Sun Dexin, Lin Sen, Wang Yubo, Cui Jiandong, Tuo Zhiwei, Lin Zhaohua, Liang Yunhong, Ren Luquan
College of Mechatronics, Changchun Polytechnic, Changchun 130033, China.
School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130025, China.
Biomimetics (Basel). 2024 Oct 14;9(10):622. doi: 10.3390/biomimetics9100622.
Dung beetle leg joints exhibit a remarkable capacity to support substantial loads, which is a capability significantly influenced by their surface microstructure. The exploration of biomimetic designs inspired by the surface microstructure of these joints holds potential for the development of efficient self-locking structures. However, there is a notable absence of research focused on the surface microstructure of dung beetle leg joints. In this study, we investigated the structural characteristics of the surface microstructures present in dung beetle leg joints, identifying the presence of fish-scale-like, brush-like, and spike-like microstructures on the tibia and femur. Utilizing these surface microstructural characteristics, we designed a self-locking structure that successfully demonstrated functionality in both the rotational direction of the structure and self-locking in the reverse direction. At a temperature of 20 °C, the biomimetic closure featuring a self-locking mechanism was capable of generating a self-locking force of 18 N. The bionic intelligent joint, characterized by its unique surface microstructure, presents significant potential applications in aerospace and various engineering domains, particularly as a critical component in folding mechanisms. This research offers innovative design concepts for folding mechanisms, such as those utilized in satellite solar panels and solar panels for asteroid probes.
蜣螂腿部关节展现出显著的承载大量负荷的能力，这种能力受到其表面微观结构的显著影响。受这些关节表面微观结构启发的仿生设计探索，对于高效自锁结构的开发具有潜力。然而，目前明显缺乏针对蜣螂腿部关节表面微观结构的研究。在本研究中，我们调查了蜣螂腿部关节中存在的表面微观结构的结构特征，发现在胫骨和股骨上存在鱼鳞状、刷状和刺状微观结构。利用这些表面微观结构特征，我们设计了一种自锁结构，该结构在结构的旋转方向和反向自锁方面均成功展示了功能。在20°C的温度下，具有自锁机制的仿生闭合装置能够产生18 N的自锁力。这种以独特表面微观结构为特征的仿生智能关节，在航空航天和各种工程领域具有重要的潜在应用，特别是作为折叠机构中的关键部件。这项研究为折叠机构提供了创新的设计概念，例如用于卫星太阳能板和小行星探测器太阳能板的折叠机构。
