Each blade follows a repeating motion cycle:
The blade is rotated into a vertical, high-drag orientation by the cam and cam follower. Hydrodynamic force acting on the blade drives the tread system forward.
As the blade exits the capture region, the cam profile releases the cam follower, allowing the blade to rotate freely.
The blade is guided into a low-drag orientation by the return guide and water flow, allowing it to travel upstream with minimal resistance.
This cyclical behavior enables continuous directional motion driven purely by hydrodynamic forces.