Ornithopter Wing Feathers and Frames for Bird-Like Flight

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ornithopter aircraft designs lack efficient mechanisms for coordinated wing movement and lift generation, particularly in simulating the complex flapping motion of bird wings, which affects their flight stability and duration.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates rotating feather members formed as long airfoil vanes that are movably mounted to wing frames, allowing for coordinated rotation with the main body, featuring a propeller for horizontal movement and conveyor belts for synchronized flapping motion, enabling balanced and opposing wing frame rotations to enhance lift and propulsion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed wing or rotary wing designs are used, then flight stability is achieved, but the ability to simulate bird wing flapping motion is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to simulate bird wing flapping motionVSAvoidflight stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The wing is divided into multiple segments including a main wing frame and multiple feather members that can move independently. Each feather member is mounted on the wing frame and can rotate relative to it, allowing the wing structure to segment its motion into coordinated flapping and feathering movements that simulate bird flight while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If simple wing structures are used, then device complexity is reduced, but lift generation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewing structure complexityVSAvoidlift generation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The wing structure transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where feather members can rotate relative to the wing frame. This dynamic capability allows the feathers to optimize their angle of attack during different phases of the flapping cycle, enhancing lift generation without requiring a completely complex mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wing frame and feather members execute periodic flapping motions that simulate the natural rhythm of bird flight. The coordinated rotation of the wing frame and individual feathers creates periodic changes in airfoil orientation that maximize lift during the downstroke and minimize drag during the upstroke, improving overall lift generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Power

If coordinated feather and wing frame rotation is implemented, then lift generation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift generationVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feather rotation mechanism is merged with the wing frame structure, where feathers are mounted directly on the rotating wing frame. This integration allows the feathers to inherit the wing frame's rotational motion while adding their own relative rotation capability, achieving coordinated movement without requiring separate complex drive mechanisms for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration allows for improved flight stability, extended flight duration, and efficient lift generation by mimicking the flapping motion of bird wings, with electronic controls for precise feather and wing frame movement, optimizing airfoil orientation for minimal drag and maximum lift.

Implementation Method 1

A propeller is horizontally mounted to the main body for providing horizontal movement to the main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrust: Reaction (physics)

Implementation Method 2

The feather members are formed as long airfoil vanes that can be rectangular feather vanes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLift: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 3

The coordination of movement between the feather members and the wing frames allows ornithopter flight

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAction-reaction: Reaction (physics)

Data Source

PatentUS11511855B2Ornithopter aircraft

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 LU DONGXIU

AI summary

An ornithopter aircraft has a main body. A first wing frame mount and a second wing frame mount are mounted to the main body. A first wing frame is rotably mounted to a first wing frame axle on the first wing frame mount. The first wing frame is configured to rotate relative to the main body and the rotation can be powered. The first wing frame feathers are rotably mounted to the first wing frame at first feather axles and the first wing frame feather rotation can be powered. The first wing frame feathers are configured to rotate relative to the first wing frame and the first wing frame feather rotation can be powered. A second wing frame is configured to be rotably mounted to a second wing frame axle on the second wing frame mount.