Bionic feather, preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a bionic feather, a preparation method and an application thereof. The bionic feather includes a rachis and barbs. The rachis is woven from a plurality of fiber bundles into a twisted pair or a triple twisted pair and formed by directionally solidifying epoxy resin. The barbs are woven from rachis fiber branches, with the ends gradually reducing in number. The cavities of the barbs are filled with supercritical foamed EVA, TPU or PEBA materials. The bionic feather of the present invention is made of a unique mixture of carbon fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber or aramid fiber and lightweight EVA, TPU or PEBA materials to imitate the microstructure and aerodynamic shape characteristics of natural feathers. At the same time, it has stronger resistance to moisture and deformation, as well as higher strength and toughness. The badminton prepared using the bionic feather of the present invention has excellent resilience and good impact resistance, can provide stable force feedback when hitting the ball, ensure the consistency and stability of the badminton's flight trajectory, and greatly improve its durability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bionic feather and a preparation method and application thereof, in particular to a badminton made of bionic feathers based on a composite of a fiber skeleton and a lightweight elastic material, belonging to the technical field of sports equipment. Background Art

[0002] Badminton is a popular sport, and traditional shuttlecocks primarily rely on natural feathers. However, natural feather shuttlecocks have numerous drawbacks. For example, the supply of natural feathers is limited by the quantity and quality of poultry farms, resulting in high costs. Natural feathers easily absorb moisture and deform in humid environments, severely impacting flight performance and service life. Furthermore, natural feathers are fragile and prone to breakage and loss with frequent use, making shuttlecocks less durable. Furthermore, currently available fully synthetic plastic shuttlecocks (such as nylon) suffer from heavy weight (>6g), poor elasticity, and a stiff feel. Therefore, the development of a high-performance, low-cost synthetic shuttlecock is a pressing need for the industry.

[0003] In response to the above problems, this application is filed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the first object of the present invention is to provide a bionic feather.

[0005] The second object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing the bionic feather.

[0006] The third object of the present invention is to provide a badminton made using the bionic feather.

[0007] To achieve the first objective, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a bionic feather, comprising a rachis and barbs, wherein the rachis is braided from a plurality of fiber bundles into twisted pairs or triples and formed by directionally solidifying epoxy resin, and the barbs are braided from rachis fiber branches, the braiding method being the same as the rachis braiding method, with the tows gradually decreasing at the end, and the cavities of the barbs being filled with supercritically foamed EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), or PEBA (Polyether Block Amide) material (density 0.05–0.2 g / cm³, rebound rate >85%).

[0008] Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the rachis is circular, square, outer square and inner circle or annular, with a cross-sectional area of ​​0.3-2 mm. 2 .

[0009] Preferably, the interior of the rachis contains a honeycomb-like hollow structure with a honeycomb pore diameter of 0.1-0.5 mm and a porosity of 30%-50%.

[0010] Preferably, the supercritically foamed EVA, TPU or PEBA material contains 5wt%-10wt% of chopped carbon fibers, and the tensile strength is increased to 8-12 MPa.

[0011] Preferably, the length of the chopped carbon fibers is 1-3 mm.

[0012] Preferably, the fiber is carbon fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber or aramid fiber.

[0013] Using the above technical solution, the artificial feather component is composed of several carefully designed simulated feathers. The simulated feathers are made of a unique mixture of carbon fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber or aramid fiber and lightweight EVA, TPU or PEBA materials, and combined with advanced bionic manufacturing technology to accurately imitate the microstructure and aerodynamic shape characteristics of natural feathers.

[0014] In order to achieve the second object, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: a method for preparing a bionic feather, comprising the following steps:

[0015] S1: Fiber skeleton molding

[0016] Directed laying of rachis and barbs using resin transfer molding (RTM) or 3D printing;

[0017] S2: elastic filler composite

[0018] Mix EVA, TPU or PEBA particles with chopped carbon fibers and inject them into a supercritical foaming device at a pressure of 10–15 MPa and a temperature of 120–150°C until they fill the barb skeleton cavity.

[0019] S3: Surface functionalization

[0020] First apply a layer of TPU / silicone composite layer, then spray a layer of polyurethane resin or fluorosilicone nano-hydrophobic coating, and cure at room temperature.

[0021] Preferably, the thickness of the TPU / silicone composite layer is 0.01-0.1 mm.

[0022] Preferably, the hydrophobic coating is polyurethane resin or fluorosilicone nanoparticles with a thickness of 0.01-0.1 mm.

[0023] Preferably, the solid content of the hydrophobic coating is 20%-30%, and the contact angle of the hydrophobic coating is greater than 150°.

[0024] The third object of the present invention is to realize a badminton made by using the above-mentioned bionic feather.

[0025] Utilizing the aforementioned technical solution, the shuttlecock head of the present invention utilizes a novel, environmentally friendly, highly elastic rubber composite material, exhibiting excellent resilience and impact resistance. This provides stable force feedback during impact, ensuring a consistent and stable trajectory. These artificial feathers not only resemble natural feathers in appearance but also achieve flight performance that matches or even exceeds that of natural feathers. Furthermore, they possess enhanced resistance to moisture and deformation, as well as increased strength and toughness, significantly improving the durability of the shuttlecock.

[0026] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0027] (1) The bionic feathers of the present invention are made of a unique mixture of carbon fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber or aramid fiber and lightweight EVA, TPU or PEBA materials. Through the gradient composite design of the fiber skeleton and the lightweight elastic material, the feathers achieve the unity of lightweight, high rebound and bionic functions, significantly improve durability and reduce costs.

[0028] (2) The badminton prepared by the present invention also has the following advantages:

[0029] ① Lightweight: Total weight ≤ 5.5g (25%-40% lighter than traditional synthetic shuttlecocks), close to the 4.7-5.5g standard of natural shuttlecocks;

[0030] ② High durability: The impact test (30m / s ball speed impact) has a lifespan of >5000 times, far exceeding nylon balls (about 2000 times);

[0031] ③ Bionic flight performance: Wind tunnel tests show that the lift-to-drag ratio is improved by 15%-20%, and the swing stability error is <3°. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the bionic feather of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing that the cross-section of the rachis is circular;

[0034] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a feather rachis cross section with a square shape;

[0035] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-section of the feather shaft being square outside and circular inside;

[0036] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the cross-section of the rachis being a circular ring;

[0037] In the figure: 1- rachis fiber, 2- barb fiber, 3- EVA, TPU or PEBA filling area, 4- fiber bundle cross section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects achieved by the present invention easier to understand, the present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific implementation methods.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] A bionic feather comprises a rachis and barbs. The rachis is braided from 3K fiber bundles into twisted pairs and formed by directionally solidifying epoxy resin. The barbs are braided from 1K fiber branches, with the ends gradually reducing the fiber bundles. The cavities between the rachis and barbs are filled with supercritical foamed EVA material.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the rachis is circular, with a cross-sectional area of ​​0.3 mm. 2 .

[0042] In this embodiment, the interior of the feather shaft contains a honeycomb-like hollow structure with a pore diameter of 0.3 mm and a porosity of 30%.

[0043] In this embodiment, the supercritical foamed EVA material contains 5 wt % of chopped carbon fibers.

[0044] In this embodiment, the length of the chopped carbon fibers is 1 mm.

[0045] In this embodiment, the fibers are carbon fibers.

[0046] A method for preparing a bionic feather comprises the following steps:

[0047] S1: Fiber skeleton molding

[0048] Using resin transfer molding (RTM) directional laying, according to Figure 1 The rachis and barbs are laid out as shown;

[0049] S2: elastic filler composite

[0050] Mix EVA particles with chopped carbon fibers and inject them into a supercritical foaming device at a pressure of 15 MPa and a temperature of 120°C until they fill the barb skeleton cavity.

[0051] S3: Surface functionalization

[0052] First apply a layer of TPU / silicone composite layer, then spray a layer of hydrophobic coating and cure it at room temperature.

[0053] In this embodiment, the thickness of the TPU / silicone composite layer is 0.05 mm.

[0054] In this embodiment, the hydrophobic coating is fluorine silicon nanoparticles with a thickness of 0.01 mm.

[0055] In this embodiment, the solid content of the hydrophobic coating is 20%.

[0056] In this embodiment, the contact angle of the hydrophobic coating is greater than 150°.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] A bionic feather includes a rachis and barbs. The rachis is woven from three twisted strands of 5K fiber bundles and formed through directionally solidified epoxy resin. The barbs are woven from 1K fiber branches with gradually decreasing bundles at the ends. The cavities between the rachis and barbs are filled with TPU material foamed with supercritical nitrogen.

[0059] In this embodiment, the cross-section of the rachis is square with a cross-sectional area of ​​1 mm. 2 .

[0060] In this embodiment, the supercritical nitrogen foamed TPU material contains 10 wt % of chopped carbon fibers.

[0061] In this embodiment, the fiber is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber.

[0062] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0063] A method for preparing a bionic feather comprises the following steps:

[0064] S1: Fiber skeleton molding

[0065] Use 3D printing for directional laying, Figure 1 The rachis and barbs are laid out as shown;

[0066] S2: elastic filler composite

[0067] Mix TPU particles with chopped carbon fibers and inject them into a supercritical nitrogen foaming device at a pressure of 10 MPa and a temperature of 150°C until they fill the barb skeleton cavity.

[0068] S3: Same as Example 1.

[0069] In this embodiment, the solid content of the hydrophobic coating is 30%.

[0070] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0071] Example 3

[0072] A bionic feather includes a rachis and barbs. The rachis is woven from 6K fiber bundles into twisted pairs and formed by directionally solidifying epoxy resin. The barbs are woven from 1K fiber branches, with the bundles gradually decreasing at the ends. The cavities between the rachis and barbs are filled with supercritical foamed PEBA material.

[0073] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the rachis is square outside and circular inside, with a cross-sectional area of ​​2 mm. 2 .

[0074] In this embodiment, the interior of the feather shaft contains a honeycomb-like hollow structure with a pore diameter of 0.1 mm and a porosity of 50%.

[0075] In this embodiment, the length of the chopped carbon fibers is 3 mm.

[0076] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0077] A method for preparing a bionic feather comprises the following steps:

[0078] S1-S3: EVA was replaced with PEBA, and the rest was the same as in Example 1.

[0079] In this embodiment, the thickness of the TPU / silicone composite layer is 0.1 mm.

[0080] In this embodiment, the hydrophobic coating is polyurethane resin and has a thickness of 0.1 mm.

[0081] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0082] Example 4

[0083] A bionic feather includes a rachis and barbs. The rachis is woven from 3K fiber bundles into three twisted wires and formed by directionally solidifying epoxy resin. The barbs are woven from 1K fiber branches, with the bundles gradually decreasing at the ends. The cavities between the rachis and barbs are filled with supercritical foamed PEBA material.

[0084] In this embodiment, the supercritical foamed PEBA material contains 6 wt % of chopped carbon fibers.

[0085] In this embodiment, the fiber is aramid fiber.

[0086] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0087] A method for preparing a bionic feather is the same as Example 1 except that EVA is replaced with PEBA.

[0088] Example 5

[0089] A bionic feather includes a rachis and barbs. The rachis is woven from 4K fiber bundles into twisted pairs and formed by directionally solidifying epoxy resin. The barbs are woven from 1K fiber branches, with the bundles gradually decreasing at the ends. The cavities between the rachis and barbs are filled with supercritical foamed EVA material.

[0090] In this embodiment, the interior of the feather shaft contains a honeycomb-like hollow structure with a pore diameter of 0.2 mm and a porosity of 40%.

[0091] In this embodiment, the supercritical foamed EVA material contains 8 wt % of chopped carbon fibers.

[0092] In this embodiment, the length of the chopped carbon fibers is 3 mm.

[0093] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0094] A method for preparing a bionic feather is the same as that in Example 1.

[0095] Example 6

[0096] A bionic feather comprises a rachis and barbs, including a rachis, barbs and a ball head. The rachis is formed by directional solidification of a 6K fiber bundle through epoxy resin, and the barbs are woven into a mesh shape from 1K fiber bundles, the ends of which gradually transform into a monofilament dispersed structure. The cavities between the rachis and barbs are filled with supercritical foamed EVA material.

[0097] Other details are the same as in Example 1.

[0098] A method for preparing a bionic feather is the same as that in Example 1.

[0099] Comparative Example 1

[0100] Natural feathers.

[0101] Test Example 1 Performance Comparison between Bionic Feathers and Natural Feathers

[0102] Test groups: Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0103] Test method:

[0104] (1) Weight measurement: Use a microbalance (accuracy 0.001g) to measure a single feather.

[0105] (2) Mechanical test: Three-point bending test machine simulates the swing of feather branches (frequency 1-5 Hz, 1000 cycles, deformation recovery rate >90%).

[0106] (3) Wind tunnel test: Low-speed wind tunnel (wind speed 5–20 m / s) to test lift-to-drag ratio and swing stability.

[0107] (4) Comparison of moisture resistance: The feathers were placed in an environment with relative humidity of 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% for 60 minutes, and the weight of a single feather (average of 10 feathers tested) was compared before and after moisture absorption.

[0108] Test results: See Table 1 and Table 2 for details.

[0109] Table 1 Test results of each group

[0110]

[0111] Table 2 Comparison of hygroscopicity of each group

[0112]

[0113] Referring to Table 1 and Table 2, artificial feathers have stronger resistance to moisture and deformation, as well as higher strength and toughness.

[0114] Test Example 2 Performance Comparison between Bionic Feather Badminton and Natural Feather Badminton

[0115] Test groups: the badminton prepared in Example 1 and the badminton prepared in Comparative Example 1.

[0116] Test method: Continuous practice for 3 hours, including high balls, smashes, flat shots, small balls at the net and high-level confrontations.

[0117] Test results: See Table 3 for details.

[0118] Table 3 Test results of each group

[0119]

[0120] Referring to Table 3, the bionic feather badminton of the present invention can reach or even exceed the performance of natural feathers in terms of flight performance, and at the same time has stronger resistance to moisture and deformation as well as higher strength and toughness, which greatly improves the durability of the badminton.

[0121] refer to Figure 1 The artificial feather assembly of the present invention is composed of several carefully designed simulated feathers. The simulated feathers are made of a unique mixture of carbon fiber, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber or aramid fiber and lightweight EVA, TPU or PEBA materials to accurately imitate the microstructure and aerodynamic shape characteristics of natural feathers.

[0122] The above shows and describes the basic principles and main features of the present invention and the advantages of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be regarded as illustrative and non-restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included therein.

[0123] In addition, it should be understood that although this specification is described in terms of implementation methods, not every implementation method contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative method of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a bionic feather, The bionic feather includes a rachis and barbs. The rachis is woven from multiple fiber bundles into twisted pairs or triples and formed by directionally curing epoxy resin. The barbs are woven from rachis fiber branches, with the ends gradually reducing in number. The cavities of the barbs are filled with supercritical foamed EVA, TPU, or PEBA material. The cross-sectional shape of the rachis is circular, square, square outside and circular inside, or annular, with a cross-sectional area of ​​0.3-2 mm. 2 The interior of the feather shaft contains a honeycomb hollow structure with a pore size of 0.1-0.5 mm and a porosity of 30%-50%; the supercritical foamed EVA, TPU or PEBA material contains 5wt%-10wt% of chopped carbon fibers; the length of the chopped carbon fibers is 1-3 mm; It is characterized by: The method for preparing a bionic feather comprises the following steps: S1: Fiber skeleton molding Directed laying of rachis and barbs using resin transfer molding (RTM) or 3D printing; S2: elastic filler composite Mix EVA, TPU or PEBA particles with chopped carbon fibers and inject them into a supercritical foaming device at a pressure of 10–15 MPa and a temperature of 120–150°C until they fill the barb skeleton cavity. S3: Surface functionalization First apply a layer of TPU / silicone composite layer, then spray a layer of hydrophobic coating and cure it at room temperature.

2. The method for preparing a bionic feather according to claim 1, wherein: The thickness of the TPU / silicone composite layer is 0.01-0.1 mm.

3. The method for preparing a bionic feather according to claim 2, wherein: The hydrophobic coating is made of polyurethane resin or fluorosilicon nanoparticles and has a thickness of 0.01-0.1 mm.

4. The method for preparing a bionic feather according to claim 3, wherein: The solid content of the hydrophobic coating is 20%-30%, and the contact angle of the hydrophobic coating is greater than 150°.

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