Mathematical model is formulated for an air pad which is capable of lifting a structure to a height of 0.125 inch. Design is superior to conventional air cushion devices because it eliminates flutter, vibration, heaving, and pitching

Blaise, H. T.

Dane, D. H.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

September 1969	 Brief 69-10448 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information; Springfield, Virginia 22151., 
Air-Cushion Lift Pad 
Connecting Link 
Fitting
Fig. 1. 
The problem: 
To design an air-cushion supported device which 
remains stable over irregular surfaces. 
The solution: 
Formulate a mathematical model for an air pad 
capable of lifting a structure to a height of 0.125 inch.
Fig. 2. 
How it's done: 
Figure I illustrates how the lift pad operates. The 
air pads are connected to the platform by struts and 
the entire structure is moved in any desired direction 
by the connecting link. Each pad consists of a wall 
sloping upward from a base (fig. 2). If the pad tilts, 
(Continued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19690000438 2020-03-16T17:59:41+00:00Z
the vertical lift force decreases on the high side and 
increases on the low causing torque which stabilizes 
the pad. This design is superior to conventional air 
cushion devices because it eliminates flutter, vibra-
tion, heaving, and pitching. 
Notes: 
1. A similar Tech Brief (B68-10442) concerning this 
item was previously published. 
2. Documentation is available from: 
Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific 
and Technical Information 
Springfield, Virginia 22151 
Price $3.00 
Reference: TSP69- 10448
Patent status: 
This invention is owned by NASA, and a patent ap-

plication has been filed. Royalty-free, nonexclusive

licenses for its commercial use will be granted by

NASA. Inquiries concerning license rights should be

made to NASA, Code GP, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: Dan H. Dane and Herman T. Blaise 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
(M FS- 14685)
[1 
. 
Brief 69-10448	 Category 05


Air-cushion lift pad

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