초록 ▼

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for powering a craft by aerodynamic forces. The device features a fairing member and flap element in which the flap element has a first flap position which creates a aerofoil contour on one face of the fairing member, and a sec

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices and methods for powering a craft by aerodynamic forces. The device features a fairing member and flap element in which the flap element has a first flap position which creates a aerofoil contour on one face of the fairing member, and a second position in which the flap element presents an interrupted surface on both sides of the aerofoil to direct the fairing member in a non-power position without oscillation.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A device for powering a craft by aerodynamic forces, said craft having a mast member having a base end, a top end and an elongated body, said base end constructed and arranged for attachment to a base of said craft, said top end for projecting away from said craft, said device comprising: a fairi

1. A device for powering a craft by aerodynamic forces, said craft having a mast member having a base end, a top end and an elongated body, said base end constructed and arranged for attachment to a base of said craft, said top end for projecting away from said craft, said device comprising: a fairing member constructed and arranged for rotational attachment to said mast member and substantially encasing the elongated body, said fairing member having a base end and a top end corresponding to said mast member, said fairing member having a first fairing surface and a second fairing surface defining a symmetrical aerofoil cross-sectional shape with a projecting rounded forward face, an extending tapered back with a fairing back edge,one or more flap elements, each flap element having a first flap surface and a second flap surface, said first flap surface associated with said first fairing surface and said second flap surface associated with said second fairing surface, each flap surface having a forward edge towards said mast and a back edge distal to said mast and mechanically linked such that at least one of said first flap surface and second flap surface is projecting out from said first fairing surface and second fairing surface, each flap element capable of assuming at least a first position and a second position, in said first position one of said first flap surface and second flap surface is aligned with said associated first fairing surface and said second fairing surface to define a aerofoil contour providing aerodynamic lift and one of said first flap surface and one of said first flap surface and second flap surface is set at an angle of 60 to 120 degrees with respect to the associated fairing surface, and in said second position said first flap surface projecting away from said first fairing surface and said second flap surface projecting away from said second fairing surface such that no aerodynamic lift is made; said one or more flap elements moveable to assume said first position to increase aerodynamic lift or moveable to said second position to provide no aerodynamic lift. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein one or more flap elements have said first flap surface and second flap surface joined about the forward edge to form a forward edge angle, and said one or more flap elements rotatably mounted to said fairing member at said first flap forward edge and said second flap forward edge. 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said forward edge angle is 25 to 120 degrees. 4. The device of claim 2 wherein said first flap forward edge and second flap forward edge are rotatably mounted to said fairing member at said fairing back edge. 5. The device of claim 1 wherein said fairing member is rotatable about said mast to assume a power position and a non-power position, wherein in said power position said fairing member and said one or more flap elements define at least one aerofoil contour about a first fairing surface and second fairing surface providing aerodynamic lift and wherein in said non power position said fairing member has said projected rounded face directed into a wind and said one or more flap elements has said first flap surface and second flap surface projecting away from respective first fairing surface and second fairing surface such that no aerodynamic lift is made. 6. The device of claim 5 further comprising fairing control means for compelling said fairing member to assume a power position and said one or more flap elements to assume a first position. 7. The device of claim 6 wherein said fairing control means allow said fairing member to assume a non-power position in which the one or more flap elements create substantially equal resistance to the fairing member to direct said projecting rounded forward face to the direction of wind. 8. The device of claim 1 wherein each flap element has a flap vertical length and said fairing forward face and fairing back edge define a fairing chord length and said forward edge and flap back edge defines a flap cord length, said fairing chord length to flap chord length define a ratio of 1:0.01 to 1:0.20 about the flap vertical length. 9. The device of claim 1 wherein said fairing member has a fairing vertical length said fairing member and one or more flap elements define a total chord length and said total chord length is constant about the fairing vertical length. 10. The device of claim 1 wherein said fairing member has an exterior shell selected from the group of materials consisting of plastic, aluminum, fiber glass, and carbon fiber. 11. The device of claim 1 wherein said fairing member has a core. 12. The device of claim 11 wherein said core is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of expanded plastic foam, balsa wood and plastic honeycomb. 13. The device of claim 11 wherein said core has an axial hollow for rotationally receiving said mast member. 14. The device of claim 11 further comprising one or more bearing means for reducing friction between said fairing member and said mast member. 15. The device of claim 1 further comprising a mast member. 16. The device of claim 15 further comprising a craft. 17. The device of claim 16 wherein said mast member is secured to said craft by at least one head stay. 18. The device of claim 17 wherein said at least one head stay carries a sail. 19. A method for powering a craft by aerodynamic forces, said craft having a mast member having a base end, a top end and an elongated body, said base end constructed and arranged for attachment to a base of said craft, said top end for projecting away from said craft, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a device having a fairing member and one or more flap elements; i. said fairing member constructed and arranged for rotational attachment to said mast member and substantially encasing the elongated body, said fairing member having a base end and a top end corresponding to said mast member, said fairing member having a first fairing surface and a second fairing surface defining a symmetrical aerofoil cross-sectional shape with a projecting rounded forward face, an extending tapered back with a fairing back edge,ii. each flap element having a first flap surface and a second flap surface, said first flap surface associated with said first fairing surface and said second flap surface associated with said second fairing surface, each flap surface having a forward edge towards said mast and a back edge distal to said mast and mechanically linked such that at least one of said first flap surface and second flap surface is projecting out from said first fairing surface and second fairing surface, each flap element capable of assuming a first position and a second position, in said first position one of said first flap surface and second flap surface is aligned with said associated first fairing surface and said second fairing surface to define a aerofoil contour providing aerodynamic lift and one of said first flap surface and second flap surface is set at an angle of 60 to 120 degrees with respect to the associated fairing surface, and in said second position said first flap surface projecting away from said first fairing surface and said second flap surface projecting away from said second fairing surface such that no aerodynamic lift is made; said one or more flap elements moveable to a first position relative to increase aerodynamic lift or moveable to said second position to provide no aerodynamic lift;b. moving said fairing element position selected from the group of a power position, with the flap elements in said first position, and a non-power position, with said one or more flap element in said second position. 20. The method of claim 19 wherein said fairing member is rotatable about said mast to assume a power position and a non-power position, wherein in said power position said fairing member and said one or more flap elements define at least one aerofoil contour about a first fairing surface and second fairing surface providing aerodynamic lift and wherein in said non power position said fairing member has said projected rounded face directed into a wind and said one or more flap elements has said first flap surface projecting away from said first fairing surface and second said flap surface projecting away from said second fairing surface such that no aerodynamic lift is made. 21. The method of claim 20 wherein said device further comprises fairing control means for compelling said fairing member to assume a power position and said one or more flap elements to assume a first position. 22. The method of claim 21 wherein said fairing control means allow said fairing member to assume a non-power position in which said one or more flap elements create resistance to direct said projected rounded forward face to the direction of wind.