Solid-State Rotatable Molecule Lattice for Thermal Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Liquid polar molecules are sensitive to electromagnetic fields, prone to translation and diffusion instead of rotation, and have limited thermal stability and operational temperature ranges due to dispersive interactions with their environment, making them less suitable for applications requiring rotational anisotropy and wide thermal operating ranges.

Innovation Solution

The development of a solid-state material comprising reconfigurable polar molecules packaged in a lattice structure with a support structure that allows rotational freedom under an applied electric field, using a nonpolar, rigid scaffold with permanent dipole ends and bridging groups to maintain internal degrees of freedom and insulate from diffusive interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid polar molecules are used, then sensitivity to electromagnetic fields is achieved, but translation and diffusion occur instead of rotation, and thermal stability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidoperational temperature range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid, and the structural parameter from flexible to rigid scaffold. This transforms the molecular behavior from diffusive translation to controlled rotation, while expanding the operational temperature range through enhanced thermal stability of the solid-state lattice structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid scaffold acts as an intermediary structure that anchors polar molecules in fixed positions. This mediator prevents unwanted translation and diffusion while allowing controlled rotation, effectively decoupling the molecular rotation from environmental dispersive interactions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If liquid polar molecules are used, then electromagnetic field sensitivity is achieved, but diffusive interactions with environment occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational controlVSAvoiddiffusive interactions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid scaffold serves as an intermediary that anchors polar molecules, preventing diffusive interactions with the environment while maintaining rotational freedom. The scaffold structure isolates individual molecules, eliminating intermolecular dispersive interactions that cause diffusion in liquid states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid-state lattice structure creates an inert environment for each polar molecule, isolating it from environmental disturbances and other molecules. This protective matrix prevents diffusive interactions while allowing controlled rotational response to electromagnetic fields

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 approach enhances thermal stability, minimizes diffusive interactions, and enables controlled rotational anisotropy, allowing the solid-state materials to operate over a wider temperature range and maintain internal freedom, suitable for applications in RF, IR, quantum computing, and spintronics.

Implementation Method 1

the support structure allows the rotatable molecule to rotate through the internal rotational axis upon application of an applied electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3577702B1Method for material packaging and developing rotationally anisotropic materials
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 RAYTHEON CO
  • EP3577702B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3577702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3577702B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A support structure for a reconfigurable molecule includes a first support portion having a first mounting region; a second support portion having a second mounting region; and a rotatable molecule anchored between the first support portion and the second support portion on the first mounting region and the second mounting region, the rotatable molecule having an internal rotational axis extending from the first mounting region to the second mounting region; wherein the first support portion and the second support portion are mirror images of one another.