Insect-scale flapping-wing MAVs with variable transmission ratio and wingspan: achieving payload adaptability, and...

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Micro-aerial vehicles
• Aerospace engineering

Background:

• Insect-scale flapping-wing micro aerial vehicles (FWMAVs) offer advantages in stealth and maneuverability for applications like reconnaissance.
• Current FWMAVs face limitations in payload capacity due to their small size and the need for integrated electronic components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an enhanced structural design for an FWMAV that significantly increases its payload capacity.
• To demonstrate an insect-scale FWMAV capable of variable size and adjustable payload capacity.

Main Methods:

• The study involved modifying the transmission ratio and wingspan of FWMAVs.
• Manufacturing FWMAVs with a variable wingspan ranging from 28mm to 45mm.
• Implementing a passive damper structure for enhanced stability.

Main Results:

• The enhanced FWMAV design achieved a lift-to-weight ratio exceeding 2.
• The smallest configuration (28mm wingspan) is the first piezoelectric-decoupled FWMAV to achieve sustained lift-off.
• The FWMAV demonstrated stable hovering for over 5 seconds, achieving sustained air stagnation at an insect scale.

Conclusions:

• The novel FWMAV design successfully increases payload capacity through adjustable transmission ratio and wingspan.
• This advancement enables the smallest functional piezoelectric-decoupled FWMAV for sustained flight.
• The developed FWMAVs provide a foundation for practical applications of insect-scale MAVs in various fields.