Active Lattice Self-Transforming Auxetic Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional auxetic materials and structures require manual or mechanical stretching for uniform transformation, which is costly and energy-intensive, and lacks efficient methods for precise physical transformations upon external stimuli.
Innovation Solution
Active lattice structures composed of interconnected links and nodes made from materials with different coefficients of expansion, which autonomously transform in response to external stimuli like heat, moisture, or electricity, allowing for local or global shape changes in 1D, 2D, or 3D configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If manual or mechanical stretching is used to achieve uniform transformation in traditional auxetic materials, then the transformation uniformity is improved, but the cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure autonomously transforms its shape in response to external stimuli through the inherent properties of its constituent members, eliminating the need for external mechanical actuators. The structure serves itself by converting environmental energy (thermal, moisture, etc.) directly into mechanical deformation, achieving self-driven transformation with reduced energy input and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with different coefficients of expansion (thermal, moisture, etc.) to enable the lattice members to change their physical parameters in response to external stimuli. This parameter change at the material level translates to macroscopic shape transformation of the entire lattice structure, achieving uniform transformation through material property variations rather than mechanical forcing
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual or mechanical stretching is used to achieve uniform transformation in traditional auxetic materials, then the transformation uniformity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lattice structure autonomously transforms its shape in response to external stimuli through the inherent properties of its constituent members, eliminating the need for external mechanical actuators. The structure serves itself by converting environmental energy (thermal, moisture, etc.) directly into mechanical deformation, achieving self-driven transformation with reduced energy input and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stretching systems with a stimulus-responsive material system. Instead of using mechanical actuators and complex mechanical assemblies to achieve transformation, the invention uses materials that naturally respond to environmental stimuli (heat, moisture, etc.), substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler material-based system that achieves the same transformation goal with lower manufacturing cost
3Device complexity
If traditional geometric patterns are used for transformation, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the precision and customization of physical transformations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials with different expansion coefficients to different members or regions of the lattice structure. This local differentiation of material properties allows specific areas of the lattice to respond differently to external stimuli, enabling precise control over local transformations and creating customized transformation patterns while maintaining the overall simplicity of the lattice geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different materials with different expansion coefficients to different members or regions of the lattice structure. This local differentiation of material properties allows specific areas of the lattice to respond differently to external stimuli, enabling precise control over local transformations and creating customized transformation patterns while maintaining the overall simplicity of the lattice geometry
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 precise, repeatable, and customizable physical transformations with reduced energy and cost, providing adaptive and self-transforming materials for various applications, including engineering, apparel, and automotive uses, without the need for mechanical actuators.
Implementation Method 1
At least a subset of links include at least two materials that have different coefficients of expansion in response to an external stimulus
Implementation Method 2
The active member has the capability to autonomously self-transform from one shape into another shape after being subject to an external stimulus (e.g., heat, moisture, UV light, electricity, or other forms of energy)
Data Source
AI summary
An active lattice capable of self-transforming responsive to a stimulus, such as heat or moisture, includes a plurality of links interconnected to each other at a plurality of nodes. At least a subset of links includes at least two materials that have different coefficients of expansion in response to an external stimulus. The two materials can be arranged in an alternating, periodic or aperiodic pattern. Embodiments can be used in apparel and sportswear, manufacturing, aviation and automotive applications, and furniture and interior products.