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Kinematic Investigations of a Novel Flapping Actuation Design with Mutually Perpendicular 3 Cylindrical Joint
Spoorthi Singh1,2, Mohammad Zuber3, Mohd Nizar Hamidon4,5
1Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 24, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel, lightweight 3-cylindrical joint mechanism for artificial flapping-wing drones, improving upon complex traditional designs. The new mechanism offers smoother operation and adjustable flapping angles for enhanced drone performance.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- Artificial flapping-wing drones require lightweight transmission mechanisms with minimal components.
- Existing four-bar linkage mechanisms are often complex and heavy, hindering drone development.
- Novel designs are needed to overcome the challenges of weight and complexity in flapping actuation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and analyze a novel perpendicularly organized 3-cylindrical joint mechanism for artificial flapping-wing drones.
- To develop a lighter and smoother alternative to traditional flapping actuation mechanisms.
- To validate the kinematic attributes and flapping performance of the proposed mechanism.
Main Methods:
- A novel 3-cylindrical joint mechanism was designed, featuring perpendicularly arranged, slidable joints.
- A mathematical approach was formulated to analyze the kinematic attributes of the mechanism.
- Kinematic simulations were performed using SIMSCAPE multibody MATLAB, PYTHON, and COMPMECH GIM software.
- A real-time test bench prototype was constructed for experimental validation.
Main Results:
- The proposed 3-cylindrical joint mechanism demonstrated a unique, lightweight design with smooth functioning.
- The mechanism effectively transforms rotary motor motion into specific flapping angles, controllable by motor speed.
- Kinematic analysis and simulations confirmed the mechanism's performance.
- Prototype testing validated the flapping motion and design effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- The novel 3-cylindrical joint mechanism presents a significant advancement in artificial flapping-wing drone technology.
- This design offers a lighter, more efficient, and controllable alternative to conventional flapping actuation systems.
- The validated mechanism holds potential for improving the performance and applicability of flapping-wing drones.
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