Goal
Develop lightweight, highly maneuverable micro-aircraft that emulate the aerodynamic efficiency of dragonfly wings.
Problem
Conventional micro-UAVs suffer from low lift-to-drag ratios, limited agility, and noisy rotary propulsion.
Concept Summary
A family of biomimetic devices that replicate the three-dimensional corrugated structure of dragonfly wings and employ flexible, flapping mechanisms (piezoelectric, IPMC, dual-motor, or variable-phase actuation) to generate lift and thrust. The designs include manufacturing methods for corrugated wing membranes, flapping kinematics with phase-control, and integration of lightweight power sources (batteries, solar film).
Detailed Description
The patents describe (i) a method for generating a 3-D model of the corrugated dragonfly wing structure, (ii) manufacturing processes for flexible wing membranes using polymer composites or metal-coated films, (iii) actuation schemes such as piezoelectric stacks, ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC), and dual-motor linkages that produce synchronized or anti-phase flapping, (iv) variable-amplitude and phase-changing mechanisms to mimic the dragonfly's independent wing control, and (v) integration of power sources (thin-film solar cells, miniature batteries) for vertical take-off and landing. The resulting ornithopters are intended for reconnaissance, education, and hobbyist applications.
Principles
- Biomimicry
- Flapping wing aerodynamics
- Flexible structures
- Phase-controlled actuation
- Piezoelectric effect
- Ionic polymer-metal composite actuation
Scientific Domains
Materials
- Carbon-fiber reinforced polymer
- Polyimide film
- Metal-coated thin film
- Piezoelectric ceramic
- Ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC)
- Lightweight aluminum alloy
Mechanisms of Action
- Wing flapping
- Variable amplitude control
- Phase-shift between left/right wings
- Piezoelectric bending
- IPMC bending
Energy Sources
Applications
- Aerial reconnaissance
- Educational kits
- Hobbyist drones
Limitations
- Limited payload capacity
- Complex manufacturing of corrugated membranes
- Reliance on precise control electronics