Hovering and gliding multi-wing flapping micro aerial vehicle
US9290268B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64C33/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Multi-wing hovering and gliding flapping Micro Air Vehicles (“MAV”) are disclosed. The MAV can have independent wing control to provide enhance energy efficiency and high maneuverability. Power to each wing can be controlled separately by varying the amplitude of the wing flapping, the frequency of the wing flapping, or both. The flapping frequency can be controlled such that it is at or near the natural frequency of the wings for improved energy efficiency. The wings can be controlled by a gear train, coil-magnet arrangement or many other actuation systems that enable variable frequency flapping, variable amplitude flapping, or a combination of both. The gear train mechanism provides gyroscopic stability during flight. The wing flapping can include a rotation, or feathering motion, for improved efficiency. The wings can be transitioned between flapping flight and fixed wing flight to enable gliding and hovering in a single configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.