Active Material Compartment Access System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compartment access systems are cumbersome for users, especially those with limited strength or dexterity, and lack efficient remote control options for accessing interior compartments, such as vehicle glove boxes or storage spaces.
Innovation Solution
A compartment access system utilizing active material components, including shape memory alloys and electroactive polymers, that can be remotely triggered to open, close, or latch compartments, with features like load-limiting mechanisms and counter-balance members to assist in controlled access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual latching mechanisms are used, then the compartment can be securely closed, but it requires significant hand strength and dexterity that disabled persons lack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical latching operations with an automated active material component system. Shape memory alloys and electroactive polymers are activated by electrical signals to automatically open and close compartments, eliminating the need for manual gripping and manipulation of traditional latches. This substitution directly addresses the contradiction by removing the strength requirement while maintaining secure closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The active material components perform the latching and unlatching functions autonomously when triggered by a remote signal. The system serves itself by automatically actuating the closure mechanism without requiring human physical intervention, thereby enabling disabled persons to access compartments without needing hand strength or dexterity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional latches are used, then the compartment can be securely fastened, but the latches become cumbersome and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical latch systems with electronically actuated active material components. Instead of multiple mechanical linkages, springs, and levers, the system uses shape memory alloys or electroactive polymers that directly actuate the closure mechanism through electrical activation, significantly simplifying the overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of securing the compartment from the complex mechanical latch mechanism and implements it through a simpler active material-based actuation system. By taking out the cumbersome mechanical intermediary components and retaining only the essential closure function achieved through electrical actuation, the system reduces complexity while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is required, then the user has direct control, but users carrying loads cannot easily access compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with remote electrical actuation of active material components. Users can trigger compartment access from a distance using a key fob or remote device, eliminating the need to physically approach and manually manipulate latches while carrying loads. The electrical actuation system provides the necessary force without requiring user physical effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary remote triggering system that mediates between the user and the compartment access mechanism. Instead of direct manual operation, the user sends an electrical signal through a remote device, which then activates the active material component to perform the physical work of opening or closing the compartment, allowing hands-free operation when carrying items.
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 hands-off access to compartments, reducing the need for manual strength and dexterity, while ensuring controlled and safe operation, improving usability for all users, including those with disabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A compartment access system is provided that utilizes an active material component operatively connected to the closure to move the closure with respect to a frame when activated
Implementation Method 2
A compartment access system utilizing active material components, including shape memory alloys and electroactive polymers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
Accessing interior compartments for storage or other purposes is improved by the use of one or more active material components. Activating one or more active material components carries out one or more of the following functions: opening or closing the compartment (which may include cinching a closure) and/or latching or unlatching a closure from a frame. Activation may result from a remote trigger signal. A method is provided for controlling access to an interior compartment that may be carried out by a controller operatively connected to various active material components that unlatch the closure from the frame, close the closure and cinch the closure to the frame, respectively.