Utilization of Function Generation Synthesis on Biomimetics: A Case Study on Moray Eel Double Jaw Design

Abstract

Throughout history, humans have observed living or non-living things in nature and then imitated them in relation to these observations. This is due to the fact that the energy found in nature is generally consumed at an optimal level in order for it to endure. Biomimetic inspiration in many designs and applications is widely displayed, including within the field of engineering. In this paper, we were inspired by the double set of jaws found in the moray eel, which gives this fish a huge advantage while hunting, with a mobile pharyngeal jaw that works together with its oral jaw in order to overcome ineffective suction capabilities. A procedure that mimics the hunting motion of the moray eel was utilized by considering the overall movement as a single degree of freedom with multiple outputs on account of the repeating motion that is required during hunting. This procedure includes structural and dimensioning synthesis, wherein the latter was utilized with analytic kinematic synthesis for each linkage transfer. The flexibilities in parameters were taken into account with a novel multiple iterative kinematic synthesis algorithm that resulted in various mechanisms with the same purpose. Among the excessive number of resultant mechanisms, the optimization was carried out by considering the highest torque transmission ratio at critical timings that were specified as bio-constraints. In the end, the kinematic movement validation was utilized.

A Mechanical Approach for Comparing Jaws in Fishes

“…Researchers have analyzed and modeled the fins to investigate the high efficiency of motion of aquatic animals, enhancing the swimming capabilities of aquatic robots [12][13][14][15][16]. Additionally, an interesting field for innovative grippers is taking inspiration from some fishes possessing unique jaw mechanisms, such as the Moray eel's double jaw design [17], the upper jaw protrusion of Trachipterus altivelis [18], or the mouth opening phase of Clarias gariepinus [19]. These mechanisms frequently vary between different families and within species belonging to the same family.…”

Underwater Undulating Propulsion Biomimetic Robots: A Review

“…The soft bodies, good flexibility and strong environmental adaptability of marine organisms inspire new ideas for the development of underwater robots [ 12 ]. After a long period of evolution, fish have adapted to exploit the principle of hydrodynamics to move forward using tail fins or pectoral fins [ 13 , 14 , 15 ], which has become the best way to move in water [ 16 , 17 ]. The propulsion method employed by fish can maintain high maneuverability and change posture according to the changing environment.…”