Lift generating device
AssigneeEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Inc.
InventorJuan A. Alvarado Valverde
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A lift generating device is provided enabling vertical flight. The lift generating device includes a first revolution structure having a funnel shape and a second revolution structure having a funnel shape. Each revolution structure includes a circular open surface and an open stem. The second revolution structure is attached to the first revolution structure by a plurality of connectors so as to form a gap between the first revolution structure and the second revolution structure. A propeller is coupled to an open stem at a bottom end of the first revolution structure and a motor is operatively connected to the propeller to provide power for the propeller to suction air into the lift generating device.
Claims8
A lift generating device for enabling vertical flight comprising:
- a first revolution structure having a funnel shape and including a circular open surface and an open stem;
- a second revolution structure having a funnel shape and including an open surface and an open stem, the second revolution structure attached to the first revolution structure by a plurality of connectors and spaced therefrom so as to form a gap of a size sufficient to provide a selected air flow velocity between the first revolution structure and the second revolution structure;
- a propeller coupled to an open stem at a bottom end of the first revolution structure, the propeller being disposed between the first revolution structure and the second revolution structure;
- and
- a motor operatively connected to the propeller to provide power for the propeller to suction air into the lift generating device such that a pressure difference is created so as to generate an upward directed force.
A lift generating structure for enabling vehicle vertical flight comprising;
- a lift generating device including a funnel-shaped first revolution structure and a funnel-shaped second revolution structure, the first revolution structure mounted in the second revolution structure and separated by a predetermined gap, such that airflow on an upper side of the first revolution structure decreases air pressure on the lift generating device while air pressure on a lower side of the first revolution structure remains unchanged resulting in a lifting force;
- a propeller disposed between the first revolution structure and the second revolution structure for creating the airflow;
- a fuselage structure including a support bar having a rectangular cross section;
- a holding structure affixed to the fuselage structure for mounting of the lift generating device;
- a plurality of motor and propeller combinations for generating horizontal motion of the vehicle;
- and
- a plurality of side arms attached to the fuselage structure for supporting each of the motor and propeller combinations.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.