Translating chariot for fin propulsion

Abstract

Maritime propulsive mechanism employing oscillating fins ( 4 ). The mechanism comprises a chariot ( 3 ) transferring propulsive power from a source of propulsive power ( 10 ) to the fins ( 4 ). Oscillating means, driven by a source of propulsive power ( 10 ) having a first axis of rotation ( 17 ), for oscillating the chariot ( 3 ) are provided. The fins ( 4 ) are rotatable about a second axis of rotation ( 6 ) wherein the first axis of rotation ( 12 ) forms an angle α with the second axis of rotation ( 6 ). The fins are connected to the chariot ( 3 ) via two connection points ( 5 ), ( 16 ). The oscillating means can be interposed between two chariots ( 3 ), and the oscillating means imparts flywheel-effect on the system. Forces exerted on the chariot transported through the chariot ( 3 ), and borne by bearings ( 9 ).

1 . A propulsive mechanism for a maritime vessel propelled by water engaging fins or foils driven such that said fins or foils translate in directions substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of said maritime vessel, said mechanism comprises:
 at least one source of propulsive power having an output shaft forming a first axis of rotation,   at least one chariot, provided within a hull of said maritime vessel, and transferring said propulsive power from said source of propulsive power to said fins or foils,   means for providing translation of said chariot inter alia comprising a crank,   an arrangement connecting said fins or foils to said chariot and allowing said fins or foils to rotate about a second axis of rotation in a controlled manner,   
       wherein said first axis of rotation forms an angle (a) with said second axis rotation of said fins or foils. 
     
     
         2 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said first axis of rotation of said source of propulsive power is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of said vessel, and wherein said second axis rotation of said fins or foils is oriented such that said angle (a) is 90°+/−45°. 
     
     
         3 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein said fins or foils are connected to said chariot via at least two connection points allowing said fins or foils to rotate about said second axis. 
     
     
         4 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1  wherein the mechanism comprises at least two chariots, one being arranged in front of the other. 
     
     
         5 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 4  wherein said means for providing translation of said chariot is at least partially interposed between two chariots. 
     
     
         6 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein at least part of said means for providing translation of said chariot imparts flywheel-effect to said propulsive mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein forces exerted on said at least one chariot by said hull, said fins or foils and said means for providing translation of said chariot and the resulting moments of said forces, are at least partially transported or conveyed through said chariot, and borne by at least two bearings. 
     
     
         8 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said chariot accommodates means for applying rotational movement of said fins or foils. 
     
     
         9 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 8 , wherein said means for rotating said fins or foils is controlled such that an optimum or desired angle of attack between said fins or foils and the water through which said vessel is propelled is obtained. 
     
     
         10 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one chariot is powered from one source of propulsive power. 
     
     
         11 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one chariot is provided without accommodating fins or foils. 
     
     
         12 . A method of propelling a maritime vessel by means of a propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         13 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said fins or foils are connected to said chariot via at least two connection points allowing said fins or foils to rotate about said second axis. 
     
     
         14 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein at least part of said means for providing translation of said chariot imparts flywheel-effect to said propulsive mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein forces exerted on said at least one chariot by said hull, said fins or foils and said means for providing translation of said chariot and the resulting moments of said forces, are at least partially transported or conveyed through said chariot, and borne by at least two bearings. 
     
     
         16 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein said chariot accommodates means for applying rotational movement of said fins or foils. 
     
     
         17 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 16 , wherein said means for rotating said fins or foils is controlled such that an optimum or desired angle of attack between said fins or foils and the water through which said vessel is propelled is obtained. 
     
     
         18 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one chariot is powered from one source of propulsive power. 
     
     
         19 . The propulsive mechanism according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one chariot is provided without accommodating fins or foils.