Memory Alloy Wire Locking Mechanism for Stable Small Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small mechanical apparatuses face challenges with manual locking mechanisms, as they become difficult to handle due to size constraints, and are prone to unintended input such as shaking or displacement.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus utilizing memory alloy wires to exert forces on a sliding member, allowing for electrically controlled locking and unlocking, with a position limiting structure to maintain discrete positions and prevent continuous energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If manual locking mechanisms are used in small apparatuses, then the apparatus can be compact in size, but the locking mechanism becomes difficult to handle and is prone to unintended input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical locking system with an electrical control system using memory alloy wires. The memory alloy wires are actuated by electrical energy to produce mechanical motion that moves the sliding member between locked and unlocked positions, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of small mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces memory alloy wires as an intermediary between electrical energy and mechanical locking action. These wires convert electrical energy into mechanical displacement, serving as a mediator that translates electrical signals into precise mechanical movement of the sliding member without requiring direct manual handling.
2Ease of operation
If electrically controlled locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved and handling is simplified, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous energy supply requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed electrical energy application to the memory alloy wires rather than continuous energy supply. The memory alloy wires are actuated with electrical energy only when position changes are needed (locking or unlocking), and then maintain their position without continuous energy input, reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory alloy wires possess inherent shape memory properties that allow them to maintain their actuated position without continuous external energy input. Once electrically actuated to a desired position, the wires self-maintain that position through their material properties, eliminating the need for continuous energy supply to hold the locking state.
3Measurement precision
If memory alloy wire is used to exert force on sliding member, then the locking precision is improved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory alloy wires serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as actuators to move the sliding member, as position holders to maintain locked/unlocked states, and as force generators to overcome spring forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall apparatus complexity.
4Reliability
If position limiting structure is added to hold sliding member at discrete positions, then the stability against unintended input is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The position limiting structure is integrated with the existing sliding member and memory alloy wire system. The limiting structure works in conjunction with the memory alloy wires and spring forces to establish stable discrete positions, merging multiple functions into a unified system rather than adding completely separate positioning mechanisms.
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 solution enables efficient and precise control of locking and unlocking operations in small apparatuses, reducing energy consumption and enhancing component stability against external forces.
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 locking apparatus comprises a sliding member, and 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. The locking apparatus further comprises a second memory alloy wire configured to exert a second force to engage the sliding member to move the sliding member in a second sliding direction to an unlocked position when electrical energy is applied to the second memory alloy wire. The apparatus further comprises a position limiting structure. When the sliding member is moved to the locked position, the position limiting structure holds the sliding member at the locked position. When the sliding member is moved to the unlocked position, the position limiting structure holds the sliding member at the unlocked position.