US20030211806A1 - Model aircraft flight simulation apparatus - Google Patents

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0001]
• 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.[0002]
• 2. Description of the Prior Art[0003]
• 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.[0004]
• 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.[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• 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.[0006]
• 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.[0007]
• 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.[0008]
• 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.[0009]
• 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.[0010]
• 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.[0011]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• 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:[0012]
• FIG. 1 is a schematic perspectie view of a new model aircraft flight simulation apparatus according to the present invention.[0013]
• FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the present invention.[0014]
• FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the present invention.[0015]
• FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.[0016]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• 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[0017]reference numeral10 will be described.
• As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the model aircraft[0018]flight simulation apparatus10 generally comprises ahousing12 that has afirst section13 and asecond section14. Thefirst section13 comprises anelongate chamber15 withopen ends16. Thesecond section14 comprises anenclosure17 that has aninterior18.
• A pair of[0019]fan members19 creates airflow through thefirst section13 of thehousing12.
• A pair of[0020]tethering assemblies20 selectively extends and retractstether lines21 along a length of thefirst section13 of thehousing12.
• A[0021]control member22 controls thefan members19 and thetethering assemblies20.
• Included is a pair of remote-controlled[0022]model aircraft11 for flying in thefirst section13 of thehousing12. Each of theaircraft11 includes aflight control system23 for controlling standard flight characteristics of theaircraft11 while in flight.
• A pair of[0023]handheld transmitter members24 controls thecontrol member22 and theflight control systems23 of the aircraft A pair ofaircraft receivers25 and a pair ofenclosure receiverss26 each receives remote control signals from thetransmitter members24. The remote control signals are modulated radio waves.
• Each of the[0024]model aircraft11 are biased into a flight mode upon receiving a sufficient amount of airflow caused by thefan members19 and are controlled by each of thetransmitter members24. Movement ofjoysticks27 on the transmitters permits a user to vary air velocity within thefirst section13 and the proximity of theaircraft11 to thefan members19 to alter flight conditions, along with the flight characteristics of theaircraft11.
• A[0025]second end28 of thefirst section13 is mounted on thesecond section14. Thefirst section13 comprises a substantially transparent material.
• The[0026]enclosure17 has afirst wall29 that is oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thefirst section13 of thehousing12.
• A[0027]top wall30 of theenclosure17 has a plurality ofvents31 for permitting exterior air to enter theenclosure17.
• The[0028]chamber15 has apartition wall32 extending between theopen ends16 and is oriented substantially parallel toside walls33 of thefirst section13 such that thechamber15 is divided into twosides34 having substantially equal dimensions.
• Each of the[0029]fan members19 is located in theinterior18 of theenclosure17 and includes afan blade member35 that is positioned adjacent to afan aperture36 in thefirst wall29 of theenclosure17.
• A wind tunnel affect is created within each of the[0030]sides34 of thechamber15 from thesecond end28 out through afirst end37 of thechamber15 when a respective one of thefan members19 is operating. Each of thefan members19 is electrically coupled to thecontrol member22.
• Each of the tether assemblies is positioned in the[0031]interior18 of theenclosure17 and comprises a motor-drivenspool member38 that has one of thetether lines21 wrapped about it. Each of the tether assemblies is electrically coupled to thecontrol member22.
• Each of the[0032]tether lines21 extends away from thespool members38 through a pair oftether guide holes39 and through thechamber15 and is attached to anose40 of each of theaircraft11.
• Each of the[0033]guide holes39 is located in thefirst wall29 of theenclosure17 and is positioned above a respective one of thefan apertures36.
• Each of the[0034]spool members38 are positioned generally above a respective fan member such that thetether lines21 remain clear of thefan members19.
• A length of each of the[0035]tether lines21 varies upon bi-directional rotation of thespool members38 as thetether lines21 are subsequently wound and unwound about thespool members38 causing theaircraft11 to move along the length of thechamber15.
• The[0036]control member22 and each of the enclosure receivers26sare positioned in theinterior18 of theenclosure17. Thecontrol member22 is electrically coupled to theenclosure receivers26, and is electrically couplable to apower supply41.
• The[0037]enclosure receivers26 is responsive to the remote control signals from a respective transmitter member causing corresponding activation of thefan members19 and thetethering assemblies20.
• Each of the[0038]flight control systems23 of theaircraft11 comprises one of theaircraft receivers25, a pair of servos42 for controlling movement ofailerons43 of theaircraft11, and abattery44 for powering theaircraft11 receiver and each of the servos42. Each of theflight control systems23 of theaircraft11 is integrally mounted in theaircraft11.
• The[0039]aircraft11 receiver is responsive to the remote control signals from a respective transmitter member causing corresponding activation of the servos42. Each of the servos42 of theflight control systems23 is electrically coupled to thebattery44 and theaircraft11 receiver.
• Activation of a first of the[0040]servos45 positions theailerons43 of theaircraft11 in a manner causing theaircraft11 to roll. Activation of a second of theservos46 positions theailerons43 in a manner causing theaircraft11 to pitch.
• In use, the user would connect the[0041]control member22 to apower supply41. Upon activation of thetransmitter member24, theaircraft receiver25, and theenclosure receivers26, the user would then use thetransmitter member24 to accelerate thefan member19 to produce a suffiecient amount of airflow and air velocity to put theaircraft11 into flight at the end of thetether line21. The user then flies theaircraft11 in therespective chamber15, varying the air velocity and flight conditions by altering the speed of the fan member and repositioning theaircraft11 within thechamber15 by activating thespool member38. 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.
• As an alternate embodiment to the present invention, the[0042]model aircraft11 flight simulation apparatus is designed for flyingmodel aircraft11 adjacent to afront end50 of a vehicle51 while the vehicle51 is in motion. The apparatus comprises atethering assembly20 for selectively extending and retracting atether line21. The tethering assembly is selectively mountable to thefront end50 of the vehicle51 and extends above ahood52 of the vehicle51. The tethering assembly comprises a motor-drivenspool member38 has thetether line21 wrapped about it. Thetethering assembly20 is electrically coupled to a battery of the vehicle51.
• Included is a remote-controlled[0043]model aircraft11 for flying above thehood52 of the vehicle51 while the vehicle51 is moving. Theaircraft11 is attached to the tether line, and includes aflight control system23 for controlling standard flight characteristics of theaircraft11 while in flight.
• A[0044]handheld transmitter member24 controls thetethering assembly20 and theflight control system23 of theaircraft11.
• A length the[0045]tether line21 varies upon bi-directional rotation of thespool member38 as thetether line21 is wound and unwound about thespool member38 causing themodel aircraft11 to move to and from thefront end50 of the vehicle51.
• The[0046]model aircraft11 is biased into a flight mode upon receiving a sufficient amount of airflow caused by movement of the vehicle51 and is controlled by thetransmitter member24 while movement ofjoysticks27 on the transmitter permits a user to vary the proximity of theaircraft11 with respect to thefront end50 of the vehicle51.
• 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.[0047]
• 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.[0048]

Claims (19)

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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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 inclaim 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.

Images