Tensioning type foldable dynamic environment adaptation device based on micro-fluidic film

Abstract

The invention discloses a tension type foldable dynamic environment adaptation device based on a microfluidic film, and belongs to the field of dynamic regulation and foldable structures. The device comprises a microfluidic film and a tensegrity structure, the tensegrity structure comprises a plurality of nodes, a plurality of tension elastic units and a plurality of compression rod units, the nodes are mounted at two ends of each compression rod unit, and the nodes are interwoven and connected through the tension elastic units to jointly form a rigid-flexible foldable telescopic framework structure. The micro-fluidic film is connected to a part of nodes of the foldable telescopic skeleton structure and covers a closed hollow area formed by the other part of nodes. The invention aims to solve the problems of large weight, complex disassembly and assembly, single form and insufficient impact resistance of the existing expandable support structure, can flexibly adjust the scale and coverage area of the device according to the needs of actual application scenes, and shows wide application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tensionable, expandable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films, belonging to the field of dynamic control and expandable structures. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of detection and monitoring technologies, higher demands are being placed on the research of advanced functional thin films and deployable structures. Traditional static covering methods are insufficient in terms of dynamic response and adaptability. Microfluidic thin films, as dynamically tunable color-changing and temperature-changing materials, have shown promising development prospects in the field of functional thin film applications due to their fast response speed, rich control range, and low manufacturing cost. Common covering devices typically use mesh materials for shielding. However, when the covered object contains heat-generating components, the heat conduction effect may cause the covering material to heat up, thus affecting its control effect in the infrared band. In addition, in some application scenarios, a certain amount of space needs to be reserved under the covering device to facilitate equipment maintenance or personnel operation. Therefore, the covering material often needs to be combined with a support structure to form an integrated environmentally adaptable device that can adapt to various needs. Existing support structures mostly adopt the form of trusses, which have problems such as complex layout and disassembly, large weight, fixed shape, and limited impact resistance, resulting in insufficient mobility, portability, and flexibility of the device.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a tensionable, expandable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems of existing deployable support structures, such as large weight, complex assembly and disassembly, limited form, and insufficient impact resistance. A tensioned monolithic structure can be introduced as the support framework. This tensioned monolithic structure is a special rigid-flexible hybrid structure, composed of rigid units that withstand only pressure and flexible units that withstand only tension. This structure features lightweight, adjustable stiffness, strong impact resistance, and excellent deployability. This invention utilizes a microfluidic thin film with excellent dynamic control performance, combined with the highly deployable tensioned monolithic structure, to design a dynamic environmental adaptation device with visual, thermal, and morphological self-adaptive functions. A brief overview of the invention is provided below to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of the invention. It should be understood that this overview is not an exhaustive summary of the invention. It is not intended to identify key or essential parts of the invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0005] The technical solution of the present invention:

[0006] A tensionable and expandable dynamic environmental adaptation device based on a microfluidic thin film includes a microfluidic thin film and a tensionable integral structure. The tensionable integral structure includes multiple nodes, multiple tensile elastic units, and multiple compressive rod units. Each compressive rod unit has nodes installed at both ends. The nodes are interconnected by the tensile elastic units to form a rigid-flexible hybrid expandable and stretchable skeleton structure. The microfluidic thin film is connected to a portion of the nodes of the expandable and stretchable skeleton structure, covering the closed hollow area formed by the other portion of the nodes.

[0007] Preferably, the microfluidic film is a transparent film with a cavity-type microchannel and is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.

[0008] Preferably, the surface color and temperature are changed by injecting liquids of different colors or temperatures into the microfluidic film.

[0009] Preferably, the microfluidic film is a monolithic structure or a large film structure formed by combining multiple microfluidic film units.

[0010] Preferably, the number of nodes is 10, the number of tensile elastic units is 15, and the number of compression member units is 5.

[0011] Preferably, the tensioned integral structure undergoes stepless vertical or radial expansion deformation within the prestress range borne by the tension elastic unit; and when the prestress of the tension elastic unit remains unchanged, it also achieves stepless expansion deformation in the corresponding direction under the action of vertical or radial external forces.

[0012] Preferably, some or all of the tensile elastic units are active driving units, which actively drive the overall tensioned structure to deform by changing their own prestress.

[0013] Preferably, the microfluidic film covers a plurality of closed hollow regions enclosed by the nodes, the closed hollow regions including pentagonal regions and / or pentagonal regions.

[0014] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. The core advantage of this invention, a tensionable, foldable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films, lies in its revolutionary breakthrough in environmental adaptability, moving from static to dynamic and from single-dimensional to multi-dimensional. It deeply integrates a microfluidic thin film capable of dynamic control in the visual and infrared bands with a tensionable overall structure that can flexibly change its shape. This allows the device to not only change its physical shape to adapt to spatial constraints but also actively adjust its optical and thermal properties in real time, thereby achieving efficient environmental integration in both visible and infrared bands. This solves the fundamental problem of insufficient adaptability of traditional static covering devices in complex and changing environments.

[0016] 2. The tensioned integral structure of this invention, as a self-balancing system combining rigidity and flexibility, has most of its components bearing only tensile force, maximizing material efficiency and achieving ultimate lightweighting of the entire device. This structure can also smoothly expand from an extremely compact, folded state to a large working state, exhibiting a very high folding-to-expansion ratio, greatly facilitating transportation and rapid deployment. More importantly, this structure possesses inherent flexibility and toughness; when subjected to external impacts or unexpected loads, it can absorb and disperse energy through its own deformation, thus avoiding the brittle fracture problem of traditional rigid structures and demonstrating excellent impact resistance and environmental reliability.

[0017] 3. This invention also demonstrates a high degree of flexibility and intelligence in its driving and control mechanisms. The device's shape can be actively and precisely adjusted by controlling the prestress of the tension units to complete designated unfolding or retracting actions; alternatively, when the driving units are locked, it can passively adapt to external forces by deforming to buffer impacts, and return to its original shape after the external force is removed. This integrated active and passive driving mechanism enables the device to intelligently respond to various anticipated and unexpected complex environmental interactions, greatly expanding its application range.

[0018] 4. This invention precisely addresses long-standing pain points in specific application scenarios. For heat-generating components covered by the device, the microfluidic thin film can actively circulate and dissipate heat through the injection of cryogenic liquid, effectively avoiding the problem of uncontrolled infrared signatures caused by thermal conduction in traditional materials. Simultaneously, the naturally hollow shape of the tensioned overall structure and the space created below during the unfolding process provide necessary convenience for the maintenance, repair, and operation of internal equipment, greatly enhancing the practicality and engineering value of the device.

[0019] 5. This invention exhibits excellent scalability and modularity in its design and construction. The microfluidic film can be spliced ​​and covered using multiple independent units, allowing for zoned management and functional control of different areas of the device. The tensioned overall structure itself also possesses the potential for scaling and modular assembly, enabling flexible adjustment of the device's size and coverage area according to the needs of actual application scenarios, demonstrating broad applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the folded state of a tensionable, expandable, and dynamically adaptable environmental device based on microfluidic thin films.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state of a tensionable, expandable, dynamic environmentally adaptable device based on microfluidic thin films;

[0022] Figure 3This is a three-dimensional view of the tensioned integral structure described in Specific Implementation Method 1;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the vertical folding state of the tensioned integral structure as described in Specific Implementation Method 1;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a radial folding state diagram of the tensioned integral structure as described in Specific Implementation Method 1;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the tensioned integral structure described in Specific Implementation Method Two;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the servo motor cable winding and unwinding structure as described in Specific Implementation Method 1. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention is described below with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0028] The connections mentioned in this invention are divided into fixed connections and detachable connections. Fixed connections, also known as non-detachable connections, include but are not limited to conventional fixed connection methods such as folded connections, riveted connections, adhesive connections, and welded connections. Detachable connections include but are not limited to conventional disassembly methods such as threaded connections, snap-fit ​​connections, pin connections, and hinged connections. When a specific connection method is not explicitly defined, it is assumed that at least one existing connection method can always be found to achieve the function, and those skilled in the art can choose according to their needs. For example, a welded connection can be chosen for fixed connections, and a hinged connection can be chosen for detachable connections.

[0029] Specific implementation method one: Combining Figures 1-5 This embodiment describes a tensionable, expandable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on a microfluidic thin film, comprising a microfluidic thin film 0-2 and a tensionable integral structure 0-1. The tensionable integral structure 0-1 includes multiple nodes 1, multiple tensile elastic units 2, and multiple compressive rod units 3. Each compressive rod unit 3 has nodes 1 installed at both ends, and the nodes 1 are interconnected through the interlacing of tensile elastic units 3, together forming a rigid-flexible hybrid expandable and stretchable skeleton structure. This topological relationship, composed of purely compressive rigid rods and purely tensile flexible units, forms an inherently self-balancing rigid-flexible hybrid system, giving the expandable and stretchable skeleton structure excellent expandability and stretchability, enabling it to smoothly and steplessly transform between various forms.

[0030] The microfluidic film 0-2 is a functional transparent film with cavity-like microchannels and a liquid inlet and outlet. The microfluidic film 0-2 is fixedly mounted to a portion of node 1 of the tensioned integral structure 0-1 via its edges or specific connection points. The spread shape and area of ​​the microfluidic film 0-2 are determined by the position of the node 1 it is connected to, and it is used to cover the closed hollow area formed by other non-directly connected nodes 1, thus forming a complete, dynamically adjustable cover together with the supporting frame.

[0031] By pumping liquids of different colors, such as solutions containing different pigments, into the microchannels of the microfluidic film 0-2 through the liquid inlet, the visible light color and pattern on the film surface can be changed in real time, achieving visual deception or identification functions. By pumping in liquids of different temperatures, such as constant-temperature circulating water, the temperature of the film surface can be actively controlled to match it with the surrounding thermal environment, achieving infrared thermal deception or thermal management functions. Therefore, this device possesses dynamic adaptive capabilities for both vision and infrared thermal analysis.

[0032] The morphological variability of the tensioned integral structure 0-1 provides the device with morphological adaptive capability. Some or all of the tensioned elastic units 2 can be configured as active driving units, such as using servo motors to wind and unwind cables, shape memory alloys, and flexible driving units. By changing the prestress (length or tension) of these active driving units through control system commands, the entire structure can be actively driven to undergo controllable, stepless deformation, such as vertical lifting and folding or radial unfolding and contraction. Furthermore, even when the driving units are not actively working, i.e., the prestress remains constant, the structure possesses excellent passive deformation capability. When subjected to external vertical or radial forces, the structure can adapt to the external force by adjusting the position of node 1 and the elongation of the tensioned unit 2, undergoing corresponding deformation. After the external force is removed, it maintains the new shape by relying on the restoring force of the elastic units or by relocking the driving units. This dual active and passive folding and unfolding mechanism greatly enhances the device's adaptability to different spatial environments and operational requirements, such as… Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the vertical folding state, such as... Figure 5 This is a radial folding state diagram.

[0033] Specifically, the servo motor cable winding and unwinding mechanism includes a servo motor 2-2, a control board 2-3, a cable, and a rotating reel 2-1. The pressure-bearing rod unit 3 is a hollow structure, with two servo motors 2-2 fixedly and symmetrically installed inside. The output end of the servo motor 2-2 is equipped with a rotating reel 2-1. One end of the cable is coiled on the rotating reel 2-1, and the other end protrudes from the end of the pressure-bearing rod unit 3, passes through node 1, and connects to the cable protruding from the other pressure-bearing rod unit 3. The control board 2-3 is also located inside the pressure-bearing rod unit 3 and is used to control the rotation of the servo motor 2-2. The servo motor 2-2 drives the rotating reel 2-1 to rotate, thereby realizing the winding and unwinding of the cable, that is, realizing the extension and contraction of the tension elastic unit 2.

[0034] The microfluidic film 0-2 can be designed as a single monolithic structure, covering the top and sides of the entire skeleton, or it can be composed of multiple smaller, independently controlled liquid microfluidic film units, which are spliced ​​together and cover multiple closed hollow areas enclosed by node 1, such as multiple quadrilateral and / or a pentagonal area. This design is easy to maintain and allows different control strategies to be implemented in different areas.

[0035] In summary, the device of this embodiment integrates morphological, visual, and thermal adaptive capabilities. The device has at least one of the functions of visual adaptation, infrared thermal adaptation, and morphological adaptation, and has the advantages of light weight, high storage ratio, rapid deployment, and strong environmental adaptability. It can be widely used in fields such as civilian decoys, temporary shelters, space deployable structures, and outdoor emergency equipment.

[0036] Specific Implementation Method Two: Combining Figures 1-6 This embodiment describes a tensionable, deployable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on a microfluidic thin film, based on Specific Embodiment 1. The device comprises 10 nodes 1, 15 tensile elastic units 2, and 5 compressive rod units 3. Figure 6 As shown.

[0037] The 10 nodes are: first node 11, second node 12, third node 13, fourth node 14, fifth node 15, sixth node 16, seventh node 17, eighth node 18, ninth node 19, and tenth node 110.

[0038] The 15 tensile elastic units 2 are: first elastic unit 21, second elastic unit 22, third elastic unit 23, fourth elastic unit 24, fifth elastic unit 25, sixth elastic unit 26, seventh elastic unit 27, eighth elastic unit 28, ninth elastic unit 29, tenth elastic unit 210, eleventh elastic unit 211, twelfth elastic unit 212, thirteenth elastic unit 213, fourteenth elastic unit 214, and fifteenth elastic unit 215.

[0039] The five compression member units 3 are: first compression member 31, second compression member 32, third compression member 33, fourth compression member 34, and fifth compression member 35.

[0040] The two ends of the first pressure rod 31 are respectively connected to the first node 11 and the sixth node 16;

[0041] The two ends of the second pressure bar 32 are connected to the second node 12 and the seventh node 17, respectively;

[0042] The two ends of the third pressure bar 33 are connected to the third node 13 and the eighth node 18, respectively;

[0043] The two ends of the fourth pressure bar 34 are connected to the fourth node 14 and the ninth node 19, respectively;

[0044] The two ends of the fifth pressure bar 35 are connected to the fifth node 15 and the tenth node 110, respectively.

[0045] The first elastic unit 21 connects the first node 11 and the second node 12;

[0046] The second elastic element 22 connects the second node 12 and the third node 13;

[0047] The third elastic element 23 connects the third node 13 and the fourth node 14;

[0048] The fourth elastic element 24 connects the fourth node 14 and the fifth node 15;

[0049] The fifth elastic element 25 connects the fifth node 15 and the first node 11;

[0050] The sixth elastic element 26 connects the first node 11 and the tenth node 110;

[0051] The seventh elastic element 27 connects the second node 12 and the sixth node 16;

[0052] The eighth elastic element 28 connects the third node 13 and the seventh node 17;

[0053] The ninth elastic element 29 connects the fourth node 14 and the eighth node 18;

[0054] The tenth elastic element 210 connects the fifth node 15 and the ninth node 19;

[0055] Eleventh elastic element 211 connects sixth node 16 and seventh node 17;

[0056] The twelfth elastic element 212 connects the seventh node 17 and the eighth node 18;

[0057] The thirteenth elastic element 213 connects the eighth node 18 and the ninth node 19;

[0058] The fourteenth elastic element 214 connects the ninth node 19 and the tenth node 110;

[0059] The fifteenth elastic element 215 connects the tenth node 110 and the sixth node 16.

[0060] The microfluidic film 0-2 is specifically composed of six film units spliced ​​together, which respectively cover six closed hollow areas.

[0061] Specifically, the first film unit of the microfluidic film 0-2 covers a quadrilateral region enclosed by the first node 11, the second node 12, the sixth node 16, and the seventh node 17.

[0062] The second film unit of the microfluidic film 0-2 covers a quadrilateral region enclosed by the second node 12, the third node 13, the seventh node 17, and the eighth node 18.

[0063] The third film unit of the microfluidic film 0-2 covers a quadrilateral region enclosed by the third node 13, the fourth node 14, the eighth node 18, and the ninth node 19.

[0064] The fourth film unit of the microfluidic film 0-2 covers a quadrilateral region enclosed by the fourth node 14, the fifth node 15, the ninth node 19, and the tenth node 110.

[0065] The fifth film unit of the microfluidic film 0-2 covers a quadrilateral region enclosed by the first node 11, the fifth node 15, the sixth node 16, and the tenth node 110.

[0066] The sixth film unit of the microfluidic film 0-2 covers a pentagonal region enclosed by the sixth node 16, the seventh node 17, the eighth node 18, the ninth node 19, and the tenth node 110.

[0067] The sixth elastic unit 26, the seventh elastic unit 27, the eighth elastic unit 28, the ninth elastic unit 29, and the tenth elastic unit 210 in the tensile elastic unit are configured as active driving units. By adjusting the prestress and / or length of these five elastic units through the control system, the entire tensioned structure can be actively controlled to undergo vertical folding deformation. The first to fifth elastic units 21-25 and the eleventh to fifteenth elastic units 211-215 in the tensile elastic unit are also configured as active driving units. By adjusting their prestress, the entire tensioned structure can be actively controlled to undergo radial folding deformation.

[0068] This embodiment achieves visual and infrared adaptation through microfluidic thin films and morphological adaptation through active and passive deformation of the overall tensile structure, making it a comprehensive dynamic environmental adaptation device.

[0069] This embodiment uses five compression member units 3 as spatial support units. The overall appearance exhibits a multi-directional, approximately repeating shape when rotated around the center. The contour differences are minimal when viewed from different angles, thus weakening the contour features, reducing recognizability, and achieving better integration with the environment. In this embodiment, the five compression member units 3 are disguised as a tent, utilizing cable prestress to achieve self-balancing support, possessing redundant load-bearing and self-locking characteristics. When subjected to wind loads, impacts, or damage to local components, the internal forces can be automatically redistributed, achieving flexible energy absorption and rapid recovery, thereby significantly improving the overall stability and safety of the structure.

[0070] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, as long as the technical solutions are not contradictory, they can be permuted and combined. Those skilled in the art can exhaust all possibilities based on the mathematical knowledge of permutation and combination. Therefore, the present invention will not describe the technical solutions after permutation and combination one by one, but it should be understood that the technical solutions after permutation and combination have been disclosed by the present invention.

[0071] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tensionable, deployable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films, characterized in that: The structure includes a microfluidic film (0-2) and a tensioned integral structure (0-1). The tensioned integral structure (0-1) includes multiple nodes (1), multiple tensile elastic units (2), and multiple compression rod units (3). Each compression rod unit (3) has a node (1) installed at both ends. The nodes (1) are interwoven and connected through the tensile elastic units (3) to form a rigid-flexible hybrid foldable and stretchable skeleton structure. The microfluidic film (0-2) is connected to a part of the nodes (1) of the foldable and stretchable skeleton structure, covering the closed hollow area formed by the other part of the nodes (1).

2. The tensionable, expandable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic film (0-2) is a transparent film with a cavity-type microchannel and is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.

3. The tensionable, deployable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface color and temperature can be changed by injecting liquids of different colors or temperatures into the microfluidic film (0-2).

4. A tensionable, deployable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The microfluidic film (0-2) is a monolithic structure or a large film structure formed by combining multiple microfluidic film units.

5. The tensionable, deployable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of nodes (1) is 10, the number of tensile elastic units (2) is 15, and the number of compression rod units (3) is 5.

6. The tensionable, deployable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tensioned integral structure (0-1) undergoes stepless vertical or radial expansion deformation within the prestress range borne by the tension elastic unit (2); and when the prestress of the tension elastic unit (2) remains unchanged, it also achieves stepless expansion deformation in the corresponding direction under the action of vertical or radial external force.

7. A tensionable, deployable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on a microfluidic thin film according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that: Some or all of the tensile elastic units (2) are active driving units, which actively drive the tensioned overall structure (0-1) to deform by changing their own prestress.

8. The tensionable, deployable, dynamic environmental adaptation device based on microfluidic thin films according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic film (0-2) covers a plurality of closed hollow regions enclosed by the node (1), the closed hollow regions including pentagonal regions and / or pentagonal regions.

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