Fixed Wing, fuselage, tail and wings mostly high aspect ratio, built for high speed flight. (Three piece design needing long runways, high engine power and have a voracious appetite for fossil fuel). * Helicopter Rotary Wing, pendulum slung, built for vertical take off and hovering ability. (Unstable in design, disturbed downwash, high drag/weight ratios, even more fuel thirsty and speed limited). * Blimp or Airships with the ability to fly slowly and hover. (High drag, bulky aerodynamically poor design, ungainly in use and slow speed). Generally, they are all purpose built to handle a specific role in Aviation, and as such are expensive to build, complex and require an increasing level of sophistication. INTRODUCING A NEW SCIENTIFIC THEORY INTO WHY AN AIRCRAFT FLIES This alternative unique invention, assiduously combines the best attributes of all three qualities and abilities, into one entirely new idea of an Aircraft, that flies as a Fixed Wing, can hover and (VTOL) vertically take off; includes Helium gas lifting benefits, and can rotate on its axis in flight, to reduce drag, increase speed and lift, and is an entirely new novel development in Aircraft design. ALSO, with the new innovation ofA ircraft to Aircraft able on board docking while in flight. (Only by "Heliship" type designed aircraft- currently complete patent application), THE NEW: Now, with the inclusion of the advent of * "Heliship" technology, (under Complete Patent application by J Clarke), to enclose Helicopter Rotary Wings within a Streamline fuselage, it has been evolved to create the Solar Thermally Powered "Rotary Global Skyship'" *(also allows for in-flight compatibility docking of this A ircraft to land aboard Skyships). A new, novel, inventive approach to Aviation has resulted in the design as a Safer, Fossil fuel free, environmentally friendly vastly different Gravity Neutral aircraft "The Rotary Global Skyship". THE ROTARY GLOBAL SKYSHIP and introducing a NEW SCIENTIFIC THEORY. Featuring the amalgamation of the three of Aerodynamic forces coupled in a unique and novel way, and the introduction of a New theory of Flight technology in the Rotating Aircraft Skyship.

NEW SCIENTIFIC THEORY cont: The New theory of Flight now invented, enters a new hypothesis that if the body of the Aircraft moves in unison with the speed of the Fluid (Air), friction is negated, and the Aircraft is more Aerodynamically and Energy efficient than a static body. (The design is a Rotating Aircraft). Now also enter the two new forces of Centrifugal and Gyroscopic directional movement control. A study in Aerodynamics and Hydrodynamics of a body moving through Air/Water shows that forward resistance to movement is lower when the body is rotating than when static, as dynamic pressure is reduced, and the amount of energy to move the body is reduced Over the last hundred years of powered Flight in Australia, Bernoulli's theories of Lift and Newton's Laws of Motion have been relied on as to why an Aeroplane flies Some claim Dynamic Air Pressure forces as the reason and the others Action and Reaction. Using this new Technology of reduced Drag, the design of a more Aerodynamic Circular convex shaped Aircraft that creates Lift as it revokes through the Air, forms a unique innovative change in Aviation design Theories which involve accepted laws of movement. THE NEW THEORY OF FLIGHT The theory is explained with the idea that by creating a (rotating) moving surface to compliment the airflow moving against it requires less motion energy and the moving surface body can travel faster as less friction (Drag) is present between the surfaces. The mating of the two surfaces, that being the Air and the Body moving through it, (as typified by an Aircraft pushing against and through it) the surfaces are lubricated by the movement of the spinning body thereby reducing the friction between the two and lower dynamic pressure. AND this can occur up to the point of the moving body reaching the identical speed of the other surface (Air) thereby reducing the skin friction between the two. An analogy would be like travelling down a bitumen road (the Air) in a car with the wheels (the Body) skidding while rotating with the handbrake on, and then releasing it. The rolling resistance and friction between the wheel and the bitumen is decreased as the surfaces reach the same speed.

Resw7r G4A&Ja akzpw 4 CtDjpyfflst'eM Emoii[ t~h ?Mrgy *Mom~ Cko DESCRIPTION Appearing as a large elliptical, rounder, but not circular shaped aircraft, and being convex across its upper width and concave below, the idea example Skyship is multi engine driven by a number (can vary) large helicopter rotary wing arrays engineered to be within the aircraft's body shape, internally and around its perimeter,(see Fig 1 in illustrative drawings enc). (NOTE: This body design is not the definitive idea as any balanced convex/concave shape will work). There are no obvious wing extensions on the Rotary Global Skyship example shown in Fig 1. Designed as a multifunctional operating aircraft the Rotary Global Skyship varies from known commercial size aircraft design being a unique monocoque built VTOL (Vertical Take Off aircraft) that rotates on its axis in flight, and has aircraft to aircraft docking capability while aloft. It is designed to require no airport, to hover or fly at very low or high speed, and have improved airborne manoeuvrability and fly forward or remain stationary without rotating. Skyship can be either conventionally engines powered, or preferably perpetual Sun Thermal powered, (the proposed Thermal power plants are the subject of separate Patent applications), Vertical Take Off; (VTO) Aircraft), and can be compact sized or up to mammoth proportions, with self sustaining Global circumnavigating capabilities. The Tri-generation Solar Thermal engine is the preferred option over conventional engine power. (However this invention, the Skyship, may also function if conventionally powered). Visually it may appear overhead, more an egg shape, smooth but flatter with no obvious protrusions, tail appendage or fins, but may have flaps or speed brakes at the rear. (Distinctly Bird of Prey like). The upper surface has about 36 flush mounted Solar Thermal heat concentrators mounted on it's upper surfaces when Solar Thermal powered. The outer edge is scalloped at the leading edge in two places forming a nose at the Front with a smaller central scallop at the rear. These form Wing edges when moving forward without Rotating, and act as scoops to increase Dynamic pressure lift when it is Rotating. In side on profile it is more saucer like, with the topside convex curve being greater than the concave shape underneath. (as in a Frisbee). Viewed from above the fuselage body, is seen a number of circular conical holes which penetrate through to the underside. (can vary according to size of the Aircraft- this example shows six). Each helicopter type blade array is concealed within the superstructure in each of the circular conical holes, and is able to be varied in engine driven speed, pitch, and angle of attack and direction. Covering the circular cones on the underside, are slatted vanes, which can rotate 360 degrees and can redirect the air downwash in varying directions sideways and vertically, with each rotary array being powered by its own engine.

RIDJy Ghbdl Sy3[dp 5 CopyglW And fLt hfmMe njTfly *ffjIMh HOW IT WORKS Amalgamation of three known, (fixed wing, helicopter, blimp) and the new Aerodynamic design force, form the platform of the invention of this Rotary Skyship technology being: 1. The use of a number of Rotary Wing engineered Helicopter type arrays concealed within a circular through penetration of the fuselage to provide Thrust. 2. A merging of the solid body and Helium gas filled bags, semi-rigid dirigible (airship) bodies, contained within to form the fuselage, and aid in proving Lift. 3. Introducing the Frisbee-like Aerodynamic shape of the fuselage to reduce Drag and aid Lift. The concave shape beneath creates Dynamic pressure Lift as the Air is scooped into it. 4. To add to those three, with the introduction of an entirely New Lifting and Aerodynamic reduced Drag technology, by including a controlled rotation of the fuselage, revolving around its axis. The combination forming the total integration of these forces, including the entirely novel Idea of controlled rotations of the fuselage produces the effect of an Aircraft of higher than normal lifting quality. To assist the reduction of gravity affects, the fuselage contains approximately (can vary) a ratio of 60% Helium bagged gas content, with 40% of air occupiable space, making the remainder of the total volume internally and produces the desired aim towards a Gravity Neutral Aircraft. The invention idea is to provide an aerodynamically efficient, lightweight, optional speed, large capacity Aircraft, with a fully enclosed highly manoeuvrable, streamlined fuselage, using beneficial lift as in a dirigible, without the penalty of an attached Gondola and outside propellers. AND to explore reductions in total drag, by designing a revolving fuselage. Although the impracticality of having a rotating fuselage may come to mind, the centrifugal force is low, when the revolving moment is slow, and the occupiable space is centralised. Also with the option of fixed for flight. (Note Fig 6 of illustrative drawings showing internal space). Also as passenger planes and trains move, sometimes at speed, without passenger discomfort, if the human vision cannot detect and gauge direction and movement speed, the effect is nullified to a degree. The human brain tends to compensate against the roll of a ship and when in a moving vehicle, certainly and even at speed, doesn't feel the movement as if we are being pressed to our seat. Conversely, as the fuselage rotates, the Flight Deck Cockpit command centre and occupiable space remains statically positioned at all times, and is geared not to rotate but toface forward The inventions innovative ideas: 1. Of using helicopter like rotary blade arrays is not new, BUT the novelty of having them enclosed in a streamline body, with vane control of downwash IS. (Also in a pendulum slung bodied helicopter the down washed air is disturbed, and deflected by the body below, the invention ideas is to downwash air to a clear unaffected path and obtain increased lift and controlled flow).

IRaU4 cilhw sIrazwp6cpll&Mu& fim pon eff &&AT CkA"~ 11OW IT WORKS cont: 2. The idea of using enclosed Helium in a semi-rigid dirigible frame is not new, HOWEVER the novelty of it forming as part of an Aerodynamic Aircraft fuselage IS. 3. AND the engineered approach to designing an Oval/Circular concave shaped fuselage with aerodynamic lifting qualities that can Fly by rotating on its axis IS. The speed of rotation is variable according to the amount of downwash to the rear and side ways vane deflection input to the blade arrays, and this compliments forward motion. Likewise the directional stability of the Skyship is controlled by adjustments to each individual fore, aft and side blade array for up and down, and turning. Each rotary blade array, being powered by its own individual engine to aid directional control. In Aviation, Bernoulli's theories on static and dynamic pressure and Newton's laws of action and reaction are understood, but the jury is still out on just why a wing flies. An Aircraft does not require wings to fly as evidenced in a Helicopter and Blimp. The principles of Aircraft flight being Thrust, Weight, Lift and Drag, are addressed in this invention of the Rotating Global Skyship with no obvious Wings. Thrust is applied by rotor arrays and rotation, Lift is improved by lowering gravity Weight Effects with Helium gas, and Drag is reduced by Rotating the fuselage. Construction using super lightweight materials for the core carcass are aluminium frame, truss and beam, with riveted aluminium sheet covering, along with some use of carbon fibre composites and foam. Preferred size could range from approximately 15 metres to 120 plus metres in diameter for commercial use, with smaller personal transport examples from 5 metres in wing diameter. The hypothetical example size shown in the accompanying Illustrative Drawings are of an Aircraft around 65 metres in diameter, and 5 metres, they are not meant as accurate enough to scale from.

RTR C10D 7040 kA[YAS S=ya A9 hLIB dPT(M ff'dAn CkAse Index of Illustrative Drawings. - SHEETS I TO 5 SHEET I Fig 1- on the LHS shows the overhead view of the Aircrafl, and the Windows and circular positions of the Rotary blade arrays (6) on the outer fuselage body and scalloped front edges. FIG 2- shows the side on profile views of the fuselage in through section so the convex above and the concave below shape can be clearly seen. The convex curve above being greater. Fig 3 - Demonstrates the RHS of the fuselage body from underneath, and the circular Rotary arrays, and the locations of the 360 degree revolving control vanes. (as drawn from below in Fig 4). Fig 4 - Shows a section of one rotary blade array from underneath the fuselage and the fitment of the directional and varied angle of attack air control Vanes. (These are fitted to each array). SHEET 2 Fig 5 - Illustrates an artists impression of the Aircrafl in Flight from an above side angle, clearly demonstrating the scalloping of the front elevation leading edge. Fig 6 - This front elevation displays the three elements of the fuselage body structure; the rotating wings, the forward projecting nose and the non rotating cockpit flight deck. SHEET 3 Fig 7- Airflow direction is shown as arrows while Flying in overall Static position. SHEET 4 Fig 8- Airflow direction is shown arrowed while Rotating in Flight. SHEET 5 Fig 9- Demonstrates a compact form of the Skyship, or personal transport Flightship.

Claims (13)

1. The idea of amalgamation of three known forces used in common Aircraft design into one. (Fixed Wing, Helicopters and gas filled Airships or Blimps), via the introduction of a circular shape body.

2. The Skyship design invention incorporates as in Claim 1, the novel inclusion of dirigible type membrane lined Helium gas filled bag chambers in an Aerodynamic streamlined body, to improve lift and overcome gravity weight penalties creating a Gravity Neutral Aircraft.

3. The designed invention includes as in Claim 1, the novel idea of using multiple Helicopter blade arrays streamlined to be internal to the fuselage body to reduce drag and improve airflow control.

4. The Skyship introduces the unique and inventive idea to Rotate thefuselage external body, around its axis in flight horizontally, to increase Lift and reduce Drag.

5. The invention advances the innovative idea that the command centre, and other occupiable spaces of the fuselage remain in a static position while the external (winged) body rotates.

6. The fitting of 360 degree revolving Vanes as in Claim 3, to the underside of Skyship's rotary wing arrays to control movement in all directions and vertically up and down.

7. The innovative, novel scalloping of the front elevation and interfering with the Oval/Circular shape creating two semi- circular missing areas separated by a nose-like piece as in Figs 1&5. AND the novel shapes form a leading wing edge when Flying forward and scoop Air beneath the fuselage when Rotating.

8. The design of an Oval/Circular Convex above/Concave below, with the Convex curve being the greater, Frisbee saucer-like aerodynamic fuselage that provides additional Lift from changes in static pressure above, and dynamic pressure below at varying angles of attack.

9. The design incorporates the novel feature of Take-off and landing Aircraft aboard the Skyship Aircraft while Airborne.

10. The invented idea incorporates the scientific New theory of Flight now invented, and includes a new hypothesis that if the body of the Aircraft moves in unison with the speed of the fluid (Air), friction is negated, and the Aircraft is more Aerodynamically and Energy efficient than a static body pushing against it. (see History above).

11. The Skyship Aircraft may be rotated by other means of propellers, tip jets and propulsion devices so as to cause motion forces to revolve the Aircraft around its axis.

12. The design of the Flightship being that the whole of both upper and lower surfaces, including outer edges may incorporate devices (such as vanes additional to Claims 1 &3) to provide propulsion as the Aircraft rotates acting as a total Rotary Wing.

13. The Core idea of the unique invention, Rotary Global Skyship, is one of a Circular shape Aircraft with design features as in Claim 8, that can Fly by revolving on its Axis of a static fuselage, or when in a Fixed position as it moves forward. (with the capability of Flying backwards and sideways to either side).