Expandable Screen Using Shape Memory Alloy for Annular Gap Filling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtering systems for fluids, such as those using radially expanded screens, face limitations including limited expansion potential, complex and costly equipment, and inability to fill nonsymmetrical spaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
An expandable screen constructed from shape memory material strands in a mat structure, which can be extruded, compacted, and cooled to a stable volume, and then expanded by environmental changes like temperature increases, allowing for greater expansion and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If swaging equipment is used to radially expand the screen, then the screen can be expanded to fill the annular gap, but the equipment becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical swaging expansion system with a thermal field-based expansion system. Shape memory alloy strands are heated to trigger phase transformation, causing automatic radial expansion of the screen body to fill the annular gap, eliminating the need for complex mechanical swaging equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition characteristics of shape memory alloy strands. When heated above the transformation temperature, the alloy transitions from martensite to austenite phase, causing the screen body to automatically expand radially and fill the annular space without external mechanical equipment
2Volume of moving object
If traditional expansion methods are used, then the screen can be expanded, but the expansion potential is limited and cannot fill nonsymmetrical spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs shape memory alloy strands distributed in a mat structure with varying orientations and densities. This local quality variation allows different regions of the screen to expand independently, enabling the screen to adapt to and fill nonsymmetrical annular spaces effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The screen transitions from a static compacted state to a dynamic expanded state through thermal activation. The shape memory alloy strands can be heated to trigger expansion, allowing the screen to adapt its volume and shape dynamically to match the annular space configuration
3Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory material strands are used, then greater expansion potential and adaptability are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shape memory alloy strands into a integrated mat structure that forms the screen body. The strands are randomly distributed and compacted together, merging multiple functional requirements (expansion, filtration, structural integrity) into a single composite structure that simplifies the overall manufacturing process
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 expandable screen overcomes limitations of existing systems by providing greater expansion potential and adaptability, enabling effective filtration in various fluid transport applications while minimizing equipment complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a body constructed of one or more strands of a shape memory material randomly distributed in a mat structure, the body is stable at a first volume and expandable to a second volume upon a change in environment
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable screen includes, a body constructed of one or more strands of a shape memory material randomly distributed in a mat structure, the body is stable at a first volume and expandable to a second volume upon a change in environment.