Nested Flextensional Transducer Displacement Magnification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flextensional transducers with series connections of multiple transducers increase output displacement but not the electro-mechanical transduction factor, requiring multiple drivers and not achieving optimal displacement magnification.

Innovation Solution

The use of a nested arrangement of flexible members with varying stiffness and axis ratios, connected by rigid linear members, to achieve significant displacement magnification using a single driver, where each flexible member's magnification ratio multiplies to achieve a total displacement magnification greater than conventional serial connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If multiple transducers are connected in series to increase output displacement, then the output displacement is improved, but the electro-mechanical transduction factor is not increased and multiple drivers are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput displacementVSAvoidnumber of drivers

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs nested flexible members where an inner flexible member is positioned within an outer flexible member. Both members are connected to the same single driver, allowing their magnification ratios to multiply rather than require separate drivers. This nesting arrangement achieves higher output displacement while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple drivers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the structural parameters of the flexible members by varying their stiffness and axis ratios. The inner and outer flexible members have different stiffness values and axis ratios, which allows their individual magnification effects to combine multiplicatively. This parameter variation enables a single driver to achieve the displacement magnification that previously required multiple transducers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional flextensional transducers are used, then the structure is simple, but the displacement magnification is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoiddisplacement magnification

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite flexible member system combining inner and outer flexible members with different stiffness properties and geometric characteristics. This composite arrangement allows the system to achieve higher displacement magnification than individual members could provide alone, while maintaining structural integrity and simplicity through the integrated nested design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This configuration significantly enhances displacement magnification, achieving higher output displacement with a single driver compared to conventional arrangements, while maintaining efficient electro-mechanical transduction.

Implementation Method 1

Flextensional transducers utilize mechanical amplification of elongated shells, X-springs, bended bars, and the like, hereafter referred as a flextensional member, flexible member, flex member, or just flex.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The amplification factor is approximately equal to the ratio of longer/shorter axis lengths and is essentially a leverage ratio.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS11893975B1High amplification flextensional transduction and devices

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

A linear transducer is connected to a first flexible member that has a first elongated shape with a first minor axis and a first major axis perpendicular to each other. This connects the linear transducer to opposite portions of the first flexible member along the first major axis. A second flexible member having an elongated shape with a second minor axis and a second major axis is provided. The second flexible member is connected to the first flexible member such that portions on the second major axis are joined to move with portions of the first flexible member on the first minor axis. Operation of the linear transducer multiplies displacements of the second flexible member relative to those of the transducer.