Hang glider electric propulsion system and method
OwnerFrancois Matteinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The system includes a keel fitting that can be rigidly attached directly to the keel of the hang glider. It also includes two elongated frame members symmetrically mounted on opposite sides of the keel fitting. At least one electrical motor is mounted on each frame member and there are at least two propellers, each in driving engagement with a corresponding one of the electrical motors. The system further includes an electrical power unit mounted on the back of the pilot. The electrical power unit includes at least one battery and a pilot-actuated control circuit to vary the electrical power supplied to the electrical motors. The system gives the pilot the capability of taking off from a flat terrain. Once airborne, the system is not operated and the hang glider can then be used as an unpowered one.
Claims19
An electrical propulsion system for a hang glider, the hang glider having a keel under which a pilot is suspended in a prone position while ensconced in a harness during a flight, the keel extending longitudinally along an axis of symmetry of the hang glider, the system including:
- a keel fitting having a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a locked position where the keel fitting is rigidly attached directly to the keel at a location that is substantially coinciding with a center of gravity of the hang glider without the electrical propulsion system mounted therein, and an unlocked position where the keel fitting can be detached from the keel;
- two elongated frame members symmetrically mounted on opposite sides of the keel fitting, each frame member having a free end that is laterally and downwardly offset with reference to the keel when the keel fitting is rigidly attached to the keel;
- at least one electrical motor mounted on each frame member;
- at least two propellers, each in driving engagement with a corresponding one of the electrical motors;
- and
- an electrical power unit adapted to be mounted on the back of the pilot and being electrically connected to the electrical motors, the electrical power unit including at least one battery and a pilot-actuated control circuit to vary the electrical power supplied to the electrical motors by the at least one battery.
A method of propelling a hang glider, the hang glider having a keel under which a pilot is suspended in a prone position while ensconced in a harness during a flight, the keel extending longitudinally along an axis of symmetry of the hang glider, the method including:
- removably connecting a keel fitting directly to the keel at a location that is substantially coinciding with a center of gravity of the hang glider;
- removably connecting a right and a left elongated frame member on a corresponding side of the keel fitting;
- providing electrical power to at least one electrical motor mounted on each frame member, each electrical motor driving a corresponding propeller using electrical power coming from at least one battery adapted to be located on a back of the pilot;
- and
- varying the electrical power from the at least one battery to the electrical motor using a pilot-actuated control circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.