Resonance Engine Amplifies Wing Deflection for Nano Air Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nano air vehicle (NAV) designs face challenges in achieving high thrust-to-weight ratio, efficient motor and transmission systems, and durability at smaller scales, particularly due to increased frictional losses and structural fatigue, which limits flight duration and operational reliability in various environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A resonant engine, or Resonant Movement Amplifier (RMA), utilizing a driver plate with oscillatory transducers and spring-mass resonators tuned to specific frequencies, transforms energy into amplified movements of wings or legs, minimizing driver plate deformation and requiring no external reaction mass, thus reducing weight and enhancing power density and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wing beat frequency is increased to maintain performance at smaller scales, then lift efficiency and flight stability are improved, but frictional energy losses in motor and transmission systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resonance in the transmission system where components are designed to vibrate at their natural frequencies during operation. The transmission mechanism utilizes resonant oscillations to reduce frictional losses while maintaining high wing beat frequencies, allowing efficient energy transfer without excessive mechanical resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the transmission system by operating at resonant frequencies rather than arbitrary speeds. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high wing beat frequencies while minimizing energy losses through resonant coupling between transmission components
2Ease of operation
If complex kinematic pair transmissions with flexure lever joints are used to amplify small deflections, then wing kinematics suitable for insect inspired flight are achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex flexure-lever kinematic pairs with a resonance-based transmission system that uses vibrational resonance to achieve the necessary motion amplification. This resonant transmission mechanism achieves comparable wing kinematics with significantly reduced mechanical complexity by utilizing natural resonant frequencies rather than mechanical leverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical transmission elements (flexure-lever joints and kinematic pairs) with a resonance-based system that uses oscillatory motion and resonant coupling. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical amplification mechanisms while achieving the same functional outcome
3Adaptability or versatility
If more transmissions, actuators and electronics are added to implement flight control parameters, then flight control capability is improved, but engine weight increases and power density reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal resonant transmission system that can perform multiple flight control functions through a single integrated mechanism. By adjusting the resonant frequency and phase relationships in the system, the same transmission mechanism can control various wing parameters including angle of attack, twist, and flapping frequency, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each control function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic control of the resonant system where the transmission mechanism can adapt its resonant characteristics in real-time. By dynamically adjusting operating parameters such as drive frequency and phase, the system can achieve different wing kinematics and control functions without adding physical components, maintaining low weight while providing versatile flight control
4Stability of the object's composition
If constrained movements of kinematic pair transmission are used, then structural stability is maintained, but friction increases due to higher bearing loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant vibration to reduce friction in the transmission system. By operating at resonant frequencies, the transmission components experience reduced contact forces and bearing loads compared to constrained mechanical systems. The resonant oscillations create a dynamic environment where frictional losses are minimized while maintaining structural integrity
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 RMA engine achieves efficient and controlled flight and terrestrial locomotion with reduced weight and increased power density, improved durability, and extended flight durations by effectively amplifying small oscillations into large deflections, while minimizing friction and structural stress, thus overcoming the limitations of prior NAV designs.
Implementation Method 1
the first spring-mass resonator oscillates at resonance, substantially in anti-phase to the driver plate
Implementation Method 2
a first spring-mass resonator, having a first natural resonant frequency
Implementation Method 3
at least one oscillatory transducer; a drive signal generator connected to the oscillatory transducer for excitation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A resonance engine is disclosed including: a driver plate, to which is coupled at least one oscillatory transducer; a drive signal generator connected to the oscillatory transducer for excitation thereof; a first spring-mass resonator, having a first natural resonant frequency, with a proximal end attached to the driver plate and a free distal end; and a reaction means attached to the driver plate substantially opposite to the first spring-mass resonator. When the oscillatory transducer is excited by a drive signal from the generator having a component at or close to said natural resonant frequency, the first spring-mass resonator oscillates at resonance, substantially in anti-phase to the driver plate. Small vibrational strains in the oscillatory transducer are converted to large strains of controllable kinematic movements.