Gyrokinetic Engine

Abstract

The gyroscopic exercise device, comprised of one or more rotating mass equipped with accompanying gears, bearings, and optional components, encased in a frame connected to an attachment which contains additional optional equipment including electric motors, magnets, batteries, wiring and electronics, to which one or more handles or grips are connected in a temporary or fixed position, intended to overcome the high degree of difficulty and failure new users experience when using prior art friction-based gyroscopic exercise devices, by providing a novel driving system and rotor that is substantially more efficiency, powerful and durable with means of servicing wear points, enables users to consistently progress, further encouraging regular use, thereby developing greater strength circulation, and coordination in the hands, arms and upper body, which enhances stability and control when users operate handheld equipment.

Claims

1) A method for producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy, comprising a) providing a device comprised of a gripping attachment; a frame structure; a method of receiving pivotal coupling of said gripping attachments to frame; a pivotal mounting to receive a rotating mass of predetermined specifications; area to accommodate said mass; a rotating mass possessing enough angular momentum to forcefully precess; a method of rotary engagement of precession; a method of transmission of said rotary engagement to said precession to rotation of said rotating mass; b) providing an input of kinetic energy expressed through movement of gripping attachments with force greater than resistance to said movement whereby said method of producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy begins by receiving said kinetic energy through said gripping attachments pivotally attached to said frame moved through a pattern of motion that would cause continual precession of said rotating mass pivotally coupled to frame and thus turning said rotary engagement by said precession which is transmitted through said transmission to further accelerate said rotating mass thus producing increased resistance to further motive forces.

2) the method for producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy of claim 1 wherein user moves said device through said pattern in an alternate direction reversing rotation of said rotary engagement and said transmission which further includes a method to produce singular direction of output rotation to said rotating mass with ambidextrous rotation input

3) the method for producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy of claim 1 further including a method to selectively engage accelerating rotational input allowing free rotation of rotating mass in the absence of accelerating force

4) the method for producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy of claim 1 further including electromagnetic coils, magnetic elements and a method of accelerating rotational speed of said rotating mass through timed sequential activation of electromagnetic coils propelling said corresponding magnetic elements within rotating mass and then alternatively generating electricity by the rotation of mass when coils are not electrically activated

5) the method for producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy of claim 1 further including a method to self-balance rotating mass

6) the method for producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy of claim 1 further including a method of adjusting mass of rotating body

7) the method for producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy of claim 1 further including a method of sensing, displaying and transmitting data externally the motion; rotation; heart rate; and all other available data and biometrics

8) the method for producing resistance to motive forces through conversion of expressed kinetic energy of claim 1 wherein gripping attachments have a method to resemble firearms or sporting equipment

9) A Gyrokinetic Engine powered by kinetic energy, comprising: a pivotally mounted rotatably balanced mass with means to rotate about axis of rotation and precess about the perpendicular axis; a frame with means to accommodate rotating mass providing for a plurality of pivotal couplings to gripping attachments or bases; a rotational energy coupling element with means of engaging rotation between the frame and coupled grip; and a means of transmitting said rotational energy to rotation of said mass, wherein said handle is twisted against said frame initiating rotation of mass and then held during movement of device in a manner to perpetuation precession of said rotating mass thereby engaging said coupling elements and transmitting said precession rotation to rotation of said mass and overcoming the resistance produced and successfully completing activity.

10) the Gyrokinetic Engine of claim 9 further including a means of adjusting quantity of rotating mass

11) the Gyrokinetic Engine of claim 9 further including a means for self-balancing

12) the Gyrokinetic Engine of claim 9 wherein rotational energy transmitted to rotation of said mass will have means to selectively engage when the rotational speed of input is greater than that of the rotating mass

13) the Gyrokinetic Engine of claim 9 wherein the means of transmission further includes a means to accept input from either direction of rotation while outputting one singe direction of rotation for rotating said mass

14) the Gyrokinetic Engine motor of claim 9 wherein the rotating mass further includes a composition of magnetic elements oriented with alternating polarities about the perimeter adjacent to corresponding electromagnetic coils with means to imparting rotational energy unto said rotating mass by sequential electrification of said coils which then generate electricity from rotation of mass when not electrified

15) a gyroscopic exercise device of the type with a rotating mass as the source of resistance for exercise is improved by providing said rotating mass with a means to selectively engage accelerating precession rotation and transmit it to the rotation of said mass

16) the gyroscopic exercise device of claim 15 wherein said accelerating precession is engaged by a toothed means of rotary engagement

17) the gyroscopic exercise device of claim 15 wherein input of said accelerating precession is conveyed by means of a variable speed-to-power ratio

18) the gyroscopic exercise device of claim 15 wherein said engagement of accelerating precession further includes a means to precess in either direction while conveying a single direction of rotation to rotating mass

19) the gyroscopic exercise device of claim 15 further including means to accelerate said mass by electromagnetism that would alternatively generate electricity when not electrified to accelerate mass

20) the gyroscopic exercise device of claim 15 wherein said rotating mass further includes a means of adjusting amount of rotating mass

21) the gyroscopic exercise device of claim 15 further including a means for self-balancing

Description

DRAWINGS

Drawing Figures

[0033] FIG. 1A is a detailed view of a Gyrokinetic Engine with drivetrain configuration within center of rotor and optional electricity generator

[0034] FIG. 1B is a detailed view of FIG. 2A assembled without optional equipment

[0035] FIG. 1C is a detailed view of FIG. 2A disassembled without optional equipment

[0036] FIG. 2A is a detailed view of an alternative drivetrain configuration for Gyrokinetic Engine in which the drivetrain components are outside of the rotor.

[0037] FIG. 2B is a detailed view of axial geared Gyrokinetic Engine drivetrain configuration in which the gear engagement is at the ends of axels with optional magnetic drive assist and electricity generator alternative embodiment

[0038] FIG. 2C is a side view of FIG. 2B

[0039] FIG. 2D is an illustration of a Gyrokinetic Engine with a variable ratio drivetrain

[0040] FIG. 3A is an illustration of an dual rotor, single grip alternative embodiment

[0041] FIG. 4C is an illustration of a multiple grip, single rotor rifle alternative embodiment

[0042] FIG. 4A is an overall view of the present invention with pistol grip alternative embodiment and optional electricity generator and optional and optional motor drive.

[0043] FIG. 4B is an alternative embodiment of the pistol grip showing moveable grip position

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0044] 101 Rotating Mass [0045] 102 Frame [0046] 102-A Structural Component [0047] 103 Removable Coupling [0048] 104 Optional Attachment [0049] 105 Optional Grips or Handles [0050] 106 Optional Tightening knob [0051] 107 Optional Bolt [0052] 201 Gears [0053] 201-B Bevel Gear [0054] 201-C Pinion Gear [0055] 201-E Ring Gear [0056] 202 Bearings [0057] 202-B Clutch Bearing [0058] 204 Axle [0059] 205 Variable ratio pulleys [0060] 205-A Derailleur [0061] 301 Optional Electric motors [0062] 302 Optional Magnets [0063] 303 Optional Electromagnetic Coil [0064] 304 Programmable Microchip [0065] 304-C Memory [0066] 304-D Display screen [0067] 305 Optional Wiring and electronics [0068] 305-A Method of transmitting data [0069] 306 Optional Rechargeable Batteries [0070] 307 Optional Activation button/trigger/lever [0071] 308 Optional Laser Pointer [0072] 309 Material Providing mass [0073] 310 Rubber [0074] 311 Rotor Hub [0075] 314 Counterbalance Weight [0076] 401 Handle [0077] 403 Handle Clamping Bolt [0078] 500 Integrated Circuitry

DETAILED SPECIFICATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0079] One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1A which achieves a conversion of kinetic energy to angular momentum useful for providing resistance to movement through pivotally mounting a rotatably balanced mass 101 about a spin axis 204 to rotate freely then selectively engaged by a means of engaging rotation including clutching mechanism 202-B which is a one way clutch bearing to impart rotational torque unto rotating mass with increased rotational energy derived from the engagement of gears 201 turned through precession of the rotating mass caused by movement of the handles in such a way as to deflect the momentum causing the rotating mass to rotate faster and increasing the angular momentum and then disengaging to preserve momentum once the input rotation speed falls below that of rotating mass. This clutch engagement may occur within rotor as illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C or at any place along the transmission of rotation between the engagement of precession to the rotating mass facilitated by any known means of engaging rotary motion including but not limited to one way clutch bearing as illustrated; centrifugal clutch; electromagnetic clutch; electromagnetic rotary engagement; pressure plate; hydraulic or gas means of transmitting rotational energy or actuating the engagement of engagement.

[0080] In this preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A the rotating mass 101 will be pivotally mounted by bearings 202 alongside a one way clutch bearing 202-B set to selectively engage the axle 204 to the rotating mass when it rotates faster than the rotating mass.

[0081] The axle 204 is turned by 201-C which is turned by ring gear 201-E which are in place to achieve an input ratio multiplying input rotation sufficiently to achieve angular momentum in quantities sufficient to sustain motion of device overcoming friction and providing resistance to the users movements which power the device. The ring gear is turned by engagement of the 201-B bevel gears which translate rotary motion through a 90 degree transition to align with the rotary engagement of the precession motion which occurs about an axis perpendicular to the rotation of said rotating mass. Two more 201-B Bevel gears are at the intersection with the bevel gear attached to the ring gear. These two additional bevel gears are mounted to one way clutch bearings set to engage rotation in opposite directions for the purpose of allowing input rotation to occur in either direction and be translated into a single direction of rotation by engaging the bevel gear on either side of the ring gears bevel gear which allows the user to move the exercise device in any direction of exercise. All rotary motion is supported by bearings 202 which are illustrated as ball bearings but could include any known means of reducing rotational friction including but not limited to oil bushings, air bearing, magnetic support and more. The Precession Engagement Shaft 206 does not rotate in drivetrain configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, C, and remains fixed with the handle while the rest of the frame rotates around shaft 206 with precession. In FIGS. 2A and 2D the precession of the rotating mass 101 moves shaft 206 around a ring gear that is in line with the path of precession rotation engaged by a pinion gear while the ring gear remains fixed with the handles. The frame which receives the pivotal mounting of rotating mass and gripping attachments will allow a means for precession rotation of the mass which has been constrained to it and so has a plurality of pivotal couplings to receive mounting of handles, attachments and other mounting configurations that would facilitating its use throughout its broad range of applications.

[0082] These pivotal couplings are placed at locations concentric to center of rotating mass at a distance great enough to allow precession within frame members at an axis perpendicular to the rotation of said mass where user interaction would best be engaged facilitating patterns of motion causing precession.

[0083] The rotary engagement of precession is illustrated as gears in these figures but could be accomplished by any known means of rotary engagement at the intersection between the stationary component such as the handle or mounting attachment and the precession of the rotating mass and transmitted by any known means of conveying rotation including belts, gears, hydraulically, pneumatically, and electromagnetically.

[0084] The rotary transmission motivated by a rotational engagement between grip or base of support and the precession of the rotating mass is constrained to travel only along the path where all components will align through frame 102 structures that allow said motion within and about them.

[0085] The bevel gears mounted to clutch bearings clutch are set to engage alternatively in opposite directions to translate bi-directional input rotation to unidirectional rotation output to rotating mass allowing unlimited increases of angular momentum through either direction of use. The engagement of these differential gears is optional and could be bypassed if the device was only to be used in one direction or the clutch bearings could be replaced with any other means of rotary engagement including electromagnetic engagement.

[0086] This device which is powered by user interaction through manipulation of the handles or mounting attachments moved circular or conical pattern of motion along any plane causing the rotating mass to precess while engaging the rotary transmission that will in turn cause the rotating mass to rotate at an increased rate set by the transmission ratio of input to output rotations. As the user causes an increase in the speed of the rotating mass and possesses increased angular momentum it will become increasingly difficult for the user to move the device and exercise with it creating progression in the exercise and achieving the intended goal of resisting motion.

[0087] A frame structure providing a with means for the rotating mass to rotate and precess about and axis perpendicular to its rotation with a means to accommodate the fitting of bearings to constrain the components to travel along their predefined path of motion while being rigid enough to prevent any additional motion. The Removable Coupling 103 will be suitable for attachment grips or shapes simulating the gripping of firearms or sporting goods facilitated by any known means of engagement including quick release rotary couplings of gas or fluid, bearing mounted protrusion with mating receptacle having locking clamp, screw in attachment of pivotally mounted structure, magnetic adhesion of pivotal components.

[0088] Attachments such as grips do not rotate as their held in the hand or otherwise restrained while precession turns the rotating mass element rotates.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0089] In FIGS. 2B and 2C the axle of the rotating mass extends to engage a ring gear oriented along the path perpendicular to the precession rotation which is also perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating mass. This axle has gear teeth at the ends to achieve positive engagement to ring gear as the rotating mass precesses these gears mesh causing rotating mass to rotate at an increased rate relative to the speed of precessions induced by user interaction with the device. The axle engagement is illustrated as toothed gear but could also include any known means of engagement. FIG. 2D illustrates a variable ratio transmission to allow the increase or decrease of the multiplication of precession rotations relative to rotations of rotating mass facilitated by a number of ring and pinion gears with varying tooth counts selected by any known means illustrated as a Derailleur 205-A and the rest of the device functions in the same manner as illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0090] Alternative embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 2A, 2D, 4A show the rotating mass with optional magnets 302 positioned adjacent to electromagnetic coils 303 providing means to impart rotational energy through to starting, maintaining speed or increase rotational speed of rotating mass through activation of electromagnetic coils and alternatively when not electrically activated the electromagnetic coils will generate electricity while the rotating mass is motivated by user interaction or continuing through its own momentum.

[0091] An alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A illustrates how batteries 306 would be included to store electricity generated by the electromagnetic coil during use with a trigger 307 to return stored energy to electromagnetic coil to turn the rotating mass and a laser pointer 308 to aid in use of the device during marksmanship exercises and 403 clamp to facilitate movement of the grip along the length of the frame.

[0092] An alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C demonstrates how the precession of the rotating mass could be engaged by gears placed at the end of an axle riding around a ring gear.

[0093] An alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3A shows how the present invention could be located at either ends of a single handle 401.

[0094] An alternative embodiment illustrated FIG. 4A includes programmable microchip controller 304 which will control activation of electromagnetic coils 303 to regulate rotation of mass 101, regulate electricity generated by coils, and through various sensors 304 B measure speed of rotor, rotations of precession, and motions of user collected and stored in memory 304 C for display by screen 304 D or transmitted for use externally or to create game play control and interactive capabilities by a method of transmitting data 304.

[0095] Alternative embodiments could be driven any means of transmission of rotational energy including but not limited to shaft, belt, chain, fluid or gas conveyance of energy and any other known means to convey rotational energy.

[0096] Alternative embodiments could include a means of balancing about center of rotation including but not limited to harmonic balancing element, vibration absorbing hub, pillow mounting pivotal mounts, computer balanced mass, and any other known means to evenly distribute mass of a rotating object about its pivot.

[0097] Alternative embodiments could include any known means of transmitting single direction of rotation with ambiguous input rotation including differential gearing, hydraulic coupling controlled through valves controlling flow; electromagnetic conveyance, air pressure, and any other known means of accepting ambiguous rotation and outputting single direction of rotation.

[0098] Alternative embodiments could include any known means of pivotal attachment removable and means of receiving pivotal mounting including but not limited to removable rotatable pressurized gas and fluid couplings, bearing mounted electromagnetic coupling, quick release cam or clamping attachment of rotatably mounted mating parts, universal joint, flex shaft, and any other known means of rotatably coupling parts in a manner that allows intended motion while adhering to intended constraint.

[0099] Alternative embodiments could include any known means to accelerate said mass by electromagnetism that also generates electricity including all known means to create rotation through electromagnetism, electric motors or electrification of coils which also include a means for generating electricity through all known methods and techniques such as manually rotating an electric motor without power applied.

[0100] Alternative embodiments could include any known means of constantly variable speed-to-power ratio is achieved by including several sizes of gears arranged in a sequential manner to create desired ratios with a derailleur mechanism to move method of conveyance such as belt to chain onto the desired engagements

[0101] Alternative embodiments could include any known means of rotational engagement producing singular direction of rotation output from ambidextrous input rotation and Means to output a single direction of rotation accomplished by differentially opposed gears set on same input axle at either side of single output pinion engaged alternatively by one way clutch bearings set to engage in opposite directions. Thus each gear engages a different direction of rotation but on opposite sides of the pinion output single direction of rotation.

[0102] A method to resemble firearms or sporting equipment facilitated by modeling gripping attachment to resemble pistol, rifle, racquet, club, bat, hand tools and other instruments used by the hands.

[0103] A method of transmitting data would be accomplished by WiFi module, Bluetooth, and any other known means of wirelessly transmitting data connecting to source of data and power source

[0104] A method of sensing include gyroscope sensors, accelerometer, compass, optical sensors, hall effect sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensing element, heart rate sensor and any other known sensors able to generate data to be transmitted connected to the transmitting sending constant stream of data to be received externally

[0105] A method of accelerating rotational speed would be accomplished by activation of electromagnetic coils coupled to magnetic elements within rotating body alternately oriented to produce rotation when coils are properly electronically activated in sequence.

OPERATIONPREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0106] Based on the particular intent and interest of the user, the grips 105 on the present invention are adjusted along its sliding rails 104 along its rotor housing attachment 103. The user is instructed to grasp the grips 105 as intended and place other hand on the housing and twist the device in a manner consistent with normal precession thus manually activating rotation of the rotor 101 to spin at a rate adequate to achieve precession and after precession is accomplished user would remove second hand and move the device in conical, circular or spinning motion based on the particular intent and interest of the user or attachment thus pushing the device against resistance produced and through its cycles of precession thus engaging the gears turning the rotor to spin said rotor at progressively increasing velocity.

[0107] As the device is pushed through its cycles of precession the gears mounted in the rotating housing 102 turn against fixed gear 201 mounted to handle or grip 105. As the housing revolves around its stationary mounting through cycles of precession the stationary gears 201 connected fixedly to the grip are engaged by the gear 201 as it revolves around it transmitting rotation to the next larger gear 201 in the drivetrain which then turns the next smaller gear 201 in the drivetrain attached to the axle of rotor 101 spinning the rotor 101 at a rate adequate to increase angular momentum at a rate proportionate to the cycles of precession and produce an amount of force in relative to energy input by the user.

[0108] A means to precess in either direction while conveying a single direction of torque rotation is accomplished by engagement of one of two gears are alternatively engaged at either side of rotating gear mounted on one way clutch bearings set in opposite directions for each gear set so that rotation is engage one at a time when device is moving in either direction as a single bearing and single stationary gear will engage the rotating gear and turn the drivetrain while the other will spin freely. Then once the device is moving in the other direction the first gear will disengage and the second set on the opposite side of the revolving gear will engage producing a consistent direction of rotation for the rotating gear regardless of direction of input motion. With stationary gears set on either side of rotating gear only one gear will engage in each direction of rotation at opposing sides of the rotating gear to produce a consistent direction of rotor spin with either direction of input.

[0109] The rotating gear will turn the next gear which is larger to increase the number of rotations of the smaller gear in the drivetrain which is turned by it achieving a spin ratio adequate for each cycle of precession. The final drive gear attached to the rotor axle engages through another one way clutch bearing intended to release the rotor to spin freely once user input has ceased and thus maintaining the angular momentum generated by user for later use.

[0110] Should the user need assistance maintaining the spin of the rotor 101, the user will be instructed to press the button 304 activating the electromagnetic motor 301 thereby inducing coupling of magnets embedded into the rotor 203 accelerating the spin rate of rotor 101, aiding the user in the exercise performance and providing support for normal operation. This significantly reducing or even negating the possibility that the user will become frustrated and give up doing the exercise as users normally would with prior art.

[0111] When the electromagnets are not activated and the user is powering the device through normal operation via precession engagement of gear system the electromagnets 303 will generate electricity as the solid state magnets 302 rotate with rotor 101 which will be stored in batteries 306 for later use to power the device or to be used externally.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE

[0112] There is a multitude of neuromuscular, cardiorespiratory, circulatory, and performance benefits to be gained through regular performance of angular momentum resistance exercises which have never been realized with prior art due to its short lifespan, inconsistent performance and high failure rate of friction drive precession engines comprising all prior art.

[0113] The present invention embodies significant improvements over prior art producing a high performance kinetic engine capable of withstanding rigorous high intensity use by powerful athletes in rugged unpredictable environments and then seamlessly transitioning into the hands of a child or elderly person for a gentle cardiorespiratory leisure activity or game.

[0114] The preferred embodiment of the present invention has achieved levels of performance never before seen with any friction drive kinetic engines by nearly eliminating the constant drag of friction while enhancing the drive mechanism this device has achieved greater max power output, lower minimum power output, longer lifespan, reduced maintenance, and greater resistance to shock or contamination making it suitable for use throughout all environmental conditions.

[0115] There are many physical, neurological, and neuromuscular benefits that can be derived by mankind from performing gyroscopic exercises but, due to the excessive effort, steep learning curve, and rapid failure brought about by the shortcomings of friction driven rotors in prior art, this gift of greater health and capability has not been reached by a broader section of the population.

[0116] The present invention changes seeks to address and resolve this situation with significant improvements to prior art. By the reinventing the drive system gyroscopic exercise design is elevated to a level of functionality capable of meeting the needs of an ever evolving society, and combining this with a system able to assist challenged users, it's been made possible for almost anyone to perform these exercises on a daily basis without much training or assistance. With these advancements in exercise technology I hope to contribute in a small but significant way to the evolution of exercise design and the resulting advancement of capabilities and health.