Passive Mechanism Inspired by Jurassic Park Raptors

[RJ42]

Hi all !

I’m currently working on the creation of a sophisticated bipedal dinosaur costume, with a specific goal: to realistically replicate neck movement using a passive, inertia-based mechanism, without motors or active controls.

I also want the neck to naturally extend when the torso leans forward and retract or straighten when the torso rises, to achieve a smooth, lifelike motion.

What I’m aiming to recreate is the passive neck mechanism used in the raptor costumes from the original Jurassic Park (links/picture bellow)

So far, I haven’t found anything truly relevant on the subject. If any of you have worked on this type of mechanism before, have advice to share, or any kind of documentation, I’d be very happy to hear from you!

Thanks a lot for your help

Robin

Stan Winston Raptor Suit
Stan Winston Raptor Suit 2
Stan Winston Raptor Suit 3

 

[automan33]

I've seen a few use parallel manipulator of some type to achieve the effect you are after. Either a simple one (like a parallel arm) for a straight up-and-down movement, or more complex, like the one Adam Savage has in their video here:

There's also toys that have the same effect, but on a smaller scale.