Actuator With Transverse CTE Gradient for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory shape materials used in actuators are susceptible to unwanted shape changes due to surrounding temperature variations, limiting their application in environments with varying thermal conditions.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a thermally adaptive material with a transverse coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) gradient, where segments with different CTEs are integrated to control thermal expansion and contraction, optionally incorporating a thermoelectric junction for precise thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If memory shape material is used in actuator, then complex machinery can be avoided, but surrounding temperature variations cause unwanted shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating segments with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) within the actuator body. The actuator is divided into multiple segments along its length, where each segment has a specific CTE value that varies progressively. This gradient in material properties allows different parts of the actuator to respond differently to temperature changes, enabling controlled shape adjustment while maintaining overall structural integrity and avoiding unwanted shape changes from environmental temperature variations.
2Temperature
If segments with different CTEs are integrated to control thermal expansion, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the actuator body into multiple discrete segments along its length. Each segment is designed with a specific coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that differs from adjacent segments, creating a CTE gradient. This segmentation allows precise control of thermal expansion and contraction in different regions, enabling the actuator to achieve desired shape changes in response to temperature variations while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
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
The actuator achieves controlled elastic deformation and thermal management, allowing for predictable shape changes and improved performance in varying temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
the first segment has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the second segment has a second CTE that differs from the first CTE, to define a transverse CTE gradient
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric junction is disposed around the outer boundary or between the first and second segments
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator, having: an actuator body extending between an actuator top and an actuator bottom, a top actuator support located at the actuator top and a bottom actuator support located at the actuator bottom, wherein the actuator body includes: a wall defining an outer boundary and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and transversely from a first side to a second side, wherein: the wall is nonmetal; the wall defines: a first segment extending longitudinally between the first and second ends and transversely from the first side to a segment junction; and a second segment extending longitudinally between the first and second ends and transversely from the second side to the segment junction; and the first segment has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and the second segment has a second CTE that differs from the first CTE, to define a transverse CTE gradient.