Memory Alloy Motor Locking Mechanism for Stable Power-Free Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small mechanical apparatus face challenges in handling locking mechanisms due to difficulty in manual operation and susceptibility to unintended inputs, necessitating an electrically controlled solution that maintains locked and unlocked positions reliably.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus using memory alloy wires that change length in response to electrical energy to move a sliding member between locked and unlocked positions, with a position limiting structure to maintain stability, and a sensing device to monitor the state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual locking mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates when apparatus size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electrically controlled locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes electrically controllable components that can be actuated by electrical signals, eliminating the need for manual finger or hand operation. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation, especially in reduced-size apparatus where manual handling becomes difficult.
2Ease of operation
If electrically controlled locking mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism components into an integrated assembly that works together as a unified system. The electrically controllable locking components, sliding member, and position limiting structure are combined in a compact arrangement that minimizes overall complexity while providing reliable electrical control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates a position limiting structure that automatically maintains the sliding member at discrete locked and unlocked positions without requiring continuous external control input. This self-positioning feature reduces the complexity of control systems by eliminating the need for continuous actuation signals or complex control algorithms.
3Reliability
If continuous energy is applied to maintain locked position, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to require energy input only during the transition between locked and unlocked states, rather than continuous energy application. The position limiting structure allows the mechanism to maintain its state without continuous power, with energy supplied periodically only when state changes are required. This approach maintains reliability while dramatically reducing overall energy consumption.
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 reliable, automatic, and efficient locking and unlocking of components without continuous energy consumption, enhancing user convenience and reducing component wear.
Implementation Method 1
a first memory alloy wire configured to engage the sliding member to exert a first force to move the sliding member in a first sliding direction to a locked position when electrical energy is applied to the first memory alloy wire, where the applied electrical energy causes the first memory alloy wire to change length
Data Source
AI summary
A stabilization system includes a payload and one or more locking systems. Each of the one or more locking systems includes a motor including a stator and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator, a sliding structure capable of engaging the rotor to lock the rotor, and at least one memory alloy wire configured to engage the sliding structure to exert a first force to move the sliding structure in a first sliding direction from a first position to a second position when electrical energy is applied to the at least one memory alloy wire. When the sliding structure is at the first position, the rotor is not able to rotate relative to the stator by the sliding structure. When the sliding structure is at the second position, the rotor is able to rotate relative to the stator.