J0205-2-3 Flapping mechanism by the elastic deformation of exoskeleton

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to develop a Micro Air Vehicle based on an insect's flapping motion that can be used as an explorer in special environments. We constructed the prototype mechanism of the flapping motion by using the elastic deformation of the exoskeleton and applying the principle of leverage. In this mechanism, the vibration generated from the solenoid was transmitted to the exoskeleton, and the wing was moved indirectly. The phosphor bronze, 0.2mm in thickness, was used to form an exoskeleton frame and the wing rods. This mechanism enabled two degree of freedom of movement. In this paper, we compared the flapping and feathering motions of the prototype compared with those of the natural insect.