U.S. patent application number 11/652972 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-26 for propulsion and steering system for hovering models.
Invention is credited to Masaki Suzuki.
Application Number | 20070173173 11/652972 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37911795 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070173173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suzuki; Masaki |
July 26, 2007 |
Propulsion and steering system for hovering models
Abstract
The model having hovering capability includes one or more air
cushions that are capable of tilting and rotating simultaneously.
By tilting one or more air cushions, the frictional contact with
the ground surface is increased and the air bearing effect of that
cushion is lost. By rotating that same air cushion while tilted,
the model with hovering capability is provided with propulsion and
steering capability. The tilting and rotating of the air cushions
provides increase propulsion over rougher terrains, and enables the
vehicle to be amphibious by traversing both water and land.
Inventors: |
Suzuki; Masaki; (Yamagata,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEUSEY, TUTUNJIAN & BITETTO, P.C.
20 CROSSWAYS PARK NORTH, SUITE 210
WOODBURY
NY
11797
US
|
Family ID: |
37911795 |
Appl. No.: |
11/652972 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60761650 |
Jan 24, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
446/431 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 27/00 20130101;
A63H 17/36 20130101; A63H 29/00 20130101; A63H 17/00 20130101; A63H
33/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/431 |
International
Class: |
A63H 17/00 20060101
A63H017/00 |
Claims
1. A model comprising: at least one front air cushion; at least one
rear air cushion; and a propulsion system connected to said at
least one front air cushion or said at least one rear air cushion,
said propulsion system causing the connected air cushion to tilt in
a predetermined manner and rotate in a user selected direction.
2. The model of claim 1, wherein said tilting in a predetermined
manner comprises tilting said at least one air cushion from a flat
air bearing condition to an angular disposition with respect to a
ground running surface the model is being operated on.
3. The model of claim 1, wherein said at least one front air
cushion is fixedly mounted in a horizontal, air bearing position
and said propulsion system is connected to said at least one rear
air cushion such that said at least one rear air cushion provides
steering and propulsion to the model.
4. The model of claim 2, wherein said angular disposition comprises
tilting said rear air cushion at an angle greater than zero degrees
with respect to running surface of the model.
5. The model of claim 1, wherein the air cushion connected to the
propulsion system further comprises a tread having a predetermined
configuration.
6. The model of claim 5, wherein the predetermined configuration of
the air cushion tread comprises one selected from a group
consisting of off-road tread, water tread, track tread and an all
season tread.
7. The model of claim 1, further comprising: two rear air cushions;
and one front air cushion operating exclusively as an air bearing;
wherein said propulsion system is connected to said two rear
cushions such that rotation of each of said rear air cushions in
opposite directions with respect to each other causes said model to
move in a straight direction.
8. The model of claim 1, further comprising: an air compression fan
with corresponding ducting configured to provide air to said air
cushions; and a shut off mechanism connected to the air cushions
connected to said propulsion system for shutting off air flow to
the air cushions connected to the propulsion system when said
propulsion system is activated and the air cushions are tilted.
9. The model of claim 1, further comprising: a front right and a
front left air cushion; a rear right and a rear left air cushion; a
left side gear housing connecting said front left and said rear
left air cushions, said left side gear housing pivotally mounted to
a chassis of the model; a right side gear housing connecting said
front right and said rear right air cushions, said right side gear
housing pivotally mounted to the chassis of the model; and control
means connected to said left side gear housing and said right side
gear housing for independently and selectively pivoting said
gearing housings, and thereby the respective air cushions to
provide at least two different modes of operation for said air
cushions.
10. The model of claim 9, wherein said control means comprises: a
right side servo having a right side servo horn; a left side servo
having a left side servo horn; a right side control arm connected
at one end to the right side servo horn and an opposite end
connected to the right side gear housing; a left side control arm
connected at one end to the left side servo horn and an opposite
end connected to the left side gear housing; wherein said servos
selectively control the operating position of said gear housings in
response to user received commands from a radio controller.
11. The model of claim 10, wherein said servos are capable of
pivoting said gear housings in a range of more than 90 degrees to
provide both a 4 wheel operating vehicle in one mode, and the
tilted wheel propulsion system for the model in another operating
mode.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/761,650 filed on Jan. 24, 2006.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Technology
[0003] The present invention relates to hovering models. More
particularly, it relates to a steering and propulsion system for
hovering models.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, conventional toy models that have a hovering
feature produce thrust by one or multiple propellers mounted on the
top side of the vehicle. Steering is achieved by one or more
rudders placed behind the propulsion fans. In other alternative
arrangements, steering can be achieved by reversing the thrust of a
single fan versus the opposite fan in a dual fan setup.
[0006] Thrust produced by propeller(s) has proven to be very
inefficient for operation, and also drains power from a typical
rechargeable battery very quickly. Thus, runtime for the toy is
disappointingly short compared to electric powered traditional toy
R/C cars with wheels. Rechargeable battery powered toy models that
have hovering capability typically do not have sufficient thrust,
consequently, acceleration and handling are adversely affected. The
ability to move in reverse is severely limited due to even weaker
propeller thrust in the reverse direction.
[0007] Conventional models generally have an inflatable air cushion
underneath the vehicle that is not capable of climbing even the
slightest incline since it can function only as a frictionless air
bearing. Additionally, these conventional models with hovering
capability require smooth surfaces to operate on so that a pocket
of pressurized air can be effectively maintained under the air
cushion for air bearing function. As a prior art hovering model
gathers speed via propulsion propellers, its ability to steer is
greatly reduced since the thrust of the propellers is typically not
great enough to overcome the vehicle's momentum. Therefore steering
response is slow and as a result, the steering radius is large.
[0008] It becomes apparent that there is a need for a more power
efficient hovering model that also includes effective steering and
propulsion system.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to one aspect of the present principles, the model
with hovering capability includes air cushions that include both an
air bearing function and a steering/propulsion system.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present principles, the
model with hovering capability includes air cushions that are
exclusively air bearings and other air cushions that include both
air bearing and steering/propulsion capability.
[0011] These and other aspects of the model with hovering
capability are achieved by a model having at least one front air
cushion, at least one rear air cushion, and a propulsion system
connected to the at least one front air cushion or the at least one
rear air cushion. The propulsion system causing the connected air
cushion to tilt in a predetermined manner and rotate in a user
selected direction.
[0012] In accordance with one aspect, the tilting in a
predetermined manner includes tilting the at least one air cushion
from a flat air bearing condition to an angular disposition with
respect to a ground running surface the model is being operated
on.
[0013] According to another aspect, the at least one front air
cushion is fixedly mounted in a horizontal, air bearing position
and the propulsion system is connected to the at least one rear air
cushion such that the at least one rear air cushion provides
steering and propulsion to the model.
[0014] In yet a further aspect of the present principles, the model
includes two rear air cushions, and one front air cushion operating
exclusively as an air bearing. In this implementation, the
propulsion system is connected to the two rear cushions such that
rotation of each in opposite directions with respect to each other
causes the model to move in a straight direction.
[0015] In a further implementation, the model includes an air
compression fan with corresponding ducting configured to provide
air to the air cushions, and a shut off mechanism connected to the
air cushions connected to the propulsion system for shutting off
air flow to the air cushions when the propulsion system is
activated and the air cushions are tilted.
[0016] In yet another implementation of the present principles, the
model includes a front right and a front left air cushion, and a
rear right and a rear left air cushion. A left side gear housing is
connected to the front left and rear left air cushions, and is
pivotally mounted to a chassis of the model. A right side gear
housing is connected to the front right and rear right air
cushions, and is pivotally mounted to the chassis of the model. A
control means is connected to the left side gear housing and the
right side gear housing for independently and selectively pivoting
said gearing housings, and thereby the respective air cushions to
provide at least two different modes of operation for said air
cushions.
[0017] The control means can include, for example, a right side
servo having a right side servo horn, a left side servo having a
left side servo horn, a right side control arm connected at one end
to the right side servo horn and an opposite end connected to the
right side gear housing, and a left side control arm connected at
one end to the left side servo horn and an opposite end connected
to the left side gear housing. The servos selectively control the
operating position of the gear housings in response to user
received commands from a radio controller.
[0018] The services are capable of pivoting the gear housings in a
range of more than 90 degrees to provide both a 4 wheel operating
vehicle in one mode, and the tilted wheel propulsion system for the
model in another operating mode.
[0019] Other aspects and features of the present principles will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for
purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of
the present principles, for which reference should be made to the
appended claims. It should be further understood that the drawings
are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise
indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the
structures and procedures described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In the drawings wherein like reference numerals denote
similar components throughout the views:
[0021] FIG. 1 is top view of the model with hovering capability
according to an embodiment of the present principles;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the model with hovering
capability according to an embodiment of the present
principles;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the model with hovering
capability taken along lines III-III of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the model with hovering
capability showing the steering and propulsion systems according to
an embodiment of the present principles
[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the inner workings of the
steering and propulsion system in a non-active position according
to an embodiment of the present principles;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the inner workings of the
steering and propulsion system in the active position according to
an embodiment of the present principles;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a combined model with
hovering capability having/4 wheel vehicle with the wheels in a
tilted steering/propulsion mode of operation according to an
alternative embodiment of the present principles;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the combined model with
hovering capability/4 wheel vehicle showing all four wheels in a
flat air bearing/hovering position; and
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the model with hovering
capability/4 wheel vehicle showing the wheels in a driving position
according to an embodiment of the present principles.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the model with hovering
capability/4 wheel vehicle showing one set of wheels in a driving
position, and another set of wheels in an air bearing position,
according to an embodiment of the present principles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The model with hovering capability (e.g., a model
hovercraft) of the present principles can possess multiple air
cushions in a variety of configurations. In these various
configurations, some or all of the cushions can provide steering
and propulsion by tilting and rotating. It will become clear from
the following that depending on the particular configuration, some
air cushions can function exclusively as an air bearing for the
model.
[0032] By way of example, the implementation shown in FIGS. 1-6
show a total of three air cushions 10L, 10R and 12 installed under
the vehicle. Air is drawn into the vehicle from an opening 14 at
the top of the body. A compressor fan 30 rotates to draw air into
the vehicle from the opening at the top opening 14 of the body.
Enough compressed air is channeled to the aircushions 10, 12 to
both inflate them and to create and maintain high pressure air in
centralized voids 32 under the cushions 10, 12. As with standard
hovering vehicles, a steady film of air bleeds off from under the
air cushion sides at the point of contact 7 with the ground 5
creating the air bearing or hovering effect. The film of air that
bleeds off under air cushion operates to substantially reduce any
friction between the air cushion and the ground surface 5 the
vehicle runs on. The hovering function works best on smooth,
uniform surfaces versus rough and irregular since air film bleed
off is minimized on smoother surfaces. Therefore, the pressurized
air in the voids 32 formed under the air cushions 10, 12 is
effectively maintained and not lost due to cracks or voids in a
porous surface.
[0033] The exemplary model of FIGS. 1-6 featuring three air
cushions 10L, 10R and 12, can have the equal-sized doughnut shaped
cushions in a triangular arrangement, as shown. In other
contemplated embodiments, the size of the cushions 10, 12 can be
made different, and particularly the size of air cushions 10 can be
different than that of air cushion 12.
[0034] In this exemplary implementation, the front or forward
mounted cushion 12 functions exclusively as an air bearing and may
generally be mounted in a stationary manner. However, it is
contemplated herein that the front air bearing cushion 12 could
further benefit from a swiveling mount to assist it in tracking
over uneven surfaces so as to better maintain the pressurized air
in the void 32 under the cushion for sustained air bearing
operation. The rear two air cushions 10L and 10R have a dual
function as both air bearings and for propulsion and steering.
[0035] The propulsion and steering mechanism will now be described
in connection with reference to FIGS. 3-6. In concept, by tilting
one or both of the rear mounted air cushions 10, the air bearing
function is lost since the pocket of pressurized air in void 32
bleeds off completely due to the lost uniform ground contact.
[0036] Generally, when the wheels 10 are tilted, the pressurized
air would continue to be channeled to the tilted air cushion(s) and
wasted, but a unique, mechanical air shutoff system is employed.
This can be shown by the angularly disposed and opposing flanges 50
attached to the universal joint linkages 42. When the rear cushions
10L and 10R tilt, the respective flanges SOL and 50R effectively
close the air passages 52 which feed air to the rear air cushions.
This shut off by the flanges 50 redirects pressurized air from the
compressor fan to the active air bearing cushion(s), in this case
front cushion 12. This air shutoff feature ensures that all air is
redirected to the air cushions that are not tilted and all other
internal ducting remains pressurized for maximum hovering effect.
In this example, the forward or front air cushion 12 is the
fulltime air bearing with no motorized tilt and rotation features.
The rear two air cushions 10L and 10R can be tilted and rotated
separately or in combination.
[0037] According to one preferred implementation, the tilting and
rotating of the cushions 10L and 10R happen simultaneously. The
tilting of the cushions 10 allows the outer edges 11 of the air
cushions to make frictional contact with the ground and eliminates
the air bearing effect of the air cushions 10, as shown in FIG. 4.
By enabling the independent selectable rotation direction of the
each tilted air cushion 10L and 10R, the model is provided with
both propulsion and steering capability while maintaining a
hovering attitude with the front air bearing 12. The tilting angle
A of the cushions 10L and 10R is preferably greater than zero
degrees (0.degree.). In the example shown, A is approximately
20.degree.. However, those of skill in the art will recognize that
angle A need only be greater than zero to achieve the added
frictional contact necessary for the propulsion aspect of the
present principles.
[0038] As a rather unique feature of the model with hovering
capability of the present principles, and model vehicles in
general, in order to drive the model in a straight position, each
tilted air cushion 10L and 10R must rotate in opposite directions
with respect to each other.
[0039] By selecting (from a radio transmitter not shown), both rear
cushions 10L and 10R to rotate in the same direction to the right
or to the left, this would generate a turn to the right or to the
left. Sustained rotation in the selected direction would generate a
continuous turning effect or a fast 360 degree rotation of the
whole vehicle over and over again in a relatively tight radius of
operation and almost in place.
[0040] It would also be possible to rotate one of the rear cushions
10L or 10R and cause the toy to rotate about the same. This
steering capability of the model with hovering capability of the
present principles provides significant recreational and functional
advantages over prior art hovercraft toys. Especially when compared
to the very wide turning radii that is standard for conventional
hovering modes (e.g., hovercrafts) with standard propulsion
propellers on top of the model body. The tilting and rotating air
cushions 10L and 10R provide direct contact with the ground for
quick and effective turns unlike any conventional model hovercrafts
which tend to slide due to the hovering effect.
[0041] As mentioned above, rotating both air cushions in opposite
directions (with respect to each other) to the front or to the
rear, generates propulsion to the front or to the rear. This
propulsion would be instantaneous and have little to no hesitation
due to the direct frictional contact 9 with the ground 5 (See FIG.
4). This is compared to the conventional hovercraft vehicles where
propulsion is based on momentum build up due to the typical
propeller fan setup. As a result of the direct ground contact 9,
the tilted and rotated air cushions 10L and 10R operate like tires
and therefore represent improved steering and acceleration response
compared to existing toy hovercrafts. After acceleration is
achieved, the air cushions can be allowed to drop to normal air
bearing position (using gravity or spring assist); consequently,
the rear cushions 10L and 10R now function as air bearings and the
vehicle will coast along on a thin cushion of air caused by the air
voids 32 and corresponding bleed off. This coasting is a product of
any momentum build up experienced by the toy when in the propulsion
mode of operation.
[0042] In addition to steering and propulsion, the selective direct
ground contact of air cushions 10L and 10R not only enables the toy
hovercraft of the present principles to climb up smooth and gradual
inclines, but also provides the toy with the ability to go in
reverse quite easily. Those of skill in the art will recognize that
the frictionless air bearings of conventional hovercraft vehicles
provide no ability to climb inclines. As a matter of fact, the
climbing ability of the conventional hovercraft vehicle with a
frictionless air bearing is entirely based on the fan propulsion
capability, which is generally too low, resulting in the vehicle
sliding down an incline it is trying to climb. Additionally,
conventional hovercraft vehicles have difficulty traveling in
reverse due to insufficient propeller thrust in the reverse
direction.
[0043] In accordance with one preferred implementation of the
present principles, the tilting action of rear cushions 10L and 10R
can be achieved with motor and gear transmission assemblies.
Referring to FIGS. 4-6, servo motors 38L and 38R and corresponding
servo gearing 56 contained in a servo box 54 operate to tilt the
respective cushion 10L and 10R.
[0044] Rotation or drive function of air cushions 10L and 10R can
also be achieved by motor and gear transmission and
universal-jointed linkages. As shown, motors 36L and 36R with
corresponding gearing 40L and 40R, respectively. The gearing 40L
and 40R are linked to the universal jointed linkages 42L and 42R,
respectively. When rotation of the cushions 10L and 10R is actuated
by the respective motors 36, servo motors 38 are actuated causing
the servo gearing to rotate a servo horn 58. The servo horn 58 is
connected to the cushion mechanism without interfering with the
rotation thereof, and causes the same to tilt in its predetermined
direction. The servo horn 58 may be directly connected to the
flapper flange 50 causing the same to close and thereby disabling
the air flow to the respective cushion (as described above). In
other embodiments, the servo horn 58 is spring biased by a spring
60 in the propulsion/steering tilted mode. Thus, when the operator
of the toy does not actuate the drive functions, the servo motors
38 respond by dropping the cushions 10 to their non-tilted
air-bearing position.
[0045] Thus, the model with hovering capability of the present
principles as shown and described in FIGS. 3 and 6 includes a total
five motors in this three air cushion embodiment. One motor 34
powers the air compression fan 30, two motors 38L and 38R power the
tilt function on each of the respective rear air cushions 10L and
10R, and two other motors 36L (not shown) and 36R would drive each
of the rear air cushions 10L and 10R. The drive motors 36L and 36R
are preferably a larger capacity motor compared to the tilting
motors 38 and the air compression motor 34.
[0046] In one embodiment, the hovering can be controlled by a third
radio channel on the radio control transmitter (not shown) which
enables the selective turning on and off of the compression fan
motor 34. The tilt and rotate feature are also controlled from the
remote controller (not shown) for steering, forward and reverse
functions. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
by shutting of the compression fan 30 and disabling or
discontinuing the "hovering" or "air bearing" mode of the front air
cushion 12, it will act as a brake for the vehicle.
[0047] The model vehicle with hovering capability 1 according to
the present principles is adapted to float and operate on water
similarly as on dry land. When one or more than one of the air
cushions are tilted, the tilted air cushion grips the water with
the top of the cushion located away from water. The tilted and
rotated air cushion can produce thrust and steering even when on
the water. The style, configuration and depth of the air cushion
treads 60 can have an increased effect on the vehicles ability to
drive through the water or other rougher terrains. FIGS. 1 and 2
show one type of tread design 60a, FIGS. 3 and 4 show yet another
tread design 60b, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show a more water friendly
tread design 60c. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the
style, configuration and depth of the tread 60 can be changed or
reconfigured for many various applications (e.g., terrains) without
departing from the spirit of the present principles. For example,
the treads can be an off-road tread, a water tread, a track tread
and/or an all season tread that is essentially designed to handle
multiple different road conditions.
[0048] Packed snow and ice are other operable surfaces for the
model of the present principles. The tilt/rotate feature of the
present principles also allows operation on low pile carpeting.
This porous type of surface would usually slow a toy hovercraft
down to a standstill by depleting all or most of the pressurized
air under the air cushion causing insurmountable surface
friction.
[0049] Although shown in an exemplary implementation with 3 air
cushions, the tile/rotate mechanism of the present principles is
not limited in any way to 3 air cushions. For example, the
tilt/rotate mechanism of the present principles can be applied to
all four air cushions in a four cushion vehicle setup. Tilting all
four air cushions to 90 degrees would yield a high ground clearance
automobile-like four wheeled vehicle. Essentially a transformation
from a model with hovering capability to a model vehicle that runs
on wheels is possible with this proprietary propulsion/steering
mechanism. Ultimately, two or more air cushions can be employed on
this type of model vehicle. Some or all air cushions can feature
tilting and rotating to provide a variety of operating mode
capabilities.
[0050] FIGS. 7-9 show the model 70 with hovering capability
according to a further implementation of the present principles. As
shown, this model has four wheels 72F, 72R, 74F, and 74R. The left
side front and rear wheels 72F and 72R, respectively, are connected
to each other via a gear housing 76, while the right side wheels
74F and 74R are connected to each other via a gear housing 78. In
this implementation, the gear housings 76 and 78 are pivotally
mounted to the chassis 100 at pivot points 82 and 84, respectively.
The front 82F, 84F and rear pivot points 82R and 84R are axially
aligned with their respective opposite. Thus, when the gear
housings 76, 78 pivot about their respective pivot points 82 and
84, the wheels essentially are pivoted about the same pivot
points.
[0051] The selective control of the gear housings 76, 78 provide
this model vehicle with steering and propulsion control, while
maintaining the capability to either operate in a hovering mode or
in a true 4 wheel drive mode. Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown
the model 70 with all four wheels 72F, 72R, 82F and 82R in the
steering/propulsion mode of operation. As shown, the wheels are
tilted such that the treads of the same contact the ground in the
same manner as that described above with reference to the
implementation shown FIGS. 1-6.
[0052] In one preferred implementation, each side set of wheels 72
and 74 are independently controlled by a user from the radio remote
controller (not shown). This independent control allows the user to
select a set of wheels (e.g., either left side wheels 72, right
side wheels 74 or both sides) which will be used for driving,
steering, hovering, etc. The user's radio remote controller (not
shown) is configured to control the servos contained in housing 90
that is responsible for the operating mode of the model. In the
embodiment shown, there are two servos contained in housing 90,
each connected to a servo horn 92 and 94. The servo horns 92 and 94
are fixedly connected to controller arms 102 and 104, respectively.
The controller arm 102 is connected to the gear housing 76 via a
fixed connection point 122. The controller arm 104 is connected to
the gear housing 78 via a fixed connection point, not shown. As
will be apparent from the figures, the position of the servo horns
92 and 94, and thereby the controller arms 102 and 104 dictate the
operating mode of gear housing 76 and 78, and thereby the
corresponding wheels 72 and 74, respectively.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the servo horns 92 and 94 (not shown)
are in one extreme position away from each other such that the
controller arms 102 and 104 essentially push the wheels 72 and 74
into their tilted propulsion/steering mode of operation. By
independently driving wheels 72 and 74, the user can steer the
model using a differential, tank like steering approach. Although
the implementation shown in FIG. 7 shows both gear housings and
corresponding wheels tilted, those of skill in the art will
recognize that by providing independent user control of the servos
controller servo horns 92 and 94, the user will be able to
selectively tilt one set of wheels (e.g., 72 or 74), while the
other set can be maintained in a air bearing mode (e.g., see FIG.
10).
[0054] FIG. 8 shows the model 80 with all four wheels 72 and 74 in
an air bearing mode of operation. As can be seen in this figure,
the position of the servo horns 92 and 94 are more intermediate
than the extreme shown in FIG. 7 for the propulsion/steering mode.
As explained in detail above with respect to the implementation
shown in FIGS. 1-6, when the wheels 72 and 74 are flat against the
surface on which it is riding, the wheels act as air bearings to
provide the hovering capability of the model. In this mode, the
compression fan 86 and corresponding ducts 88 provide air to all
four wheels now operating as air bearings. As described above, when
the wheels are tilted for propulsion/steering (See FIGS. 7 and 10),
the air flow to those wheels is terminated by a flapper mechanism
or other mechanical, or electromechanical means.
[0055] The radio control electronics 80 include all the electronics
necessary to operate the model. In addition, the electronics will
also include the various channels (and corresponding crystals)
required to operate the compression fan, the independent tilting of
the wheels 72 and/or 74, and/or independent driving of wheels 72
and/or 74.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows the model 70 in 4 wheel drive mode, where the
wheels 72 and 74 now function as wheels where intended. By
providing the user with independent control of wheels 72 from
wheels 74, the user can steer the vehicle using a differential-like
steering approach. In order to enter this mode of operation, the
servo horns 92 and 94 move into the other extreme position (i.e.,
inward toward each other) such that control arms 102 and 104 cause
gear housings 76 and 78 to rotate inward thus causing wheels 72 and
74 to be disposed in their vertical running position.
[0057] FIG. 10 shows an alternative mode of operation for the model
70, where the left side wheels 72 are tilted in a propulsion mode,
and right side wheels 74 are in a flat, air bearing mode of
operation. In this mode, the model will be provided with propulsion
by wheels 72, which, due to their configuration, will result in
unique sideways and angular sideways movements of the toy. Since
the user can selectively and independently activate the wheel
groups 72 and/or 74 to operated in air bearing, propulsion or
driving mode, the possibilities for unique stunt movements and
action of the model are significantly increased beyond that of all
currently known models having hovering capability.
[0058] While there have been shown, described and pointed out
fundamental novel features of the present principles, it will be
understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the
form and details of the methods described and devices illustrated,
and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit of the same. For example, it is
expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or
method steps which perform substantially the same function in
substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within
the scope of the present principles. Moreover, it should be
recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps
shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or
implementation of the present principles may be incorporated in any
other disclosed, described or suggested form or implementation as a
general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to
be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended
hereto.
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