Bionic Fish Modular Structure Using Cam Mechanism for Underwater Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autonomous underwater vehicles with propellers face issues of low maneuverability, high power consumption, and environmental disturbance, while bionic underwater vehicles require efficient mechanical structures to simulate fish motion effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bionic fish single-degree-of-freedom modular structure based on a cam mechanism, driven by a single motor, utilizing a modular design with cylindrical cams and pin shafts to achieve swimming postures similar to sailfish, allowing for different swimming configurations by replacing modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If propeller-based propulsion is used, then propulsion function is achieved, but maneuverability is low and power consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional propeller-based mechanical propulsion system with a bionic fin-based propulsion system that mimics natural fish swimming mechanics. This substitution enables more efficient thrust generation through undulating motion patterns, improving both maneuverability and reducing power consumption compared to conventional propellers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental propulsion parameter from rotational propeller motion to undulating fin motion. By altering the motion pattern from simple rotation to complex wave-like propagation along the fin structure, the system achieves superior hydrodynamic efficiency and maneuverability while consuming less power.
2Shape
If multiple motors and multi-joint structure are used, then fish body motion simulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fish body into multiple rigid modules connected by flexible joints, allowing each segment to move independently to simulate natural fish undulation. This modular segmentation achieves realistic fish body motion while keeping each individual component relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility through elastic connecting elements between rigid modules, allowing the structure to adapt its shape dynamically during swimming. This dynamic approach enables complex fish-like motion patterns without requiring complex active control of each joint, simplifying the overall system.
3Device complexity
If single motor with mechanical structure is used, then device simplicity is improved, but fish motion coordination difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration and wave propagation through the flexible connections between modules to coordinate motion. The single motor generates rotational motion that propagates as undulating waves through the elastic connectors, automatically coordinating the motion of all modules without complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexible elastic connectors as intermediary elements between rigid modules. These intermediaries transmit and transform the motor's rotational motion into coordinated undulating motion across all segments, simplifying control while achieving complex fish-like swimming patterns.
4Productivity
If propeller rotation is used, then propulsion is achieved, but marine debris increases and ecosystem disturbance occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the propeller-based propulsion system with a bionic fin propulsion system that generates thrust through undulating motion. This substitution eliminates the propeller blades that shed debris and cause cavitation, thereby reducing harmful effects on the marine ecosystem while maintaining propulsion efficiency.
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 enables efficient, low-power, and maneuverable underwater motion while minimizing environmental impact, simulating fish swimming postures effectively through a single motor-driven modular structure.
Implementation Method 1
cylindrical cams, the cylindrical cams being arranged on the second side of the rack of the previous module, being arranged on the rotating shaft of the module and being capable of rotating along with the rotation of the rotating shaft; second bearings, the second bearings being arranged on the first side of the rack of the next module, inner rings of the second bearings being fixed on bearing supports and being connected to the rack of the next module through the bearing supports, outer rings of the second bearings being in contact with the cylindrical cam of the previous module, so that the cylindrical cam of the previous module rotate to push the second bearings of the next module to reciprocate
Implementation Method 2
first bearings, the front bearing being arranged on the first side of the rack of the next module, the first side of the rack of the next module being connected with the pin shafts on the second side of the rack of the previous module through the first bearings, and the first bearings being used for enabling the rack of the next module to swing around the axes of the hinge pins of the rack of the previous module
Implementation Method 3
the second end of the rotating shaft of the previous module being connected to the first end of the rotating shaft of the next module through a universal coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a bionic fish single-degree-of-freedom modular structure based on a cam mechanism. The bionic fish single-degree-of-freedom modular structure comprises a plurality of modules which are sequentially connected, wherein the foremost one of the modules is a fish head module, and the last one of the modules is a fish tail module; each module in the modules comprises a rack, a rotating shaft is arranged in the center of the rack in a penetrating mode, the second end of the rotating shaft of the previous module is connected to the first end of the rotating shaft of the next module through a universal coupling, the next module is connected with the previous module through a swing connecting piece, and the effect that the modules swing in a plane is achieved.