Biomimetic Turtle Deformable Flipper and Movable Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biomimetic turtles have complex constructions and high manufacturing costs due to their design for simulating turtle swimming in water.
Innovation Solution
A biomimetic turtle design featuring a deformable flipper portion and a movable head that generates forward propulsion and adjusts the center of gravity for ascending or descending, utilizing a simple structure with a driving module and servomotors for limb control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional biomimetic turtles use complex construction to simulate turtle swimming, then swimming freedom is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turtle body is divided into functional modules: a movable head assembly that can slide along the longitudinal axis, separate front and rear limb assemblies, and a driving module with independent motors. This segmentation allows each part to perform its function independently, achieving complex swimming motions through simple modular components rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as a counterweight for balance, provides ballast for diving, and its movement along the longitudinal axis controls the turtle's inclination angle for ascending or descending. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining swimming freedom.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional biomimetic turtles use complex construction to simulate turtle swimming, then swimming freedom is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the turtle into modular assemblies (head, limbs, driving module), each component can be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to building a single complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses simplified geometric shapes and standard mechanical components that can be easily replicated through conventional manufacturing methods, avoiding the need for expensive custom-molded or hand-crafted parts while maintaining the essential biomimetic swimming functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head is movable relative to the trunk, then ascending and descending capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head assembly is designed to be dynamically movable along the longitudinal axis rather than fixed, allowing real-time adjustment of the center of gravity. This dynamic positioning enables the turtle to control its inclination angle and perform ascending or descending maneuvers by simply moving the head forward or backward, achieved through a simple linear guide mechanism driven by a motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls vertical movement by changing the position parameter of the head assembly along the longitudinal axis. By adjusting this single parameter (head position), the center of gravity location changes, which directly controls the turtle's inclination angle and enables ascending or descending without complex control mechanisms.
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
Enables the biomimetic turtle to swim freely in water with a simple structure and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining effective propulsion and maneuverability.
Implementation Method 1
With the deformable flipper portion deformed and bent during swaying of the front limbs in the up-down direction, a forward propelling force is generated
Implementation Method 2
with the head operably movable relative to the trunk in the front-rear direction, the center of gravity of the biomimetic turtle (or the position of generated buoyant force) can be varied in the water
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A biomimetic turtle includes a trunk (1), a head (3) movably connected with a front end of the trunk (1) in the front-rear direction, two front limbs (4) disposed on a front section of the trunk (1) and each rotatable relative to the trunk (1) to sway in an up-down direction, and a driving module (6) to drive the head (3) and the front limbs (4). Each front limb (4) has a curve-shaped rigid portion (42) with a recess (421), and a deformable flipper portion (43) engaged in the recess (421). With the deformable flipper portion (43) deformed and bent during swaying of the front limbs (4), a forward propelling force is generated to propel the biomimetic turtle forwardly. The head (3) is operably movable to vary the center of gravity of the biomimetic turtle in the water to facilitate ascending or descending of the biomimetic turtle.