4D Printed Memory Polymer Housing for Adaptive Morphology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4D printing technologies lack efficient methods for manufacturing adaptive housing structures that can change morphology in response to temperature changes, limiting their application in dynamic environments such as electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A housing structure manufacturing method using memory polymeric materials like polyamide 12 and hydrogel, which are heated and printed to form a first morphology, and can be transformed into a second morphology by further heating and reverted back by cooling, allowing for shape adaptation in electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 4D printing technology is used to create adaptive housing structures, then the structure can change morphology in response to temperature changes, but the manufacturing complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing memory polymeric materials that alter their physical state and morphology in response to temperature changes. The material transitions between different shapes based on thermal parameters, enabling the housing structure to adapt its form without complex mechanical actuators or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining memory polymeric materials with conventional printing materials in the 4D printing process. This composite approach allows the housing structure to integrate both adaptive shape-changing capabilities and structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If memory polymeric materials are heated and printed to form the housing structure, then the structural properties are enhanced, but the energy consumption and heating requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of memory polymeric materials during the printing process. The materials undergo controlled phase changes from solid to softened states during printing, then transition back to solid states after cooling, enabling strong bonding and structural formation without excessive energy input. The phase transition properties allow the material to set firmly once printed.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory polymeric materials exhibit self-service characteristics by automatically returning to their original printed shape and dimensions after the heating and printing process. The materials self-stabilize and maintain their structural properties without requiring additional energy input or external support structures, reducing overall energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing structure is designed to be detachably connected for adaptability, then the versatility is improved, but the connection reliability and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating housing structures with movable and detachable components that can transition between different connection states. The memory polymeric materials enable dynamic adjustment of connection integrity, allowing the structure to be securely attached when needed and easily detached when adaptability is required, balancing reliability and versatility.
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 method enhances the structural properties of housing structures and electronic devices by enabling adaptive shape changes in response to temperature, improving functionality and usability, such as reduced palm contact area for heat dissipation and smooth surface recovery.
Implementation Method 1
4D printing is a 3D printing technology that uses materials that can automatically transform over time. In certain embodiments, the housing structure is changed from having a first morphology to having a second morphology by heating the housing structure having the first morphology.
Implementation Method 2
heating the plurality of memory polymeric materials, and forming the housing structure having a first morphology by printing the plurality of memory polymeric materials that are heated
Implementation Method 3
heating the plurality of memory polymeric materials, and forming the housing structure having a first morphology by printing the plurality of memory polymeric materials that are heated
Data Source
AI summary
A housing structure manufacturing method and an electronic device are provided. The housing structure manufacturing method includes providing a plurality of memory polymeric materials, heating the plurality of memory polymeric materials, and forming the housing structure having a first morphology by printing the plurality of memory polymeric materials that are heated.