Branching Mechanical Waveguides for Compact Impact Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact devices face challenges in providing greater force with smaller size, variability in impact force, impact distribution, and impact duration, often leading to inefficiency or damage due to inappropriate force levels.
Innovation Solution
The use of a branching compact mechanical waveguide with multiple input and output impact locations, controlled by a controller device, allows for the generation of desired impact patterns through 1D stress waves, enabling force magnification and distribution over a larger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a larger size impact device is used, then the force that can be applied is increased, but the device becomes inapplicable for applications where higher force can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable impedance waveguide system where the waveguide geometry can be dynamically adjusted to change the impedance ratio between waveguide sections. This allows the same physical device to deliver different impact force levels by modifying the waveguide configuration, enabling adaptation to various materials without changing the overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the impedance parameter of the waveguide by varying the cross-sectional area ratio between different waveguide sections. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system can control the impact force magnitude while maintaining a compact device size, thus resolving the contradiction between force capability and adaptability.
2Volume of moving object
If a smaller size impact device is used, then the device is more compact and easier to handle, but the force that can be applied is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested waveguide structure where multiple waveguide sections are arranged concentrically or in sequence within a compact volume. The variable impedance design allows the smaller waveguide sections to amplify the impact force through impedance transformation, enabling a compact device to generate high impact forces comparable to larger devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple waveguide sections with different impedance characteristics that replicate and amplify the impact wave. By copying the impact pattern through multiple waveguide paths with controlled impedance ratios, the system achieves force multiplication within a compact form factor.
3Reliability
If the impact force is increased to ensure effectiveness, then the impact device becomes more powerful, but unnecessary strain and potential damage to construction materials occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates impedance matching mechanisms that provide feedback control for the impact wave. By adjusting the waveguide impedance ratios, the system can optimize the impact force to match the specific requirements of the material being worked on, ensuring effectiveness while minimizing excessive force that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different impedance characteristics to different sections of the waveguide, creating local variations in force transmission. This allows the impact force to be tailored to match the specific mechanical properties of the target material, delivering just the right amount of force needed for effective impact without causing unnecessary strain or damage.
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
This approach enables compact impact devices to deliver greater force with smaller size, providing adjustable and efficient impact patterns suitable for various applications, reducing damage and increasing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The branching compact mechanical waveguide includes one or more input impact location and one or more output impact point... One or more input impact components impact the branching compact mechanical waveguide... produces an output impact pattern
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to compact waveguide impact devices. One example includes a branching compact mechanical waveguide that has at least one input impact location and at least one input impact location output impact point. The compact waveguide impact device also includes at least one input impact component. A controller device activates the at least one input impact component to strike the at least one input impact location according to an input impact pattern, thereby producing a desired output impact pattern.