Biomimetic Fish Propulsion via Electromagnetic Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aquatic toys, such as biomimetic fish, face complexity in construction and lack the ability to change direction or move up and down in water without external input, due to intricate mechanics and limited control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An aquatic toy with a buoyant body and a propeller that undergoes oscillatory motion driven by an energizable coil and magnet interaction, controlled by a drive control circuit, allowing for directional changes and vertical movement through adjustments in current flow, enabling realistic fish-like motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If complex mechanics are used to convert rotary motion to oscillating motion of the tail fin, then the fish can move forward, but the construction becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with an electromagnetic driver system. A motor-driven propeller interacts with a stationary coil to generate oscillating motion through electromagnetic forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical conversion mechanisms while achieving the same forward motion function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic driver system serves multiple functions: it generates oscillating tail motion for forward propulsion, and by adjusting the oscillation pattern, it can also enable turning and up-down traverse movements. This single system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanical mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If traditional toy fish design is used, then the structure is simple, but the toy cannot change direction or move vertically without external input
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic driver system allows dynamic control of the propeller's oscillation characteristics. By varying the timing, amplitude, and phase of the electromagnetic activation, the system can adaptively change the tail's motion pattern to achieve different maneuvers including forward motion, turning, and vertical movement, all without external input.
Solution Approach 2:
The fish toy is equipped with sensors and control circuitry that automatically detect environmental conditions and autonomously generate appropriate motion commands. The system self-regulates its oscillation patterns to navigate, turn, and maintain position without requiring external control input from a user.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a simple and reliable mechanism for simulating forward motion, turning, and up-down traverse, offering flexible control options including remote control, with high reliability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the driver being driven by the interaction of an energizable coil and a magnet, the coil energizable by said battery
Data Source
AI summary
An aquatic toy that is a biomimetic fish with a watertight body portion. The body portion contains a battery electrically connected via a controller to at least one coil. The coil is positioned relative to a magnet and the coil can be caused to oscillate by virtue of a controller defined alternating current passing through the coil. The oscillation of the coil causes movement of a tail fin that is engaged to said watertight body to cause the fish to move forward through a body of water.