Monolithic Armwing Structures for Collision-Tolerant Aerial Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial robots with rotary or fixed-wing features are not collision-tolerant and lack the aerodynamic efficiency of biological flight systems, posing safety risks and failing to replicate the dynamic versatility of bat wing conformations.
Innovation Solution
A bio-inspired monolithic armwing structure for aerial robots, composed of rigid and flexible materials, uses flexible living hinges and a drive mechanism actuated by a motor to mimic bat wing articulations, allowing expansion and retraction during flapping motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid body structures are used in aerial robots, then structural strength is improved, but collision tolerance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible materials to the rotor blades and propellers, replacing traditional rigid structures with compliant, flexible components that can deform during collisions. This flexibility allows the structure to absorb impact forces through deformation rather than fracturing, thereby maintaining collision tolerance while preserving sufficient structural strength for operational integrity.
2Reliability
If extremely flexible materials are used for rotor blades, then collision tolerance is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs materials with intermediate flexibility parameters—not extremely flexible nor rigid—allowing the rotor blades to maintain adequate aerodynamic performance while possessing sufficient compliance for collision tolerance. The material properties are carefully selected and tuned to balance aerodynamic efficiency with impact resistance, achieving an optimal compromise between the two conflicting requirements.
3Speed
If fixed-wing or rotary-wing systems are used, then aerial mobility is improved, but safety in residential spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid fixed-wing or rotary-wing structures with flexible, compliant components that can deform during collisions with humans or objects in residential spaces. This flexibility significantly reduces the harmful impact forces, making the aerial robot safe for operation in human-populated environments while preserving aerial mobility capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If morphing body designs are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements morphing capabilities through dynamic, flexible structures that can change their configuration during flight operations. The rotor blades and propellers are designed with inherent flexibility that allows them to adapt their shape and stiffness characteristics in response to operational conditions, providing morphing functionality without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems.
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 structure achieves a compact, lightweight design capable of mimicking the speed and flexibility of natural bat wings, enhancing collision tolerance and aerodynamic efficiency, enabling safe operation in residential spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rigid members connected together by flexible living hinges
Implementation Method 2
A motor is connected to the drive mechanism for actuating the drive mechanism to move the armwing structures through a series of wingbeats
Implementation Method 3
the armwing structures expand in a downstroke and retract in an upstroke to move the wing membranes in a flapping motion
Data Source
AI summary
Robotic wings for an aerial drone include a plurality of armwing structures, each comprising a plurality of rigid members connected together by flexible living hinges in a single monolithic structure. Wing membranes are supported by the armwing structures. A drive mechanism is connected to the armwing structures for articulating the armwing structures. A motor is connected to the drive mechanism for actuating the drive mechanism to move the armwing structures through a series of wingbeats wherein the armwing structures expand in a downstroke and retract in an upstroke to move the wing membranes in a flapping motion.