Lift generating mechanism for an aircraft

摘要

A lift generating mechanism includes a plurality of airfoils each having first and second end surfaces, first and second side surfaces, and a centerline extending between the first and second side surfaces. The airfoil section lying between the first end surface and the centerline is a mirror image of the airfoil section lying between the second end surface and the centerline. A coupling link extends outward from each of the side surfaces of each airfoil. Each connecting link is coupled to an oval shaped guide track and to a larger oval shaped drive chain. The guide tracks and the drive chains are positioned such that first and second transition regions are provided at opposite ends of the oval path through which the airfoils are translated. The spacing between the drive chains and the guide tracks is controlled such that each airfoil is deflected in a first rotational direction as it passes through the first transition region so that each airfoil presents a positive angle of incidence as it traverses a first horizontal path segment in which the first end surface of each airfoil functions as a leading edge. Each airfoil is deflected in a second rotational direction as it passes through the second transition region such that each airfoil presents a positive angle of incidence as it traverses a second horizontal path segment in which the second end surface of each airfoil functions as a leading edge. In this manner, each airfoil generates positive lift as it transits both the first and second horizontal path segments which are defined by the oval shaped tracks.