Invention entitled ‘Hovercraft auxiliary drive unit, especially of an agricultural hovercraft tool carrier’ (Pat.224366/P.396719)

Description:

The object of the invention is an auxiliary drive unit for a hovercraft, especially an agricultural hovercraft tool carrier.

The solution according to the invention significantly reduces the risk of the hovercraft getting stuck on an obstacle and facilitates movement in difficult terrain, which is achieved by assisting the progressive movement of the hovercraft, especially the agricultural hovercraft tool carrier, when the thrust of the main propeller impedes further movement of the vehicle over terrain, or when difficulties arise in maintaining the desired direction of flight due to the terrain. The hovercraft auxiliary propulsion unit also makes it easier to overcome small terrain obstacles, facilitates withdrawal from terrain where, due to uneven terrain, too dense grass growing in clumps, or excessive slope, hovercraft operation is not possible.

Benefits:

• facilitated movement of the hovercraft on difficult terrain,
• during the operation of the agricultural hovercraft tool carrier on watercourses overgrown with seaweed, the use of the auxiliary propulsion system according to the design reduces the danger of plants catching on the bottom of the hull and thus decreases the resistance of the hovercraft when navigating on the watercourse or wetland,
• the low thrust of the track that runs on the ground favourably stabilises the flight direction of the agricultural hovercraft tool carrier when operating on more difficult terrain,
• the use of an auxiliary track drive that is located the full length of the hull away from the propeller of the main drive makes it easier to control and maintain the direction of the hovercraft in difficult terrain.

Status of legal protection:

The technology consists of patent Pat.224366 granted by the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland, in force from 21 October 2011.

The property rights to the invention are vested in 100% in the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology.

Contact person:

Tomasz Szulc

Główny specjalista – Kierownik Sekcji Rozwoju Maszyn Rolniczych i Leśnych, Grupa Badawcza Konstrukcji

Tel.: +48 784 638 264

E-mail: tomasz.szulc@pit.lukasiewicz.gov.pl