Structural temperature self-monitoring system based on chiral structured shape memory polymer

The patent introduces a shape memory polymer as an intermediary medium that couples thermal fields with mechanical deformation. This polymer layer mediates between the structure's temperature (including internal temperature) and the triboelectric nanogenerator's electrical output, enabling indirect measurement of temperatures that would otherwise be inaccessible to direct sensing methods.

The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic or contact-based temperature sensing systems with a mechanoelectrical conversion system. Instead of using infrared radiation detection or embedded electrical sensors, the system uses mechanical deformation of the shape memory polymer (driven by temperature changes) to generate electrical signals through triboelectric effect, substituting a mechanical-field coupling approach for direct thermal or electrical measurement.

The shape memory polymer acts as a mediator that can conform to complex structural geometries including cavities and irregular surfaces. It maintains intimate thermal contact with the structure while its mechanical deformation properties enable signal generation, bridging the gap between difficult-to-reach internal regions and the measurement system.

The patent employs a thin film of shape memory polymer that can be applied conformally to structural surfaces and internal regions. This flexible film adapts to complex geometries and cavities, maintaining continuous contact with the structure for accurate temperature sensing while allowing the triboelectric nanogenerator to function without being blocked by structural features.

The system is designed to be self-powered by utilizing the temperature-induced deformation of the shape memory polymer itself as the energy source. The mechanical work performed by the polymer during thermal expansion/contraction cycles drives the triboelectric nanogenerator to produce electrical power, which then supplies the measurement and data transmission functions, creating a self-sustaining system that services itself without external power input.

The patent exploits changes in the physical parameters of the shape memory polymer (specifically its dimensional parameters during phase transition or thermal deformation) to drive the energy conversion process. By changing the polymer's temperature state, it undergoes deformation that mechanically actuates the triboelectric nanogenerator, converting thermal parameter changes into electrical energy to power the monitoring system.

The patent creates a universal monitoring module that can be applied to multiple locations on a structure with the same design and configuration. Each module independently senses local temperature and generates its own electrical signals, but all modules use identical shape memory polymer-tribelectric nanogenerator combinations, simplifying system design, calibration, and data integration across multiple monitoring points.

The monitoring system is divided into independent modular units, each consisting of a shape memory polymer layer coupled with a triboelectric nanogenerator. These segmented modules can be distributed at different locations on the structure, with each module autonomously performing sensing and signal generation, thereby reducing overall system complexity through modularity while achieving comprehensive monitoring coverage.