Longitudinally Non-Uniform Preform Structure for Steerable Fibers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing preforms for drawing fibers lack the ability to produce fibers with non-uniform structures in the longitudinal direction, which are necessary for creating steerable and flexible fibers with specific material properties, and often require complex post-processing steps.

Innovation Solution

A preform with a non-uniform structure in the longitudinal direction is created using materials with varying properties and hollow portions, allowing for the production of steerable fibers through 3D printing, which reduces the need for post-processing and enables fibers with localized flexibility and magnetic manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a preform has a uniform structure in the longitudinal direction, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the resulting fiber cannot achieve steerable and flexible properties with localized material properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteerable and flexible propertiesVSAvoidpreform structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The preform incorporates hollow portions at specific locations along its longitudinal axis, creating localized variations in material density and flexibility. These hollow portions are positioned to correspond with desired flexible or steerable sections of the final fiber, enabling different functional properties at different locations without complicating the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The preform is divided into multiple unit cells along its longitudinal direction, where each unit cell may contain hollow portions or have varying material composition. This segmentation allows independent control of properties in different sections, enabling the fiber to have steerable portions while maintaining structural integrity in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex post-processing steps are used to create non-uniform fiber structures, then the desired steerable and flexible properties can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteerable fiber propertiesVSAvoidpost-processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow portions and non-uniform structure are incorporated into the preform during its initial formation rather than being added through subsequent post-processing steps. This preliminary structuring allows the fiber to inherit its steerable and flexible properties directly from the preform geometry, eliminating the need for complex downstream manufacturing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If hollow portions are added to create non-uniform preform structure, then fibers with localized flexibility and magnetic manipulation capabilities are enabled, but the preform manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocalized flexibility and magnetic manipulationVSAvoidpreform structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The preform incorporates hollow portions that create a controlled porous or cavitated structure within the polymer matrix. These hollow regions reduce material density in specific areas, enabling localized flexibility and providing space for magnetic particles or other functional materials to be embedded, thereby achieving magnetic manipulation capabilities without significantly complicating the overall preform geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentEP3931377B1Longitudinally non-uniform preform and method of making the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 IP2IPO INNOVATIONS LTD

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AI summary

There is provided herein a preform for drawing fibres therefrom, the preform formed of at least a first material and having a non-uniform structure in the longitudinal direction and a method of forming the same.