Vortex attractor without a backplate
View Patent ↗A vortex generating apparatus has the capability of attracting and removably adhering one or more solid objects. The apparatus comprises an impeller housed within a shell. The vortex attractor generates a vortical fluid flow generally in the form of a helical or spiral shaped flow. The fluid flow creates a low pressure region extending from the impeller end of the device. This low pressure region is contained by the walls of the fluid flow, thus directing the attractive forces toward a surface and minimizing effects of ambient fluid on the system. When the surface is part of a stationary object, wall, floor or ceiling, the vortex attractor may move toward and adhere to the surface. When the surface is part of a movable object, the vortex attractor may attract the object and maintain the attracted position.
1. An apparatus for creating fluid flow creating a low pressure region between itself and a separate surface, said separate surface being not connected in any way to the apparatus. This apparatus comprising:
a plurality of impeller vanes;
a containing ring structure to which said impeller vanes are coupled; and
means for rotating;
wherein said apparatus creates said low pressure region without a backplate.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said impeller vanes are planar.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the height of said containing ring structure is constant.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said containing ring structure is perpendicular to an axis of rotation.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the periphery of said containing ring structure is circular.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said containing ring structure is pliable.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the height of said containing ring structure is of a similar height to said impeller vanes.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises:
a driveshaft capable of transferring a torque; and
motor means for generating a torque, coupled to said driveshaft.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises:
a driveshaft, coupled to said impeller vanes, capable of transferring a torque; and
motor means for generating a torque, coupled to said driveshaft.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises:
a flexible driveshaft capable of transferring a torque; and
motor means for generating a torque, coupled to said driveshaft.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said impeller vanes are capable of rotating at variables rates.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating comprises:
a driveshaft capable of transferring a torque; and
motor means for generating a torque, coupled to said driveshaft;
wherein said containing ring structure and impeller vanes are movable along the axis of said driveshaft.
13. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by electricity.
14. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by combustion.
15. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by a mechanical stored energy device.
16. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by compressed gas.
17. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by an integrated mobile power source.
18. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for rotating is powered by a mobile power source.
19. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said fluid flow forms a cylindrical vortex.
20. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said fluid flow forms a frustoconical vortex.
21. A method for providing fluid flow creating a low pressure region between itself and a separate surface, said separate surface being not connected in any way to the apparatus. This method comprising the steps of:
providing an impeller assembly comprising impeller vanes and a containing ring structure to which said impeller vanes are coupled;
rotating said impeller vanes; and
constraining said low pressure region within a desired region;
wherein said low pressure region is created without providing a backplate structure.
22. A method according to claim 21 wherein said constraining is performed by a containing ring.
23. A method according to claim 21 wherein the height of said containing ring is equal to the height of said impeller vanes.
24. A method according to claim 21 wherein said containing ring is pliable.
25. A method according to claim 21 wherein the rotating is powered by:
a driveshaft capable of transferring torque, and
motor means for generating torque, coupled to said driveshaft.
26. A method according to claim 21 wherein the rotating is powered by:
a flexible driveshaft capable of transferring torque, and
motor means for generating torque, coupled to said driveshaft.
27. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is of variable rates.
28. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is powered by electricity.
29. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is powered by combustion.
30. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is powered by compressed gas.
31. A method according to claim 21 wherein said rotating is powered by an integrated mobile power source.