Transmitting torque

Abstract

Abstract A torque transmitting structure extends along an axis and comprises a plurality of links connected end-to-end. Each link comprises a rigid spar transverse to the axis situated at one end of the link, a second rigid spar transverse to the axis and skew to the first spar situated at the other end of the link, and four connecting ties connecting the ends of these spars, thereby to form a link of generally tetrahedral form, the spars being common to adjacent links. The connection between spars and ties permit relative rotation therebetween. At least two of the ties in each link are bendable to permit their ends to be juxtaposed, these two ties occupying opposite edges of each tetrahedral link. The structure thus forms an optionally modular collapsible chain which, when extended along its axis, is flexible in bending but torsionally rigid. In one embodiment the ties of each link are flexible and formed in a continuous ring with equally spaced loops along the ring, the spars having hooks at their ends for engaging these loops; wind driven sails are attachable to spars to apply torque to the structure which in turn drives an electric generator. In another embodiment two opposing ties in each link are rigid and capable of supporting compressional loads, arranged so that in successive links they lie end-to-end along two generally helical lines providing a chain which, under torsion applied in one direction, is both self-sustaining and rigid, though flexible in bending, but otherwise non self-sustaining.

Inventors

• 👤 Willard D. Gillette

Bibliographic Details