Net-Shaped Heating Element for Actuator Wire Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator devices face challenges in preventing burnout and mechanical failure due to heat exposure, particularly when using traditional heating elements that directly contact the actuator wire, leading to inefficient heat transfer and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An actuator device comprising a net-shaped electric heating element that covers the side surface of a polymer actuator wire, with one end connected to each end of the wire, allowing the heating element to move outward when heated, thereby preventing direct contact and burnout, and using a controller to supply power to the heating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a traditional heating element directly contacts the actuator wire, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but the actuator wire is susceptible to burnout and mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a net-shaped heating element as an intermediary component between the heat source and the actuator wire. This net structure allows thermal energy to be transferred efficiently to the wire while physically separating the heating element from direct contact with the wire surface, thereby preventing burnout and mechanical failure while maintaining effective heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The net-shaped heating element functions as a flexible thermal interface structure that conforms to the actuator wire surface. This net structure provides sufficient thermal contact area for efficient heat transfer while maintaining physical separation to prevent direct contact damage, effectively resolving the contradiction between heat transfer efficiency and wire integrity.
2Productivity
If the heating element is in constant contact with the actuator wire, then heating efficiency is improved, but the actuator wire experiences thermal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The net-shaped heating element serves as a mediator that enables thermal energy transfer without direct contact. The net structure provides numerous contact points for efficient heating while the open mesh design prevents concentrated thermal damage to the wire surface, allowing high productivity without harmful thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The net-shaped heating element has a porous or mesh structure that allows thermal energy to penetrate and distribute evenly across the actuator wire surface. This porous configuration enables efficient heating while preventing localized overheating and thermal damage, resolving the contradiction between heating efficiency and thermal protection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the heating element is rigidly fixed to the actuator wire, then structural stability is improved, but the actuator wire cannot undergo repeated contraction and extension cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The net-shaped heating element is designed with flexible connections at both ends that allow it to dynamically adapt to the actuator wire's contraction and extension movements. This dynamic configuration maintains structural stability during operation while accommodating the full range of motion, enabling repeated cycles without compromising either positioning stability or cycle life.
Solution Approach 2:
The net structure and its flexible end connections allow the heating element to maintain stable positioning relative to the wire while flexing with the wire's dimensional changes. This flexible design preserves heating efficiency and positional stability throughout the actuator's operational cycles, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and durability.
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 solution effectively prevents burnout and mechanical failure by allowing the heating element to expand away from the actuator wire during heating, ensuring efficient heat transfer and maintaining the wire's integrity, while also enabling repeated contraction and extension cycles.
Implementation Method 1
a controller for supplying electric power to the net-shaped electric heating element to heat the net-shaped electric heating element
Implementation Method 2
the actuator wire is capable of being contracted by application of heat and restored by release of heat
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an actuator device comprising an actuator wire; a net-shaped electric heating element which covers a side surface of the actuator wire and comprises heating wires; and a controller for supplying electric power to the net-shaped electric heating element to heat the net-shaped electric heating element. The actuator wire is capable of being contracted by application of heat and restored by release of heat. The side surface of the actuator wire is formed of polymer. One end and the other end of the net-shaped electric heating element is connected to one end and the other end of the actuator wire, respectively. The net-shaped electric heating element is in contact with the side surface of the actuator wire, when the net-shaped electric heating element is not heated. The net-shaped electric heating element is moved outward from the side surface of the actuator wire due to contraction of the actuator wire, when the net-shaped electric heating element is heated.