Dynamic Anchoring via Shape Memory Alloy Compression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional anchoring methods for wearable devices, such as exosuits and medical compression garments, are limited by the use of rigid materials or local anatomical landmarks, restricting the scope of actuation and functionality due to fixed anchor points, which cannot adapt to changing body positions or activities.

Innovation Solution

The use of dynamic garment tightening with shape memory alloys (SMAs) to create transient friction-based anchoring points, allowing the garment to temporarily tighten strategic regions and provide anchoring independent of local anthropometric landmarks, using a frustoconical section of knitted material with varying diameters and a high-friction coating to enhance frictional hold.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional rigid anchoring materials or fixed anatomical landmarks are used, then anchoring stability is improved, but adaptability to changing body positions and activities deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to body positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using shape memory alloys that can dynamically transition between martensite (flexible) and austenite (rigid) phases. This allows the anchoring system to adapt its mechanical properties in real-time: remaining flexible during normal movement and becoming rigid only when anchoring is required, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state parameters of the shape memory alloy material through thermal or electrical stimulation. By controlling the phase transition temperature or applying electrical current, the material's stiffness parameter can be adjusted on-demand, enabling the system to switch between stable anchoring and adaptive flexibility as needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If fixed anchor points are used, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality and scope of actuation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidscope of actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shape memory alloy-based anchoring system provides multi-functionality by serving both as a flexible wearable component and a rigid anchoring mechanism. This universal component can create anchor points at multiple locations and orientations, eliminating the need for separate fixed anchor structures and expanding the scope of actuation without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If shape memory materials are used to provide dynamic compression, then adaptability is improved, but use of energy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic compression adaptabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic or pulsed energy input to trigger phase transitions in the shape memory alloy only when anchoring is required. Rather than continuous energy consumption, the material is stimulated intermittently to switch between states, significantly reducing overall energy usage while maintaining dynamic adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory alloy materials can utilize body heat or environmental temperature changes to trigger phase transitions, reducing the need for active heating elements. The material essentially serves itself by responding to thermal conditions, thereby minimizing external energy input while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 flexible and adaptive anchoring that can change based on demand, providing effective leverage for movement assistance and coupling limb mass to actuators, enhancing the functionality and comfort of wearable devices by distributing force and preventing movement in desired directions.

Implementation Method 1

Shape memory alloys and other smart materials can be electrically or thermally controlled to induce thermo-mechanical transformation which transforms an unactuated, less-stiff material to an activated, higher-stiffness material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermo-mechanical transformation: Thermomechanical Effect

Implementation Method 3

Friction can hold a garment in place independent of local anthropometric landmarks, creating a local anchor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12023292B2Dynamic anchoring using localized active compression

Publication Date: 2024.07.02 REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

AI summary

Anchoring of fabrics for applications in which force is applied by or on the fabric facilitates new uses and functionalities. Dynamic anchoring through any of three modes (mechanical, compressive, or friction-based) enables transient or permanent anchoring across a garment or other fabric.