wikipedia.org
Bird
Flight Muscular System

The supracoracoideus works using a
pulley like system to lift the wing
while the pectorals provide the powerful downstroke.
Most birds have approximately 175 different muscles, mainly controlling
the wings, skin, and legs. The largest muscles in the bird are the
pectorals, or the breast muscles, which control the wings and make up
about 15 - 25% of a flighted bird’s body weight. They provide the
powerful wing stroke essential for flight. The muscle ventral
(underneath) to the pectorals is the supracoracoideus. It raises the
wing between wingbeats. The supracoracoideus and the pectorals together
make up about 25 – 35% of the bird's full body weight.
The skin muscles help a bird in its flight by adjusting the feathers,
which are attached to the skin muscle and help the bird in its flight
maneuvers.
There are only a few muscles in the trunk and the tail, but they are
very strong and are essential for the bird. The pygostyle controls all
the movement in the tail and controls the feathers in the tail. This
gives the tail a larger surface area which helps keep the bird in the
air.
[ An
outstnading website for ornithopterists ... lots of experimental detail
]
http://www.ornithopter.de
How
Ornithopters Fly - Other Flapping Wing Designs
When designing ornithopter models there are mainly two major tasks, the
development of the drive technology and the development of the flapping
wing. In general, the wide interest lies in the drive systems and
components. But the main problem in the development of such aircrafts
are the flapping wings. In this field of design desire differs very
widely from reality.
Below, the attempt is being made, to give a rough overview about the
physical characteristics of known flapping wings. But this collection
doesn't claim to be complete.
1. The bird wing, the ideal
Naturally, the great archetype for technical flapping wings is the
living bird wing. His great effectiveness due to his manifold
possibilities to move purposeful and to change the shape will certainly
be unobtainable in aero modelling for a long time. This is also true
for his weight distribution and his sensor technology.

[ bird-wing ]
In this drawing by K. Herzog the anatomic subdivision of the
bird's wing in arm- and hand section is pictured. It can also to be
used advantageously when describing technical flapping wings. The
longitudinal parts of these wing sections are rather different
depending on bird species. External link 1, 2
2. Membrane flapping wings
Membrane flapping wings especially are changing the chamber direction
in the hand wing section according to the flapping direction. This way,
they can produce much thrust and achieve steep climbing flights (Flying
with Thrust). But up to now they are less suited for gliding flights
and for flying with lift.
2.1 The sail as archetype
A sail - though in other circumstances - has about the same function as
a flapping wing. It shall generate as much thrust as possible under
changing approach flow directions.
By material selection, layout, division into parts, sail trim and rig
tuning the sail characteristics can vary in wide ranges. Battens give
the sail more stability and an optimal shape. A lot of descriptions
with sophisticated tips about the fabrication of the sail and its
practical use can be found.
Indeed, a lot of membrane flapping wing systems have been developed,
but detailed information about them is barely available (exception
External link 3.
2.2 Simple membrane flapping wings
The pinion feather by Alexander Lippisch (ca 1937) obviously was
optimized for thrust generation. Therefore, he increased the chord in
the outer wing area. But this pinion feather was not intended for
generating lift at the same time. She's merely a propeller with
changing rotation direction.
Tim was the first in mass-produced rubber powered flapping wing model -
with simple membrane flapping wings - invented by Albertini
Prosper and de Ruymbecke Gérard (France 1969).
The membrane printing of Tim in the marginal picture was drafted by K.
Herzog Under the designation Tim Bird this model is available in trade
till today.
2.3 Simple membrane flapping wing with
battens
Here a famous Membrane Flapping Wing, equipped with small battens for
stabilisation of the membran, developed by A. Pénaud (France
1872). (More informations at external link 4.
2.4 Active twisting by spar rotation
Membrane flapping wing by Erich v. Holst (1943) with drive-controlled
wing twisting in the arm wing section by spar rotation. Only the rib at
the end of the arm wing (number 9) is fixed to the spar. It is linked
with a crank drive which effects the stroke movement as well as the
rotary movement of the spar.
The twisting in the hand wing section happens largely passively. In
addition, a transition from cross to longitudinal battens can be seen.
In spite of alternating profile chamber direction during a flapping
cycle a relatively purposeful increase of wing twisting tipwards is
made possible.
The bird models by K. Herzog (1963) follow this scheme, too.
2.5 Aeroelastically twisting by spar
torsion
The flapping wing model of the Czech Cenek Chalupsky (1934) was flying
steadily without a tail unit. Its achieved climb power is still
considered remarkable today.
Each flapping wing of this ornithopter has two spars. The straight,
bending resistant spar (H1) transmits the power of
the stroke motion. The bended torsion elastic spar (H2)determines the
magnitude of the wing twisting.
Both spars cross approximately in the center of the half span. At the
crosspoint
they are movably interlinked. For the torsion elastic spar (H2)
not to bent backward too much a string or an elastic
thread is apparently tightened between the tips of the spars.
During downstroke of the wings the lifting forces are increased. The
spar H2
and the wing are twisting. The magnitude of the twisting
acts in accordance with the magnitude of the lift force and
the stiffness of the spar. It therefore happens
aeroelastically.
Additionally to the twisting the tip of the spar H2 bends upwards
during
downstroke. As a reaction it bends downwards at the other side
of the crosspoint - thus, in the section of the arm wing.
Thereby, the camber of the airfoil is increased a little.
Thereby, an adaptation to the requirements of an effective
stroke motion takes place.
2.6 Flying wing ornithopter
Ornithopter without a tail unit, developed by Jean-Louis Solignac
(France, 2000).
The flapping wing model has a very simple and light driving mechanism
and is powered by a rubber drive. With a wing span of 15 cm (5.9
in) it has a weightof only 0.6 gramms (0.021 oz [US]). The airplane
performances are amazingly good. (For the construction of the
flapping wing model
External link 6.
The particular about this flapping wings is the down cambered airfoil
shaped by battens. Thereby it flies in a stable attitude without a tail
unit. This can theoretically be explained with the shifting of the
pressure point of thin airfoils. It can be tested in the adjacent
experiment with a paper airplane. The cross-section of this paper
airplane equates to a down chambered airfoil.
2.7 In tandem
Ornithopter with two sets of flapping wings based on a dragonfly,
developed by Erich von Holst (1943).
Here, for simplifying the mechanism both opposite halves of a wing are
rigidly fixed to a unit. This way, the pressure point of the model is
fixed between the two wing units.
In such tandem arrangements with wings flapping in opposite directions
the vertical pendulousness of the fuselage should be avoided. This,
however, bears the disadvantage that the backmost flapping wing is in
the turbulence wake of the front one. Only for very small wings and at
very small Reynold's numbers this may be beneficial. Model by Horst
Händler (1988).

[ tandem ]
2.8 Thrust-wing
By mechanisation of a dragonfly's flight principle Erich von Holst has
developed his thrust-wing
model with two in the opposite direction rotating three-blade
wings (1940). The flapping angle in one stroke
direction constitutes 180° and 360° for a complete
flapping cycle respectively ( Video at external
link 7).
Three instead of two wing blades per rotor offer a constant supporting
force (See
also configuration of the rubber powered model ENTOID by Velko T.
Velkov
(2007) external link 8).
In contrast to a propeller a lift force perpendicular to the
thrust is generated at the thrust-wing, too. One must only
increase the "thrust-wing advance ratio" (v/u) - similar to a
flapping wing - and fly with a positive angle of attack of the
thrust-wing axis.
This is a fine example for an innovative transfer
biological principles of a flapping wing in
engineering. But the specialism bionics did not exist at
that time.

[ thrust-wing ]
2.9 Thrust generation with an
oscillating wing
Thrust also can be produced by raising and lowering a rigid wing in
flight. But
thereto the lift and the transverse force respectively
during the upward motion must be smaller than
during downward motion. The bigger the difference, the
better for the thrust principle
of flight .
Furthermore, a continual alignment of the angle
of incidence is normally necessary.
Here a strikingly simple generation of an accordant oscillating motion
of the wing by
using an eccentrically pivoted rotating mass consisting
of the mainspring and the gear. In this case the wing
is aeroelastically twistable. The idea was coined by
W. B. Mituritscha (probably from Russia, 1953).
Unfortunately, a forward and backward motion of the
wing occurs along the way. However,
this can be avoided by a second counterrotating mass.
There are diverse proposals to generate an
oscillation motion of the wing by a pilot who is flying
in a hang-glider or an other ultralight aircraft - for example
by fast press-ups or knee-bends.
For new experiments with
oscillating wings, please take a look at external link 9.
2.10 Rotating
wings
To avoid the accelerating forces at the final stroke
positions flapping wingsrotating
on a cone-shaped shell where sometimes built whose apex lies
at the wingroot.
Examples: The Rotor Dragonfly by
Adolf Piskorsch (1944 and 1989 respectively) and the flight model
by Horst Händler (1989). Both ends of the driveshaft are bended in
Horst
Händler's model. Thereon, the wings are attached freely
twistable. The angles of incidence is guided by the upward pointing
levers on
the wings.
2.11 With non-twistable arm wing
section
Membrane flapping wing with a non-twistable arm wing
section and passive twisting at hand wing section. The arm wing is
triangle shaped and has a large wing
depth at the wing root. Arm- and hand wing membrane
overlap in wing span direction. Obviously, the hand wing spar could
make a
little flap movement at the wrist. Later the hand wing depth was
enlarged (Please also take a look at the construction of
the pinion feather by Alexander Lippisch). This daedalean
flapping wing design of the <q>Seagullwas developed by Percival
H. Spencer (USA 1958) (Please
look at external link 10).
Today,
this design principle of flapping wings with inserted battens is
widely-used.
3. Profiled flapping wings
Profiled flapping wings respectively double-sided
covered wings may work with a very high
efficiency. With their mostly relatively low flapping frequency and the
small operating range of lift coefficient of a simple airfoil not much
thrust can be produced. Not, at least, if the full lift must be
generated concurrently (flying with lift). Therefore, profiled flapping
wings are suited especially for a level flight, the gently inclined
climbing flight and of course for changing to gliding flight.
3.1 With artificial feathers
To ease the twisting, the closed airfoil can
be faned out. So far, this is particularly used
for large manned ornithopters.
Adjacent, a flapping wing with staggered wing tips
of the manned Schwan 1 , developed by
Walther Filter (1956, at the Hannover fair 1958). The angle of
incidence deflection of the feathers designed as several wings
was controllable.
Even for splay
and straddle movement of the feathersthere are old design proposals. In
contrast, with EV7b only with simple feather
implementations experiments have been made.
A further example for artificial feathers is the Ikarusby Emiel Hartman
(England
1959). More recent experiments with artificial feathers are
to be seen at
gliders with out-faned wing tips
by Johannes Huser, at
the BirdmanGeorges Fraise (France 2005) and at
the Ornithopter Project by Ryszard Szczepañski (Poland 2002).
External links 11, 12 and 13)
3.2 With inclined hinge of the hand
wing
A special version of a flapping wing derives from K.
Herzog (1963). With this wing, the
rotation and the twist axis, respectively, is not
standing vertical to the stroke axis.
The arm wing should perform a flapping motion
and a twisting motion at the shoulder hinge.
With rubber threads between arm- and handwing the latter was
pulled down a little (aeroelastically wing).
This is also an early suggestion for an articulated
flapping wing with an additional flap movement of the
hand wing. The kink of the profile between the arm and the hand
wing lies approximately at the same
location as on the above-mentioned membrane wing by P. H.
Spencer.
3.3 Twisting by tilting the leading
edge of the wing
The feature of the pitch propellerby John Drake lies in the twisting of
the
leading edge, not the trailing edge of the flapping
wing (England, flight tests in 1978).
3.4 With stepped twisting
An approximate wing twisting can also be achieved by
a stepped rotation of relative
non-twistable wing sections. The model EV4 (1979) was also equipped
with such a rotation of single wing sections. But in this case,
the rotations
was controlled by the wing drive.
A typical representative of a passive stepped
twisted wing is the Step-Twister</q> with
his foam wings (Depron) by Karel Pustka (2004). The developing gap
between the wing sections is covered with a membrane.
3.5 Twisting by
stroke movement of the auxiliary spar.
Here, the wing twisting is generated by a
phase-delayed stroke movement of the main and
auxiliary spar - developed by Emile Räuber
(France 1909).
This technology was also used at the EV2 (1976). In the margin, the
wings
with their two spars powered separately are to be seen. The function
is similar to the wing of a dragonfly. Here, too, the phase-delayed
flapping movement of the main and auxiliary spar
determines the amount of the wing twisting.
Furthermore, the dragonfly obviously works with a strong spar at the
leading edge.
With the phase-delayed flapping movement of three spars the
camber of the airfoil can be influenced, too. Supports or
linkages of the three spars at the body are clearly recognisable as
dark
partly cross over structures at the back of the dragonfly.(Please
also take a look to External link 14 and 15).

[ dragonfly ]
3.6 Servo controlled wing twisting
This is a lifelike and airworthy replica of a
pterosaurs - a Quetzalcoatlus Northropi (QN). The aerodynamics of this
ornithopter should fully equate the original. The idea come from
the creative genius Dr. Paul MacCready (USA 1985).
The twisting of the wings was controlled by servos
and the flight attitude was stabilized by
backward and forward motions of the wing tips and
nodding motions of the head.
For details - including the principle of the drive mechanism - please
take a
look to the articles (in German) about the project by Paul MacCready
and for further informations via External link 16.

[ macready ]
3.7 Shearflex
principle
Here an aeroelastically twistable profiled flapping
wing according to the Shearflex Principle. This system makes a
relatively inelastic
covering applicable. If the twisting along the wing is
constant and not to excessive, the airfoil contour
accuracy is therefore very good.
Here, the twist elasticity will mainly be
determinated by the spar designed as wing leading
edge.This system was invented by
Professor James D. DeLaurier and Jeremy M. Harris
(Canada 1994).
The ornithopter with its tripartition of the
flapping wing is interesting, too. Jeremy
M. Harris 1977 has applied it for patent.
On the adjacent
photo James D. DeLaurier and Jeremy M. Harris
can be seen with their remote-controlled model, 3 m in
span and with combustion
motor. A sustained flight was
achieved 1991. A video is available External
link 17.
Here, a
corresponding replica with an electrical drive system
by Horst Händler (1994).

[ delaurier-harris ]

[ haendler ]
3.8 Shell wing
with active wing twisting by a drive controlled spar
rotation, developed by Albert Kempf (France
1998). External link 18
Apparently, the upper side of the wing consists of a
cambered hard shell, which is shaped with
foam on the lower side to a profiled airfoil wing. A long thin
plate with a cambered cross section may be twisted easily and
creaselessly. Also the
aforesaid shearflexed wing is using this property. This
flapping wing category here is called shell wing. The such equipped
Truefly is to be seen in the adjacent picture - an ornithopter with a
wonderful flying sight. It also was the first ornithopter which
achieved strong climbing flights with profiled flapping wings.
In the essay ( http://www.ornithopter.de/daten/fluegel.pdf ) Flapping
Wing
Designs (38
pages in German, version 2.3, PDF 1.8 MB) additional information about
these flapping wing designs can be found.
In conjunction with the EV-models developed flapping wings are to
find on site: http://www.ornithopter.de/english/articulated.htm [
Articulated
flapping wings ]
4. External links to other flapping
wing
designs
Longitudinal part of the
hand wing section of birds:
http://www.fen-net.de/oag-mittelfranken/hilfkipp.htm
Bionics, airfoils and wing cross
sections of birds by Johannes Huser:
http://www.geier-segelflug.de/bionik.htm
Construction of Membrane Wings by
Nathan Chronister:
Alphonse Pénaud, (1850 -
1880):
http://www.ctie.monash.edu.au/hargrave/penaud.html
Video about a flapping wing model
by Cenek Chalupsky:
http://ovirc.free.fr/Clips_video.php
Construction method of the
flapping wing model by Jean-Louis Solignac:
http://ovirc1.free.fr/solignac-ornitho.htm
Video about flapping wing models
by Erich von Holst:
http://www.ornithopter.org/video.shtml
Thrust-wing model ENTOID by Velko
T. Velkov:
http://velkovelkov.blogspot.com/2009/09/entoid.html
The "Double flapping wing
airplane" by Karl-Heinz Helling is flying:
http://www.modellbau-thiele.de/schlagfluegel.htm
http://www.mfc-rossendorf.de/fileadmin/Projekte/SchlagfluegelProjekt/SchlagfluegelProjekt.htm
Report about Percival H. Spencer:
http://www.seabee.info/spencer.htm
Gliders with out-faned wing tips
by Johannes Huser:
http://www.geier-segelflug.de/flugmodelle.htm
Out-faned wings of the
Birdman Georges Fraise:
http://ovirc.free.fr/GFraise.php
Out-faned wing tips at the
Ornithopter Project by Ryszard Szczepañski:
http://www.ornithopter.com.pl
Close-up view of an orange colored dragonfly:
http://www.grahamowengallery.com/photography/dragonfly_photography.html">http://www.grahamowengallery.com/photography/dragonfly_photography.htmlRubber-protein
Resilin enables dragonfly wings for acrobatic flight:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/g5w5gq0l7lxhx202/">http://www.springerlink.com/content/g5w5gq0l7lxhx202/
Replicating of biological membranes, pterosaurs by Paul McCready
http://pterosaur.stanford.edu/Proposals/ProjectDescription.pdf
http://ovirc.free.fr/McCready.php
Video of the proof-of-concept model for a manned ornithopter flight
by James D. DeLaurier:
http://www.ornithopter.net/MediaGallery/Videos/index_e.html
Ornithopter model Truefly by Albert Kempf:
http://truefly.chez.com
http://ep.espacenet.com/advancedSearch?locale=en_EP
These patents were retrieved from
espacenet.com's advanced
search.
To acquire the complete patent ( PDF ), copy the
patent number and paste it into the Publication Number.
Ornithopter
having a wing structure
and a mechanism for imparting realistic, bird-like motion thereto
US7607610
Inventor(s): STERCHAK
ROBERT
Abstract -- An ornithopter
having segmented, flapping wings and capable
of bird-like flight. A main driv system provides flapping motion to
the wings. Servo systems are provided for independently moving each
wing forward and backward along a major axis of the aircraft fuselage,
thereby providing a balance subsystem. A single servomechanism controls
upward and downward direction of the wings thereby providing a center
angle control subsystem. Two additional servo systems are provided to
control a tail assembly that provides steering and other ancillary
control functions. Each subsystem is controlled by a dedicated, onboard
microcontroller. One embodiment of the aircraft is remotely controlled
by a wireless data communication link. The aircraft may be constructed
to resemble a natural bird, in both static appearance and flight
characteristics. The aircraft may be scaled from model size to a
full-size, passenger carrying aircraft.
Wing-Flapping
Flying Apparatus and
Method of Using the Same
US2008251632

Inventor(s): KIM
KWANG HO ; JEON JAE HAK ; KIM YOON
JOO
Also published as: WO2007013721 // KR100587446
Abstract -- The present
invention provides a wing-flapping flying
apparatus, which can fly by moving its wings similar to a bird hovering
or flying in the air by flapping its wings. The wing-flapping flying
apparatus comprises: a body; a rotating shaft rotatably joined to the
body; driving means for rotating the rotating shaft; and wings
reciprocated between two points and connected to the rotating shaft so
as to be rotated together with the rotating shaft and to be relatively
torsionally rotated with respect to the rotating shaft. The
wing-flapping flying apparatus generates lift throughout an entire
wing-flapping movement without generating lift only throughout the half
of a wing-flapping movement or offsetting the generated lift by the
other half of the wing-flapping movement. Therefore, the wing-flapping
flying apparatus can provide not only a stable flight but also a softly
hovering or ascending and descending flight.
Flapping
wing mechanism for a model
aircraft
FR2776937
Inventor(s): KEMPF
ALBERT
Abstract -- The mechanism
consists of a double crankshaft (4) rotated
e.g. by an elastic motor (9) and having two sections (4a, 4b) offset at
an angle to one another and connected by arms (10a, 10b) to a slider
(11). The arms and slider convert the crankshaft rotation into a
reciprocating and rocking motion transmitted by rods (13) to longerons
(14) which make the wings flap and twist, simulating the motion of bird
wings.
Device
for controlling gliding flight
of bird-like aircraft - controls flight using combinations in
proportion of tail movements, body position changes and twisting and
folding of wings FR2697442
Inventor(s): PHILIPPE
GRISEZ
Abstract -- The control device
is for a full size or model aircraft
provides commands so that the aircraft simulates the real gliding
flight of a bird. Each command affecting the centres of gravity, lift
and drag is a proportional combination of four basic commands for tail,
body and wings. The first basic command (1) controls tail position
about the horizontal vertical and longitudinal axes and the second (2)
displaces the centre of gravity of the fuselage. The third (3) provides
for extension and folding of upper and lower wings during a turn and
the fourth (4) for differential twisting of wing halves. ADVANTAGE -
Control system gives aircraft realistic birdlike flight.
US5170965
Man-powered hang glider
Inventor(s): YASUDA
HIROAKI [JP]
Abstract -- A man-powered hang
glider having main wings (8a,8b) which
are attached swingably to posts (1) through the medium of a telescopic
joint (10). A rope (15)is looped between a pedal (14) provided at a
lower part of the post (1) and the main wing (8) and is fixed to the
pedal (14) and the main wing. By operation of the pedal (14), the wing
(8) is flapped as the flapping of a bird wing. By flapping action of
the main wings (8), the hang glide is enabled to fly, irrespective of
upcurrents.
Man-powered
ornithopter-sailplane
US7410121
Inventor(s): DAINYS REMIGIJUS
Also published as: // UA80641 // WO2005023647 // LT2003081 //
LT5212
Abstract -- A man-powered
ornithopter-sailplane, which has one or two
pair of flapping wings and a hang-glider wing wherein substantially
novel femoral and humeral muscular propulsion engines with the aid of
which the body members connected thereto form integrated moving-flying
and controlling-guiding mechanisms. Femoral arms are fixed to the torso
base from which the movements for the wings flapping with respect to
axles inclined to a horizontal direction are transmitted through the
intermediate links of a cinematic chain. The wings comprise a row of
rotational rods arranged therein and provided with elastic feather-like
panels which produced during flapping, in a closed or turned position
thereof, aerodynamic profiles and corresponding lifting and propulsion
aerodynamic forces.; The controlling-guiding movements are transmitted
from the humeral arms to the flapping wings by means of movable ball
joints. The diversity of movements of the femoral arms, humeral arms,
hang-glider wing make it possible to control the flight.
MANPOWER
FLYING VEHICLE
CN1061193
Inventor(s): BAISHOU
GAO
Abstract -- The " manpower
flight device " provides a flight vehicle
which uses the people's physical strength as the power source. It is
not only a kind of traffic tool, but also can be used as a physical
traning equipment and recreational tool. Said flight device has the
double-layer wing structure, and its upper layer is a pair of fixed
wings so as to pledge providing the necessary lifting force, and its
lower layer is a pair of movable " bird wings ", which can be flapped
up and down as bird wings by means of the combination action of
flayer's foot-treading and hand-pulling so as to provide the pushing
force and auxiliary lifting force for flighting. The framework of said
flight device is made from aluminium alloy material and its wing film
is made of high-quality nylon.
AEROFOIL
WITH FUNCTION OF BIRD WING
JP53071499
Inventor(s): TEZUKA SHIYOUZOU
Ornithopter
WO 2009074349
Abstract -- The invention relates to a muscle-powered
ornithopter comprising a
fuselage, a pair of flapping wings which have a modifiable profile or
an aileron in an external wing section located at a distance from the
fuselage, said modifiable profile or aileron allowing the lift to be
modified in a predefined current, and an elevator unit in which the
deflection of the elevator can be modified. The pair of flapping wings
and the fuselage are made of an elastic material, the elasticity of
which allows the pair of flapping wings to be flapped. The flapping
wings are curved downward in a resting position. The elasticity is
calculated such that the flapping wings are urged into a neutral
position during a flight because of the pilot's weight.; The fuselage
is designed to accommodate the pilot in a vertical position relative to
a longitudinal axis of the fuselage such that the pilot can apply
stress to and relieve stress from the aircraft in phases by stretching
and bending his or her legs. The ornithopter further comprises
mechanisms which allow the modifiable external wing sections and the
modifiable deflection of the elevator to be actuated in phase with the
movement of the flapping wings.
HELICOPTER,
FOR EXAMPLE A MAN-POWERED AIRCRAFT
WO2009022886

Inventor(s): BADYROV
OLEG KAPANOVICH [KZ]
Abstract -- The invention
relates to flying vehicles designed according to a helicopter layout,
in particular to man-powered flying vehicles in which lifting force is
produced by the rotation of a lifting rotor provided with aerodynamic
wings. The inventive helicopter, in particular a man-powered aircraft
comprises a lifting rotor, the rotation of which is carried out in the
more economical manner in comparison with the known prior art due to
the pulsed application of torque to the rotor wings. The technical
result is achieved by the use of the ornithopter principle for rotating
the rotor wings, when energy is periodically transmitted by pulses from
the engine of the craft (from the pilot, i.e., from his legs) to a
drive for carrying out flapping motions by the wings and a horizontal
"pulling" component of the lifting force, produced on the flapping
wings, generates torque on the aircraft rotor.
Wing
of ornithopter
CN101417708
Inventor(s): YUNFU XU
[CN]
Abstract -- A wing of an
ornithopter comprises an inner wing section and an outer wing section.
A middle frame of the outer wing section and a pull rod connected with
the middle frame are respectively threaded through a connecting part of
the front section and the back section of wing ribs of the inner
section and the outer wing section; when the outer wing section is
pulled by the pull rod and the wing is raised, the wing rib is folded
with a connecting point as the axis and when the wing swoops, the wing
rib is unfolded. An angle limiter is respectively arranged on the front
wing rib and the back wing rib to control the folding angle of the
front wing rib and the back wing rib so as to lead the wing of the
ornithopter to acquire higher rising and flying force when the wing
flutters.
Ornithopter
CN201183610
Inventor(s): GUANGFU
HUANG [CN]; CHEN HUANG [CN]
Abstract -- The utility model
relates to a flapping-wing aircraft and aims at overcoming the defects
that prior flapping-wing aircraft imitates the flying principle of
birds, has complicated structure large energy consumption and slow
flying speed. For the aircraft, a wing flap is arranged above the
fuselage through a fixed frame; a transmission system, a wing-turning
device and a retractable device are arranged in the wing flap; a wing
with a retractable fan shape is arranged beside the wing flap.
Therefore, the wing acquires sufficient lifting force and high speed so
that the aircraft can independently accomplish vertical take-off,
landing, forward flight, backward flight, turning and horizontal flight
without deviation. The aircraft can achieve catapult parachuting; the
device has flying flexibility and reliability as well as practicality.
Ornithopter
transmission mechanism capable of being separated into two
segments
CN201143993
Inventor(s): YUNFU XU
[CN]
Abstract -- An actuating
mechanism for a folding two-section ornithopter is provided. The
utility model drives a transmission shaft (2) via an engine or a motor
(1); then, the utility model drives a left side transmission gear (4)
and a left side transmission crankshaft (5); the top section (10) of
the left side transmission crankshaft is connected to a tie bar on a
left side wing of the ornithopter. Meanwhile, the left side
transmission gear (4) is horizontally connected with a right side
transmission gear (6); the left side transmission gear (6) drives a
left side transmission crankshaft (7); the top section (11) of the left
side transmission crankshaft (7) is connected with a tie bar on a right
side wing of the ornithopter. Therefore, the left side transmission
gear and the right side transmission gear in the utility model can
rotate synchronically towards different direction.
ORNITHOPTER
JP2008254714
Inventor(s): ISOGAI
KOJI; SATO HIROYUKI
Abstract -- PROBLEM TO BE
SOLVED: To provide an excellent ornithopter which quickly flies high,
by outputting large thrust by realizing ideal flapping motion, by
providing flapping amplitude of vibration and feathering amplitude of
vibration of large amplitude of a flapping wing in a high flapping
frequency, without requiring a complicated and heavy driving control
circuit device. ; SOLUTION: In this resonance type ornithopter, the
flapping wing is constituted by bonding and fixing one elastic plate
material to one elastic bar material as a wing plate, with the one
elastic bar material as a wing shaft. By forcibly vibrating and driving
the flapping wing in specific amplitude in the flapping motion
direction in a natural frequency of the one elastic bar material, the
one elastic bar material is resonantly vibrated in the flapping motion
direction, and flapping motion is provided by aerodynamically
elastically deforming the one elastic plate material.
An
ornithopter mechanism
GB2444068
Inventor(s): CHILD
ROBIN EDWARD
Abstract -- A Scotch yoke
mechanism provides a primary reciprocating motion, and a secondary
reciprocating motion which is 90 degrees out of phase with the primary
reciprocation motion. A motor rotates an eccentric crank having a drive
pin 5, which cooperates with a slot in a yoke 8 to cause reciprocation
thereof. Attached to the drive pin 5 are two independently rotating
pulleys 21, 22, each pulley carrying lines or belts 20 which arrive and
leave in a direction normal to the reciprocation of the yoke 8 when in
use. The belts are wrapped half way around each pulley 21, 22, and each
belt engages further idler pulleys 19 located on the same plane and
mounted on the yoke. The mechanism attempts to mimic the flapping
motion in flight of hummingbirds, and insects, eg. bees. The motion of
the lines 20 may be transmitted via racks, pinions, bevel gears, or
shafts to operate the wings
ORNITHOPTER
JP2008081094
Inventor(s): ISOGAI
KOJI; UESAWA YUICHI
Abstract -- PROBLEM TO BE
SOLVED: To provide an excellent ornithopter having an excellent power
transmission efficiency and capable of performing an alert and highly
maneuvarable flight by performing a flapping motion with a high
flapping frequency since a large output can be provided by rotatingly
driving a rotary motor at high speeds without requiring a complicated
and heavy drive control circuit device and the large output from the
rotary motor is converted into a flapping motion without a large
mechanical loss. ; SOLUTION: In this resonance ornithopter, a flapping
blade forms a blade vibration system performing a compound resonance in
two degree-of-freedom; flapping vibration and feathering vibration. A
vibrating motor generating an inertia force in the circumferential
direction by the flapping blade pivotally supported on a flapping
vibration pivot shaft is supportedly installed. A flapping vibration
torque and a feathering vibration torque can be provided by the inertia
force generated by the vibrating motor.
ORNITHOPTER
JP2008024049

Inventor(s): NAKAZATO
KATSUYOSHI
Abstract -- PROBLEM TO BE
SOLVED: To a comparatively large-sized orinthopter having extremely
original/innovative mechanism, and capable of flying while embarking a
human in the future. ; SOLUTION: The opnithopter comprises a machine
body 10, wings 20 mounted to the machine body 10, and a flapping
mechanism materializing flapping motion of the wings 20. The flapping
mechanism has slanting shaft members 40F/40R fixed to the machine body
10, moving members 41F/41R constructed so as to reciprocate along the
slanting shaft members 40F/40R and coupled to wing base portions of the
wings 20 through hinge portions, a driving portion 42 driving the
moving members 41F/41R to reciprocate, and wing supporting members 43F,
43R coupling the machine body 10 and the wings 20 and supporting
position separated from the wing base portions of the wings 20 by a
predetermined distance. Lead-lag motion is materialized simultaneously
with the flapping motion of the wings
A
winged device to mimic wing movement of insects / hummingbirds
GB2433059
Inventor(s): SINCLAIR
PETER LOGAN [GB]
Also published as: US2008272231 // WO2007066092
Abstract -- A winged device
comprises an axial support mounted for reciprocating rotary motion
about a longitudinal axis of the support, a first wing vane 1 mounted
to the axial support 3 for rotation therewith, and a second wing vane 2
hingedly mounted to the axial support 3. The first wing vane 1 is
connected by a connector 4, 24 to a cam follower 24 which is
constrained to a defined movement path by a cam 23, while the second
wing vane 2 is also connected to the cam follower via another connector
5, 25. Through this connection, reciprocation motion of the axial
support causes the relative orientation of the wing vanes to change,
hence causing flexure / bending of the wing 1, 2. A guide rail and
follower may be used in place of the cam and follower mechanism. This
ornithopter attempts to mimic the motion of wings of a hummingbird /
insect in flight.
Foldaway
two-section-type wings for ornithopter
CN2918218


Inventor(s): XU YUNFU
[CN]
Abstract -- The utility model
relates to a two-segment ornithopter wing, comprising an inner wing
segment and an outer wing segment which can be folded symmetrically. A
transmission crankshaft is connected with a pull rod, the pull rod
traverses the top of the inner wing segment skeleton in the fuselage,
and outward is connected with the vertex of an extend segment, which is
a segment of the outer wing segment over the junction of the inner and
outer wing segment, in the way, the pull rod is driven by the circular
motion of the transmission crankshaft, the outer wing segment skeleton
is pulled by the pull rod and in the lever motion with the fulcrum
which is a junction of the inner and outer wing segment, the inner wing
segment skeleton is also in the lever motion synchronously with the
fulcrum which is the junction of the inner wing segment and the
fuselage, making the flutter of wing look like the motion state of the
bird wing very much.
Manual
wing-flapping craft
CN200954879
Inventor(s): YANG
BOHAI YANG [CN]
Abstract -- The utility model
relates to a manpower ornithopter, an aircraft for sports and
entertainment. The utility model consists of a central backbone [1], a
triangle arm [4] connected with the both sides of the backbone to
produce the up and down movement, a movable handle [2] moving from the
front to the rear, a fan wing [3] composed of finger ribs [8] and a
horizontal connecting rod and foot pedal [14] to control the fan wing
moving up and down, an opened connecting rod [13] and an extendable
connecting rod [16] positioned between the connecting rod. The
connecting rod is provided with a movable handle [18] of a steel wire
[15] to control the movement of the fan wing and the angle, a sleeve
button and the vertical tube column [10] and a resistant block [19] at
the bottom of the backbone. The vertical tube column is provided with a
two-shoulder fixing bracket [19], while the terminal is provided with a
seat plate [12] with seat plate rail [21] and a safety rope [20]. The
utility model is simple in structure and convenient to manufacture, and
can be disassembled to carry around, thereby partially resolving the
problems of transportation and travel.
Ornithopter
CN2808739

Inventor(s): MO QIQI
[CN]
Abstract -- The utility model
provides a flapping wing aircraft which supplies lift force stably and
realizes manned flight. The utility model has the structure that the
utility model comprises an aircraft body, an engine, a drive component
and flapping wings, wherein the flapping wings are symmetrically
arranged at both sides of the aircraft body and the engine is linked
with the flapping wings through the drive component. The utility model
is characterized in that each flapping wing comprises a skeleton, an
elastic wing body and a flapping arm; the elastic wing body forms a
half-cone shape and covers the skeleton, the flapping arm which runs
through the framework transversely is provided with a plurality of
joints and one end of the flapping arm is connected to the drive
component. Flapping wing aircrafts manufactured by the principle of the
utility model can realize manned flight, and the horizontally degree of
the aircraft is increased.
Ornithopter
wing mechanism
CZ16862
Inventor(s): ZAJICEK
KAMIL [CZ]
Flapping
wing aircraft
CN101041383
Inventor(s): ZHANG
JIN ZHANG [CN]
Abstract -- The invention
relates to an aircraft imitating bird flying method. There is a U-shape
groove on flapping wing surface to constitute a spring plate. A thin
plate is connected under the spring plate of flapping wing. A control
box is set on the body and a motor is connected in the control box. The
motor is connected with crank and the crank is connected with slide
bar. On the slide bar there is a slide block, which is connected with
two connecting rods to draw flapping wings move. At the tail of body
there are horizontal tail actuator, vertical tail actuator and control
actuator. The control actuator is connected with the control box by
rotary table and shift lever. The control box is connected with the
rotary shaft. The horizontal tail actuator is connected with the
horizontal tail by rotary table and shift lever and the vertical tail
actuator is connected with the vertical tail by rotary table and shift
lever. Merits of invention are that 1 the up-down flapping resistance
of flapping wing is small; 2 under the actuator control, the aircraft
of flapping wing flies flexibly and skillfully, the operation is easy
and the oil consumption is small; 3 the structure is simple and the
preparation is convenient.
MUSCLE-POWERED
ORNITHOPTER
WO2009074349
Inventor(s): PIETREK
NIKOLAUS
Abstract -- The invention
relates to a muscle-powered ornithopter comprising a fuselage, a pair
of flapping wings which have a modifiable profile or an aileron in an
external wing section located at a distance from the fuselage, said
modifiable profile or aileron allowing the lift to be modified in a
predefined current, and an elevator unit in which the deflection of the
elevator can be modified. The pair of flapping wings and the fuselage
are made of an elastic material, the elasticity of which allows the
pair of flapping wings to be flapped. The flapping wings are curved
downward in a resting position. The elasticity is calculated such that
the flapping wings are urged into a neutral position during a flight
because of the pilot's weight.; The fuselage is designed to accommodate
the pilot in a vertical position relative to a longitudinal axis of the
fuselage such that the pilot can apply stress to and relieve stress
from the aircraft in phases by stretching and bending his or her legs.
The ornithopter further comprises mechanisms which allow the modifiable
external wing sections and the modifiable deflection of the elevator to
be actuated in phase with the movement of the flapping wings.
Ornithopter
with independently controlled wings
US2005269447
Inventor(s): CHRONISTER NATHAN J [US]
Abstract -- The invention
described here offers a more effective method of ornithopter flight
control. To accomplish this, the ornithopter has dual
microprocessor-controlled drive systems for flapping the wings
independently of each other. Various wing movements can cause the
ornithopter to turn, roll, or pitch up or down. Weight and complexity
are reduced by eliminating the need for servo-controlled tail surfaces.
DRIVING
MECHANISM OF ORNITHOPTER HAVING IMPROVED FLYING EFFICIENCY TO ENABLE
STABLE FLIGHT BY REDUCING LOAD APPLIED TO CONNECTING RODS AND
FACILITATING FLAPPING MOTION
KR20050011646
Inventor(s): CHANG JO
WON
Abstract -- PURPOSE: A driving
mechanism of an ornithopter is provided to enable a constant, stable
flight of the ornithopter by adjusting a gear deceleration ratio,
reducing a load applied to connecting rods and facilitating a flapping
motion of a wing segment, to reduce sizes of the wing segment and to
extend a set time of the ornithopter, thereby improving flying
efficiency and performance. CONSTITUTION: The driving mechanism of an
ornithopter comprises: a motor(21); a first decelerating gear(23) and
second decelerating gears(24) connected to a motor shaft gear, the
second decelerating gears(24) having connecting rods(26) symmetrically
disposed to be connected to both wing segments and inducing smooth
vertical motion; and a shaft center(29) and a trailing edge joint(29A)
about which the wing segments perform flapping motions.
REMOTELY
CONTROLLED ORNITHOPTER
CAPABLE OF INDUCING APPROPRIATE FLAPPING MOTION AND HAVING REDUCED WING
SIZE BY IMPROVING FLYING EFFICIENCY AND INCREASING FLIGHT
MANEUVERABILITY
KR20050011645
ORNITHOPTER HAVING EXCELLENT
MECHANICAL STRENGTH AND GLOSS AND HIGH LEVEL OF AIR SHIELDING
CAPABILITY USING ALUMINUM DEPOSITED PET FILM
KR20050011644
ATTITUDE CONTROL APPARATUS AND
RADIO-CONTROLLED ORNITHOPTER COMPRISING THE SAME
KR20050034364
Vertical landing assistant airplane
CN1590218
Ever-distance dynamic frame tye
two-layer ornithopter aircraft
CN1579882
Couple distance moving arc type
feathering aricraft
CN1513726
ORNITHOPTER SYSTEM FOR A VERTICAL
TAKE-OFF AND LANDING AIRPLANE WITH A PAIR OF WINGS HAVING A WING FRONT
SHAFT AND A WING REAR PART INSTALLED AT A ROTARY CONE AND A ROTARY
CYLINDER, RESPECTIVELY
KR20050003677
ORNITHOPTER WITH FLEXIBLE FUSELAGE
WO03105559
POWER ASSEMBLY FOR ORNICOPTER
WO03104079
Ornithopter wing with holes and loosen
leaves
CN2617681
Airfoil having holes and flaps for
ornithopter
CN1541893
Biomimetic mechanism for micro
aircraft
US2004056149
RECIPROCATING FLUID ENGINE
WO03058072
FLYING VEHICLE, TYPE ORNITHOPTER
RU2236988
Control system for ornithopter
US6659397
Ornithopter
CN2581325
Flapping wings type airplane of
imitating birds
CN1480375
Power-driven ornithopter piloted by
remote controller
US6550716
Power-driven ornithopter
US2003096553
ORNITHOPTER
RU2270136
ORNITHOPTER WING
BG105894
Multi-wing ornithopter
CN2488815
Ornithopter
US2002173217
Winding device and ornithopter
utilizing same
US2002065015
Ornithopter
CN2450088
Ornithopter
CN2452886
Ornithopter
CN1338415
Bionic ornithopter
CN2433175
Light ornithopter
CN2431210
WING CONSTRUCTION FOR ORNITHOPTER
WO0053492
ORNITHOPTER
WO9965767
Manpower ornithopter
CN2378287
Interlinking driving launch
ornithopter
CN2324063
METHOD OF VERTICAL TAKEOFF AND LANDING
OF AN ORNITHOPTER
WO9822339
Ornithopter
US5899408
Flapping-wing aircraft
CN1143590
Ornithopter driven by pilot's muscle
force
DE19509774
Mixed ornithopter
CN2213118
Ornithopter driven by manpower
CN2197310
HEAVIER-THAN-AIR FLYING VEHICLE, TYPE
ORNITHOPTER
RU2096266
Ornithopter wing
CN1097393
TOY ORNITHOPTER
KR0117142
ORNITHOPTER
LT1642
ORNITHOPTER WING
RU2089460
Manpower ornithopter
CN1079192
Steering and propulsion device and
method for an aircraft with flexible articulated wings
FR2687125
ORNITHOPTER
RU2007338
ORNITHOPTER
BG50601
Ornithopter-type device, with flapping
wings, using human muscle power for propulsion
FR2680351
ORNITHOPTER
CN2122118
ORNITHOPTER
CN1067625
ORNITHOPTER
RU2007337
ARM-TYPE MAN-DRIVEN ORNITHOPTER
CN2098466
MECHANISM OF DRIVING OF ORNITHOPTER
SU1818275
Ornithopter
GB2209727
ORNITHOPTER
CN2038086
DRIVING DEVICE FOR BLADES OF
ORNITHOPTER MODEL
SU1728086
Means for and methods of controlling
ornithopters
US4712749
Ornithopter
FR2582616
Structure intended for carrying out
flapping flight by the upper plane of a biplane ornithopter by use of
muscle power
FR2572053
Rotary-wing aircraft having an
ornithopter drive
DE3343187
MAN POWERED ORNITHOPTER
AU3357284
ORNITHOPTER WITH SINGLE HYDRAULIC
CYLINDER PULLING BOTH WINGS
AU1448683
AERODYNAMICALLY-INDUCED WING-FLAPPING
FOR THE PROPULSION OF ORNITHOPTERS
CA1183509
ORNITHOPTER BLADES DRIVE
SU1052248
ORNITHOPTER WING DRIVING MECHANISM
SU878652
ORNITHOPTER WING DRIVE
SU1121182
Ornithopter construction
US4195438
Articulated wing ornithopter
US4139171
ORNITHOPTER
GB1523902
AIRFOIL WING FOR AIRCRAFT
GB1393696
TOY ORNITHOPTER WIND-DRIVING MECHANISM
US3728814
VARIABLE GEOMETRY ORNITHOPTER
GB1338696
ORNITHOPTER WING
GB1283583
FLYING TOYS
GB1318342
TOY ORNITHOPTER WING-DRIVING MECHANISM
GB1263079
ORNITHOPTER
SU304185
Ornithopter type aircraft
US3161376
Improvements in or relating to
ornithopters
GB922233
Improvements relating to ornithopters
GB885273
Ornithopter
US2985407
Improvements relating to ornithopters
GB851352
Improvements in ornithopters
GB711410
Toy ornithopter
US2504567
Improvements in or relating to
ornithopters
GB617019
Improved ornithopter
GB525256
Improvements in or relating to
ornithopters
GB458104
Ornithopter
GB442667
Improvements in or relating to
ornithopters
GB415566
Ornithopter wing structure
US1913011
Ornithopter
GB404356
Machines supported by rotary
propellers, with combined propelling, flapping and steering action
GB383973
An improved flying machine
GB377744
Ornithopter
US1884909
Improvements in or relating to flying
machines
GB348946
Improvements in aircraft of the
ornithopter type
GB342339
Improvements in and relating to
aircraft
GB322183
Ornithopter
US1726915
Flying apparatus
GB289829
Ornithopter
US1783029
Improved mechanism for converting
rotary into reciprocatory motion
GB163283
An improved aerial machine
GB157977
Improvements in or relating to means
for converting rotary into reciprocatory motion
GB157870
Improvements in or relating to
ornithopter flying machines
GB146648
Flying Machine.
GB116914
An Improved Aerial Machine of the
Ornithopter Type.
GB191514862
An Improved Flying Machine.
GB191509931
Improvements in and relating to Flying
Machines.
GB191419774
Improvements in and relating to Flying
Machines.
GB191223033
ORNITHOPTER
CA527716
Wing
surface jet vortex flapping wing
aircraft
CN2928681
Wing-like aircraft
CN2889901
Prey-bird machine tail
CN1895961
US7255305
Flying device utilizing natural
principles
Wing type aerial craft having upper
and lower branched fanlike wings
CN1600641
WING MECHANISM REALIZING VARIOUS
MOTION OF WINGS AND AIR VEHICLE THEREOF BY CONNECTING THE MOVEMENTS OF
TWO RECIPROCATION APPARATUSES THROUGH COUPLINGS
KR20050006375
L-tail ( featuring parabrake )
US2004089765
Multi-wing ornithopter
CN2488815
Bionic ornithopter
CN2433175
JP2965201
FLYING BODY
Pedal-type aircraft
CN2172748
Adaptation of bird wing structures to
glider wing - involves top line curvature on wing suction side with the
same curvature over entire span
DE4133491
Wing surface jet vortex flapping wing
aircraft
CN2928681
DE4125974
Oscillating vane or wing drive with
main motor for vertical motion - has servomotors for independent vane
rotation synchronised to vertical motion
DE4039635
Power transmission device for movable
wing flying machine - comprises housing contg. movable slide ring to
which striker arm is fitted
Flutter mechanism for toy ornithopter
CN2551303
REMOTE CONTROL ORNITHOPTER
KR100919066
Micro-miniature ornithopter
CN201305134
Mini ornithopter
CN101412441
Flapping wing capable of being bent in
one direction of miniature ornithopter
CN101492094
REMOTE-CONTROLLED FLUTTERING OBJECT
CAPABLE OF FLYING FORWARD IN UPRIGHT POSITION
WO2009088113
Ornithopter electromagnetic steering
device
CN201049212
Wing surface jet vortex flapping wing
aircraft
CN2928681
Two segmented type wings of minitype
ornithopter
CN101049859
Driving mechanism for wings of
minitype ornithopter
CN101049858
Rolling control mechanism for minitype
ornithopter
CN101041382
TOY ORNITHOPTER
KR200381806
Method of control for toy aircraft
US2006032975
DRAGONFLY-TYPE ORNITHOPTER WITH TWO
PAIRS OF WING
KR20060110241
Wing of ornithopter
CN101417708
Ornithopter having a wing structure
and a mechanism for imparting realistic, bird-like motion thereto
US7607610
Ornithopter
US2007295858
Man-powered
ornithopter-sailplane
US2007029441
ORNITHOPTER
JP3879771
Flapping wing for ornithopter
CN1608945
Flying device utilizing natural
principles
US2006102782
Ornithopter
CN2778678
ACTUATION SYSTEM OF ORNITHOPTER
KR20060030317
Aircraft with flapping wings
CN1629038
ORNITHOPTER KIT
KR20050090540
TOY ORNITHOPTER AIRCRAFT
US2003054724
Universal
power device for bionic ornithopter models
CN2688344
ORNITHOPTER
AND FLAPPING FLIGHT METHOD
JP2005119658
ORNITHOPTER
JP2007237
Your
Support Maintains this Service -- and Your
Survival ...
The
Rex Research Civilization Kit
... It's Your Best Bet &
Investment in Sustainable Humanity on Earth ...
Everything @ rexresearch.com,
plus the Bonus Files CD !
ORDER
PAGE
<<
$13, Postpaid Anywhere >>
Rex Research, POB 19250, Jean, NV 89019
USA