3D Printable Signal Backbone for Voxel-Specific Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4D printing technologies lack a scalable and fully printable 'signal control backbone' to independently activate 'muscles' within complex designs, relying on immersion in mediums or manual wiring for signal control, which constrains design space and limits the ability to create voxel-specific actuation.
Innovation Solution
A 3D printed signal control backbone apparatus comprising a filament with a percolating network of chiplets in a non-conductive polymer, allowing for the formation of electrically responsive elements that can be selectively activated by electrical signals, enabling independent control of actuatable regions within a 3D print.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical components and circuits are printed or preassembled for signal control, then signal control capability is achieved, but design space is consumed and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signal control functionality directly into the structural material by embedding conductive particles within the polymer matrix, creating a composite that simultaneously provides mechanical support and electrical signaling capabilities. This merging eliminates the need for separate electrical components and preserves design space.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed material serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural framework and the signal control medium. The same material that forms the 3D printed object also contains the conductive pathways for electrical signaling, enabling the material to perform both mechanical and electrical functions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional 4D printing methods are used with immersion in mediums, then actuation is achieved, but voxel-specific control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables local control by embedding conductive particles selectively in specific regions of the printed object. This allows different voxels to have different electrical properties and respond to signals independently, achieving voxel-specific actuation rather than global actuation through immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical immersion actuation system with an electrical signaling system embedded within the material. Instead of using external mediums to actuate the entire object, electrical signals can be applied locally through the conductive pathways to control specific regions.
3Ease of operation
If manual wiring is used for signal control, then independent activation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed material itself provides the signal control functionality through embedded conductive particles. The system is self-sufficient as the same material that forms the structure also contains the electrical pathways, eliminating the need for external wiring and reducing overall system complexity.
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 targeted actuation of specific voxels within a 3D print without constraining the design geometry, allowing for complex and customizable shapes and functions by using a fully internal and printable signal control system.
Implementation Method 1
The first material section may be formed by an ink having a percolating network of a plurality of chiplets infused in a non-conductive polymer. The plurality of chiplets form electrically responsive elements imparting a predetermined logic function and are responsive to a predetermined electrical signal.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect the present disclosure relates to a 3D printed signal control backbone apparatus. The apparatus may have a filament including a first material section and a plurality of second material sections. The first material section is bounded on opposing ends by the second material sections. The first material section is formed by an ink having a percolating network of a plurality of chiplets infused in a non-conductive polymer. The plurality of chiplets form electrically responsive elements imparting a predetermined logic function and which are responsive to a predetermined electrical signal. The second material sections are formed by an ink which is electrically conductive.