11

MAV Design Aspects Using MEMS

147

Advantages of Using MEMS in Various Applications

Several advantages of MEMS as a manufacturing technology include various aspects.

The interdisciplinary nature of MEMS technology and micro level machining tech-

niques allowed it to diversify its applications, which resulted in wide range of

unprecedented devices and synergies across various unrelated fields such as in

biology and electronics. Usage of batch fabrication techniques in designing MEMS

allows enabling components and devices to be developed and manufactured with

high reliability and improved performance. Apart from these, this technology also

allows to reduce the size, volume, weight and cost. This technology also provides

a basis for manufacturing the products beyond the imagination of any one by using

its specialized techniques compared to other existing techniques. However, many

challenges and complex technological obstacles related with miniaturization needs

further study at micro level in multidisciplinary subjects [1].

Role of MEMS in Designing Bio-mimicking MAVs

Sensory devices: Wide range of sensory devices is designed and fabricated using

MEMS technology for their adaptation towards miniaturization of electronic and

mechanical equipment’s in the market. The sensors like automotive airbag sensors

and medical pressure sensors can be included in MAV design. Airbag sensors are

now-a-days used to detect the deceleration of vehicles by measuring the changes in

voltage. Additionally if we used electronic controls on these sensors, the same can

be designed or for the applications of guided MAVs.

For an example, the vehicles designed by BMW, 740i vehicle used more than

70 MEMS working more effectively. Various functionalities of MEMS applications

include anti-lock braking system, active suspension, navigation control systems,

monitoring vibrations, fuel sensors, noise reduction, rollover detection, seat belt

restraint and tensioning. Similar characteristics may be needed for designing a bio-

mimicking MAV as all these properties can be implemented with reduced size.

In the market, airbag accelerometers are even available for detecting earthquakes,

video games, weapons and high performance disc drives. On the other hand, sensors

designed by using MEMS are used to measure and monitor blood pressures [1].

Mechanical Gears and Components: The flight of a natural flier involves various

aerodynamic aspects like generating lift, thrust, twists and various rotational move-

ments. To implement such a model of complex actions using general mechanical

components will be a tough task due to limitations or restrictions on weight and size

of an MAV design for the flight. Using MEMS various components with the ability

of performing complex actions including controlled gears can be designed for low

dimensions. Some of the motor gears and gear systems developed by the authors

have been shown in figure which are used for space and satellite communication

applications at micro level (Fig. 11.2).