Wing Coupling in Bees and Wasps: From the Underlying Science to Bioinspired Engineering

Wing‐to‐wing coupling mechanisms synchronize motions of insect wings and minimize their aerodynamic interference. Albeit they share the same function, their morphological traits appreciably vary across groups. Here the structure–material–function relationship of wing couplings of nine castes and species of Hymenoptera is investigated. It is shown that the springiness, robustness, and asymmetric behavior augment the functionality of the coupling by reducing stress concentrations and minimizing the impacts of excessive flight forces. A quantitative link is established between morphological variants of the coupling mechanisms and forces to which they are subjected. Inspired by the coupling mechanisms, a rotating‐sliding mechanical joint that withstands tension and compression and can also be locked/unlocked is fabricated. This is the first biomimetic research of this type that integrates approaches from biology and engineering.
Although wing‐to‐wing coupling mechanisms have a common function, i.e., synchronizing motions of insect wings and preventing their aerodynamic interference, they are morphologically diverse. Quantitative links are established between the design of coupling mechanisms and forces to which they are subjected. The underlying design strategies are then used to develop a bioinspired mechanical joint for industrial and robotic applications.