A manta ray underwater vehicle soft body flapping wing and manta ray underwater vehicle thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311345349.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-10-17
AI Technical Summary
刚性翼型肋板在扑翼静态时的保形效果较好,但在扑翼运动和变形过程中,由于刚性翼型肋板与柔性蒙皮的变形程度存在差异,肋板会突出于柔性蒙皮,致使扑翼运动过程中的翼面整体性与连续性较差
[0036]This invention provides a flexible flapping wing for a manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle, primarily composed of a flexible biomimetic flapping wing support frame, a three-dimensional lattice flapping wing filling component, and a flexible skin. The support frame provides basic support for the biomimetic flapping wing and ensures that it does not affect the active or passive deformation of the wing. Based on this, a three-dimensional lattice flapping wing filling component is constructed using additive manufacturing to fill the gaps in the support frame. The design of the lattice filling component's surface being higher than the support frame ensures the continuity of the flapping wing's surface during static and dynamic deformation. Furthermore, covering the surface of the lattice filling component with a flexible skin further enhances the integrity and continuity of the flapping wing's surface during static and dynamic deformation. Improving the integrity and continuity of the flapping wing's surface helps to enhance the static and dynamic similarity of the manta ray-inspired vehicle, thereby strengthening its stealth capabilities and environmental adaptability. At the same time, it helps to improve the propulsion performance and efficiency of manta ray-inspired vehicles, which is of great significance for enhancing the swimming performance and operational range of manta ray-inspired vehicles.
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Figure CN117302483B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of biomimetic robot technology, specifically to a manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle with a soft flapping wing and the manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle itself. Background Technology
[0002] Manta rays are marine fish that swim by flapping their pectoral fins. Compared to fish that use their tail fins for propulsion, manta rays' flattened bodies provide superior swimming stability, maneuverability, and propulsion efficiency. Their unique gliding-flapping integrated propulsion method has also provided a reference for the development of biomimetic underwater vehicles. Biomimetic underwater vehicles inspired by manta rays possess characteristics such as large payload capacity, stable navigation, high propulsion efficiency, and a wide operating range. They can be applied to scenarios such as marine ranching fish monitoring, wide-area hydrological big data collection, and waterway monitoring.
[0003] As a crucial propulsion mechanism and primary thrust source for manta ray-inspired underwater vehicles, the performance of the biomimetic flapping wing directly impacts the swimming performance of these vehicles. Without considering the influence of motion parameters, the shape and dynamic shape retention capability of the biomimetic flapping wing are critical to improving propulsion performance. Currently, there are two main methods for shape-preserving solutions for underwater biomimetic flapping wings. Existing technology discloses an underwater flapping wing mechanism and shape-preserving scheme, which utilizes several rigid airfoil ribs evenly distributed along the spanwise direction as supports and covers them with a flexible skin to achieve shape preservation. While the rigid airfoil ribs provide good shape preservation when the flapping wing is static, during flapping motion and deformation, due to the difference in deformation degrees between the rigid airfoil ribs and the flexible skin, the ribs protrude beyond the flexible skin, resulting in poor overall integrity and continuity of the wing surface during flapping motion.
[0004] Currently, there are very limited methods for maintaining the static and dynamic shape of manta ray-like aircraft wings, which cannot simultaneously meet the development requirements of static shape preservation, dynamic shape preservation, lightweighting, and modularization, thus limiting the further improvement of the motion similarity and swimming performance of manta ray-like aircraft. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology, this paper focuses on the shape retention problem of the flapping wing of the manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle under both static and dynamic conditions. It provides a flexible flapping wing for the manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle and the corresponding manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle, solving the shape retention problem of the flapping wing under both static and dynamic conditions while ensuring the lightweight design of the biomimetic flapping wing structure. This is of great significance for improving the propulsion and swimming performance of the manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the first objective of this invention is to provide a manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle with a flexible flapping wing, comprising:
[0007] Bionic flapping wing integral support frame;
[0008] The filler material is filled within the overall support frame;
[0009] A flexible skin that covers the surface of the overall support frame;
[0010] The overall support frame includes a central fin plate and a flexible rib plate support frame;
[0011] The central fin plate is embedded in the flexible rib support frame;
[0012] The flexible rib support frame is made of a soft material;
[0013] The filler is a three-dimensional lattice made of a flexible material;
[0014] The crystal lattice in the three-dimensional crystal is uniformly distributed.
[0015] Preferably, the three-dimensional lattice is a uniformly distributed, uniformly sized regular polyhedral structure.
[0016] Preferably, the three-dimensional lattice is prepared according to the following steps:
[0017] First, determine the polyhedral lattice structure to be used, including tetrahedral, hexahedral, octahedral, or dodecahedral lattice structures, and determine the appropriate lattice size;
[0018] Then, the three-dimensional design of the uniform three-dimensional lattice structure is completed in the three-dimensional drawing software to ensure that the completed lattice structure is completely within the envelope of the bionic flapping wing structure. To facilitate processing, the uniform three-dimensional lattice structure inside the bionic flapping wing is divided into several parts, processed separately, and finally spliced together.
[0019] Finally, a three-dimensional lattice structure was fabricated using 3D printing additive manufacturing technology.
[0020] The 3D printing can employ technologies including FDM, SLA, or Polyjet.
[0021] Preferably, the flexible rib support frame includes:
[0022] The upper and lower strip support plates are set opposite to each other;
[0023] A root support plate is provided between one end of the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate along their long sides, and a tip support plate is provided between the other ends; wherein, the distance between the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate at the root support plate is greater than the distance between them at the tip support plate;
[0024] Between the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate, a plurality of elliptical support ribs are arranged sequentially from the root support plate to the tip support plate; wherein the circumference of the plurality of elliptical support ribs arranged sequentially from the root support plate to the tip support plate decreases sequentially.
[0025] The major axis of each elliptical support rib is parallel to the upper or lower strip support plate; each elliptical support rib is rotatably connected to both the upper and lower strip support plates.
[0026] More preferably, each of the elliptical support ribs has notches at both ends along its long axis; these notches allow the front and rear edges of the central fin to be inserted, and provide a gap for relative movement between the central fin and each of the elliptical support ribs.
[0027] Preferably, the outer contour surface of the filler is higher than the boundary of the overall support frame, the filler is in clearance fit with the flexible rib support frame, and is fixedly connected to the central fin.
[0028] More preferably, the flexible skin is prepared from a soft material using an integral casting method; the flexible skin is bonded to the contour surface of the filler.
[0029] Preferred options also include:
[0030] Bionic flapping wing fixing bracket;
[0031] A drive device is mounted on the biomimetic flapping wing fixing bracket;
[0032] The drive device is used to drive the central fin plate to swing, and to drive the flexible rib support frame to swing.
[0033] Preferably, the central fin plate adopts the skeletal form of the pectoral fin of a manta ray.
[0034] The second objective of this invention is to provide a manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle, including the aforementioned manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle with a flexible flapping wing.
[0035] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0036] This invention provides a flexible flapping wing for a manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle, primarily composed of a flexible biomimetic flapping wing support frame, a three-dimensional lattice flapping wing filling component, and a flexible skin. The support frame provides basic support for the biomimetic flapping wing and ensures that it does not affect the active or passive deformation of the wing. Based on this, a three-dimensional lattice flapping wing filling component is constructed using additive manufacturing to fill the gaps in the support frame. The design of the lattice filling component's surface being higher than the support frame ensures the continuity of the flapping wing's surface during static and dynamic deformation. Furthermore, covering the surface of the lattice filling component with a flexible skin further enhances the integrity and continuity of the flapping wing's surface during static and dynamic deformation. Improving the integrity and continuity of the flapping wing's surface helps to enhance the static and dynamic similarity of the manta ray-inspired vehicle, thereby strengthening its stealth capabilities and environmental adaptability. At the same time, it helps to improve the propulsion performance and efficiency of manta ray-inspired vehicles, which is of great significance for enhancing the swimming performance and operational range of manta ray-inspired vehicles. Attached Figure Description
[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall shape-preserving scheme of the biomimetic flapping wing of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall frame support structure of the biomimetic flapping wing according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible rib support frame structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional lattice filling component according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the central fin plate in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the biomimetic flapping wing flexible skin of an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a uniform tetrahedral lattice according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1—Bionic flapping wing overall support frame, 2—Bionic flapping wing flexible skin, 3—Filling material, 11—First-stage torsion motor, 12—Second-stage flapping motor, 13—Flexible rib support frame, 14—Central fin, 15—Bionic flapping wing fixing bracket, 16—Second-stage flapping motor output shaft, 17—Central fin adapter fixing plate, 131—First-stage chordal support rib, 132—Second-stage chordal support rib, 133—Third-stage chordal support rib, 134—Fourth-stage chordal support rib, 135—Root support rib, 136—Upper spanwise support rib, 137—Lower spanwise support rib, 138—Slight support rib. Detailed Implementation
[0045] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the technical solutions of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0046] This invention provides a manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle with a flexible flapping wing; see also... Figures 1-6 As shown, it includes: a biomimetic flapping wing integral support frame 1, filler 3, and flexible skin 2; the filler 3 fills the integral support frame; the flexible skin 2 covers the surface of the integral support frame; the integral support frame 1 includes a central fin plate 14 and a flexible rib support frame 13; the central fin plate 14 is embedded in the flexible rib support frame 13; the flexible rib support frame 13 is made of a soft material; the filler 3 is a three-dimensional lattice made of flexible material; the lattice in the three-dimensional lattice is evenly distributed. The central fin plate 14 adopts the skeletal form of the pectoral fin of a manta ray.
[0047] This invention draws inspiration from the skeletal-muscle-skin structure of biological pectoral fins, decomposing the biomimetic flapping wing into three components: first, a biomimetic flapping wing overall support frame corresponding to the skeletal structure of biological pectoral fins; second, a three-dimensional lattice flapping wing filler corresponding to the muscles of biological pectoral fins; and third, a biomimetic flapping wing flexible skin corresponding to the skin of biological pectoral fins. The overall support frame of the biomimetic flapping wing mainly consists of a rigid central fin plate and a flexible rib support frame. The central fin plate and the output shaft of the biomimetic flapping wing drive motor are connected via flanges, flat keys, splines, or threads to ensure no relative rotation or sliding between them. The central fin plate is embedded within the flexible rib support frame, ensuring relative displacement between them. When the biomimetic flapping wing flaps underwater, the curvature of the upper and lower surfaces will differ, leading to different compression and stretching amounts. The relative displacement between the central fin plate and the flexible rib support frame reduces or avoids interference with the deformation of the biomimetic flapping wing, ensuring the continuity of its deformation.
[0048] To improve the similarity of the shape and the propulsion efficiency of the biomimetic flapping wing, a flexible skin is covered on the outside of the three-dimensional lattice filling component. The flexible skin completely wraps the filling component and the support frame, isolating the internal and external fluids of the biomimetic flapping wing. This can prevent relative flow between the internal and external fluids of the flapping wing and thus avoid affecting the propulsion performance. At the same time, the flexible skin ensures the integrity of the flapping wing's movement.
[0049] In order to reduce the design and processing difficulty of the flapping wing three-dimensional lattice filling component, a uniform tetrahedral lattice structure is adopted in this embodiment.
[0050] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional lattice filler is a flexible material with a spatially uniform lattice structure exhibiting clear regularity. Adjacent lattices share the same edge. The interior of the three-dimensional lattice filler contains a pre-reserved space for the overall support frame and central fin. The outer contour of the three-dimensional lattice filler can be adjusted according to the overall shape of the flapping wing, and the outer contour is higher than the boundary of the overall support frame. It can move with the flapping wing as a whole under the influence of the central fin and the overall support frame, and undergoes elastic deformation under the action of fluid.
[0051] Specifically, a three-dimensional crystal lattice is prepared according to the following steps:
[0052] First, the polyhedral lattice structure to be used is determined, including but not limited to tetrahedral, hexahedral, octahedral, and dodecahedral lattice structures, and a suitable lattice size is determined. In this embodiment, a tetrahedral lattice structure is used, and the ratio of the width of the lattice frame cross-section to the overall height of the lattice is 1:10. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 7 The diagram shown is a schematic of a uniform tetrahedral lattice.
[0053] Then, the 3D design of the uniform three-dimensional lattice structure is completed in 3D modeling software, ensuring that the completed lattice structure is completely within the envelope of the biomimetic flapping wing structure. For ease of fabrication, the uniform three-dimensional lattice structure inside the biomimetic flapping wing is divided into several parts, which are fabricated separately and then finally assembled. In this embodiment, Solidworks software is used to design the lattice structure.
[0054] Finally, a three-dimensional lattice structure is fabricated using 3D printing additive manufacturing technology. 3D printing can employ technologies including, but not limited to, FDM, SLA, and Polyjet. In this embodiment, Polyjet technology is used.
[0055] In this embodiment, the three-dimensional lattice filler is fabricated using additive manufacturing and is divided into upper and lower parts for easy assembly. Similarly, the three-dimensional lattice filler and the support frame still use a gap fit, but the three-dimensional lattice filler and the central fin are fixedly connected. This fit ensures that the motion transmitted from the central fin can be quickly, continuously, and without impact to the surface of the bionic flapping wing, while also ensuring that the support frame does not restrict the active and passive deformation of the bionic flapping wing. In this embodiment, the flapping wing adopts the NACA00 series airfoil, and the external surface of the three-dimensional lattice filler component is higher than the overall support frame to ensure the integrity and continuity of the bionic flapping wing in both static and dynamic states.
[0056] To further illustrate the overall support frame, the flexible rib support frame 13 includes:
[0057] An upper strip support plate and a lower strip support plate are arranged opposite each other; a root support plate is provided between one end of the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate along the long side, and a tip support plate is provided between the other ends; wherein, the distance between the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate at the root support plate is greater than the distance between the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate at the tip support plate;
[0058] Between the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate, multiple elliptical support ribs are arranged sequentially from the root support plate to the tip support plate; wherein the circumference of the multiple elliptical support ribs arranged sequentially from the root support plate to the tip support plate decreases sequentially.
[0059] The major axis of each elliptical support rib is parallel to either the upper or lower strip support plate; each elliptical support rib is rotatably connected to both the upper and lower strip support plates.
[0060] In this embodiment, see Figure 3 As shown, the upper spanning support rib 136 is called the upper strip support plate, the lower spanning support rib 137 is called the lower strip support plate, the root support rib 135 is called the root support plate, the tip support rib 138 is called the tip support plate, and the multiple elliptical support ribs are called multiple chordal support ribs. Among them, from the root support plate to the tip support plate, the first-level chordal support rib 131, the second-level chordal support rib 132, the third-level chordal support rib 133, and the fourth-level chordal support rib 134 are arranged in sequence.
[0061] Each elliptical support rib has notches at both ends along its long axis; these notches allow the front and rear edges of the central fin plate 14 to be inserted, and provide gaps for relative movement between the central fin plate 14 and each elliptical support rib.
[0062] In this embodiment, the central fin 14 and the flexible rib support frame 13 are connected by primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary chordal support ribs distributed along the spanwise direction. The central fin is made of a homogeneous rigid material of uniform thickness through machining, while the flexible rib support frame is made of a soft material through machining and additive manufacturing. Each chordal rib has notches at its leading and trailing edges, allowing the leading and trailing edges of the central fin to engage and permitting relative displacement between the central fin and the chordal ribs. When the biomimetic flapping fin flaps underwater, it undergoes passive deformation, resulting in different curvatures on its upper and lower surfaces. Without this relative displacement, the flapping fin's bending deformation would be limited, hindering the improvement of propulsion force and efficiency. Similarly, the flexible rib support frame consists of several spanwise support ribs, chordally support ribs, and root and tip support ribs. The ribs are connected by cylindrical pairs to ensure that they can rotate and slide relative to each other, thus avoiding interference with the passive bending deformation of the bionic flapping wing.
[0063] It should be noted that the gaps in the overall support frame of the biomimetic flapping wing are filled using a three-dimensional lattice structure. The overall shape of the filling component, composed of the three-dimensional lattice structure, is higher than the flexible rib support frame. The biomimetic flapping wing profile is obtained by lofting several standard airfoil sections. The three-dimensional lattice filling material ensures the integrity and continuity of the profile when the flapping wing undergoes dynamic deformation. Therefore, the outer contour surface of the filling material 3 is set higher than the boundary of the overall support frame. The filling material 3 is clearance-fitted with the flexible rib support frame 13 and is fixedly connected to the central fin plate 14.
[0064] In this embodiment, the provided manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle's flexible flapping fins further include:
[0065] Bionic flapping wing fixing bracket 15; drive device, which is set on the bionic flapping wing fixing bracket 15; the drive device is used to drive the central fin plate 14 to swing, and drive the flexible rib support frame 13 to swing.
[0066] The drive device includes a primary torsion motor 11, which is mounted on the bionic flapping wing fixing bracket 15. A secondary flapping motor 12 is mounted on the output shaft of the primary torsion motor 11. The output shaft 16 of the secondary flapping motor 12 is fixedly connected to the end of the central fin plate 14 near the root support plate by a fixing plate 17. Therefore, the primary torsion motor 11 drives the secondary flapping motor 12 to twist back and forth, and the secondary flapping motor 12 drives the central fin plate 14 to swing up and down.
[0067] In this embodiment, the flexible skin 2 is prepared by integral casting of soft material; the flexible skin 2 is bonded to the contour surface of the filler 3.
[0068] The flexible skin 2 is fabricated from a soft material using a monolithic casting method. In this embodiment, the flexible skin is made of silicone. After assembling the overall support frame and the three-dimensional lattice filling component, an organic solvent is used to bond the flexible skin to the three-dimensional lattice filling component, ensuring no relative movement. This ensures that there are no dislocations during the movement of this embodiment, maintaining the integrity and continuity of the flapping wing surface. It also reduces friction on the flexible skin, improving its durability and service life. Therefore, to improve the biomimetic flapping wing's shape similarity and propulsion efficiency, a flexible skin is applied to the outside of the three-dimensional lattice filling component. The flexible skin completely encloses the filling component and support frame, isolating the internal and external fluids of the biomimetic flapping wing. This prevents relative flow between the internal and external fluids, thus avoiding any impact on propulsion performance. Simultaneously, the flexible skin ensures the overall integrity of the flapping wing's movement.
[0069] In summary, the biomimetic manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle's flexible flapping wing provided by this invention mainly consists of a biomimetic flapping wing integral support frame 1, a biomimetic flapping wing flexible skin 2, and a three-dimensional lattice flapping wing filling component 3. Further, the biomimetic flapping wing integral support frame 1 comprises a primary torsion motor 11, a secondary flapping motor 12, a flexible elastic rib support frame 13, a central fin plate 14, a biomimetic flapping wing fixing bracket 15, a secondary flapping motor output shaft 16, and a central fin plate adapter fixing plate 17. Further, the flexible elastic rib support frame 13 comprises a primary chordal support rib 131, a secondary chordal support rib 132, a tertiary chordal support rib 133, a quaternary chordal support rib 134, a root support rib 135, an upper spanwise support rib 136, a lower spanwise support rib 137, and a tip support rib 138.
[0070] Combination Figures 2-6 The specific implementation process of this scheme is described as follows: The biomimetic flapping wing overall support frame 1 plays two roles in the implementation process: firstly, it provides power for the movement of the biomimetic flapping wing; secondly, it serves as the basic skeleton of the biomimetic flapping wing, providing a fixed foundation for the flexible skin 2 and the three-dimensional lattice filling component 3. Regarding the power driving the biomimetic flapping wing, this embodiment uses a series drive structure composed of a primary torsion motor 11 and a secondary flapping motor 12. The primary torsion motor and the secondary flapping motor can rotate independently, and the power is output to the central fin plate 14 via the output shaft 16 of the secondary flapping motor. The central fin plate 14 and the output shaft 16 of the secondary flapping motor are connected by a central fin plate adapter fixing plate 17. The central fin plate fixing plate is connected to the output shaft of the secondary flapping motor by a key, and the central fin plate is connected to the central fin plate by a flange, ensuring no relative rotation between the central fin plate and the output shaft of the secondary flapping motor.
[0071] The present invention provides a manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle, including the aforementioned manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle with a flexible flapping wing.
[0072] This invention proposes a biomimetic flapping wing shape-preserving scheme, which not only solves the problem of maintaining the shape of the flapping wing of the manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle under static and dynamic conditions, but also ensures the lightweight of the biomimetic flapping wing structure. This is of great significance for improving the propulsion and swimming performance of the manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle.
[0073] This invention describes preferred embodiments and their effects. However, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include both the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications falling within the scope of this invention.
[0074] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A flexible flapping wing modeled after a manta ray underwater vehicle, characterized in that, include: Bionic flapping wing integral support frame (1); Filler (3), which is filled within the integral support frame; A flexible skin (2) is wrapped around the surface of the overall support frame; The overall support frame (1) includes a central fin plate (14) and a flexible rib support frame (13). The central fin plate (14) is embedded in the flexible rib support frame (13); The flexible rib support frame (13) is made of a soft material; The filler (3) is a three-dimensional lattice made of a flexible material; The crystal lattice in the three-dimensional solid lattice is uniformly distributed; The three-dimensional lattice is a uniformly distributed, uniformly sized regular polyhedral structure; The three-dimensional crystal lattice is prepared according to the following steps: First, determine the polyhedral lattice structure to be used, including tetrahedral, hexahedral, octahedral, or dodecahedral lattice structures, and determine the appropriate lattice size; Then, the three-dimensional design of the uniform three-dimensional lattice structure is completed in the three-dimensional drawing software to ensure that the completed lattice structure is completely within the envelope of the bionic flapping wing structure. To facilitate processing, the uniform three-dimensional lattice structure inside the bionic flapping wing is divided into several parts, processed separately, and finally spliced together. Finally, a three-dimensional lattice structure was fabricated using 3D printing additive manufacturing technology. The 3D printing may employ technologies including FDM, SLA, or Polyjet. The flexible rib support frame (13) includes: The upper and lower strip support plates are set opposite to each other; A root support plate is provided between one end of the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate along their long sides, and a tip support plate is provided between the other ends; wherein, the distance between the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate at the root support plate is greater than the distance between them at the tip support plate; Between the upper strip support plate and the lower strip support plate, a plurality of elliptical support ribs are arranged sequentially from the root support plate to the tip support plate; wherein the circumference of the plurality of elliptical support ribs arranged sequentially from the root support plate to the tip support plate decreases sequentially. The major axis of each elliptical support rib is parallel to the upper or lower strip support plate; each elliptical support rib is rotatably connected to both the upper and lower strip support plates. The outer contour surface of the filler (3) is higher than the boundary of the overall support frame. The filler (3) is in clearance fit with the flexible rib support frame (13) and is fixedly connected to the central fin plate (14). The flexible skin (2) is made of soft material by integral casting; the flexible skin (2) is bonded to the contour surface of the filler (3).
2. The manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle with flexible flapping wings according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the elliptical support ribs has a notch at both ends along its long axis; the notch allows the front and rear edges of the central fin plate (14) to be inserted, and leaves a gap for relative movement between the central fin plate (14) and each of the elliptical support ribs.
3. The flexible flapping wing of the manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Bionic flapping wing fixing bracket (15); A drive unit is mounted on the bionic flapping wing fixing bracket (15); The drive device is used to drive the central fin plate (14) to swing and drive the flexible rib support frame (13) to swing.
4. The manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle with flexible flapping wings according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central fin plate (14) adopts the skeletal form of the pectoral fin of a manta ray.
5. A manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle, characterized in that, Including the soft flapping wing of the manta ray-inspired underwater vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.
Citation Information
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