Bamboo dragonfly

Visitors learn about the flying principle of bamboo dragonflies through interactive operations.

Interaction type: Mechanical, hands-on. The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

The exhibit simulates the movement of bamboo dragonflies, with an adjustable tilt angle between their leaves and the horizontal rotating surface. When the rotor rotates, the rotating blades push the air downwards, creating a strong wind, and the air also gives the bamboo dragonfly an upward reactive lift. This lift changes with the tilt angle of the blades, with larger tilt angles resulting in greater lift and smaller tilt angles resulting in less lift. When the lift is greater than the gravity of the bamboo dragonfly itself, the bamboo dragonfly can fly upwards.