Shape-Changing Structural Member With Embedded Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shape memory polymer materials lack sufficient force to overcome forces other than the weakest, limiting the practical shape changes in structural applications, and existing solutions fail to provide adequate structural support to maintain desired shapes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating coil springs and concentric spring configurations within shape-changing materials, such as polymer or metal foams, to provide structural support and facilitate elastic deformation, enabling shape changes while maintaining a continuous outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory polymer materials are used for morphing structures, then the structures can change shape, but the material cannot exert enough force to overcome stronger forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shape memory polymer material with metal foam material to create a composite structure. The shape memory polymer provides shape changing capability while the metal foam provides structural support and force resistance, allowing the composite material to achieve both adaptability and strength simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the structure. The shape memory polymer is used in regions requiring shape change, while metal foam or other supportive materials are used in regions requiring structural strength and force resistance, optimizing both adaptability and force capability
2Stability of the object's composition
If structural supports are added to prevent shape memory polymer from warping, then structural integrity is improved, but the shape changes that can be achieved are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses metal foam material with dynamic mechanical properties that can adapt their stiffness and support characteristics. The metal foam provides structural support while allowing controlled deformation, enabling the structure to maintain integrity during shape changes rather than restricting them
Solution Approach 2:
The composite of shape memory polymer and metal foam creates a material system where the polymer enables shape change and the metal foam provides adaptive structural support, allowing both structural integrity and shape change capability to coexist without severe limitations
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 allows for significant strain capabilities and maintains continuous outer surfaces during shape changes, enhancing aerodynamic properties and structural integrity, particularly in applications like extendible aircraft wings.
Implementation Method 1
a shape-changing structural material capable of elastic deformation at strains of at least 5%
Data Source
AI summary
A shape-changing structural member has a shape-changing material, such as a suitable foam material, for example a polymer foam capable of withstanding at least 300% strain or a metal alloy foam capable of withstanding at least 5% strain. Springs, such as one or more coil springs, provide structural support for the shape-changing material. The springs may also be used to provide forces to expand and contract the shape change material. The springs may include pairs of concentric springs, one inside of another. The concentric springs may surround an underlying skeleton structure that supports the shape-changing material and/or aids in changing the shape of the material. The concentric springs may or may not be wrapped around the underlying skeleton structure. Multiple springs or pairs of springs may be coupled together using a sheet metal connector.