Mechanical Wings

GOAL

To design and fabricate a mechanically actuated wing system capable of converting rotational motion into controlled flapping movement using linkage-based mechanical design principles.

CHALLENGES

• Translating rotational input into smooth, repeatable flapping motion

• Maintaining structural stability while minimizing system weight

• Preventing excessive stress concentrations and mechanical binding during operation

• Achieving consistent alignment between pivot points and moving joints

SOLUTIONS

• Designed and iterated linkage geometries in CAD to optimize motion range and efficiency

• Tested multiple pivot placements and joint configurations to improve mechanical performance

• Reinforced high-stress regions and refined tolerances to reduce binding and instability

• Fabricated and tested physical prototypes to validate structural durability and movement consistency

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGIES

CAD Modeling, Mechanical Linkages, Rapid Prototyping, Mechanical Testing, Structural Design