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Domains: Mechanical Design, Embedded Systems, ANSYS, Wireless Communication
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https://github.com/MAX090706/RC-ORNITHOPTER.git
The project is about building a remote-controlled ornithopter — a bio-inspired flying machine that generates both lift and thrust by flapping its wings, like birds and bats, instead of using propellers.
Design focuses on:
A 1.3 m wingspan for stability and lift.
A 2-stage reduction gearbox to convert high motor RPM into slow, powerful wing flaps.
A 4-bar wing mechanism that achieves smooth, symmetric wing motion and also folding like real birds.
Aerodynamic wing design using the S1223 aerofoil for efficiency.
A lightweight electronics system (BLDC motor, ESC, Li-Po battery, ESP32 + nRF24L01) for control and power.
The goal: demonstrate the feasibility of flapping-wing flight with a working prototype that balances aerodynamics, mechanics, and electronics.
https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/1387068737793822770/1413858369386713240/VID_20250906_172010362.mp4?ex=68d5d977&is=68d487f7&hm=5d14cf5554b031b12272d2fa7ed549dad955df5a5751289ff0b2a926e704b5c9&
Gearbox (Mechanical Power Conversion) Reduces motor’s ~12,432 RPM → 300 RPM (≈5 Hz wing flapping). Achieves high torque for effective wing flapping. Compact and lightweight (<100 g).
Four-Bar Wing Mechanism (Flapping + Folding) Converts rotary motion into oscillating flapping. Folding mechanism added for realism & efficiency. Designed using Grashof’s condition & Freudenstein’s equations.
Wing Design (Aerodynamics) Two approaches tested: Membraned wing → light but impractical. Aerofoiled wing (S1223) → chosen for lift-to-drag efficiency. Prototyped with foam + PET fabric + 3D-printed ribs.
Electronics & Control Motor: 1400 KV BLDC (A2212/10T). ESC: 30A for motor control. Battery: 1000mAh 3S Li-Po (11.1V, 30C). Controller: ESP32 + nRF24L01 radio → remote-controlled flapping frequency. Emphasis on lightweight, reliable, real-time control.
CAD & Prototyping Onshape used for full system CAD design. Iterative prototyping → PLA 3D prints → final build with carbon fiber + refined gearbox.