Memory Alloy Data Line with Automatic Shape Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data lines lack the ability to automatically change their shape, which limits their adaptability and convenience in connecting electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a memory alloy wire and a control circuit into the data line, where the memory alloy wire is heated to its deformation temperature by an electric current, allowing the data line to change shape automatically based on pre-defined conditions, such as time or voltage, facilitated by a plug connector connected to an electronic device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a memory alloy wire is added to enable automatic shape changing, then the adaptability and convenience of the data line is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the conductive wire and memory alloy wire into a single integrated structure where the memory alloy wire serves both as the heating element and the shape-changing component. This merging eliminates the need for separate heating elements and shape memory components, thereby improving shape adaptability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The memory alloy wire performs multiple functions: it acts as the conductive path for electrical current, the heating element for thermal generation, and the shape memory component for automatic deformation. This multi-functionality allows the data line to adapt its shape automatically without requiring additional dedicated components, thus improving versatility while controlling structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If voltage is increased to raise the temperature of the memory alloy wire quickly, then the productivity of shape changing is improved, but the risk of overheating and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape changing speedVSAvoidoverheating risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit continuously monitors the temperature of the memory alloy wire and adjusts the voltage accordingly. When the temperature reaches the predetermined value, the control circuit automatically reduces or stops voltage input, preventing overheating. This feedback mechanism enables fast shape changing while safely controlling the overheating risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit dynamically changes the voltage parameter based on the real-time temperature state of the memory alloy wire. By adjusting the voltage from high (during heating) to low or zero (when target temperature is reached), the system achieves rapid shape changing while preventing harmful overheating effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the control circuit continuously monitors the current to determine when to activate voltage, then the reliability of temperature control is improved, but the loss of time for monitoring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is pre-configured with predetermined current thresholds and monitoring time parameters that are optimized during design. The circuit begins monitoring current flow as soon as the plug connector is detected, and uses pre-calculated time thresholds to determine when to activate voltage, thereby achieving reliable temperature control with minimal monitoring delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit automatically detects current flow through the memory alloy wire and autonomously determines when to activate the heating voltage based on pre-programmed logic. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external control or prolonged monitoring, achieving reliable temperature control while minimizing time loss through automated decision-making.

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

Enables the data line to automatically deform into specific shapes for charging and winding, enhancing its usability and adaptability by using memory alloy wires that change shape when heated to a predetermined temperature, controlled by a circuit that manages voltage and current.

Implementation Method 1

the electronic device provides a current for the memory alloy wire, and the current can raise a temperature of the memory alloy wire to reach a memory deformation temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the memory alloy wire is arranged along its length direction... the current can raise a temperature of the memory alloy wire to reach a memory deformation temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS20220076860A1Data line with memory function and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2022.03.10 SHENZHEN KUNG FU NIU ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20220076860A1 patent drawing
  • US20220076860A1 patent drawing
  • US20220076860A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a data line with a memory function. The data line includes a connection cable and a plug connector arranged on the connection cable; the connection cable includes a memory alloy wire arranged along its length direction, and the memory alloy wire is electrically connected with the plug connector; the plug connector is configured to be connected to an electronic device, and the electronic device provides a current for the memory alloy wire, and the current can raise the temperature of the memory alloy wire to reach a memory deformation temperature. The connection cable of the present invention can automatically change its shape.