Wendy Tang Portfolio
Bird Feet Inspired Design
3D-printing. Iterative prototype. Hinge joint. Actuation.
As a student researcher in the HMG studio, I, with teamate Aryan, desined a concept for future urban air mobility, an adaptive landing gear that allows it to land anywhere, without the need for building new infrastructure like the vertiport.
Overview of the landing gear concept
Initial Research
Defined Statement
We looked to nature for inspiration, as through millions of years of evolution, nature provides countless solutions that have been optimized for specific environments. We looked at predatory birds, for they carry precious loads while needing to land on uneven terrain.
After researching the biology, we found that what allows birds to master landing is their feet, specifically the multi-joint tendons that route through from the hip to the toes. I dissected chicken feet (ethically sourced) and found that this passive multi-degree-of-freedom actuation is what we want for the landing gear—quick and easy actuation, lightweight, and adaptable to different terrains.
Prototype
Mateiral and performance test
(PLA, TPU, Fishing wire)
Final result: the prototype achieves multi-degree-of-freedom actuation by pulling one string going through the structure, and passively return to originial position by material compliance.
Animation of the landing gear application