Fluid-powered motors and pumps
View Patent ↗Fluid-powered devices are detailed. The devices may be utilized as motors or pumps, for example, and are capable to switching dynamically between these functions. They additionally may use surface-area, rather than solely pressure, differentials to produce rotary motion.
1. An assembly comprising:
a. a body (i) through which fluid may flow, (ii) defining a generally circular cross-section, and (iii) having an inlet and an outlet spaced approximately 180° across the generally circular cross-section;
b. a rotatable first paddle (i) positioned at least partly within the body and (ii) comprising a face and a flexible edge;
c. rotatable second paddle positioned at least partly within the body, comprising a face, and configured so that, (i) when the face of the first paddle rotates about a first axis to encounter fluid at a first angle thereto, the face of the second paddle rotates about the first axis to encounter fluid at a second angle thereto, the first and second angles differing by approximately 90°, and (ii) when the first paddle is adjacent the inlet, the second paddle is adjacent the outlet;
d. a first shaft (i) connecting the first and second paddles, (ii) comprising a first nesting space, and (iii) defining the first axis about which the first and second paddles are configured to rotate;
e. a rotatable third paddle (i) positioned at least partly within the body and (ii) comprising a face;
f. a rotatable fourth paddle positioned at least partly within the body, comprising a face, and configured so that, (i) when the face of the third paddle rotates about a second axis to encounter fluid at a third angle thereto, the face of the fourth paddle rotates about the second axis to encounter fluid at a fourth angle thereto, the third and fourth angles differing by approximately 90°, and (ii) when the third paddle is adjacent the inlet, the fourth paddle is adjacent the outlet;
g. a second shaft (i) connecting the third and fourth paddles, (ii) comprising a second nesting space configured for alignment with the first nesting space, and (iii) defining the second axis about which the third and fourth paddles are configured to rotate;
h. a third shaft extending outwardly from the body and defining a third axis about which the first, second, third, and fourth paddles are configured to rotate; and
i. a restriction positioned at least partly within the body and configured to contact at least (i) the first paddle and thereby cause it to rotate about the first axis and (ii) the third paddle and thereby cause it to rotate about the second axis.
2. An assembly according to claim 1 further comprising an automatic cleaner configured to move within a pool or spa.