Linked Curling Mechanism for Shape-Stable Flexible Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in achieving a curling effect in non-rigid articles, such as toys and textiles, as they lack the necessary mechanical structure to maintain a curled shape without permanent deformation.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical curling device composed of interconnected links with through-holes and axles, controlled by a stringer, which applies torque to induce and relax a curling effect by rotating the links, allowing for adjustable rigidity and flexible deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical structure is added to maintain a curled shape, then the shape stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical structure is divided into multiple discrete links (first link, second link, third link, etc.) connected by linking axles. Each link is a simple component with through-holes, and the curling effect emerges from the collective arrangement and rotation of these segmented links around a central stringer, rather than requiring a complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The links are arranged concentrically around the central stringer, with each link nested at a different radial distance. The linking axles connect adjacent links in a nested configuration, allowing the entire assembly to collapse into a compact form when relaxed and expand into a curled shape when tension is applied to the stringer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the article is made non-rigid to maintain pliable appearance, then the ease of deformation is improved, but the ability to maintain shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions between two dynamic states: a relaxed state where links can rotate freely around the stringer maintaining a pliable appearance, and a tensioned state where the stringer prevents rotation and maintains the curled shape. The linking axles enable controlled rotation of individual links, allowing dynamic adjustment between flexibility and shape maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity of the article is controlled by changing the tension parameter of the central stringer. When the stringer is loose, the article remains flexible and pliable. When the stringer is tensioned, it rigidifies the structure by preventing link rotation, thereby maintaining the curled shape. This allows the same structure to exhibit different mechanical properties based on the stringer tension parameter.
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 selective control over the curling effect in non-rigid articles, maintaining a pliable appearance while allowing for flexible deformation, and can be integrated into various articles like toys, masks, and capes for controlled articulation.
Implementation Method 1
configured to apply a torque to the curling device when pulled in a direction from the first end towards the second end
Data Source
AI summary
A curling effect is provided via a system, which may be included in an article, via a plurality of links, including distal, proximal, and intermediary links, that each comprise: a base; first and second wings, connected to opposite sides of the base such that each of first and second through-holes are aligned at a first height; and a header, connected between the wings that defines a third through-hole at the first height and a fourth through-hole at a second height different from the first height that is configured to accept a stringer there-through so that a force applied on the stringer in a direction from the distal link towards the proximal link causes rotation of neighboring links relative to one another; the neighboring links being joined via a linking axel disposed on a shared axis through the first, second, and third through-holes of the neighboring links.