3D Encapsulated Transformative Fluids for Adaptive Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of transformative fluids into three-dimensional geometries has been limited due to the lack of effective means to encapsulate them, restricting their application in energy absorption and dissipation beyond traditional manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of additive manufacturing methods to encapsulate transformative liquids within 3D structures, using techniques such as 3D printing with internal voids, dual flow nozzle assemblies, and temperature-responsive coatings to create structures with enhanced energy absorbing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional manufacturing processes are used, then production is simple and straightforward, but the ability to create complex 3D geometries with transformative fluids is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into distinct stages: first creating a sacrificial structure (such as a sponge or foam) with the desired complex 3D geometry, then injecting the transformative fluid into the porous structure, and finally removing the sacrificial material to leave hollow channels filled with the transformative fluid. This segmentation allows complex geometries to be achieved through simpler sequential operations rather than attempting to directly manufacture the final complex structure in one step.
Solution Approach 2:
A sacrificial material (such as sponge, foam, or other porous structures) is used as an intermediary to temporarily hold the transformative fluid during manufacturing. This intermediary structure enables the transformative fluid to be contained and shaped during the manufacturing process, then removed afterward to create the desired hollow geometry. The intermediary facilitates the creation of complex shapes that would be difficult to achieve through direct manufacturing methods.
2Reliability
If transformative fluids are encapsulated in complex 3D geometries, then energy absorption and dissipation capabilities are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Porous materials such as sponges, foams, or other open-cell structures are used as the sacrificial template. These materials naturally provide complex 3D geometries with high surface area and interconnected void spaces that enhance energy absorption capabilities. The porous structure allows easy injection of transformative fluid and subsequent removal of the sacrificial material, achieving both structural complexity for energy absorption and manufacturing simplicity through the inherent properties of porous materials.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transformative fluids are used in wearable applications, then adaptive energy absorption is achieved, but encapsulation in flexible geometries is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sacrificial structures used are designed with flexible characteristics, such as compressible sponges or foldable foams, that can be easily manipulated into various shapes and conform to wearable application requirements. These flexible sacrificial materials can be compressed, folded, or shaped to create the desired geometry, then serve as templates for transformative fluid injection. After the transformative fluid is injected and the sacrificial material is removed, the resulting structure maintains the flexible geometry needed for wearable applications while containing the adaptive transformative fluid.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of lightweight, flexible, and adaptive energy absorption systems suitable for various applications, including wearable technology and impact protection, by effectively utilizing transformative fluids in complex geometries.
Implementation Method 1
A transformative liquid consists of particles suspended in a liquid medium. When an external force or electromagnetic field comes into contact with the liquid, its mechanical properties change.
Implementation Method 2
additive manufacturing methods to encapsulate transformative liquids within 3D structures, using techniques such as 3D printing with internal voids
Implementation Method 3
A first example transformative liquid is a shear thickening liquid
Implementation Method 4
A second example transformative liquid is a magnetorheological liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an energy absorbing three dimensional (3D) structure. The structure may have an outer shell formed from a shell material. The outer shell may have a void forming a core volume. A transformative feedstock is contained in the void. The transformative feedstock is encapsulated within the outer shell, within the void, and provides enhanced energy absorbing properties to the 3D structure.