GB2474523A

GB2474523A - Drive motor stack

Info

Publication number: GB2474523A
Application number: GB0918417A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Steven Hosken
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-10-19
Filing date: 2009-10-19
Publication date: 2011-04-20
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-19
Also published as: GB0918417D0; GB2474523B

Abstract

A power generator has a multi-stack of drive units 21-24 each supported on the one below, so that the output speed of the power take off 26 is equal to the sum of the speeds of the individual drive units 21-24. The drive units may be annular and connected to a central spindle (56, figure 5). In operation, the lowest unit may initially be accelerated to its maximum angular velocity before the next unit is started and so on. There may be a one-way brake (figure 6) to prevent any reverse rotation.

Description

ACCELERATING POWER GENERATOR

This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to power generators and is particularly concerned with improvements in power generators comprising a stack of drive units for producing electrical power.

Generally, the drive units of the power generator are arranged so that a lowermost one of the drive units is initially connected to and totes all of the drive units of the stack, wherein, when the power generator is in use, the lowermost drive unit is started about a circular path and, upon attaining a maximum angular velocity, it is released from connection with the next-in-line above drive unit. The next-in-line drive unit is then started and accelerates until it reaches its maximum attainable angular velocity which is the cumulative total of the angular velocities of both drive units.

This invention is for a multi-stack of drive units operating about a circular path wherein a lowermost drive unit, which is initially connected to those drive units stacked above, is started and upon attaining its maximum angular velocity a next in-line above drive unit is disconnected from the lowermost drive unit and started up to attain its maximum angular velocity, i.e. the cumulative total of the angular velocities of both the lowermost drive unit and the next in-line above drive unit. This process is repeated with all of the drive units in the stack thereof until an uppermost drive unit of the stack is moving at a maximum angular that is the cumulative angular velocities of all of the drive units in the stack.

The multi-stack drive units can be assemble in many configurations, for example:-a) a basic stack of drive units for movement about a circular path; b) a basic stack of drive units incorporating wheels and tracks; c) a basic stack of drive units incorporating wheels and a mechanical belt; and, d) a basic stack of drive units assembled vertically or horizontally.

There now follows by way of example of the invention a detailed description, which is to be read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation showing a basic lowermost drive unit and a second in-line drive unit; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation showing a basic stack of drive units and a power take-off point; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation showing a lowermost drive unit arranged for movement about a circular path; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the power generator showing four stages in a stack; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the power generator showing take-off points for power; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of brake means between stages of a stack; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the power generator including a lowermost embrasure deck complete with drive units and a second embrasure deck without drive units configured for movement about a circular path; and, Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of a power generator configured as a stack of embrasure decks with power take-off points.

Figure 1 shows a lowermost electro-motive drive unit 1 provided with a rotating output shaft 2, which output shaft 2 is securely coupled to the centre 3 of an outer case 3a of a next in-line drive unit 4. On top of the outer case 3a of the lower drive unit 1 are a plurality of roller bearings 5 for facilitating constrained relative movement between the lowermost drive unit 1 and the next in-line above drive unit 4. In addition, a runner groove 6 is provided on an underside of the drive unit 4 for accommodating the roller bearings 5 in order to facilitate the smooth running of the drive unit 4 on the drive 1.

Figure 2 shows a stack of drive units, a lowermost drive unit 21 being the major and largest electro-motive force in the stack. The drive unit 21 has to tote the weight and move all the above drive units 22, 23 and 24 in the stack. The drive unit 22 is a step down in size and power from the lowermost drive unit 21 and only has to tote and move the drive units 23 and 24 when in use. Likewise, the drive unit 23 is a step down from the drive unit 22 and, when in use, it has to tote and move the last drive unit 24 of the stack.

The last drive unit 24 includes a rotating shaft 25 on which is provided a power take-off point 26. As in Figure 1, each of the drive units 21, 22 and 23 is coupled to the next in-line above drive unit. In addition, bearings and runner grooves, not shown, are provided between the drive units 21, 22, 23 and 24.

The process of power generation begins with the lowermost drive unit 21 starting up and upon attaining its maximum angular velocity, the next in-line above drive unit 22 is disconnected from the unit 21 and started up and upon attaining its maximum angular velocity, which is the angular velocity of the lowermost drive unit 21 plus its own eventual angular velocity. This process is repeated with the remaining drive units 23 and 24 until the uppermost drive unit 24 of the stack is moving at an angular velocity that is the cumulative angular velocities of all of the drive units 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Figure 3 shows a base deck 31, which runs on a circular track 32 fixedly mounted in an outer frame 37, the base deck 31 being provided with wheels 33. The base deck 31 is powered by one or more drive units 34 depending upon the power required and is connected by inwardly extending connecting rods 35 to a centre core pinion 36 of the first stage.

Figure 4 shows a base deck and drive units as in Figure 3, which base deck runs and operates on a fixed, circular track 41, this is the first stage. Over the base deck is mounted a second circular track 42. A second deck with drive units operates on the track 42, which is also connected by inwardly extending connecting rods 45 to the centre core pinion 46, this is the second stage. On top of the second stages deck is mounted a third circular track 43 with drive units as in the first and second stages.

This deck is also connected, by inwardly extending connecting rods 45, to the centre pinion 46, this is the third stage. On top of the third deck is mounted a fourth circular track 44. A fourth deck with drive units operates on the track 44, which deck is also connected by inwardly extending rods 45 to the centre pinion 46, this is the fourth stage.

The centre core pinion 46 has breaks at each stage with appropriate step-up gear arrangements 48 to accommodate the step up and increase in the angular velocities.

This procedure is repeated until an uppermost deck with drive units is reached.

The process of power generation begins with the lowermost drive units starting up and moving about the circular track 41 and upon attaining their maximum angular velocity a brake means, of the step-up gear arrangement 48, is operated so that the next in-line above drive units are released from contact with the lowennost drive units and started up. Thereafter the next in-line drive units attain their maximum angular velocity, which is the cumulative sum of the angular velocities of the lowermost drive units and the next in-line above drive units. This procedure is repeated until an uppermost drive unit of the stack is moving at an angular velocity that is the cumulative total of the angular velocities of all of the drive units in the stack.

Figure 5 shows a stack of decks and drive units with each deck being connected by inwardly extending connecting rods 55 to the centre core pinion 56. Thus, the uppermost deck is connected to the core pinion 56, which is provided with a power take-off point 51. In addition, Figure 5 shows the stack of decks and drive units with the uppermost deck being connected to a peripheral, power take-off point 52, two such points being shown on opposite sides of the stack.

Figure 6 shows a lowermost deck 61 running on its associated track 62, the deck being provided with a no return keyway brake 63. There are three decks 61, 61a and 61b shown in Figure 6 each of which deck has an associated secure catch 64, 64a and 64b and an associated keyway brake 63, 63 a and 63b. Once each deck is in an active state and proceeding forward in its circular path, an associated keyway 63, 63a or 63b would be forced down to permit its associated deck 61, 61 a or 61 b respectively with secure catch to pass freely and the keyway brake 63, 63a or 63b would be inactive.

If a deck 61, 61a or 61b begins to slow down or sup back, the keyway brake 63, 63a or 63b would return to an upright position 67 by means of a return spring 68 and an associated keyway brake will become active a stop the deck from slowing down.

Figure 7 shows a lowermost circular open frame deck 71, which is connected to a centre core pinion 73 by inwardly extending connecting rods 72. The deck 71 is securely fixed and does not move. Protruding upward from the lowermost deck 71 at equal points are structural rods 74, which support and hold a number of drive units 75, viz. three drive units 75 are shown, however there is no set amount that may be included in the lowermost deck 71..

Coupled to he lowermost deck is a second deck 76 for illustration only with no drive units being shown therein. Protruding downward at equal points from the second deck 76 are supportive structural rods 77, which rods 77 support and hold a mechanical belt which provides a looped flexible connection for power transmission. The material and fabrication of the mechanical belt has no restrictions, for example, roller chain may be used.

Figure 8 shows a lowermost open framed deck 81, which is securely fixed down and does not move. Protruding from the lowermost open framed deck 81 at equal points about the periphery thereof are a plurality of rods 82 that support and hold a number of drive units 83. Coupled above the lowermost open frame deck 81 is a second open frame deck 84. Protruding downward at equal intervals about the periphery of the deck 84 are structural rods 85, which hold and support a mechanical belt 86 configured as a looped flexible connection for power transmission. Protruding upward at equal intervals about the periphery of the deck 84 are rods 87, which rods hold and support further drive units 83. This structure is repeated until the uppermost deck of the stack is reached. Each deck 83 is connected by inwardly extending connection rods 88 to a centre pinion 89. The centre pinion 89 is connected to a power take-off point 90. Also illustrated in Figure 8 and connected to the upper deck are two power take-off points 91.

The generation of power using the power generator of the present invention begins with the lowermost drive units starting and operating about the circular path whereupon attaining their maximum angular velocity a step up gear brake means is operated and the next in-line above unit is released and started up and upon attaining its maximum angular velocity, it increases the angular velocity above that attained by the lowermost drive units to reach a cumulative total. The same procedure is repeated with all of the other drive units in the stack until an uppermost drive unit of the stack is moving at an angular velocity that is the cumulative angular velocities of all of the drive units in the stack.

It is to be appreciated that any appropriate form of propulsion may be used for the drive units; however, in a preferred embodiment provided by the present invention, the drive units may incorporate electro-motive propulsion.

Other modifications may be made within the scope of the Claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A power generator comprising a stack of drive units mounted for movement about respective circular paths in the stack, which drive units are coupled together so that the angular velocity of a last in line drive unit of the stack has an angular velocity that is the cumulative total of all the drive units in the stack.
2. A power generator according to Claim 1, characterised in that the power generator comprises: a) a lowermost drive unit; b) a second in-line drive unit; c) a third and next in-line drive unit; d) a fourth and uppermost, last in-line drive unit of the stack; and, e) an output take off point for power from the generator.
3. A power generator according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the drive units are each mounted on an associated deck for movement about their respective circular paths.
4. A power generator according to Claim 3, characterised in the each deck is mounted on wheels for movement about its associated circular path.
5. A power generator according the either one of Claims 3 and 4, characterised in that each deck of the stack is connected by inwardly extending connecting rods to a centre core pinion.
6. A power generator according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the centre core pinion is connected to the output take off point for power from the generator.
7. A power generator according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterised in that the stack of drive units is provided with peripheral take off points for power from the generator, which take off points are connected to the fourth, last in-line drive units of the stack.
8. A power generator substantially as claimed and herein described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.
9. A power generator substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings.
10. A power generator substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 3 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.
11. A power generator substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 7 and 8 of the accompanying drawings.