“A versatile perching mechanism employing shape memory wires and Bio-inspired adhesives”

摘要

Shape memory wires were integratedwith bio-inspired adhesives to produce abird-like perching actionwhichenables versatile landing and eventually locomotion of micro air vehicles on different surfaces. Theshapememory wires undergomotions which render the bird-like perching effect. Integration of bio-inspired adhesives with this perching mechanism enables reliable and versatile adherence to diverse surfaces irrespective of their type, roughness and curvature. The new perching system comprises four toes made of shape memory alloys (SMAs). They assume bent and straight configurations to produce perching and release effects, respectively. The perching action in animals is effective against rough or curved surfaces. In order to enable the perching system function against relatively smooth and flat surfaces (which are commonly found in indoor environments), it was provided with bio-inspired adhesives.