Shape Memory Actuator Thermal Switching for Rapid Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Actuator devices with shape memory elements face prolonged cooling times, limiting their operational frequency due to insufficient heat absorption by silicone encasements, which hampers the expansion of shortened shape memory elements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a switching mechanism that allows the drive means and heat-conducting means to be in contact only in the end position of the actuating element, facilitating efficient heat dissipation and rapid cooling by ensuring the drive means transfers heat to the heat-conducting means upon length change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the drive means is encased with silicone to store heat, then the cooling time is reduced, but the cooling effect becomes insufficient when the actuator device is operated several times within short time intervals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling timeVSAvoidcooling effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the thermal interaction between the drive means and heat-conducting means variable rather than static. The switching means dynamically changes the thermal coupling state based on operational requirements, enabling the system to adapt between isolated and thermally connected states, thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing cooling time and maintaining reliable cooling effect during repeated operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameter state by switching between two distinct thermal configurations: isolated state (drive means separated from heat-conducting means) for rapid cooling, and connected state (drive means in thermal contact with heat-conducting means) for heat dissipation during repeated operations. This parameter change approach allows the system to overcome the insufficiency of fixed silicone encasement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the drive means and heat-conducting means are in contact to dissipate heat, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the heat transfer timing may be delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidheat transfer timing

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the heat-conducting means and switching means in advance to enable immediate thermal contact when needed. The switching means is prepared to rapidly establish thermal coupling between the drive means and heat-conducting means, ensuring that heat dissipation begins without delay once the operational condition requires it, thus resolving the timing issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration enables quick heat dissipation from the drive means, allowing the shape memory element to lengthen rapidly, thereby reducing cooling times and enhancing the operational efficiency of the actuator device.

Implementation Method 1

a drive means (8), which has at least one, in particular wire-shaped, shape memory element (10) which extends between the holding element (4) and the actuating element (6) and can be fixed or fixed to both, the extent of which can be changed when it is actuated, in particular when it is electrically energized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

at least one heat-conducting means (14) which bears against the drive means (8) at least in the end position of the actuating element (6)... the heat generated by the drive means (8) can be dissipated within the drive element via the heat-conducting means (14)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3098444B1Actuator for a rear viewing device of an automobile

Publication Date: 2017.07.05 SMR PATENTS S A R L

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an actuator device (2) for a rearview camera of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one holding element (4), at least one actuating element (6) that can be moved into a plurality of functional positions, in particular from a basic position to at least one end position, at least one drive means (8) comprising at least one, in particular wire-shaped, shape memory element (10) which extends between the holding element (4) and the actuating element (6) and can be fixed to or is fixed to both, the extension of which can be changed when actuated, in particular when electrically energized, and by changing the extension of which the at least one actuating element (6) can be moved from one functional position to another functional position, in particular from the basic position to the end position or vice versa, and at least one thermal conducting element (14).which is in contact with the actuator (8) at least in the end position of the actuating element (6). It is characterized by at least one switching means (16) by which the at least one actuator (8) and the at least one thermal conducting element (14) can be arranged or are arranged without contact with each other in the basic position of the actuating element (6) and/or by which the at least one actuator (8) and the at least one thermal conducting element (14) can be arranged or are arranged in contact with each other at least partially, at least in the end position of the actuating element (6).