Shape Memory Actuation via Embedded Ferromagnetic Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape memory systems for medical applications, such as clot capture and embolic coil delivery, face challenges in actuation mechanisms, particularly in scenarios where physical connections are difficult to establish, and there is a need for controlled and safe heating to avoid tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
Integration of ferromagnetic particles within shape memory materials allows for remote actuation using inductive heating, enabling controlled shape recovery and thermoregulation through hysteresis losses, with the option of using eddy current heating for higher heat production but without automatic temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical heating connections are used in shape memory systems, then reliable heat transfer is achieved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical heating connections with electromagnetic induction heating. Ferromagnetic particles embedded in the shape memory material convert electromagnetic energy directly into heat through hysteresis losses, eliminating the need for physical heating elements or thermal connections. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable heating while dramatically reducing device complexity and invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from thermal conduction/convection to electromagnetic induction. By utilizing the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic particles and their hysteresis behavior, the system achieves heating through parameter changes in the material's magnetic response to alternating magnetic fields, rather than through physical thermal contact.
2Extent of automation
If ferromagnetic particles are embedded in shape memory material, then built-in actuation is achieved, but material manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system by embedding ferromagnetic particles within the shape memory material matrix. This composite structure integrates both the shape memory functionality and the magnetic actuation capability into a single material system, enabling built-in actuation while managing manufacturing complexity through established composite material fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded ferromagnetic particles provide self-service actuation capability within the shape memory material. The particles automatically convert electromagnetic energy to heat through their inherent hysteresis properties, eliminating the need for external heating mechanisms and enabling autonomous shape recovery actuation.
3Ease of operation
If inductive heating is used for shape recovery, then remote actuation is enabled, but temperature control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves localized heating by controlling the spatial distribution and concentration of ferromagnetic particles within the shape memory material. By varying particle density in different regions, the system enables precise local temperature control and targeted shape recovery, maintaining temperature control precision while enabling remote actuation through electromagnetic induction.
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 simplifies the design of shape memory devices by providing built-in actuation, enabling consistent heating without physical connections, and allows for precise temperature control, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of medical procedures, such as clot capture and embolic coil delivery, by avoiding the need for invasive heating elements.
Implementation Method 1
allows for remote actuation using inductive heating, enabling controlled shape recovery and thermoregulation through hysteresis losses
Implementation Method 2
allows for remote actuation using inductive heating
Implementation Method 3
with the option of using eddy current heating for higher heat production
Data Source
AI summary
A shape memory material with integrated actuation using embedded particles. One embodiment provides a shape memory material apparatus comprising a shape memory material body and magnetic pieces in the shape memory material body. Another embodiment provides a method of actuating a device to perform an activity on a subject comprising the steps of positioning a shape memory material body in a desired position with regard to the subject, the shape memory material body capable of being formed in a specific primary shape, reformed into a secondary stable shape, and controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape; including pieces in the shape memory material body; and actuating the shape memory material body using the pieces causing the shape memory material body to be controllably actuated to recover the specific primary shape and perform the activity on the subject.