Nanoscale Stepper Motor Using Optically Switchable Molecular Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing molecular motors employing actin and myosin cannot be controlled by external signals to drive timed sequences of discrete steps, limiting their application as stepper motors, and macroscale motors are not suitable for nanoscale positioning.
Innovation Solution
Development of nanoscale stepper motors using pulsed optical signals to drive controlled, stepwise, and reversible motions by arranging optically switchable molecular actuators between opposing bodies, enabling independent control of motions along one or more axes through different combinations and sequences of optical pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If actin and myosin molecular motors are used, then molecular-scale motor action is achieved, but external signal control for timed discrete steps is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or biochemical control mechanisms with optical control. Light-responsive molecular actuators are used instead of actin-myosin systems, allowing external optical signals to precisely control the timing and sequence of molecular motor steps, thereby achieving both molecular scale and external signal controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs molecular actuators that change their physical or chemical parameters in response to optical signals. These actuators undergo parameter changes (such as conformational changes or binding affinity changes) when exposed to specific wavelengths or intensities of light, enabling precise control over motor step timing and sequence
2Measurement precision
If macroscale motors are used, then motor functionality is achieved, but nanoscale positioning precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motor system into molecular-scale components, including individual molecular actuators and opposing bodies with molecular-scale features. This segmentation enables nanoscale positioning precision while maintaining motor functionality through the coordinated action of multiple molecular components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-responsive molecular actuators as intermediaries between optical control signals and mechanical motion. These molecular intermediaries translate optical energy into controlled mechanical displacement at the nanoscale, bridging the gap between energy input and precise positioning output
3Power
If multiple molecular actuators are used, then motor action is achieved, but reliability against actuator failure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes molecular actuators across different locations on the opposing bodies, creating a spatial distribution of actuation sites. This local distribution ensures that failure of individual actuators does not compromise the entire motor system, as other actuators in different locations can continue to function and maintain motor operation
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
Enables precise nanoscale positioning and movement, allowing for the construction of larger structures by placing well-defined nanoscale building blocks, overcoming the limitations of prior art molecular motors.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first array of a corresponding first type of optically switchable molecular actuator, each array being fixed on one of the first and second bodies, for each type of molecular actuator, the molecular actuators of that type being optically switchable together between at least two different molecular states
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a microscale or nanoscale stepper motor in which one or more arrays of corresponding types of optically switchable molecular actuators are used to drive progressive motion between bodies of the motor.