Wing transmission for a micromechanical flying insect

TLDR

Flapping wings give microrobots unmatched manoeuvrability, and recent insect‑aerodynamics models show that proper wing rotation at stroke end is essential for generating flight forces. The study develops a thorax structure with four bar frames and an extensible fan‑fold wing to achieve adequate wing stroke and rotation. The mechanism uses a thorax with four bar frames and an extensible fan‑fold wing to deliver the required stroke and rotation. Flow measurements on a scale model demonstrate promising aerodynamics, and resonant circuit calculations indicate piezoelectric actuators can provide sufficient power, force, and stroke to drive the wings at 150 Hz.

Abstract

Flapping wings provide unmatched manoeuvrability for flying microrobots. Recent advances in modelling insect aerodynamics show that adequate wing rotation at the end of the stroke is essential for generating adequate flight forces. We developed a thorax structure using four bar frames combined with an extensible fan-fold wing to provide adequate wing stroke and rotation. Flow measurements on a scale model of the beating wing show promising aerodynamics. Calculations using a simple resonant mechanical circuit model show that piezoelectric actuators can generate sufficient power, force and stroke to drive the wings at 150 Hz.