Ornithopter Mechanism
Ornithopter Mechanism
Print Profile(2)
Description
This is an Ornithopter mechanism that I designed from scratch for the “Flying Things” contest here on Makerworld and is a fun demonstration of a simple mechanism that flaps wings and also moves the tips of the wings to help the movement look more natural and interesting.
Required Parts
- 19x M2 Ruthex inserts
- 17x M2x8 screws
- 2x M2x12 screws
- 19x M2 washers
Printing
The model is designed to be printed directly on the print bed with no supports. There are two profiles published here pre-configured to either print in a single colour, or using the colour scheme above in a multi-plate print.
I used a 0.4 nozzle with a 0.2mm layer height for everything, and printed the above model using Extrudr NX-2 neon orange, black and metallic colours.
Assembling
Drive Axel & Handle
| Install an M2 ruthex in the end of the drive axel. |  |
| Slide the axel and gear into the main body of the model as pictured. |  |
| Align the hole in the handle with the ruthex in the end of the axel, and attach with an M2x8 screw and washer. |  |
Gears
Before installing the ruthex in the other gears we need to work out which way around they should go.
Align them as pictured without attaching them to the main body.
Two ruthex should be installed in the outer hole of each gear, as highlighed in pink on this side of the gear as pictured.
The hole in the middle of each gear should have a ruthex installed on the opposite side. |  |
Insert one of the 4.4mm inserts into the hole of the main body as pictured, and align the gear above the drive gear.
Install an M2x8 screw and washer into this hole. |  |
| Do the same for the opposite side, ensuring that the gears are aligned as pictured once installed. |  |
Wing Ruthex
Take the two main upper arms and install ruthex at either end on this side as pictured in pink.
Also install a ruthex in the middle hole on the opposite side. |  |
| For the two lower main arms, install ruthex in these two holes marked in pink on the side as pictured. |  |
Note that this part has a rounded area on one end.
Install a ruthex in the hole and side as pictured. |  |
| In these two arms install ruthex into the central hole on the side with the chamfered hump around the hole as pictured. |  |
Wing Assembly
Lay down the two drive arms and the main arms as pictured.
Insert 3.4mm inserts into these holes circled in pink, and screw M2x8mm screws and washers into these holes. |  |
| Insert 5.4mm inserts into these holes circled in pink, and connect with M2x8mm screws and washers. |  |
Turn the wing assemblies over and add in these orange parts as pictured.
Install 3.4mm inserts into the four holes as shown in pink, with M2x8mm screws and washers. |  |
| Add in the final missing arm and use a 3.4mm insert for the pictured holes along with M2x8mm screws and washers. |  |
| Flip the wing assemblies over and install the two 6.4mm inserts into these holes and install the M2x12mm screws and washers. |  |
Final Assembly
The easiest way to attach the wings is to rest the wing tip on the desk and connect to the main body here. Insert a 4.4mm insert and use an M2x8mm screw and washer.
Also do the opposite side. |  |
| Finally, install the remaining two 5.4mm inserts into these holes and use M2x8mm screws and washers. |  |
Congratulations! You should have a working Ornithopter mechanism!
Versions
2023.12.02: Initial version.
Comment & Rating (2)
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including - but not limited to - remixes of this object, and hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money, or collect fees.
