U.S. patent application number 10/142481 was filed with the patent office on 2003-11-13 for model aircraft flight simulation apparatus.
Invention is credited to Paterson, Eric M..
Application Number | 20030211806 10/142481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29399910 |
Filed Date | 2003-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030211806 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paterson, Eric M. |
November 13, 2003 |
MODEL AIRCRAFT FLIGHT SIMULATION APPARATUS
Abstract
A model aircraft flight simulation apparatus for simulating the
flying of model aircraft in a controlled environment. The model
aircraft flight simulation apparatus includes a sectioned housing
having an elongate chamber with open ends, and an enclosure with an
interior. Fan members create airflow through the chamber, while
tethering assemblies extend and retract tether lines along a length
of the chamber. A control member controls the fan members and the
tethering assemblies. Remote-controlled model aircraft for flying
in the chamber are coupled to the tether lines, and includes a
flight control system. Handheld transmitters control the control
member and the aircraft flight control systems. The aircraft are
biased into a flight mode by the fan members and are controlled by
each of the transmitter members. The user can vary air velocity
within the chamber and the proximity of the aircraft to the fan
members to alter flight conditions, along with the flight
characteristics of the aircraft.
Inventors: |
Paterson, Eric M.; (San
Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Attn: Ivar M. Kaardal
Kaardal & Associates, PC
Suite 250
3500 South First Ave. Circle
Sioux Falls
SD
57105-5802
US
|
Family ID: |
29399910 |
Appl. No.: |
10/142481 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/34 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 27/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/34 |
International
Class: |
A63H 027/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A model aircraft flight simulation apparatus for flying model
aircraft in a controlled environment for the purpose of pleasure,
flight training, and conducting a variety of airflow tests, said
simulation apparatus comprising: a housing having a first section
and a second section, said first section comprising an elongate
chamber having open ends, said second section comprising an
enclosure having an interior; a pair of fan members for creating
airflow through said first section of said housing; a pair of
tethering assemblies for selectively extending and retracting
tether lines along a length of said first section of said housing;
a control member for controlling said fan members and said
tethering assemblies; a pair of remote-controlled model aircraft
for flying in said first section of said housing, each of said
aircraft including a flight control system for controlling standard
flight characteristics of said aircraft while in flight; a pair of
handheld transmitter members for controlling said control member
and said flight control systems of said aircraft; a plurality of
receiver members for receiving remote control signals from said
transmitter members, said plurality of receiver members including a
pair of aircraft receivers and a pair of enclosure receivers,
wherein said remote control signals are modulated radio waves; and
wherein each of said model aircraft are biased into a flight mode
upon receiving sufficient airflow caused by said fan members and
are controlled by each of said transmitter members while movement
of joysticks on said transmitters permits a user to vary air
velocity within said first section and a proximity of said aircraft
to said fan members to alter flight conditions, and the flight
characteristics of said aircraft.
2. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising a second end of said first section
being mounted on said second section, said first section comprising
a substantially transparent material.
3. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising said enclosure having a first wall
being oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis
of said first section of said housing.
4. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising a top wall of said enclosure having a
plurality of vents for permitting exterior air to enter said
enclosure.
5. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising said chamber having a partition wall
extending between said open ends and being oriented substantially
parallel to side walls of said first section such that said chamber
is divided into two sides having substantially equal
dimensions.
6. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 3, further comprising each of said fan members being located
in said interior of said enclosure and including a fan blade member
being positioned adjacent to a fan aperture in said first wall of
said enclosure.
7. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 5, wherein a wind tunnel affect is created within each of
said sides of said chamber from said second end out through a first
end of said chamber when a respective one of said fan members is
operating, each of said fan members being electrically coupled to
said control member.
8. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising each of said tether assemblies being
positioned in said interior of said enclosure and comprising a
motor-driven spool member having one of said tether lines wrapped
thereabout, each of said tether assemblies being electrically
coupled to said control member.
9. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 8, further comprising each of said tether lines extending
away from said spool members through a pair of tether guide holes
and through said chamber and being attached to a nose of each of
said aircraft.
10. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 9, further comprising each of said guide holes being located
in said a wall of said enclosure and being positioned above a
respective one of said fan members.
11. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising each of said spool members being
positioned generally above a respective fan member such that said
tether lines remain clear of said fan members.
12. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 8, wherein a length of each of said tether lines varies upon
bi-directional rotation of said spool members as said tether lines
are subsequently wound and unwound about said spool members causing
said aircraft to move along the length of said chamber.
13. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising said control member and each of said
enclosure receivers being positioned in said interior of said
enclosure, said control member being electrically coupled to said
enclosure receiver, said control member being electrically
couplable to a power supply.
14. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, further comprising said enclosure receiver being
responsive to said remote control signals from a respective
transmitter member causing corresponding activation of said fan
members and said tethering assemblies.
15. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 1, wherein each of said flight control systems of said
aircraft comprising one of said aircraft receivers, a pair of
servos for controlling movement of ailerons of said aircraft, and a
battery for powering said aircraft receiver and each of said
servos, each of said flight control systems of said aircraft being
integrally mounted in said aircraft.
16. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 15, further comprising said aircraft receiver being
responsive to said remote control signals from a respective
transmitter member causing corresponding activation of said servos,
each of said servos of said flight control systems being
electrically coupled to said battery and said aircraft
receiver.
17. The model aircraft flight simulation apparatus as set forth in
claim 15, wherein activation of a first of said servos positions
said ailerons of said aircraft in a manner causing said aircraft to
roll, and activation of a second of said servos positions said
ailerons in a manner causing said aircraft to pitch.
18. A model aircraft flight simulation apparatus for flying model
aircraft adjacent to a front end of a vehicle while the vehicle is
in motion, said apparatus comprising: a tethering assembly for
selectively extending and retracting a tether line, said tethering
assembly being selectively mountable to the front of the vehicle
and extending above a hood of the vehicle, said tethering assembly
comprising a motor-driven spool member having said tether line
wrapped thereabout, said tethering assembly being electrically
coupled to a battery of the vehicle; a remote-controlled model
aircraft for flying above the hood of the vehicle while the vehicle
is moving, said aircraft being attached to an outward end of said
tether line, said aircraft including a flight control system for
controlling standard flight characteristics of said aircraft while
in flight; a handheld transmitter member for controlling said
tethering assembly and said flight control system of said aircraft;
wherein a length said tether line varies upon bi-directional
rotation of said spool member as said tether line is wound and
unwound about said spool member causing said model aircraft to move
to and from the front of the vehicle; and wherein said model
aircraft is biased into a flight mode upon receiving sufficient
airflow caused by movement of the vehicle and is controlled by said
transmitter member while movement of joysticks on said transmitter
permits a user to vary a proximity of said aircraft with respect to
the front of the vehicle.
19. A model aircraft flight simulation apparatus for flying model
aircraft in a controlled environment for the purpose of pleasure,
flight training, and conducting a variety of airflow tests, said
simulation apparatus comprising: a housing having a first section
and a second section, said first section comprising an elongate
chamber having open ends, said second section comprising an
enclosure having an interior; a pair of fan members for creating
airflow through said first section of said housing; a pair of
tethering assemblies for selectively extending and retracting
tether lines along a length of said first section of said housing;
a control member for controlling said fan members and said
tethering assemblies; a pair of remote-controlled model aircraft
for flying in said first section of said housing, each of said
aircraft including a flight control system for controlling standard
flight characteristics of said aircraft while in flight; a pair of
handheld transmitter members for controlling said control member
and said flight control systems of said aircraft; a plurality of
receiver members for receiving remote control signals from said
transmitter members, said plurality of receiver members including a
pair of aircraft receivers and a pair of enclosure receivers,
wherein said remote control signals are modulated radio waves;
wherein each of said model aircraft are biased into a flight mode
upon receiving sufficient airflow caused by said fan members and
are controlled by each of said transmitter members while movement
of joysticks on said transmitters permits a user to vary air
velocity within said first section and a proximity of said aircraft
to said fan members to alter flight conditions, and the flight
characteristics of said aircraft; a second end of said first
section being mounted on said second section, said first section
comprising a substantially transparent material; said enclosure
having a first wall being oriented substantially perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of said first section of said housing; a top wall
of said enclosure having a plurality of vents for permitting
exterior air to enter said enclosure; said chamber having a
partition wall extending between said open ends and being oriented
substantially parallel to side walls of said first section such
that said chamber is divided into two sides having substantially
equal dimensions; each of said fan members being located in said
interior of said enclosure and including a fan blade member being
positioned adjacent to a fan aperture in said first wall of said
enclosure; wherein a wind tunnel affect is created within each of
said sides of said chamber from said second end out through a first
end of said chamber when a respective one of said fan members is
operating, each of said fan members being electrically coupled to
said control member; each of said tether assemblies being
positioned in said interior of said enclosure and comprising a
motor-driven spool member having one of said tether lines wrapped
thereabout, each of said tether assemblies being electrically
coupled to said control member; each of said tether lines extending
away from said spool members through a pair of tether guide holes
and through said chamber and being attached to a nose of each of
said aircraft; each of said guide holes being located in said first
wall of said enclosure and being positioned above a respective one
of said fan apertures; each of said spool members being positioned
generally above a respective fan member such that said tether lines
remain clear of said fan members; wherein a length of each of said
tether lines varies upon bi-directional rotation of said spool
members as said tether lines are subsequently wound and unwound
about said spool members causing said aircraft to move along the
length of said chamber; said control member and each of said
enclosure receivers being positioned in said interior of said
enclosure, said control member being electrically coupled to said
enclosure receiver, said control member being electrically
couplable to a power supply; said enclosure receiver being
responsive to said remote control signals from a respective
transmitter member causing corresponding activation of said fan
members and said tethering assemblies; wherein each of said flight
control systems of said aircraft comprising one of said aircraft
receivers, a pair of servos for controlling movement of ailerons of
said aircraft, and a battery for powering said aircraft receiver
and each of said servos, each of said flight control systems of
said aircraft being integrally mounted in said aircraft; said
aircraft receiver being responsive to said remote control signals
from a respective transmitter member causing corresponding
activation of said servos, each of said servos of said flight
control systems being electrically coupled to said battery and said
aircraft receiver; and wherein activation of a first of said servos
positions said ailerons of said aircraft in a manner causing said
aircraft to roll, and activation of a second of said servos
positions said ailerons in a manner causing said aircraft to pitch.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to model flight simulators and
more particularly pertains to a new model aircraft flight
simulation apparatus for simulating the flying of model aircraft in
a controlled environment.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The use of model flight simulators is known in the prior
art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,038 which discloses a model airplane
flight simulator which anables a model airplane to be maneuvered by
a remote control device through pitch, yaw, and roll withou
movement of ground. Another type of model flight simulator is U.S.
Pat. No. 3,858,347 describes a model airplane provided with
controls for opreration of its steering means such as elevatord,
aileerons, and rudder sfrom a plce outside of the airplane. It is
suppofted or suspended in an air current generated by, for example,
a vacuum cleaner.
[0005] While these devices fulfill their respective, particular
objectives and requirements, the need remains for an apparatus that
gives the user a true feel of flying the aircraft in a controlled
environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention meets the needs presented above by the
utilization of a model wind tunnel in which aircraft are tethered,
and along with the flight control funcitons of the aircraft, the
wind velocity and linear movement along the length of the chamber
are all controlled by a typical handheld remote control transmitter
used for flying actual remote controlled airplaned and the
like.
[0007] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a new model aircraft flight simulation apparatus that
provides a way to enjoy the feel of flying a model aircraft at any
time indoors, by one or more users simultaneously for the feel of
racing and maneuvering competition.
[0008] Even still another object of the present invention is to
provide a new model aircraft flight simulation apparatus that can
be utilized by designers to test basic flight functionality of new
aircraft designs in a controlled environment at a fraction of the
cost of full-scale systems.
[0009] To this end, the present invention generally comprises a
sectioned housing having an elongate chamber with open ends, and an
enclosure with an interior. Fan members create airflow through the
chamber, while tethering assemblies extend and retract tether lines
along a length of the chamber. A control member controls the fan
members and the tethering assemblies. Remote-controlled model
aircraft for flying in the chamber are coupled to the tether lines,
and includes a flight control system. Handheld transmitters control
the control member and the aircraft flight control systems. The
aircraft are biased into a flight mode by the fan members and are
controlled by each of the transmitter members. The user can vary
air velocity within the chamber and the proximity of the aircraft
to the fan members to alter flight conditions, along with the
flight characteristics of the aircraft.
[0010] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0011] The objects of the invention, along with the various
features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed
out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part
of this disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspectie view of a new model
aircraft flight simulation apparatus according to the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of an alternate embodiment
of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
FIGS. 1 through 4 thereof, a new model aircraft flight simulation
apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present
invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will
be described.
[0018] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the model aircraft
flight simulation apparatus 10 generally comprises a housing 12
that has a first section 13 and a second section 14. The first
section 13 comprises an elongate chamber 15 with open ends 16. The
second section 14 comprises an enclosure 17 that has an interior
18.
[0019] A pair of fan members 19 creates airflow through the first
section 13 of the housing 12.
[0020] A pair of tethering assemblies 20 selectively extends and
retracts tether lines 21 along a length of the first section 13 of
the housing 12.
[0021] A control member 22 controls the fan members 19 and the
tethering assemblies 20.
[0022] Included is a pair of remote-controlled model aircraft 11
for flying in the first section 13 of the housing 12. Each of the
aircraft 11 includes a flight control system 23 for controlling
standard flight characteristics of the aircraft 11 while in
flight.
[0023] A pair of handheld transmitter members 24 controls the
control member 22 and the flight control systems 23 of the aircraft
A pair of aircraft receivers 25 and a pair of enclosure receiverss
26 each receives remote control signals from the transmitter
members 24. The remote control signals are modulated radio
waves.
[0024] Each of the model aircraft 11 are biased into a flight mode
upon receiving a sufficient amount of airflow caused by the fan
members 19 and are controlled by each of the transmitter members
24. Movement of joysticks 27 on the transmitters permits a user to
vary air velocity within the first section 13 and the proximity of
the aircraft 11 to the fan members 19 to alter flight conditions,
along with the flight characteristics of the aircraft 11.
[0025] A second end 28 of the first section 13 is mounted on the
second section 14. The first section 13 comprises a substantially
transparent material.
[0026] The enclosure 17 has a first wall 29 that is oriented
substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first
section 13 of the housing 12.
[0027] A top wall 30 of the enclosure 17 has a plurality of vents
31 for permitting exterior air to enter the enclosure 17.
[0028] The chamber 15 has a partition wall 32 extending between the
open ends 16 and is oriented substantially parallel to side walls
33 of the first section 13 such that the chamber 15 is divided into
two sides 34 having substantially equal dimensions.
[0029] Each of the fan members 19 is located in the interior 18 of
the enclosure 17 and includes a fan blade member 35 that is
positioned adjacent to a fan aperture 36 in the first wall 29 of
the enclosure 17.
[0030] A wind tunnel affect is created within each of the sides 34
of the chamber 15 from the second end 28 out through a first end 37
of the chamber 15 when a respective one of the fan members 19 is
operating. Each of the fan members 19 is electrically coupled to
the control member 22.
[0031] Each of the tether assemblies is positioned in the interior
18 of the enclosure 17 and comprises a motor-driven spool member 38
that has one of the tether lines 21 wrapped about it. Each of the
tether assemblies is electrically coupled to the control member
22.
[0032] Each of the tether lines 21 extends away from the spool
members 38 through a pair of tether guide holes 39 and through the
chamber 15 and is attached to a nose 40 of each of the aircraft
11.
[0033] Each of the guide holes 39 is located in the first wall 29
of the enclosure 17 and is positioned above a respective one of the
fan apertures 36.
[0034] Each of the spool members 38 are positioned generally above
a respective fan member such that the tether lines 21 remain clear
of the fan members 19.
[0035] A length of each of the tether lines 21 varies upon
bi-directional rotation of the spool members 38 as the tether lines
21 are subsequently wound and unwound about the spool members 38
causing the aircraft 11 to move along the length of the chamber
15.
[0036] The control member 22 and each of the enclosure receivers
26s are positioned in the interior 18 of the enclosure 17. The
control member 22 is electrically coupled to the enclosure
receivers 26, and is electrically couplable to a power supply
41.
[0037] The enclosure receivers 26 is responsive to the remote
control signals from a respective transmitter member causing
corresponding activation of the fan members 19 and the tethering
assemblies 20.
[0038] Each of the flight control systems 23 of the aircraft 11
comprises one of the aircraft receivers 25, a pair of servos 42 for
controlling movement of ailerons 43 of the aircraft 11, and a
battery 44 for powering the aircraft 11 receiver and each of the
servos 42. Each of the flight control systems 23 of the aircraft 11
is integrally mounted in the aircraft 11.
[0039] The aircraft 11 receiver is responsive to the remote control
signals from a respective transmitter member causing corresponding
activation of the servos 42. Each of the servos 42 of the flight
control systems 23 is electrically coupled to the battery 44 and
the aircraft 11 receiver.
[0040] Activation of a first of the servos 45 positions the
ailerons 43 of the aircraft 11 in a manner causing the aircraft 11
to roll. Activation of a second of the servos 46 positions the
ailerons 43 in a manner causing the aircraft 11 to pitch.
[0041] In use, the user would connect the control member 22 to a
power supply 41. Upon activation of the transmitter member 24, the
aircraft receiver 25, and the enclosure receivers 26, the user
would then use the transmitter member 24 to accelerate the fan
member 19 to produce a suffiecient amount of airflow and air
velocity to put the aircraft 11 into flight at the end of the
tether line 21. The user then flies the aircraft 11 in the
respective chamber 15, varying the air velocity and flight
conditions by altering the speed of the fan member and
repositioning the aircraft 11 within the chamber 15 by activating
the spool member 38. A second user can simultaneously fly the
second aircraft adjacent to the first in the adjoining chamber for
the purpose of entertainment and racing challenges.
[0042] As an alternate embodiment to the present invention, the
model aircraft 11 flight simulation apparatus is designed for
flying model aircraft 11 adjacent to a front end 50 of a vehicle 51
while the vehicle 51 is in motion. The apparatus comprises a
tethering assembly 20 for selectively extending and retracting a
tether line 21. The tethering assembly is selectively mountable to
the front end 50 of the vehicle 51 and extends above a hood 52 of
the vehicle 51. The tethering assembly comprises a motor-driven
spool member 38 has the tether line 21 wrapped about it. The
tethering assembly 20 is electrically coupled to a battery of the
vehicle 51.
[0043] Included is a remote-controlled model aircraft 11 for flying
above the hood 52 of the vehicle 51 while the vehicle 51 is moving.
The aircraft 11 is attached to the tether line, and includes a
flight control system 23 for controlling standard flight
characteristics of the aircraft 11 while in flight.
[0044] A handheld transmitter member 24 controls the tethering
assembly 20 and the flight control system 23 of the aircraft
11.
[0045] A length the tether line 21 varies upon bi-directional
rotation of the spool member 38 as the tether line 21 is wound and
unwound about the spool member 38 causing the model aircraft 11 to
move to and from the front end 50 of the vehicle 51.
[0046] The model aircraft 11 is biased into a flight mode upon
receiving a sufficient amount of airflow caused by movement of the
vehicle 51 and is controlled by the transmitter member 24 while
movement of joysticks 27 on the transmitter permits a user to vary
the proximity of the aircraft 11 with respect to the front end 50
of the vehicle 51.
[0047] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0048] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *