Invention pertains to centrifugal artificial gravity means for the benefit of human space travelers: It comprises structures and mechanisms for safely generating angular momentum against the decks of a space habitat. It is epicyclically revolved rather than rotated (Holmin CTF 2022). It does not require the legacy concept closed ring wheel space station configuration. The plane of revolution is vertical through the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. Decks have a shallow curvature, as if having a giant radius. Revolving further allows decks to remain oriented horizontally, while still generating angular momentum.
In 2019 Inventor Holmin demonstrated revolving rather than spinning centrifugation with cranberry juice in a hand revolved cup: Juice was pushed centrifugally outward to climb its walls (Video).
Cycli-Fuge could be plugged into many modular vehicle configurations and is scalable. Maglev train technology and advanced gyro stabilization could be incorporated for a smooth, quiet clockwork mechanism.
Subdivided into two connected habitation sections. These revolve relative to each other in the same direction, much like the pedals of a bicycle. These make a regular contrary motion: one moves backwards as the other moves forward.
Mass equilibrium of the vehicle is through this contrary motion. Halves maintain opposite positions in their orbits throughout. Counter spinning gyroscopes (not shown) further stabilize the vehicle.
Prototype depicts VEHICLE SECTIONS A, B and C in gray; CENTRIFUGE MECHANISM in blue (Figure One).
MECHANISM is mounted upon KEEL K via UPRIGHTS U to EXPERIMENT STAND X.
Non revolving middle SECTION C simplifies operation and transitions between revolving sections. LINKAGE BARS L pivot via Crank Pins to either side of two pairs of CRANK WHEELS W (Figure Two).
A toy FIGURE Y indicates roughly horizontal orientation of interior decks. HANDLE H is for manual cranking of prototype.
A DIGITAL SCALE S atop B displays 100g for its TEST WEIGHT T in Earth’s gravity. It should increase ABOVE 100g as its revolving motion increases angular momentum.
An ‘AG Indicator’ atop A comprises a wire-suspended BUTTERFLY Z. Butterfly is pulled down against spring tension to rest atop A, rising again when stopped.
Flight version of the mechanism might be integrated into a compact, jointed connecting module. Mechanism might be inboard or outboard. Jointed bellows tunnels for human passage and wet and dry utilities can connect revolving and non revolving sections (Holmin CTF 2019).
Forward SECTION A is primarily for living and working. Aft SECTION B is for supportive activities and storage. SECTION C retains microgravity and stable space access for docking; EVA; instrument mounts and observation; and recreational floating.
Propulsive power block modules (not shown) might attach aft from non revolving SECTION C. Or else these might revolve as one with SECTION B for greater mass aft, allowing forward main SECTION A to be heavier.
Long-term studies by NASA have concluded that microgravity effects on humans are worse and more persistent the longer the mission duration. AG seems almost a requirement for long distance space missions. Astronauts living onboard could spend time in both AG and weightlessness each day.
Video
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About the Entrant
- Name:Leonard J Holmin
- Type of entry:individual
- Software used for this entry:None
- Patent status:none