Micro-truss Sheet With Varying Member Diameters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for micro-truss materials with non-uniform properties across the sheet to accommodate various applications such as flow control and cushioning, where different regions require varying rates of flow or firmness.
Innovation Solution
A micro-truss sheet is created with varying diameters and spacings of truss members, forming a continuous body with different patterns and unit cell sizes across the sheet, allowing for tailored material properties through the use of self-propagating polymer waveguides and multiple intersecting patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform truss member diameter and spacing are used throughout the sheet, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the material cannot provide region-specific properties such as varying stiffness or flow resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the diameter of truss members at different locations within the sheet. Specifically, the truss member diameter changes as a function of position coordinates (x, y), allowing different regions to have different mechanical and flow properties. This enables region-specific stiffness, strength, and fluid flow resistance while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach through the use of gradient structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diameter of truss members varies across the sheet, then region-specific properties are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying the truss member diameter as a continuous or discrete function of spatial coordinates. The diameter parameter d(x, y) is modified across different regions to achieve desired property gradients. This approach allows controlled transitions from uniform to non-uniform structures while maintaining manufacturability through defined parameter progression rules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different three-dimensional interconnected patterns are used in different regions, then flow control and cushioning performance are improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different three-dimensional interconnected patterns in different regions of the sheet. Each region can have optimized patterns for specific functions such as flow control or cushioning. The transition between different patterns is managed through gradient approaches, where the structural characteristics change progressively rather than abruptly, maintaining overall structural integrity while achieving region-specific performance optimization.
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 micro-truss sheet achieves region-specific properties, such as varying stiffness and fluid flow resistance, enabling applications like cushioning, flow regulation, and thermal management with improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of first truss members defined by a plurality of first self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a first direction; a plurality of second truss members defined by a plurality of second self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a second direction
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2D
AI summary
A micro-truss sheet having material properties varying across the sheet. The sheet may include a plurality of truss members intersecting at nodes. The diameter of the truss members at one point in the sheet may differ from the diameter of the truss members at another point in the sheet. In one embodiment the spacing between adjacent truss members may be different in one part of the sheet from the spacing between adjacent truss members in another part of the sheet.