Systems and Methods Implementing Devices Adapted to Controllably Propel Themselves Through a Medium

Abstract

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement devices adapted to propel themselves through a medium, where the path that they traverse can be advantageously controlled. In one embodiment, a device adapted to propel itself through a medium includes: a body; a drive mechanism coupled to the body; a propeller rotatably coupled to the drive mechanism; a first wing coupled to the body, the first wing being configured to generate a first lift; and a second wing coupled to the body, the second wing being configured to generate a second lift that is different than the first lift.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device adapted to propel itself through a medium comprising:
 a body;   a drive mechanism coupled to the body;   a propeller rotatably coupled to the drive mechanism;   a first wing coupled to the body, the first wing being configured to generate a first lift; and   a second wing coupled to the body, the second wing being configured to generate a second lift that is different than the first lift.   
     
     
         2 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 1 , further comprising a vertical member coupled to the body. 
     
     
         3 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the body is an elongated body having a forward end, an aft end, and a characteristic width; and   the diameter of the propeller is larger than the characteristic width of the elongated body.   
     
     
         4 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the propeller is disposed proximate the aft end of the elongated body; and   the vertical member is disposed proximate the aft end of the elongated body.   
     
     
         5 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the elongated body defines a first side, and a second, opposing, side; and   the first wing is coupled to the first side of the elongated body, and the second wing is coupled to the second side of the elongated body.   
     
     
         6 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 5 , wherein:
 the first wing defines a positive angle of attack with respect to the forward end of the elongated body; and   the second wing does not define a positive angle of attack with respect to the forward end of the elongated body.   
     
     
         7 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 6 , wherein the second wing defines a negative angle of attack with respect to the forward end of the elongated body. 
     
     
         8 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 5 , wherein the elongated body comprises a cavity portion. 
     
     
         9 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 8 , wherein the cavity portion is cylindrical and has a diameter sized to accommodate a coin. 
     
     
         10 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 9 , wherein the cavity has a diameter sized to accommodate a United States penny. 
     
     
         11 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 10 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises an elastic member. 
     
     
         12 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic member is elastic in torsion. 
     
     
         13 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 12 , wherein the drive mechanism is removably coupled to the elongated body. 
     
     
         14 . The device adapted to propel itself through a medium of  claim 13 , wherein the elongated body comprises a plurality of coupling mechanisms, each of which allows the drive mechanism to removably couple with the elongated body. 
     
     
         15 . A method of assembling a device adapted to propel itself through a medium comprising:
 inserting a first wing into a slot defined by a first body structure;   inserting a second wing into a slot defined by a second body structure;   wherein each of the first wing and second wing comprises a wide portion;
 wherein the wide portion of the first wing is wider than the slot defined by the first body structure; 
 wherein the wide portion of the second wing is wider than the slot defined by the second body structure; 
   wherein at least one of the first wing and second wing comprises an inset portion;   arranging the first body structure and the second body structure such that at least some portion of the slots overlap and such that the wide portion of the first wing abuts the second body structure and the wide portion of the second wing abuts the first body structure; and   affixing the arrangement whereby at least some portion of the slots overlap and the wide portion of the first wing abuts the second body structure and the wide portion of the second wing abuts the first body structure.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein arranging the first body structure and the second body structure further comprises arranging a third body structure between the first body structure and the second body structure, the third body structure defining a slot configured to house the wide portion of the first wing and the wide portion of the second wing. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein affixing the arrangement comprises using at least one ratcheting action rivet to affix the arrangement. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein each of the first body structure, the second body structure, the third body structure, the first wing, and the second wing is planar. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the slot defined by the first body structure defines a positive angle of attack in the assembled device, and wherein the slot defined by the second body structure defines a negative angle of attack in the assembled device. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein each of the first body structure, the second body structure, and the third body structure defines at least one cavity portion. 
     
     
         21 . A kit for a device adapted to propel itself through a medium comprising:
 a first body structure, defining at least one cavity portion and at least one slot;   a second body structure, defining at least one cavity portion and at least one slot;   a third body structure defining at least one cavity portion and at least one slot;   a first wing defining a wide portion and an inset portion;   a second wing defining a wide portion;   a first panel for accessing the cavity portion;   a second panel for accessing the cavity portion;   a horizontal stabilizer;   an elastic member; and   a propeller.