Phase Change Material Gripping Apparatus for Independent Stick Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gripping and positioning technologies face challenges in precisely controlling the grip and motion of sticks, especially in applications requiring temperature-dependent phase change materials, where efficient temperature adjustment and independent positioning of multiple sticks are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A gripping apparatus featuring a temperature adjusting device and phase change material within a substrate, allowing for controlled temperature changes to grip or release a stick, and a positioning apparatus with multiple gripping apparatuses aligned along an axial direction, using actuators and controllers to adjust the stick's position independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase change material is used to grip the stick, then the grip control is improved, but the temperature adjustment time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning apparatus divides the stick into multiple segments by using multiple gripping apparatuses (first, second, and third gripping apparatuses) that can independently grip different portions of the stick. Each gripping apparatus has its own phase change material and temperature control, allowing simultaneous or sequential manipulation of stick segments, thereby reducing overall temperature adjustment time while maintaining reliable grip control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating or cooling of the phase change material before actual gripping is needed. The temperature adjusting devices can pre-condition the phase change material to the required state (solid for gripping, liquid for release), so that when gripping is commanded, the material is already in the optimal state, reducing the effective temperature adjustment time during operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple gripping apparatuses are used for independent positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gripping apparatuses share common components and control architecture. The temperature adjusting devices, phase change materials, and control systems are designed to be replicated and coordinated, allowing each gripping apparatus to perform the same gripping function independently while benefiting from standardized design, which reduces the actual complexity increase compared to having completely independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The third gripping apparatus is positioned within or between the first and second gripping apparatuses, creating a nested configuration. This spatial arrangement allows multiple gripping points to be achieved with compact positioning, reducing the overall device footprint and complexity while maintaining the ability to independently position multiple points along the stick.
3Ease of operation
If phase change material transitions are used for gripping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the energy consumption is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature adjusting devices operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The phase change material is heated or cooled only when gripping or release is required, then returns to a standby state. This periodic operation maintains ease of operation through reliable phase-change-based gripping while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous temperature maintenance.
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 control over the grip and motion of sticks through temperature adjustments, allowing for independent positioning along an axial direction, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility in applications like neuroscience research.
Implementation Method 1
When the phase change material is at a temperature below a first transition temperature, the phase change material is in a solid state and the phase change material is configured to grip a stick within the phase change material. When the phase change material is at a temperature above a second transition temperature, the phase change material is in a liquid state and the phase change material is configured to loosen its grip on the stick
Implementation Method 2
a phase change material held within the open region and thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device such that a temperature change in the temperature adjusting device causes a temperature change in the phase change material
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping apparatus includes: a temperature adjusting device held in a substrate wherein the substrate defines an open region; a phase change material held within the open region and thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device such that a temperature change in the temperature adjusting device causes a temperature change in the phase change material; and a controller connected to the temperature adjusting device and configured to send a signal to the temperature adjusting device to change its temperature and thereby change the temperature of the phase change material that is thermally coupled with the temperature adjusting device. The phase change material is either in a solid state and configured to grip a stick or in a liquid state and the phase change material and configured to loosen its grip on the stick such that the stick is capable of moving through the phase change material.