AirShip Technologies Group

At the Kent State University TRIZCON2008 Problem Solving Event for the Altshuller Institute of TRIZ Studies, the Track Sphere technology design and development was accelerated to move the AirShip concept vehicle to the Delorean ATG production car. The experimental workshop in support of the  US$10 million Automotive X PRIZE had  delegates from Germany, Israel, Ireland, UK, Korea, Taiwan, and multiple US states.  Represented were several members from the industries of electronics, automotive, aerospace, control systems and textile industries, tire industry; universities, private industry, and consulting.   The X PRIZE will go to the vehicle that can demonstrate 100 miles per gallon or the equivalent in alternative fuels and able to drive at 100 miles/hour, in a production-ready vehicle.

The science of the Track Sphere hyper-efficient transit drive system and integrated frame and hub, enables the driver to maneuver all four spheres for better handling and steering control while moving the AirShip in a 180-degree motion on center for reverse from a stationary position.  Enter the AirShip with the ability to exploit electric power that has a long life expectancy as an efficient, quiet and powerful energy source alternative.  Those off-the-shelf electric power sources currently under consideration for vehicle propulsion are Bio-Diesel, Fuel Cell, and Lithium-ion Battery Packs; plus Solar Fabric Photovoltaics for supplemental vehicle electronics.

AirShip’s design is focused on aerodynamics of speed and light weight manufacturing.  The exterior car body is made of composites, stainless steel or aluminum.  AirShip’s lightweight composite frame structure is similar to those found in race cars and jet aircraft; yet this one weighs a scant 250 pounds and can support 2,200 pounds gross weight. 

Using an Open Technology Innovation approach developed from work in the Open Source Software industry, we are modifying the AirShip Use Case for ground transit only in order to make the Automotive X-Prize 100 miles per gallon (or equivalent in alternative fuels or electricity) and the 100 miles per hour vehicle qualifying requirements.  

We all love our automobiles, but this initiative is to reduce green house gases.  In fact, our cars even take on our personalities or visa versa; they get us from home to work and from work to home.  However, the automobile is facing a dilemma as it is at the intersection of two world problems – that of oil dependency and climate change due to green house gases.  That’s why we are doing what we can to make a difference by competing in the Automotive X PRIZE where our team will compete beside worldwide teams to create hyper-efficient vehicles.   The AirShip’s energy source is electricity which also produces electricity via a solar cell fabric which greatly miniaturizes the solar cells of the past so that the solar fabric serves as the outer skin of the vehicle.     

To prove the AirShip Ground Transit Vehicle's core competencies, AirShipTG is converting a Delorean as the vehicle of choice.  This will dramatically improve the odds of  meeting the race certification requirements while mating a real production car with AirShip's green technology innovations to win the Automotive X PRIZE. 

TRIZ Solution Track Sphere in Motion Compressed air lifts vehicle hub similar to hydraulic lifts and evacuates potential debris upon driver depressing foot petal. Drive-by-Wire (DBW) electric motors engage forward and aft motion. Third motor DBW engage for full 360-degree steering motion, or direct horizontal side parking.

 

 

TRIZ Solution Track Sphere Regenerative Braking Air valve and fan evacuate air for breaking. Vehicle Hub falls and engages track sphere for slow or fast stopping with driver depressing the brake petal. Electric motors disengage.

TRIZ Solution Track Sphere Regenerative Drive Track spheres now contain a Magnetic Layer for power generation to be home run back to the Lithium-ion Batteries An Inductor Collector is wrapped around the inner portion of the track sphere vehicle hub to collect electricity. Electricity is returned to Lithium-ion batteries or applied directly to the electric controller. Effectively creating hyper efficient wheels.

 

Ben Ben Berry, CEO
AirShip Technologies Group                                              18522 Anduin Terrace
Lake Oswego, OR 97034 U.S.A.
Phone: (503) 320-1175
Mailto:benjamin.berry@comcast.net