US 12,351,308 B2Granted

Seaplane float propulsion system

OwnerZrinko Rudolf Amerlinventor

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Abstract

A seaplane float propulsion system that is configured to provide maneuverability and directional movement of a seaplane subsequent the engine and propeller being deactivated. The present invention includes a first float member and a second float member wherein the first float member includes a first propulsion assembly mounted therein and the second float member includes a second propulsion assembly mounted therein. The first propulsion assembly and second propulsion assembly are identically constructed. The propulsion assemblies are independently controlled so as to provide both directional and rotational movement of the seaplane to which the present invention is operably installed. The propulsion assemblies include elements that are operable to intake and direct water flow in order to create the desired movement of the seaplane in which the seaplane float propulsion system is installed. The propulsion assemblies include an intake element that provides ideal fluid and aero dynamics.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A seaplane float propulsion system that is operable to provide movement of a seaplane in water wherein the seaplane float propulsion system comprises:

a first float member, said first float member having a first end and a second end, said first float member being hollow, said first float member being operably coupled to an aircraft;
a second float member, said second float member having a first end and a second end, said second float member being operably coupled to the aircraft wherein the second float member is parallel to said first float member;
a first propulsion assembly, said first propulsion assembly being mounted within said first float member, said first propulsion assembly being proximate said second end of said first float member, said first propulsion assembly configured to intake water thereinto and subsequently eject water therefrom;
said first propulsion assembly comprising an intake member, said intake member being mounted in a bottom of said first flotation member, said intake member configured to permit water to enter thereinto;
said first propulsion assembly further comprising a nozzle housing, said nozzle housing being operably coupled to said intake member, said nozzle housing being hollow allowing water to flow therethrough;
said first propulsion assembly further comprising a water movement member, said water movement member being disposed within said nozzle housing, said water movement member operable to facilitate intake of water through said intake member and discharge the water through an end member of said nozzle housing;
said first propulsion assembly further comprising a flow direction member, said flow direction member being movably coupled to said nozzle housing, said flow direction member being movable between and first position and a second position, said flow direction assembly configured to redirect water flow discharging from said end member in said second position
a second propulsion assembly, said second propulsion assembly being mounted within said second float member, said second propulsion assembly being proximate said second end of said second float member, said second propulsion assembly configured to intake water thereinto and subsequently eject water therefrom;
and
wherein said first propulsion assembly and said second propulsion assembly are independently operable in order to provide water flow in opposite directions.

7 more elements

A seaplane propulsion system operably coupled to float members of a seaplane so as to provide directional movement of the seaplane in the water wherein the seaplane propulsion system comprises:

a first propulsion assembly, said first propulsion assembly being mounted within one of said float members of the seaplane, said first propulsion assembly configured to intake water thereinto and subsequently eject water therefrom, said first propulsion assembly includes an intake member, said intake member configured to provide intake of water in which the seaplane is floating, said first propulsion assembly including a nozzle housing, said nozzle housing being operably coupled to said intake member, said nozzle housing being hollow allowing water to flow therethrough, said first propulsion assembly further including a water movement member, said water movement member being disposed within said nozzle housing, said water movement member operable to facilitate intake of water through said intake member and discharge the water through an end member of said nozzle housing, said end member being tapered in form, said first propulsion assembly further having a flow direction member, said flow direction member being movably coupled to said nozzle housing, said flow direction member being movable between and first position and a second position, said flow direction assembly configured to direct water flow discharging from said end member in said second position towards the float members;
a second propulsion assembly, said second propulsion assembly being mounted within one of said float members of the seaplane opposite that of the float member in which said first propulsion assembly is mounted, said second propulsion assembly configured to intake water thereinto and subsequently eject water therefrom, said second propulsion assembly further including an intake member, said intake member of said second propulsion assembly configured to provide intake of water in which the seaplane is floating, said second propulsion assembly including a nozzle housing, said nozzle housing of said second propulsion assembly being operably coupled to said intake member of said second propulsion assembly, said nozzle housing of said second propulsion assembly being hollow allowing water to flow therethrough, said second propulsion assembly further including a water movement member, said water movement member of said second propulsion assembly being disposed within said nozzle housing of said second propulsion assembly, said water movement member of said second propulsion assembly operable to facilitate intake of water through said intake member of said second propulsion assembly and discharge the water through an end member of said nozzle housing of said second propulsion assembly, said end member of said second propulsion assembly being tapered in form, said first propulsion assembly further having a flow direction member, said flow direction member of said second propulsion assembly being movably coupled to said nozzle housing, said flow direction member of said second propulsion assembly being movable between and first position and a second position, said flow direction assembly of said second propulsion assembly configured to direct water flow discharging from said end member of said second propulsion assembly in said second position towards the float members;
and
wherein the first propulsion assembly and second propulsion assembly are independently operable.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.