Mesostructured Reset Unit for Adjustable Force Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reset units for control elements in construction machines and commercial vehicles are resource-intensive, costly, and lack adaptability, with elastic elements requiring replacement and electrical elements being space and material intensive, while adaptive materials are not adaptable and require multiple materials and complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
A reset unit utilizing a mesostructure with ordered elementary cells that can be reversibly compressed and expanded, allowing for adjustable force distribution through the arrangement and material properties of the cells, and optionally combined with elastic or adaptive elements for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic elements (springs, elastomers) are used as reset units, then the reset force is generated, but the elements are not adaptable and require replacement to change force characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the mesostructure adaptable through software control. The force characteristics can be dynamically changed by adjusting control parameters without physical replacement, allowing the reset unit to adapt to different applications while maintaining a single hardware design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the force characteristics of the reset unit to be modified through software parameters rather than physical changes. This enables adjustment of reset force magnitude and behavior by changing control parameters, eliminating the need to replace elastic elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical elements (actuators) are used as reset units, then adaptability is improved, but space and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the elastic element and control system into a single integrated mesostructure. The piezoelectric actuators are embedded within the mesostructure itself, combining the structural and actuating functions into one compact unit, thereby reducing overall space requirements compared to separate actuator systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies nesting by embedding piezoelectric actuators within the mesostructure. The actuators are nested inside the porous framework of the mesostructure, allowing the control system to be housed within the structural element itself, minimizing additional space requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive elastic materials are used, then adaptability is improved, but multiple materials and complex configurations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses piezoelectric actuators to create artificial adaptability by generating forces that mimic the behavior of adaptive materials. Instead of using complex adaptive elastic materials, the system copies the desired force characteristics through controlled actuation, achieving adaptability with simpler, well-understood materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex adaptive elastic materials with a mechanical actuation system based on piezoelectric actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for complex material science while achieving the same adaptability goal through controlled mechanical force generation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular configuration of reset units is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but resource intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making a single mesostructure design adaptable through software control rather than requiring multiple modular hardware configurations. The same physical unit can be dynamically reconfigured for different applications by changing control parameters, reducing material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single mesostructure that can serve multiple functions and applications through software control. Rather than creating specialized modular units for different applications, one universal design can be adapted to various needs, reducing overall material requirements.
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 mesostructure-based reset unit is resource-efficient, adaptable, and low maintenance, offering adjustable force distribution and redundancy for reliable operation, with interchangeable mesostructures for varied applications and reduced material and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric actuator, which can be exposed to an electric field and thereby generates a force
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnet, which can be exposed to a magnetic field and thereby changes its rheological properties
Data Source
AI summary
A reset unit for resetting rotational and/or translational deflection movements of a setting element is provided. The reset unit has an ordered mesostructure of elementary cells consisting of an ordered arrangement of at least two elementary cells, wherein the at least two elementary cells each have at least one pore, which allows the elementary cells to be reversibly compressed and expanded through exposure to force, wherein a reset force of the reset unit can be at least partially generated by deforming the mesostructure.