Deformable Incident-Energy Shaper for Dynamic Wave Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current incident-energy shaping technologies lack the ability to programmatically and dynamically control the shape of energy shapers for efficient energy steering and manipulation, particularly in optical and acoustic applications.
Innovation Solution
A programmable, deformable incident-energy shaper comprising a base, a protrusion, a deformable layer, and an actuator, where the deformable layer is suspended between the base and protrusion, capable of flexing inwardly or outwardly, and is operatively coupled with an actuator to change its shape in response to electric potential or fluid control, enabling flexible refracting and diffraction of energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid, fixed-geometry energy shaper is used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the adaptability to different energy shaping requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the energy shaper's geometry changeable through the incorporation of a deformable layer that can be actuated to transition between different shapes. This allows the device to adapt its refractive properties dynamically rather than being fixed, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by introducing controlled variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling the energy shaper to alter its geometric parameters (shape, curvature, volume) through actuation of the deformable layer. This allows continuous adjustment of energy shaping parameters without changing the fundamental device structure, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through parameter modulation rather than structural redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable layer is added to enable dynamic shaping, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shells and thin films principle by using a deformable layer as a flexible membrane that can be actuated to change the geometry of the energy shaper. This thin, flexible structure enables dynamic shaping capability while adding minimal complexity compared to entirely rigid reconfigurable structures, as the deformable layer simply needs to be actuated rather than completely reconfigured.
3Ease of operation
If the deformable layer is suspended in free space, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the energy shaper into distinct components: a base structure and a separate deformable layer. This segmentation allows the deformable layer to be manufactured and attached independently, improving ease of operation by enabling modular assembly while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized attachment interfaces and separate manufacturing processes for each component.
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 precise control over energy shaping and manipulation, allowing for efficient steering and multiplexing of optical and acoustic waves, including the ability to produce spiral acoustic waves and impart orbital angular momentum, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of energy handling in various media.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable layer comprises an electroactive sublayer... The actuator is operatively coupled to the deformable layer and configured to cause the deformable layer to transition between the outwardly- and inwardly-flexed positions by applying an electric potential to the electroactive sublayer
Implementation Method 2
enabling flexible refracting and diffraction of energy
Implementation Method 3
enabling flexible refracting and diffraction of energy
Implementation Method 4
The perforation provides a fluid channel to ambient fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable, deformable incident-energy shaper comprising: a base having top and bottom surfaces with a perforation there-between; a protrusion connected to, and extending outwardly from, a center of the top surface; a deformable layer firmly attached to the base's perimeter and to a tip of the protrusion such that a majority of the deformable layer is suspended in free space between the tip and the perimeter, wherein the deformable layer is configured to flex inwardly or outwardly, and wherein the perforation provides a fluid channel to ambient fluid; and an actuator, operatively coupled to the deformable layer and configured to cause the deformable layer to flex inwardly or outwardly upon command.