Maze-like interlocking smart structure based on 4D printing and its locking method
The 4D printed maze-like interlocking smart structure using shape memory polymers addresses the complexity and adaptability issues of conventional locking devices by forming a reliable maze interlock in response to temperature stimuli, ensuring efficient and controllable locking without external force.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023123694
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-06-30
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-07-28
AI Technical Summary
Conventional locking connection devices in mechanical engineering require complex mechanical structures, lack environmental adaptability, and do not provide intelligent, controllable locking.
A 4D printed maze-like interlocking smart structure using shape memory polymers that deforms in response to temperature stimuli to form a maze interlock without external force, comprising active and passive layers with specific thickness ratios and angles, and a locking method involving deformation and reformation based on operation execution priority.
The smart structure achieves reliable, self-operating, lightweight, and pollution-free locking with high reliability, simplifying design and manufacturing processes, and enabling controllable deformation for complex structures.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a labyrinth interlocking smart structure, and to the field of additive manufacturing, in particular to a labyrinth interlocking smart structure based on 4D printing and its locking method. [Background technology]
[0002] Locking connection devices are widely used in fields such as underwater docking, aerospace, automobile manufacturing, and construction engineering. A reliable locking device is an important part of ensuring the stable operation of a mechanical system. Conventional locking connection devices commonly used in mechanical engineering typically require complex mechanical structure design, the combination and fitting of multiple components, and mechanical contributions between human and equipment, such as bolt and nut connection devices, welding devices, and riveting devices. These devices have poor environmental adaptability and cannot achieve intelligent and controllable locking of mechanisms. Therefore, a smart locking device that is programmable, deformation-controllable, and interlocks with high reliability is needed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0003] To solve the problems in the background art, the present invention provides a 4D printing-based maze interlock smart structure and locking method thereof. The product of the present invention can respond in real time to external temperature excitation and form a maze interlock according to operation execution priority without applying external force, thereby reliably locking the connected objects. [Means for solving the problem]
[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is: (1) A 4D printed maze-like interlocking smart structure,
[0005] This structure has one end coveredThe device comprises a long non-executing segment fixed to a connector, several locking units, and several short non-executing segments. The locking units and short non-executing segments are arranged alternately and connected end to end to form a locking segment. The locking segment has a locking unit and a short non-executing segment at both ends. The locking segment is connected to the other end of the long non-executing segment via the locking unit at one end. The locking units are bent and deformed. The non-executing segments are not deformed, and their ends are connected to the ends of the locking units, connecting each locking unit. This forms a smart structure.
[0006] The lock execution unit includes an active layer and a passive layer arranged in a stack. The active layer of each lock execution unit is located on the same side of the labyrinth-like interlocking smart structure. The active layer is constructed by stacking several printed layers. Each printed layer has several parallel printed paths, all parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lock segment. The passive layer is constructed by stacking several mesh-like printed layers. Each mesh-like printed layer has several intersecting printed paths, which form angles of 45° and -45° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lock segment.
[0007] The thickness ratio k of the active layer to the passive layer of each lock execution unit is different. The dimensions of the side where the active layer and the passive layer of each lock execution unit are connected are the same. The dimensions of the side where the lock execution unit is connected to the long non-executing segment and the short non-executing segment are the same.
[0008] The long non-executing segment and the short non-executing segment are both constructed by stacking several mesh-like printed layers, each of which has several intersecting printed paths, and the intersecting printed paths form angles of 45° and -45° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the locking segment. The long non-executing segment, the short non-executing segment, and each locking unit are all made of a shape memory polymer material.
[0009] 1 (2) A locking method for a maze-like interlock smart structure, the method comprising the steps of: Step 1: Two maze-like interlocking smart structures are arranged alternately in opposite directions with homochirality between two spaced apart, opposing connectable bodies. However, each maze-like interlocking smart structure has one fixed end connected to one connectable body, and the other free end not in contact with the other connectable body. The opposing sides of the locking execution units of the two maze-like interlocking smart structures are the sides where the active layers are present. In the initial state, the two maze-like interlocking smart structures are linearly arranged parallel and spaced apart.
[0010] Step 2: In response to an external stimulus, each locking unit of each maze-like interlocking smart structure is simultaneously deformed so that it curves toward the other maze-like interlocking smart structure. The two maze-like interlocking smart structures are deformed so that the degree of deformation from their free ends to their fixed ends is the same, thereby forming a maze-like interlocking state.
[0011] Step 3: Remove the external stimulus and restore the strength of each locking unit to its initial strength, thereby finally locking the two connected bodies together.
[0012] In step 2, the external stimulus is specifically a temperature stimulus. The temperature stimulus is specifically a temperature stimulus that is higher than the glass transition temperature of the shape memory polymer. than It is 20 to 30 degrees higher at 80 to 90 degrees.
[0013] In step 2, during the deformation of the maze interlock smart structure, each lock execution unit is curved and deformed according to its respective predetermined operation execution priority, and two adjacent non-executing segments are perpendicular to each other in the maze interlock state.
[0014] The operation execution priority of each lock execution unit from the free end to the fixed end of the maze-shaped interlocking smart structure is ranked from high to low. The higher the operation execution priority, the smaller the ratio k of the passive layer to the active layer of the lock execution unit, and the shorter the operation execution time during bending. The order of operation execution priority is equal to the number of lock execution units in each maze-shaped interlocking smart structure.
[0015] Specifically, the operation execution priorities are divided into three or five priorities: the first priority G1, the second priority G2, the third priority G3, the fourth priority G4, and the fifth priority G5 correspond to the thickness ratio k of the passive layer to the active layer of the lock execution unit of 3 to 4, 1.9 to 3, 1.3 to 1.9, 0.8 to 1.3, and 0.5 to 0.8, respectively.
[0016] When the operation execution priority is divided into three priorities, namely, first priority G1, second priority G2, and third priority G3, the maze interlock state becomes a general lock state. General lock means that the lock state is relatively stable but allows for slight loosening. In this case, the two maze interlock smart structures form a double maze interlock smart structure. Each maze interlock smart structure is spirally curved into four segments, and the two maze interlock smart structures are interlocked with each other.
[0017] When the operation execution priorities are divided into five priorities, namely, first priority G1, second priority G2, third priority G3, fourth priority G4, and fifth priority G5, the maze-like interlocking interlock state becomes a strong lock state. Strong lock means that the locking state is very stable and loosening is not allowed. At this time, the two maze-like interlocking smart structures form a triple maze-like interlocking smart structure. Each maze-like interlocking smart structure is spirally curved into six segments, and the two maze-like interlocking smart structures are interlocked with each other.
[0018] "Double" means that the two interlocking smart structures form two interlocking rings after mating, and "triple" means that the two interlocking smart structures form three interlocking rings after mating. "Maze-like" means that the shape of the smart structure after mating resembles a maze. The chirality of the smart structure is determined by the direction of operation of the smart structure's locking unit: if the locking unit operates clockwise, the smart structure will also operate clockwise.
[0019] In this invention, the labyrinth shape of the smart structure to be fabricated and the number of locking execution units are determined according to the locking requirements of the connected object, the operation execution priority of the locking execution units is set, and a shape memory polymer is selected as the material to fabricate the smart structure using fused deposition 4D printing technology. However, the smart structures fabricated by 4D printing are alternately arranged in the opposite direction to the connected object, and when externally synchronously excited, operations with different priorities are performed, ultimately forming a labyrinth interlock. [Effects of the Invention]
[0020] The present invention has the following beneficial effects.
[0021] 1. The present invention has the advantages of simple structure, self-operation, light weight, pollution-free, and high interlock reliability, and the research and development costs are lower than those of conventional lock connection devices.
[0022] 2. The present invention uses shape memory polymer as the material, and comprehensively considers information such as the structural shape of the smart structure, the design parameters of the smart structure, the process parameters of 3D printing, and the excitation temperature of temperature excitation, thereby achieving the rapid manufacturing of complex smart transformation structures and simplifying the design, manufacturing, and assembly processes of smart structure products.
[0023] 3. This invention uses 4D printing technology to process smart materials. The resulting smart structure deforms under external synchronous excitation, ultimately forming a maze-like interlock with a special spatial arrangement. It can respond to thermal excitation in real time and achieve reliable locking of connected objects without applying external force. In addition, the molding process is not limited by the complexity of the structure, making it easier to meet functional requirements compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
[0024] 4. The structure of the present invention is labyrinth-shaped, and when multiple labyrinth-shaped smart structures are interlocked, a reliable locking effect can be achieved. The self-actuating behavior of the smart structures can be controlled by changing the design parameters, and the interlocking process is smooth and reliable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the distribution of the active and passive layers of a lock execution unit according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration and design parameters of the smart structure according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the operation execution process of a single smart structure according to the present invention, where (a) in Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the smart structure according to the present invention before operation execution, (b) in Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the smart structure according to the present invention during operation execution, and (c) in Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of the smart structure according to the present invention when operation execution is completed. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the state before and after the smart structure fabricated in accordance with the present invention achieves a double labyrinth interlocking lock without thermal excitation or external force application, where FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement state of the smart structure according to the present invention before operation, and FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram showing the locked state of the smart structure according to the present invention after operation is completed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state before and after the smart structure fabricated in accordance with the present invention achieves triple maze-shaped interlocking locking without thermal excitation or external force application, where FIG. 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement state of the smart structure according to the present invention before operation, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing the locked state of the smart structure according to the present invention after operation is completed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and specific examples.
[0027] The 4D printed labyrinth interlocking smart structure of the present invention has one end as shown in FIG. covered The device comprises a long non-operating segment fixed to a connector, several locking units, and several short non-operating segments. The locking units and short non-operating segments are arranged alternately and connected end to end to form a locking segment. The locking segment has a locking unit and a short non-operating segment at both ends. The locking segment is connected to the other end of the long non-operating segment via the locking unit at one end. The locking units are bent and deformed. The non-operating segments are undeformed and their ends are connected to the ends of each locking unit, forming a smart structure. The long non-operating segment, short non-operating segment, and each locking unit are all made of shape memory polymer material.
[0028] The lock execution section includes an active layer and a passive layer arranged in a stacked manner, as shown in FIG. 1. The active layer of each lock execution section is located on the same side of the maze-like interlocking smart structure. The active layer is constructed by stacking several printed layers. Each printed layer has several parallel printed paths, all of which are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lock segment. The passive layer is constructed by stacking several mesh-like printed layers. Each mesh-like printed layer has several intersecting printed paths, which form angles of 45° and -45° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lock segment. Both the long non-executing segment and the short non-executing segment are constructed by stacking several mesh-like printed layers. Each mesh-like printed layer has several intersecting printed paths, which form angles of 45° and -45° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the lock segment.
[0029] The thickness ratio k of the active layer to the passive layer varies for each lock execution unit. The dimensions of the side where the active layer and the passive layer of the lock execution unit are connected are the same. The dimensions of the side where the lock execution unit is connected to the long non-executing segment and the short non-executing segment are the same. The locking method of the maze-like interlocking smart structure according to the present invention includes the following steps.
[0030] Step 1: Two maze-like interlocking smart structures are arranged between two opposing, spaced apart connected bodies in a staggered manner with homochirality, with one end of each maze-like interlocking smart structure connected to one connected body as a fixed end and the other end as a free end not in contact with the other connected body, with the opposing sides of the locking execution units of the two maze-like interlocking smart structures being the sides where the active layers are present, and in the initial state, the two maze-like interlocking smart structures are arranged in a linear state, parallel and spaced apart.
[0031] Step 2: By applying an external stimulus, the locking sections of each maze-like interlocking smart structure are simultaneously deformed so that they curve toward the other maze-like interlocking smart structure. By deforming the two maze-like interlocking smart structures so that the degree of deformation is the same from their free ends to their fixed ends, a maze-like interlocking state is formed, as shown in Figure 3(a), Figure 3(b), and Figure 3(c).
[0032] In step 2, the external stimulus is specifically a temperature stimulus. The temperature stimulus is specifically a temperature stimulus that is higher than the glass transition temperature of the shape memory polymer. than It is 20 to 30 degrees higher at 80 to 90 degrees.
[0033] In step 2, during the deformation of the maze interlock smart structure, each lock execution unit is curved and deformed according to its respective predetermined operation execution priority, and two adjacent non-executing segments are perpendicular to each other in the maze mating interlock state.
[0034] The operation execution priority of each lock execution unit from the free end to the fixed end of the maze-shaped interlocking smart structure is ranked from high to low. The higher the operation execution priority, the smaller the ratio k of the passive layer to the active layer of the lock execution unit, and the shorter the operation execution time during bending. The order of operation execution priority is equal to the number of lock execution units in each maze-shaped interlocking smart structure.
[0035] Specifically, the operation execution priority is divided into three or five priorities. The first priority G1, second priority G2, third priority G3, fourth priority G4, and fifth priority G5 correspond to the thickness ratio k of the passive layer to the active layer of the lock execution unit of 3 to 4, 1.9 to 3, 1.3 to 1.9, 0.8 to 1.3, and 0.5 to 0.8, respectively.
[0036] The action execution priority is determined according to the action execution completion time, with G1 representing 20s to 25s, G2 representing 15s to 20s, G3 representing 10s to 15s, G4 representing 5s to 10s, and G5 representing 0s to 5s.
[0037] When the operation execution priority is divided into three priorities, first priority G1, second priority G2, and third priority G3, the maze interlock state becomes a general lock state. General lock means that the lock state is relatively stable but allows for slight loosening. At this time, the two maze interlock smart structures form a double maze interlock smart structure. Each maze interlock smart structure is spirally curved into four segments, and the two maze interlock smart structures are interlocked with each other.
[0038] When the operation execution priorities are divided into five priorities, namely, first priority G1, second priority G2, third priority G3, fourth priority G4, and fifth priority G5, the maze-like interlocking interlock state becomes a strong lock state. Strong lock means that the locking state is very stable and loosening is not allowed. At this time, the two maze-like interlocking smart structures form a triple maze-like interlocking smart structure. Each maze-like interlocking smart structure is spirally curved into six segments, and the two maze-like interlocking smart structures are interlocked with each other.
[0039] Note that "double" means that the two interlocking smart structures form two interlocking rings after mating, and "triple" means that the two interlocking smart structures form three interlocking rings after mating. "Maze-like structure" means that the shape of the smart structure after mating resembles a maze. The chirality of the smart structure is determined by the direction of operation of the locking execution unit of the smart structure. When the locking execution unit performs its operation clockwise, the smart structure also becomes clockwise. Step 3: Remove the external stimulus and restore the strength of each locking unit to its initial strength, thereby finally locking the two connected bodies together.
[0040] In this invention, when fabricating a maze-like interlocking smart structure, the maze shape of the smart structure to be fabricated and the number of its locking execution units are determined according to the locking requirements of the connected object, and the operation execution priority of the locking execution units is set. According to the design rules of the locking execution units, the design parameter values of the smart structure that satisfy the operation execution priority are determined. Shape memory polymer is selected as the material, and parameter values for the 3D printing process are selected. An undeformed smart structure is fabricated by 3D printing using fused deposition modeling technology. The design parameter values of the smart structure are the width b and thickness h of the smart structure, the thickness ratio k of the passive layer to the active layer of the locking execution unit, the length a1 of the locking execution unit, and the length a2 of the non-executing segment. The parameter values for the 3D printing process include the print line width wp, the print layer height hp, the print nozzle temperature tp, and the print speed vp.
[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the maze-shaped interlocking smart structure has a width b of 5 mm to 100 mm and a thickness h of 1 mm. The length a1 of the locking unit is 8 mm to 12 mm, and the lengths a2 of the long and short non-executing segments are 10 mm to 15 mm. The parameters of the 3D printing process include the print line width wp, the print layer height hp, the print nozzle temperature tp, and the print speed vp. In a specific implementation, the print line width wp of the passive layer of the locking unit is 0.4 mm, the print layer height hp is 0.1 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp is 190 to 210°C, and the print speed vp is 50 to 60 mm / s. The print line width wp of the active layer of the locking unit is 0.4 mm, the print layer height hp is 0.05 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp is 190 to 195°C, and the print speed vp is 50 to 60 mm / s. The print line width of the non-execution segment of the lock execution unit is set to wp = 0.4 mm, the print layer height hp = 0.1 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp = 190 to 210 °C, and the print speed vp = 50 to 60 mm / s.
[0042] Fused deposition 3D printing uses a bottom-up method to print passive and active layers, with each printed layer in the passive and active layers being completed by repeated layering and printing from bottom to top. Fused deposition 3D printing uses a bottom-up method to print non-executable segments, with each printed layer in the non-executable segments being completed by repeated layering and printing from bottom to top. The passive and active layers of the lock execution unit and each printed layer in the non-executable segments are printed simultaneously when the nozzle is positioned at the same print height. The printing order of the same layer is determined by the printing order automatically generated according to the 3D printing slicing software until all printed layers are completed. Specific examples of the present invention are as follows. Example 1:
[0043] 1) Since the locking requirement of the connected object is a general lock, the shape of the smart structure to be created is a double maze, and the number of locking execution units is determined to be 3. The operation execution priority of each locking execution unit is determined and named G1, G3, and G5 from the fixed end to the free end, respectively.
[0044] 2) Determine the design parameter values of the smart structure that satisfies the operation execution priority according to the design rules for the lock execution unit. The width b of the smart structure is set to 8 mm, the thickness h to 1 mm, and the length a1 of the lock execution unit to 10 mm. The lengths of the three non-executing segments from the free end to the fixed end are set to a2 to 12 mm, 12 mm, and 13 mm, respectively. The thickness ratio k of the passive layer to the active layer is set to k = 3 for the lock execution unit with priority G1, k = 1.5 for the lock execution unit with priority G3, and k = 0.6 for the lock execution unit with priority G5.
[0045] 3) Shape memory polymer is selected as the material, and the smart structure is fabricated by fused deposition 3D printing using a bottom-up layer-by-layer method. The angles between the material orientation of the passive layer and the longitudinal direction of the smart structure are 45° and -45°. The material orientation of the active layer is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the smart structure. The material orientation of the non-executing segments of the smart structure, perpendicular to the printing plane, matches the material orientation of the passive layer. The print line width of the passive layer of the lock execution unit is wp = 0.4 mm, the print layer height hp = 0.1 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp = 210°C, and the print speed vp = 60 mm / s. The print line width of the active layer of the lock execution unit is wp = 0.4 mm, the print layer height hp = 0.05 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp = 195°C, and the print speed vp = 50 mm / s. The print line width of the non-execution segment of the lock execution unit is set to wp=0.4 mm, the print layer height hp=0.1 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp=210° C., and the print speed vp=60 mm / s.
[0046] 4) For the smart structure fabricated by 3D printing, temperature excitation is adopted as the external excitation, and the excitation temperature is set to 85°C. In the external excitation, the lock execution unit completes the curvature operation execution in order from high to low according to the priority, thereby obtaining a single maze-like smart structure, as shown in Figure 4(b).
[0047] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) are schematic diagrams showing the before and after of the smart structure achieving double labyrinth interlocking without thermal excitation or external force application. The locking unit begins to perform bending operations according to the operational priority order, then the free ends come into contact to complete the interlocking. Under external synchronous excitation, the smart structure begins to perform bending operations according to the operational priority order of the locking unit, then completes the interlocking, achieving full interlocking interlocking and achieving the goal of general interlocking of the connected objects. Example 2:
[0048] 1) Since the locking requirement of the connected object is a strong lock, the shape of the smart structure to be created is a triple maze, and the number of locking execution units is determined to be 5. The operation execution priority of each locking execution unit is determined and named G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5 from the fixed end to the free end, respectively.
[0049] 2) Determine the design parameter values of the smart structure that satisfy the operation execution priority according to the design rules for the lock execution unit. The width b of the smart structure is 8 mm, the thickness h is 1 mm, and the length a1 of the lock execution unit is 10 mm. The lengths of the three non-executing segments from the free end to the fixed end are a2 = 12 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. The thickness ratio k of the passive layer to the active layer is set as follows: for the lock execution unit with priority G1, k = 3; for the lock execution unit with priority G2, k = 2; for the lock execution unit with priority G3, k = 1.5; for the lock execution unit with priority G4, k = 1; and for the lock execution unit with priority G5, k = 0.6.
[0050] 3) A shape memory polymer is selected as the material, and the smart structure is fabricated by fused deposition 3D printing using a bottom-up layer-by-layer method. The material orientation of the passive layer is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the smart structure, the material orientation of the active layer is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the smart structure, and the material orientation of the non-executing segments of the smart structure perpendicular to the printing plane is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the smart structure. The print line width of the passive layer of the lock execution unit is wp = 0.4 mm, the print layer height hp = 0.1 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp = 210 °C, and the print speed vp = 60 mm / s. The print line width of the active layer of the lock execution unit is wp = 0.4 mm, the print layer height hp = 0.05 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp = 195 °C, and the print speed vp = 50 mm / s. The print line width of the non-execution segment of the lock execution unit is set to wp=0.4 mm, the print layer height hp=0.1 mm, the print nozzle temperature tp=210° C., and the print speed vp=60 mm / s.
[0051] 4) For the smart structure fabricated by 3D printing, temperature excitation is adopted as the external excitation, and the excitation temperature is set to 85°C. In the external excitation, the lock execution unit completes the curvature operation execution in order from high to low according to the priority, thereby obtaining a single maze-like smart structure.
[0052] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are schematic diagrams showing the before and after of the smart structure achieving triple labyrinth interlocking without thermal excitation or external force application. The locking execution unit begins to perform its bending motion according to its operational priority, and then the free ends come into contact to complete the interlocking. With external synchronous excitation, the smart structure begins to perform its bending motion according to its operational priority, and then completes the interlocking, achieving full interlocking interlocking and the goal of securely locking the connected components.
[0053] 4D printing combines traditional 3D printing technology with material science, allowing printed objects to spontaneously deform in response to changing environmental conditions. This invention applies 3D printing technology and shape memory polymers to smart locking devices, changing design parameters to produce results with different response speeds depending on external stimuli. This allows the smart locking device to eliminate external force control during locking while still achieving orderly, controllable deformation. The programmability of 3D printing technology and the shape memory capabilities of shape memory materials enable the device to achieve controllable spontaneous deformation and locking functionality, bringing more efficient and smart locking solutions to a variety of fields.
Claims
1. A maze-like interlocking smart structure, comprising: A long non-executing segment, one end of which is fixed to a connected body, a number of locking units, and a number of short non-executing segments, The lock execution units and the short non-execution segments are arranged alternately and connected end to end to form a lock segment; A lock segment has a lock execution unit at one end and a short non-executing segment at the other end. the lock execution unit at one end of the lock segment is connected to the other end of the long non-execution segment; A maze-like interlocking smart structure.
2. The lock execution unit includes an active layer and a passive layer arranged in a stack; The active layers of each lock execution unit are located on the same side of the labyrinth-like interlocking smart structure; The active layer is constructed by stacking several printed layers, Each print layer has several parallel print paths, all parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lock segments; The passive layer is constructed by stacking several mesh-like printed layers, each mesh-like printed layer having several intersecting printed paths, and the intersecting printed paths form angles of 45° and −45° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the locking segment; 2. The labyrinth-like interlocking smart structure of claim 1.
3. The ratio of the thickness of the active layer to the passive layer ((passive layer thickness) / (active layer thickness)) k is different for each of the lock execution units; The dimensions of the side to which the active layer and the passive layer of the lock execution unit are connected are the same; The dimensions of one side to which the lock execution unit is connected to the long non-execution segment and the short non-execution segment are the same.
3. The labyrinth interlocking smart structure of claim 2.
4. The long non-execution segment and the short non-execution segment are both constructed by laminating several mesh-shaped print layers, Each mesh-like printed layer has several intersecting printed paths, and the intersecting printed paths form angles of 45° and −45° with respect to the longitudinal direction of the locking segment; 2. The labyrinth-like interlocking smart structure of claim 1.
5. The long non-executing segment, the short non-executing segment, and each locking unit are all made of a shape memory polymer material.
2. The labyrinth-like interlocking smart structure of claim 1.
6. 4. A locking method for a labyrinth interlocking smart structure according to claim 2 or 3, comprising: Step 1: two maze-like interlocking smart structures in an initial linear state are arranged parallel to and spaced apart from two opposing connectable bodies, one of which has one end of the long non-executing segment fixed to one of the connectable bodies and the other end of the locking segment not in contact with the other connectable body, and the other of which has one end of the long non-executing segment fixed to the other connectable body and the other end of the locking segment not in contact with the one connectable body, and one opposing side of the two maze-like interlocking smart structures is one side on which the active layer of the locking unit is located; Step 2: by external stimulation, each locking unit of each maze-like interlocking smart structure is simultaneously deformed to bend toward the other maze-like interlocking smart structure, and the two maze-like interlocking smart structures are deformed so that the deformation degree from their free ends to their fixed ends is the same, thereby forming a maze-like interlocked state; and step 3, removing the external stimulus and restoring the strength of each locking unit to the strength of its initial state, thereby finally locking the two connected bodies together. A locking method for a maze-like interlock smart structure.
7. In step 2, the external stimulus is specifically a temperature stimulus, A temperature stimulus of 80 to 90°C, which is higher than the glass transition temperature of the shape memory polymer that is the material of the lock execution unit, is applied to the two labyrinth interlock smart structures to deform them.
7. The locking method for a labyrinth interlock smart structure according to claim 6.
8. In step 2, during the deformation of the maze interlock smart structure, each lock execution unit is curved and deformed according to its respective predetermined operation execution priority, and every two adjacent non-executing segments are perpendicular to each other in the maze interlock state; The operation execution priority of each locking execution unit from the free end to the fixed end of the maze-shaped interlocking smart structure is in the order of high to low. The higher the operation execution priority, the smaller the thickness ratio of the active layer to the passive layer of the locking execution unit ((passive layer thickness) / (active layer thickness)) k, and the shorter the operation execution completion time during bending.
7. The locking method for a labyrinth interlock smart structure according to claim 6.
9. Specifically, the operation execution priority is divided into three or five priorities, and the first priority G1, the second priority G2, the third priority G3, the fourth priority G4, and the fifth priority G5 correspond to the ratio k of the thickness of the active layer to the passive layer of the lock execution unit ((passive layer thickness) / (active layer thickness)) of 3 to 4, 1.9 to 3, 1.3 to 1.9, 0.8 to 1.3, and 0.5 to 0.8, respectively.
9. The locking method for a labyrinth interlock smart structure according to claim 8.
10. When the operation execution priority is divided into three priorities, namely, a first priority G1, a second priority G2, and a third priority G3, the maze-like interlocking interlock state becomes a general locking state, and at this time, the two maze-like interlocking smart structures form a double maze-like interlocking smart structure, each maze-like interlocking smart structure is spirally curved to have four segments, and the two maze-like interlocking smart structures are interlocked with each other; When the operation execution priorities are divided into five priorities, namely, first priority G1, second priority G2, third priority G3, fourth priority G4, and fifth priority G5, the maze-like interlocking state is a strong locking state, and at this time, the two maze-like interlocking smart structures form a triple maze-like interlocking smart structure, each of which is spirally curved into six segments, and the two maze-like interlocking smart structures are interlocked with each other.
10. The locking method for a labyrinth interlock smart structure according to claim 9.
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