Morphable Body Shape Memory Polymer Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic fingers, whether made of metal or silicone rubber, face challenges such as being heavy and difficult to control, or lacking sufficient stiffness.
Innovation Solution
A morphable body structure that includes body support members arranged in patterns to define morphing regions, and a contracting member, such as a shape memory polymer, that can be activated to cause the body to morph from a non-activated to an activated configuration, and maintain it without heavy mechanical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal structures with hinges are used for robotic fingers, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional metal to shape memory alloy, which allows the structure to maintain high strength while reducing weight. The shape memory alloy can undergo large deformations and return to its original shape, providing both strength and flexibility needed for robotic fingers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining shape memory alloy with other materials to achieve optimal balance between strength, weight, and controllability. The composite structure allows different regions to have different properties, optimizing performance for specific functional requirements.
2Weight of moving object
If silicone rubber is used for robotic fingers, then weight is reduced, but structural stiffness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using shape memory alloy with specific elastic modulus and density characteristics that provide both light weight and sufficient stiffness. The material can be engineered to have different stiffness levels in different directions, allowing optimization for both weight reduction and structural support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If heavy mechanical structures are used to maintain activated configuration, then structural stability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by utilizing the shape memory alloy's inherent ability to maintain its activated configuration without continuous external power or heavy mechanical support structures. The material's phase transition properties allow it to lock into the activated shape and maintain it passively, reducing both structural complexity and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms and continuous actuation systems with shape memory alloy-based passive maintenance. The phase transition of the SMA material substitutes for complex mechanical structures, achieving configuration stability through material properties rather than mechanical means.
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 morphable body achieves the desired deformation with sufficient stiffness and reduced power input, enabling it to mimic human finger movements without the drawbacks of traditional robotic fingers.
Implementation Method 1
A shape memory material can be operatively connected to the body. When activated, the shape memory material can contract to cause the body to deform from a non-activated configuration to an activated configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A body can be configured to be selectively morphable. One or more body support members can be operatively connected to an outer surface of the body. The one or more body support members can be arranged in a pattern to define at least one morphing region. A contracting member (e.g., a shape memory polymer) can be operatively connected to the outer surface of the body. When activated, the contracting member can contract, which can cause the body to morph (e.g., bend) from a non-activated configuration into an activated configuration.