HYDRO-PROPULSION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hydro-propulsion mechanism, and more particularly to a hydro-propulsion device which is propelled by the effect of physical actions of one or more operators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There have been several approaches in development of a hydro- propulsion device. However, none of these efforts has achieved all of the advantages of the present invention. For example, U. S. Pat. No. 3,971,330 discloses a vessel with a vertically elongated pump that comprises of an intake port at its bottom and an exhaust port near the bottom. A vertical rod is attached to a piston sliding inside the pump that takes water in through the intake port and expels it out through the exhaust port. A valve opens and closes the intake port in cooperation with the motion of the piston. The invention operates by the upward and downward motion of a piston inside a vertical, hollow, cylindrical housing. Water is taken in through an intake port past a pivoted valve on the upstroke and on the down stroke of the piston, the valve shuts off the intake port and causes all the water in the device to be ejected through the exhaust port.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,246,861 discloses a marine vessel propelled by a water jet thrust which is provided by a wedge shaped chamber. The wedge shaped

chamber is defined by a rigid thin panel mounted on an underside of a vessel and pivoted on the front end. The vertical sides of the wedge chamber are closed off by rigid side members that are attached to underside panel of the vessel. By actuating the wedge shaped chamber, water flows out of the wedge shaped chamber and thus, creates a backward flowing concentrated jet of water. This produces a forward thrust for driving the vessel through the water. Though, the wedge shaped chamber does not provide a constant propelling velocity to the marine vessel as the velocity of the vessel decreases during which the water flows in through a rear opening to refill the chamber.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,106 discloses an aquatic sports device which comprises a buoyant body and a water injection device. The water injection device includes a tank, a piston and a spring. By driving the piston downwardly using the user's weight, water is ejected from the buoyant body and causes the device to propel forward. The spring returns the piston upwardly when no weight is applied to the piston.

U.S Pat. No. 5,366,395 discloses a pulsating impeller system to move a body through a fluid medium. The pulsating impeller includes an enclosure mounted on a vessel or other body. The enclosure is provided with an inlet and outlet aperture to facilitate the flow of the fluid medium into and out of the enclosure. An expansible membrane is positioned in the enclosure and the volume of the expansion membrane is inflated and deflated on a regular cycle by a compressed air. When the enclosure is place in a fluid and the

expansible membrane inside the enclosure is inflated, the volume of the membrane increases resulting the water being forced through the outlet hole in the enclosure to propel the vessel. This force generates a reactive force which propels the enclosure and vessel in the opposite direction. The invention does not provide a consistent thrust as refilling of the enclosure is required before another thrust cycle is commenced. As disclosed in this prior art, the intermittent between the commencing of each thrust cycle is minimized by incorporating a plurality of the pulsating system into a marine vessel.

U. S Pat. No. 5,607,331 discloses a float member with a pair of elongated chambers extend in the float member between the top surface and the bottom surface. Each elongated chamber has respective openings at the top surface, bottom surface and rear end. Flap valves are provided for permitting water to enter through the bottom openings of the elongated chambers and foot pumps are provided for ejecting water through the rear ends of the chambers which consequently, causes the float member to propel forward.

Although, the aforementioned prior art citations have some utility for their intended purposes, a need still exists in the art to provide a hydro- propulsion device with a simple propelling mechanism. Moreover, a need still exists to increase the efficiency of water flows inward and outward of a hydro- propulsion device.

Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Singapore or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on the information available to the applicant and does not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a hydro-propulsion device which overcomes the problems associated with the prior art citations and provides an improvement thereof.

The present invention discloses a hydro-propulsion mechanism to provide water jet thrust. The mechanism comprises a chamber with at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port to facilitate flow of water into and out of the chamber; an arrangement of at least one shaft incorporated in the middle of the chamber to provide a reciprocating means, and wherein an end portion of one of the at least one shaft is a means for pushing and pulling the at least one shaft; and a diaphragm having a collapsible and expandable feature in operative association with the arrangement of the at least one shaft, and wherein one end portion of the diaphragm is pivotally secured to the at

least one shaft, and wherein the diaphragm facilitates to force water outward the chamber via the outlet port.

Another aspect of the invention, a hydro-propulsion mechanism incorporated into a device to provide water jet thrust is provided. The mechanism comprises at least one inlet port for allowing water from outside environment to flow into a chamber; said chamber having at least one outlet port connected to a rearwardly directed exhaust port located at an underside of the device; an arrangement of at least one shaft incorporated in the middle of the chamber to provide a reciprocating means, and wherein an end portion of one of the at least one shaft is outside of the chamber which is connected to at least one seat of the device; and a diaphragm having a collapsible and expandable feature in operative association with the arrangement of the at least one shaft, and wherein one end portion of the diaphragm is pivotally secured to the at least one shaft, and wherein the diaphragm is to facilitate means to force water outward the chamber via the outlet port.

In another aspect of the invention, a hydro-propulsion mechanism incorporated into a device to provide water jet thrust, comprises a first chamber which is adjacent to a second chamber, and wherein each chamber having at least one inlet port for allowing water from outside environment to flow into each chamber, and wherein each chamber having at least one outlet port connected to a rearwardly directed exhaust nozzle located at an underside of the device; a valve means arranged in between the outlet port of

first chamber and the outlet port of second chamber, and wherein the valve means consecutively allowing pressurized water flow from the outlet port of one chamber to the exhaust nozzle while preventing water flow from the outlet port of another chamber; an arrangement of at least one shaft incorporated in the middle of each chamber to provide a reciprocating means, and wherein an end portion of one of the at least one shaft is provided outside of each chamber which is connected to a means for applying stepping motion force to reciprocate the at least one shaft; and a diaphragm of each chamber having a collapsible and expandable feature in operative association with the arrangement of the at least one shaft, and wherein one end portion of the diaphragm is pivotally secured to the at least one shaft of each chamber, and wherein the diaphragm is to facilitate means to force water outward each chamber via the outlet ports.

In another aspect of the invention, a hydro-propulsion mechanism incorporated into a micro submarine to provide water jet thrust is provided. The mechanism comprises at least one inlet port for allowing water from outside environment to flow into a chamber; said chamber having at least one outlet port connected to a rearwardly directed exhaust port located at an underside of the micro submarine; an arrangement of at least one shaft incorporated in the middle of the chamber to provide a reciprocating means, and wherein an end portion of one of the at least one shaft is outside of the chamber which is connected to a means for pushing and pulling the at least one shaft; and a diaphragm having a collapsible and expandable feature in

operative association with the arrangement of the at least one shaft, and wherein one end portion of the diaphragm is pivotally secured to the at least one shaft, and wherein the diaphragm is to facilitate means to force water outward the chamber via the outlet port.

Other aspects and preferred aspects are disclosed in the specification and / or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and in which:

FIGS. 1(a-d) show different views of a hydro-propulsion mechanism (100);

FIGS. 2(a-e) show different views of another embodiment of a hydro- propulsion mechanism (200);

FIG. 3 shows a first embodiment of a hydro-propulsion device (300) with a lateral backwardly-pushed diaphragm configuration;

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a hydro-propulsion device (400) with a vertical downwardly-pushed diaphragm configuration; and

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of a hydro-propulsion device (500) with a lateral backwardly-pushed diaphragm configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described in detail herein below with reference to preferred embodiments. FIGS. 1(a-d) show a hydro-propulsion mechanism (100) incorporated in a hull of a device to provide a water jet propulsion to the device. Generally, the hydro-propulsion mechanism (100) includes a drive chamber having at least one inlet port (103), an outlet port (104), a central pole, a plurality of ribs (105), a rib connector (106) and a collapsible diaphragm (107).

The drive chamber (102) is cylindrical in shape and it is made out of plastic material, however, it is apparent that one or more type of materials may be suitably used in the design and construction of the drive chamber (102). The drive chamber (102) occupies a volume of water through at least one inlet port (103), whereas the drive chamber (102) expels water out to the outside environment through an outlet port (104).

The central pole comprises of a pusher platform shaft (108) and a holding shaft (109). The pusher platform shaft (108) is a hollow shaft with a pusher platform (110) at an end portion of the shaft (108) for an operator to exert force through physical actions. Another end portion of the shaft (108) is provided with a stopper (115). The stopper (115) is used for limiting the radially outward extension of the plurality of ribs (105). This is done by restricting the shaft (108) from moving downwardly below the rib connector

(106). Preferably, the pusher platform shaft (108) is made out of stainless steel or plastic material. However, it is appreciated that one or more type of materials may be suitably used in the construction of the pusher platform shaft

(108) which is able to withstand force applied in the reciprocating of the pusher platform shaft (108).

The holding shaft (109) of the central pole is arranged to be nested within the pusher platform shaft (108). The holding shaft (109) is made out of plastic material and can be constructed with a hollow or solid body. However,

it is appreciated that one or more type of materials may be suitably used in the design and construction of the holding shaft (109). The arrangement of the holding shaft (109) and the pusher platform shaft (108) is to allow a reciprocating mechanism so that the diaphragm (107) may be expanded or collapsed. The displacement of the pusher platform shaft (108) is guided and controlled through an arrangement of the pusher platform shaft (108) with the top enclosure of the drive chamber (102). As shown in FIG. 1c, one end portion of the holding shaft (109) is secured to a base (113) of the drive chamber (102). Preferably, the base (113) is a cross panel at which the holding shaft (109) is secured at the middle of the cross panel (113). However, it is appreciated by one skilled in the art that the base (113) of the drive chamber (102) can be constructed in any other shape which is able to secure the holding shaft (109) while allowing pressurized water flows out of the drive chamber (102) through the outlet port (104).

The ribs (105) extend radially outward from the rib connector (106). Each rib (105) includes a first rib end portion (111) and a second rib end portion (112). The first rib end portion (111) is located towards the centre point of the diaphragm (107), whereas the second rib end portion (112) is pivotally secured to the rib connector (106).

The rib connector (106) includes a cylindrical collar which is attached or welded to the holding shaft (109). The outer wall of the rib connector (106) is connected to second rib end portion (112) by means of which each rib (105)

is movably attached. The connection means of the rib connector (106) and each rib (105), allows the second rib end portion (112) to be motioned in an arc as shown by arrow A.

The diaphragm (107) is a means to force water within the chamber

(102) out to the outside environment via the outlet port (104). The diaphragm (107) is collapsible and expandable depending upon the motion of the pusher platform shaft (108). Preferably, the diaphragm (107) forms a conical surface. However, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the diaphragm (107) may be designed in a circular shape, conical frustum surface or any other shape that is suitable for the diaphragm (107) to force out an optimal volume of water. As shown in FIG. 1d, an end portion of the diaphragm (107) is pivotally secured to another end portion of the pusher platform shaft (108). The diaphragm (107) is moveable in an arc path as shown by arrow B. Preferably, the diaphragm (107) is made of plastic material. However, it is apparent to one skill in the art that one or more type of materials may be suitably used in the design and construction of the diaphragm (107).

The arrangement of having the diaphragm (107) collapsible and expandable through the movement of the pusher platform shaft (108) which allows the expansion and contraction of the ribs (105) is similar to the operation of a conventional umbrella.

In a default collapsed configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 1a, the diaphragm (107) is collapsed while the ribs (105) are lying generally adjacent to the holding shaft (109). Moreover, the pusher platform shaft (108) and the holding shaft (109) are at a maximum extension distance.

Referring now to FIG. 1b, when a force is applied towards the pusher platform (110) as shown by arrow C, the pusher platform shaft (108) slides toward the holding shaft (109) and with a reverse acting force exerted by the rib connector (106), it causes the ribs (105) to be extended radially outward from the rib connector (106). In doing so, the diaphragm (107) is radially expanded while sliding downward. The radially expanded diaphragm (107) exerts a pressure force to expel an optimal volume of water within the chamber (102) to the outside environment through the outlet port (104) as a jet of water.

The diaphragm (107), ribs (105) and the pusher platform shaft (108) return to the default configuration through either a spring, hydraulic means or manually apply a force in reverse direction as shown by arrow D.

FIGS. 2(a-e) show another embodiment of a hydro-propulsion mechanism (200) in accordance with the present invention. The hydro- propulsion mechanism (200) is similar to the hydro-propulsion mechanism (100) as shown in FIGS. 1 whereby the difference is that the hydro-propulsion mechanism (200) as shown in FIGS. 2 does not include a plurality of ribs

(105) to guide the expansion of the diaphragm (107). Referring now to FIGS. 2, the diaphragm (107) is two plates which are pivotally secured to the pusher platform shaft (108). The diaphragm (107) is radially expanded due to a reverse force applied by the pressurized water towards the diaphragm (107) (force direction as shown by arrow F) while the pusher platform shaft (108) is pushed in the direction of arrow E.

The drive chamber (102) is constructed with any type of shape such as rectangular and square. Flange (201) is provided at the inner wall of the drive chamber (102) to stabilize the diaphragm (107) when the pusher platform shaft (108) slides in a direction as shown by arrow E.

In a default configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2a, the diaphragm (107) is collapsed and therefore, the two plates of the diaphragm (107) lie generally adjacent to each other. When a force is applied towards the pusher platform (110) as shown by arrow E, the pusher platform shaft (108) slides downward in direction of arrow E and with a reverse acting force exerted in direction of arrow F by the water in between the gap of the two collapsed plates (107), it causes the diaphragm (107) to be radially expanded as illustrated by FIG. 2b. The radially expanded diaphragm (107) combined with a downward force applied towards the pusher platform shaft (108) causes a pressure force to expel an optimal volume of water within the chamber (102) to the outside environment through the outlet port (104) as a jet of water. In returning to its default configuration, the pusher platform (110) is applied with a force in a

direction as shown by arrow G, and the radially expanded diaphragm (107) is collapsed due to the stream of water flowing into the chamber (102) through the at least one inlet port (103).

Referring to FIG. 3, two separate units of hydro-propulsion mechanism

(100, 200) as shown in FIGS. 1 and/or FIGS. 2 are mounted vertically to a hull of a hydro-propulsion device (300) with the outlet port (104) connected to an exhaust port (301) of the hydro-propulsion device (300). The exhaust port (301) is located at an underside rear of the hydro-propulsion device (300). This is to allow the water in the drive chamber (102) to be expelled rearwardly and consequently, provides a forward thrust on the hydro-propulsion device (300). The pusher platform (110) is designed as a seat for at least one operator. Water from the outside environment flows directly into the drive chamber (102) through the inlet port (103) located at the side of the hull.

In operation, the operator exerts a force by pushing the seat backward as shown by arrow H. This causes the pusher platform shaft (108) to slide towards the holding shaft (109). As a result, the diaphragm (107) is expanded from a default configuration (as shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 2a) and slides in the direction of arrow H to eject an optimal volume of water within the drive chamber (102) through the outlet port (104). The outlet port (104) which is connected to an exhaust port (301) ejects pressurized water from the outlet port (104) to the outside environment as a jet of water. The release of the pressurized water to the outside environment resulted in a forward thrust on

the hydro-propulsion device (300). After the seat has been pushed backwardly, the operator pulls the seat forward in direction of arrow I to allow the diaphragm (107) to collapse and return to the default configuration. Thereon, another thrust cycle may typically commence to propel the hydro- propulsion device (300) forward.

The hydro-propulsion device (300) is maneuvered by controlling a handle which is connected to a rope. The rope is connected to the exhaust port (301) at another end portion. The handle controls the rotational movement of the exhaust port (301), which in turn control the directional movement of the hydro-propulsion device (300). For instance, by moving the handle to left, the exhaust port (301) is directed in a left direction thereby allowing the hydro-propulsion device (300) to propel in a left direction. The concept of maneuvering the hydro-propulsion device (300) is similar to a conventional maneuverability mechanism of a boat. In addition, a handbrake is also provided through the rope. The activation of the handbrake will result in the exhaust port (301) being rotated to a directly opposite direction and thus reversing the pressurized water in the outside environment being reversed thereby causing the hydro-propulsion device (300) coming to a stop.

Referring to FIG. 4, the hydro-propulsion device (400) is incorporated with two separate units of the hydro-propulsion mechanism (100, 200) which is shown in FIGS. 1 and/or 2. In the hydro-propulsion device (400), both of the mechanisms (410, 420) are vertically mounted in adjacent to each other

thereby enables the operator to stand in an upright manner and allows the operator to apply a stepping motion to propel the hydro-propulsion device (400). The feet of the operator are secured on the pusher platforms (411, 421) whereby one foot is secured to a pusher platform (411) while the other foot is secured to another pusher platform (421). The mechanisms (410, 420) are submerged beneath the water level. The outlet ports (412, 422) are connected to an exhaust nozzle (401) which is located at an underside of the hydro- propulsion device (400) and directed rearward Iy. A two-way valve (402) is provided in between the outlet ports (412, 422). Moreover, the two-way valve (402) provides an interchanging flow of pressurized water between both hydro-propulsion mechanism units (410, 420). The hydro-propulsion device (400) further includes buoyancy means (440) which enable the hydro- propulsion device to stay afloat.

In operation, both drive chambers (413, 423) are continuously filled with water via the inlet ports (414, 424) and both mechanisms (410, 420) are in a default configuration as shown in FIGS. 1a and 2a. In order to eject the water to the outside environment, the operator steps downwardly on a pusher platform (411) of a first mechanism (410). This causes the first mechanism (410) to force water towards the outlet port (412) in which pressurized water pushes open the two-way valve (402). As the two-way valve (402) allows flow of pressurized water from first mechanism (410) to the exhaust nozzle (401), the two-way valve (402) closes the outlet port (422) of second mechanism (420) which is in a default configuration. This is to prevent water from flowing

into the drive chamber (423) of second mechanism (420) which may reduce the thrust of water jet being release to the outside environment through the exhaust nozzle (401). Thereon, the operator steps downwardly on a pusher platform (421) of second mechanism (420) while releasing the step on the pusher platform (411) and lifting the foot secured to the pusher platform (411). Hence, the first mechanism (410) returns to its default configuration. In the meantime, the second mechanism (420) expels water in its chamber (423) to its outlet port (422) thereby pushes open the two-way valve (402). The two- way valve (402) closes the outlet port (412) of the first mechanism (410). The second mechanism (420) provides flow of water jet ejected to the outside environment through the exhaust nozzle (401). With the operator applying a stepping motion downwardly towards the first mechanism (410) and second mechanism (420) consecutively, a constant water jet is expelled through the exhaust nozzle (401) causing smooth forward motion of the hydro-propulsion device (400).

The hydro-propulsion device (400) is maneuvered by controlling a handle (430) which is connected to an elongated shaft (432). The elongated shaft (432) is connected to the exhaust nozzle (401) at another end portion. The handle (430) controls the movement of the exhaust nozzle (401) in such a way similar to a conventional bicycle. The handle (430) controls the movement of the exhaust nozzle (401), which in turn controls the directional movement of the hydro-propulsion device. For instance, by moving the handle (430) to left, the exhaust nozzle (401) is directed in a left direction

thereby allowing the hydro-propulsion device (400) to propel in a left direction. In addition, by turning the handle (430) vertically to a 180 degree movement will result in the exhaust nozzle (401) being rotated to a directly opposite direction and thus, reversing the pressurized water in the outside environment being reversed thereby causing the hydro-propulsion device (400) coming to a stop.

Referring to FIG. 5, a hydro-propulsion mechanism (100, 200) as shown in FIG. 1 or 2 is horizontally incorporated in a micro submarine (500). The drive chamber (102) is submerged underneath water level so that the drive chamber (102) is continuously filled with water through its inlet port

(103).

The micro submarine (500) is operated with an operator in a laying down position whereby the operator's feet are secured to a pusher platform (110) while the operator's hand maneuvers the micro submarine (500) by controlling a handle connected to an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is connected to the outlet port (104) at another end portion. The handle controls the movement of the outlet port (104) through an electronic means. For instance, by moving the handle to right, outlet port (104) is directed in a left direction thereby allowing the micro submarine (500) to propel in a right direction. The stopping of the micro submarine (500) is achieved by rotating the outlet port (104) to directly opposite direction and thus, reversing the pressurized water in the outside environment being reversed, thereby causing

the micro submarine (500) coming to a stop. The directing and stopping of the micro submarine (500) are achieved by electronics means.

In operation to propel the micro submarine (500), the operator's feet push the pusher platform (110) in direction of arrow J. The force applied (in direction as shown by arrow J) to the pusher platform (110) causes it to slide downward and thus, expanding the diaphragm (107) radially outward. Therefore, an optimal water volume below the diaphragm (107) is forced out of the drive chamber (102) through the outlet port (104). The outlet port (104) releases the pressurized water to the outside environment and thus, a thrust is exerted on the micro submarine (500) in opposite direction of the stream of water from the outlet port (104). The hydro-propulsion mechanism (100) returns to its default configuration as the operator's feet pull the pusher platform shaft (108) in a direction as shown by arrow K. Another thrust cycle may typically commence to propel the micro submarine (500) forward.

While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

"Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof."