The "AviAuto"

Researchers from the University of California at the Irvine Campus, and their counterparts at the Florida Institute of Technology, and at Iowa State University are co-operating to build a design tool using Spherical Mechanism Design. There are a number of applications for this type of mechanism. In this case it has been applied to a recent project at the Florida Institute of Technology to deploy and retract the wings on the AviAuto Roadable Aircraft.

The AviAuto is a prototype flying car, that is being developed at Florida Tech. In previous designs of the AviAuto, two planar hinges, each actuated by a stepper motor and gear head, were used to deploy and retract each wing. Implementation of the spherical mechanism design has resulted in significant cost and weight savings.

More information on Spherical Mechanism Design is available at -

The AviAuto was originally conceived, designed and developed by Harvey Miller of Baker City, Oregon. His main objective was to build a roadable that could be changed from ground mode to flying mode at the touch of a button. To do this, components of the airframe were designed to be stored in compartments in the body of the vehicle when required. He was awarded patent rights to the design in 1981.

In 1989 he started colaborating on the development of the design with J. Robert Smurthwaite, also of Baker City. Their most significant change at that time was to incorporate a second engine into the vehicle. The original concept called for one engine for both flying and ground service. It was felt that for FAA certification, the use of an auto engine and front wheel drive when on the ground, along with a certified aircraft engine for flight purposes would be more suitable.

The work on the mode conversion mechanisms at the Universities of California, Iowa State and Florida Tech is an extension of the development of this roadable.