Flapping Wing Device Parallel Axis Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flapping wing devices lack efficiency in mimicking the aerodynamic behavior of a bird's wing, particularly in generating optimal lift and propulsive forces during upstroke and downstroke movements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a joint device with pivotable support elements and a drive mechanism that allows the wing sections to bend and twist, aligning the joint and pivot axes to maximize aerodynamic efficiency, featuring a frame construction with pivotable support elements and a control strut for relative movement between wing sections, and utilizing a rotary drive to convert rotational movement into flapping motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the flapping wing device uses a rigid wing structure with fixed support elements, then the construction is simpler and more stable, but the aerodynamic efficiency is reduced because it cannot replicate the bending and twisting behavior of a bird's wing
Solution Approach 1:
The wing is divided into multiple support elements (first support element, second support element, third support element) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each element to contribute differently to the overall wing deformation, enabling complex aerodynamic behaviors while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed with pivotable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the wing shape during operation. The first support element can pivot relative to the base body, the second support element can pivot relative to the first, and the third support element can pivot relative to the second, creating a dynamically adaptable wing structure that mimics bird flight.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support elements are made dimensionally stable and rigid, then the wing structure is more stable, but the ability to generate optimal aerodynamic forces during upstroke and downstroke is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the wing structure have different degrees of rigidity and mobility. The base body and connection elements provide structural stability, while the support elements provide controlled flexibility. This local differentiation allows the wing to maintain overall stability while enabling local deformations necessary for aerodynamic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The wing structure combines rigid components (base body, connection elements) with semi-rigid components (support elements with pivotable connections). This composite approach creates a structure that exhibits both stability and controlled flexibility, allowing the wing to maintain its overall form while enabling necessary deformations for aerodynamic performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the joint axis and pivot axis are not aligned, then the wing can generate more complex movements, but the aerodynamic transverse force during upstroke increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flapping wing device employs periodic flapping motion with distinct upstroke and downstroke phases. During the upstroke, the aligned axes minimize transverse forces and energy loss. During the downstroke, the same alignment maximizes lift and propulsive force generation. This periodic exploitation of the aligned axis configuration optimizes energy efficiency across the complete flapping cycle.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a flapping wing device comprising a main body (2), a drive device (3) and a flapping wing (4), wherein the flapping wing (4) comprises a first and a second wing portion (8, 9) and also an articulating device (42) between the first and second wing portions (8, 9), wherein the first wing portion (8) has an articulating means (7) for a pivotably movable mounting on the main body (2) and wherein the drive device (3) is designed for the introduction of a relative movement between the main body (2) and the flapping wing (4). According to the invention, it is provided that an articulating axis of the articulating means (7) and a pivoting axis of the articulating device (42) are aligned at least approximately parallel to each other.