Compliant Electromagnetic Reconfiguration Without Rigid Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mechanically reconfigurable antennas and origami-based solutions face limitations in deployability, structural rigidity, and cost due to material properties and complexity, which restrict their suitability for various applications and environments.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electromagnetic device utilizing a compliant mechanism that allows for adjustable orientations through controlled deformation via actuation mechanisms, enabling continuous adjustment of electromagnetic properties and overcoming the limitations of rigid body kinematic systems and thin substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanically reconfigurable antennas or origami-based solutions are used, then reconfigurability is achieved, but structural rigidity and durability deteriorate due to thin substrates and folding mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible substrate with integrated compliant mechanisms that allow the antenna elements to deform and reconfigure without traditional folding joints or thin substrate limitations. The flexible shell structure maintains structural integrity while enabling continuous reconfiguration of radiation patterns and frequency characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna system implements dynamic reconfiguration through compliant mechanisms that allow continuous adjustment of element positions and orientations. The structure transitions from static rigid configurations to dynamic adaptable forms, enabling real-time modification of electromagnetic properties while maintaining structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If traditional mechanically reconfigurable systems with multiple rigid bodies, pins, bearings, and bushings are used, then motion is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion capabilityVSAvoidmechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates traditional mechanical components such as pins, bearings, and bushings from the reconfiguration mechanism. Motion is achieved through compliant deformation of integrated flexible structures rather than through separate mechanical joints, significantly reducing component count and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The compliant mechanisms are merged directly into the antenna structure and substrate, combining the mechanical support function with the reconfiguration capability. This integration eliminates the need for separate mechanical components and simplifies both the device structure and manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If thin substrates are used in origami-based antennas, then reconfigurability is enabled, but reliability and durability worsen due to material limitations and self-avoidance issues

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible substrate with sufficient thickness to maintain structural integrity and avoid self-avoidance problems during reconfiguration. The flexible shell structure provides the necessary mechanical strength while still allowing compliant deformation for antenna element repositioning, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 compliant mechanism enhances durability, manufacturing options, and performance by allowing the device to be adjusted for improved interaction with electromagnetic fields, providing reliable operation across a wide frequency range with high efficiency and reduced costs.

Implementation Method 1

a compliant mechanism that can be adapted to permit a compliant material's inherent elastic properties to create a desired motion through a controlled deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20240347916A1Electromagnetic devices and methods for compliant adjustment of electromagnetic devices

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 THE PENN STATE RES FOUND INC

AI summary

An electromagnetic device can include a compliant mechanism that can be actuated to move an element or multiple elements of the electromagnetic device between different positions, in-turn altering an electromagnetic or electric property of the device. At least one actuator can be utilized for adjustment of the body into the different positions. Examples of an actuator can include a servomotor, piston, or other type of linear motion actuator. Other types of actuators can include a motor connected to at least one gear or other type of rotatable mechanism that can be connectable to the compliant mechanism to drive movement of the compliant mechanism. Also, processes for adjusting a configuration of the electromagnetic device to adjust functionality of the device can utilize at least one compliant mechanism. Some embodiments can facilitate robust reconfiguration of an electromagnetic device with the ability to design the constituent components to not disrupt electromagnetics.