A morphing wing based on discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure

Abstract

The application discloses a morphing wing based on discrete assembly chain type metamaterial structure and relates to the technical field of chain type structure, which solves the problems of complex manufacturing process and limited material selection of the morphing wing. The chain type metamaterial sandwich is packaged in a sealed shell and arranged on a wing skeleton, and the wing skeleton and the chain type metamaterial sandwich are externally provided with a skin; the chain type metamaterial sandwich comprises a compression-torsion chain type metamaterial, a microcrystal chain type metamaterial and a spherical chain type metamaterial, and the compression-torsion chain type metamaterial, the microcrystal chain type metamaterial and the spherical chain type metamaterial are sequentially connected; the compression-torsion chain type metamaterial is arranged at the root of the wing skeleton, and the spherical chain type metamaterial is arranged at the tip of the wing skeleton; and the chain type metamaterial is also provided with a auxetic chain type metamaterial and replaces the compression-torsion chain type metamaterial. The application realizes flexible expansion of the chain type metamaterial through discrete assembly, and the manufacturing of large-size chain type metamaterial is completed; and the chain type metamaterial is applied to the inside of the wing, and the dynamic deformation of the wing can be realized through vacuum degree adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of chain structure technology, specifically to a deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure. Background Technology

[0002] While existing technologies have yielded significant progress in deformable wings, they also face numerous challenges. NASA and MIT have developed the small-scale demonstrator Madcat V0 and a large-scale flying wing model. Their wings, composed of volume elements, flexible skin, and a drive system, offer clear advantages, but suffer from complex manufacturing processes and limited material selection. The US VCCW project has manufactured bench models and large-scale models and conducted wind tunnel and flight tests. This wing employs a compliant mechanism to achieve distributed deformation, but its heating characteristics and recovery rate characteristics require further investigation.

[0003] Particle-blocked chain superstructures are a class of metamaterials in which the structural stiffness can be reversibly and continuously controlled by regulating the contact state between hard particles. Their key characteristics include lightweight and high strength, reversible deformation, shape adaptability, and rapid stiffness adjustment. Currently, these materials have been successfully applied in high-end equipment fields such as military protective gear, robotic end effectors, and smart wearable devices.

[0004] Existing particle-blocking chain superstructures typically use selective laser sintering (SLS) integrated molding technology. However, due to high manufacturing costs and equipment size limitations, it is difficult to achieve personalized customization and large-scale production, which severely restricts their engineering progress. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems of complex manufacturing processes and limited material selection in existing deformable wings, this invention proposes a deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure. This invention enables flexible expansion of the chain metamaterial through the discrete assembly of parts, overcoming equipment size limitations and allowing for the manufacture of large-scale chain metamaterials. When applied to the interior of the wing, dynamic deformation of the wing can be achieved through vacuum adjustment; after vacuuming, some configurations of the chain metamaterial will bend and deform.

[0006] This invention proposes a deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure, specifically comprising a skin, a wing skeleton, and a chain metamaterial interlayer. The chain metamaterial interlayer is encapsulated within a sealed shell and disposed on the wing skeleton, while the wing skeleton and the chain metamaterial interlayer are externally covered by a skin. The chain metamaterial interlayer includes a pressure-torsion chain metamaterial, a microcrystalline chain metamaterial, and a spherical chain metamaterial, which are sequentially connected. The pressure-torsion chain metamaterial is disposed at the root of the wing skeleton, and the spherical chain metamaterial is disposed at the tip of the wing skeleton.

[0007] Furthermore, the compression-torsion chain metamaterial includes several compression-torsion cells, which are frame-like structures and are interconnected.

[0008] Furthermore, the compression-torsion cell includes two square rings, which are connected by four inclined straight rod parts; each square ring includes four straight rod parts and four spherical connecting parts, which are connected end to end to form a ring structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the microcrystalline chain metamaterial comprises several microcrystalline cells, each of which is an octahedral framework structure, and the microcrystalline cells are interconnected.

[0010] Furthermore, the microcrystal cell comprises eight straight rod parts and six spherical connecting parts, with the straight rod parts interconnected by the spherical connecting parts.

[0011] Furthermore, the spherical chain metamaterial comprises several spherical cells, which are spherical framework structures, and the several spherical cells are interconnected.

[0012] Furthermore, the spherical cell includes four bent rod parts and two spherical connecting parts, with the bent rod parts interconnected by the spherical connecting parts.

[0013] Furthermore, the sealing shell is equipped with a valve, which is connected to a vacuum pump; the sealing shell is 0.2 mm thick and made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0014] A deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure specifically includes a chain metamaterial sandwich layer, a skin, and a wing skeleton. The chain metamaterial sandwich layer is encapsulated within a sealed shell and disposed on the wing skeleton. A skin is disposed on the outside of the wing skeleton and the chain metamaterial sandwich layer. The chain metamaterial sandwich layer includes a tensile chain metamaterial, as well as the aforementioned microcrystalline chain metamaterial and spherical chain metamaterial, which are sequentially connected. The tensile chain metamaterial is disposed at the root of the wing skeleton, and the spherical chain metamaterial is disposed at the tip of the wing skeleton.

[0015] Furthermore, the tense chain metamaterial includes several tense cells, which are centrally symmetric structures and are interconnected. Each tense cell includes six spherical connecting parts and twelve bent rod parts. The spherical connecting parts are arranged according to the vertex positions of an octahedron and are connected to each other by the bent rod parts.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention are as follows: (1) The deformable wing based on discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention can be made into a wing structure by several different chain metamaterials, which can realize flexible expansion of size and realize the construction of large-size wings. At the same time, according to the characteristic that the chain metamaterials of some configurations will bend and deform after vacuuming, the dynamic deformation of the wing at different angles can be realized by adjusting the vacuum degree, so as to realize the effect of dynamically switching the wing shape under different flight scenarios.

[0017] (2) The deformable wing based on discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention solves the problem of high cost of traditional selective laser sintering method by assembling three modular functional parts prepared by fused deposition modeling into chain metamaterial; by changing the number of the three types of modular functional parts and their spatial position relationship, a cell structure with differentiated mechanical response is assembled. The chain metamaterial formed by the interlocking of these cell structures can meet the stiffness and deformation requirements under different scenarios; and the parts can be quickly replaced after damage, realizing recycling and saving resources. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0019] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a front view of a deformable wing (skin omitted) based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention in a flat state under low vacuum. Figure 2 This is a side view of a deformable wing (skin omitted) based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention in a flat state under low vacuum. Figure 3 This is a top view of a deformable wing (skin omitted) based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention in a flat state under low vacuum. Figure 4 This is a front view of a deformable wing (skin omitted) based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention, in a bent state under high vacuum. Figure 5 This is a side view of a deformable wing (skin omitted) based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention, in a bent state under high vacuum. Figure 6 This is a top view of a deformable wing (skin omitted) based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure described in this invention, in a bent state under high vacuum. Figure 7This is a front view of a compression-torsion chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 8 This is a side view of a compression-torsion chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 9 This is a top view of a pressure-torsion chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the compression-torsion cell of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure as described in this invention. Figure 11 This is a front view of a microcrystalline chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 12 This is a side view of a microcrystalline chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 13 This is a top view of a microcrystalline chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the microcrystalline cell structure of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure as described in this invention. Figure 15 This is a front view of a spherical chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 16 This is a side view of a spherical chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 17 This is a top view of a spherical chain metamaterial for a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the spherical cell structure of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure as described in this invention. Figure 19 This is a front view of the elastomeric chain metamaterial of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure as described in this invention; Figure 20 This is a side view of the elastomeric chain metamaterial of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure as described in this invention; Figure 21 This is a top view of the elastomeric chain metamaterial of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure as described in this invention; Figure 22This is a schematic diagram of the expanded cell structure of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure as described in this invention. Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of the spherical connecting part of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 24 This is a structural schematic diagram of a straight rod part of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of the bending rod part of a deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure, as described in this invention. Among them: 1-spherical connecting part, 101-circular hole groove, 2-straight rod part, 201-straight rod tenon, 3-bent rod part, 301-bent rod tenon, 4-compression-torsion cell, 5-tension-expansion cell, 6-microcrystalline cell, 7-spherical cell, 8-compression-torsion chain metamaterial, 9-microcrystalline chain metamaterial, 10-spherical chain metamaterial, 11-wing skeleton, 12-tension-expansion chain metamaterial. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solution of this invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of, and not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0024] Specific implementation method one: See Figures 1-10 , Figures 23-25 This embodiment describes a deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure. Specifically, it includes a skin, a wing frame 11, and a chain metamaterial interlayer. The chain metamaterial interlayer is encapsulated within a sealed shell and disposed on the wing frame 11. A skin is provided outside the wing frame 11 and the chain metamaterial interlayer. The chain metamaterial interlayer includes a pressure-torsion chain metamaterial 8, a microcrystalline chain metamaterial 9, and a spherical chain metamaterial 10, which are sequentially interlocked. The pressure-torsion chain metamaterial 8 is disposed at the root of the wing frame 11, and the spherical chain metamaterial 10 is disposed at the tip of the wing frame 11. The pressure-torsion chain metamaterial 8 remains straight and does not bend or deform after vacuuming, and its stiffness is significantly enhanced, serving as the rigid support area closest to the fuselage of the wing. The microcrystalline chain metamaterial 9 undergoes slight bending deformation after vacuuming, serving as a transition area in the middle section of the wing. The spherical chain metamaterial 10 undergoes significant bending deformation after vacuuming, serving as the deformation region at the far end of the wing. The three types of chain metamaterials are interlocked sequentially according to the wing configuration requirements, forming a chain metamaterial interlayer inside the wing. This interlayer is encapsulated within a sealed shell made of a 0.2mm thick thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film. A valve is installed on the sealed shell, which is connected to a vacuum pump with a pressure gauge via a hose, allowing for pressure regulation within the sealed shell. A wing frame 11 is positioned below the chain metamaterial interlayer encapsulated within the sealed shell. When the vacuum level of the sealed shell decreases, the wing frame 11 drives the wing to automatically return to a straight state. Simultaneously, a flexible skin is arranged on the outer side of the wing frame 11 and the chain metamaterial interlayer, forming a complete aerodynamic shape. By controlling the vacuum level, the shape of the wing is controlled, ultimately achieving the fabrication of a deformable wing.

[0025] The compression-torsion chain metamaterial 8 includes several compression-torsion cells 4, each a cubic frame structure, which are interconnected. When subjected to normal pressure, each compression-torsion cell 4 undergoes stable and significant torsion. Each compression-torsion cell 4 includes two square rings connected by four inclined straight rods 2, with an angle of 45 degrees between the square rings and the inclined straight rods 2. Each square ring includes four straight rods 2 and four spherical connecting parts 1, which are connected end-to-end to form a ring structure.

[0026] The microcrystalline chain metamaterial 9 comprises several microcrystalline cells 6, each a octahedral framework structure, with the cells interlocked. Each microcrystalline cell 6 includes eight straight rods 2 and six spherical connecting parts 1. The spherical connecting parts 1 are arranged according to the vertices of the octahedron, with one spherical connecting part 1 located at the top and one at the bottom, and the remaining four spherical connecting parts 1 located in the middle layer, symmetrically distributed around the center. Four straight rods 2 extend from each of the top and bottom spherical connecting parts, connecting to the four spherical connecting parts 1 in the middle layer.

[0027] The spherical chain metamaterial 10 includes several spherical cells 7, which are spherical frame structures and are interconnected. Each spherical cell 7 includes four bent rod parts 3 and two spherical connecting parts 1, which are located at the top and bottom of the structure, respectively, and are connected by the four bent rod parts 3.

[0028] The spherical connecting part 1 is a small rhomboid half-cube. A circular slot 101 is provided on the square surface of the spherical connecting part 1, and the circular slot 101 runs through the entire spherical connecting part 1. The straight rod part 2 is a cylindrical structure with straight rod tenons 201 at both ends. The straight rod part 2 is inserted into the circular slot 101 through its end to achieve an interference fit connection with the spherical connecting part 1. The bent rod part 3 is a rod-shaped structure with a 1 / 2 circular ring. The bent rod part 3 is provided with bent rod tenons 301 at both ends. The bent rod part 3 is inserted into the circular slot 101 through its end to achieve an interference fit connection with the spherical connecting part 1. The spherical connecting part 1, the straight rod part 2, and the bent rod part 3 are all prepared by a low-cost and high-efficiency fused deposition modeling process. By changing the number of these three types of modular functional parts and their spatial relationship, a cellular structure with differentiated mechanical response can be assembled to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0029] Specific Implementation Method Two: See Figures 19-25This embodiment describes a deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure. Specifically, it includes a skin, a wing frame 11, and a chain metamaterial interlayer. The chain metamaterial interlayer is encapsulated within a sealed shell and disposed on the wing frame 11. A skin is provided on the exterior of the wing frame 11 and the chain metamaterial interlayer. The chain metamaterial interlayer includes a tensile chain metamaterial 12, a microcrystalline chain metamaterial 9, and a spherical chain metamaterial 10. The tensile chain metamaterial 12 replaces the compression-torsion chain metamaterial 8. The tensile chain metamaterial 12, microcrystalline chain metamaterial 9, and spherical chain metamaterial 10 are sequentially interlocked. The tensile chain metamaterial 12 is disposed at the root of the wing frame 11, and the spherical chain metamaterial 10 is disposed at the tip of the wing frame 11. After vacuuming, the tensile chain metamaterial 12 remains straight without bending deformation and exhibits significantly enhanced stiffness, serving as the rigid support area of ​​the wing closest to the fuselage.

[0030] The tensile chain metamaterial 12 includes several tensile cells 5, which are centrally symmetric structures and are interconnected. Each tensile cell 5 includes six spherical connecting parts 1 and twelve bent rod parts 3. The spherical connecting parts 1 are arranged according to the vertex positions of an octahedron. The circular slots 101 on the four outward-facing inclined surfaces of each spherical connecting part 1 cooperate with the bent rod parts 3 to form the tensile cell 5.

[0031] The other components and connections in this embodiment are the same as in Specific Embodiment 1.

[0032] In summary, the deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure described in this invention, constructed from several different chain metamaterials, allows for flexible size expansion and the construction of large-sized wings. Furthermore, leveraging the characteristic that some chain metamaterial configurations bend and deform under vacuum, the wing can be dynamically deformed at different angles by adjusting the vacuum level, enabling dynamic switching of wing shapes for different flight scenarios. This deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure solves the problem of high costs associated with traditional selective laser sintering methods by assembling three modular functional parts prepared by fused deposition modeling into a chain metamaterial. By changing the number of the three types of modular functional parts and their spatial relationships, cellular structures with differentiated mechanical responses are assembled. The interlocking chain metamaterials formed by these cellular structures can meet the stiffness and deformation requirements of different scenarios. Moreover, damaged parts can be quickly replaced, enabling recycling and saving resources.

[0033] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. They can also be reasonable combinations of the features described in the above embodiments. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure, characterized in that: The structure includes a skin, a wing frame (11), and a chain metamaterial interlayer. The chain metamaterial interlayer is encapsulated in a sealed shell and placed on the wing frame (11). The wing frame (11) and the chain metamaterial interlayer are covered with a skin. The chain metamaterial interlayer includes a pressure-twist chain metamaterial (8), a microcrystalline chain metamaterial (9), and a spherical chain metamaterial (10). The pressure-twist chain metamaterial (8), the microcrystalline chain metamaterial (9), and the spherical chain metamaterial (10) are connected in sequence. The pressure-twist chain metamaterial (8) is placed at the root of the wing frame (11), and the spherical chain metamaterial (10) is placed at the tip of the wing frame (11). The shape of the wing is controlled by adjusting the vacuum level inside the sealed shell.

2. The deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The compression-torsion chain metamaterial (8) includes several compression-torsion cells (4), which are frame-like structures and are interconnected.

3. The deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The compression-torsion cell (4) includes two square rings, which are connected by four inclined straight rod parts (2); the square ring includes four straight rod parts (2) and four spherical connecting parts (1), and the four straight rod parts (2) are connected end to end by the spherical connecting parts (1) to form a ring structure.

4. The deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microcrystalline chain metamaterial (9) includes several microcrystalline cells (6), which are octahedral framework structures, and the microcrystalline cells (6) are interconnected.

5. The deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The microcrystal cell (6) includes eight straight rod parts (2) and six spherical connecting parts (1), and the straight rod parts (2) are connected to each other through the spherical connecting parts (1).

6. The deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spherical chain metamaterial (10) includes several spherical cells (7), which are spherical framework structures and are interconnected.

7. The deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The spherical cell (7) includes four bent rod parts (3) and two spherical connecting parts (1), and the bent rod parts (3) are connected to each other through the spherical connecting parts (1).

8. The deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The sealing shell is equipped with a valve, which is connected to a vacuum pump; the sealing shell is 0.2 mm thick and made of thermoplastic polyurethane.

9. A deformable wing based on a discretely assembled chain metamaterial structure, characterized in that: The system includes a chain-type metamaterial interlayer and the skin and wing frame (11) as described in claim 1. The chain-type metamaterial interlayer is encapsulated in a sealed shell and disposed on the wing frame (11). The wing frame (11) and the chain-type metamaterial interlayer are provided with a skin. The chain-type metamaterial interlayer includes a tensile chain-type metamaterial (12) and the microcrystalline chain-type metamaterial (9) and spherical chain-type metamaterial (10) as described in claim 1. The tensile chain-type metamaterial (12), the microcrystalline chain-type metamaterial (9) and the spherical chain-type metamaterial (10) are connected in sequence. The tensile chain-type metamaterial (12) is disposed at the root of the wing frame (11) and the spherical chain-type metamaterial (10) is disposed at the tip of the wing frame (11). The shape of the wing is controlled by adjusting the vacuum level inside the sealed shell.

10. The deformable wing based on a discrete assembly chain metamaterial structure according to claim 9, characterized in that: The swellable chain metamaterial (12) includes several swellable cells (5), which are centrally symmetric structures and are connected to each other in a ring. The swellable cells (5) include six spherical connecting parts (1) and twelve bent rod parts (3). The spherical connecting parts (1) are arranged according to the vertex positions of the octahedron and are connected to each other by the bent rod parts (3).

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