Multiple memory materials and systems, methods and applications therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for processing shape memory materials are inefficient, requiring manual manipulation and often necessitate processing under a sealed workstation to prevent impurity introduction, limiting the precision and extent to which force profiles can be fabricated.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for fabricating multiple memory materials using a feeding assembly, processing station, and energy source, with a shielding gas to create materials with multiple transformation temperatures by locally altering the chemistry and structure of shape memory materials, such as nitinol, through controlled energy application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional processing methods are used, then manual manipulation is required, but processing efficiency and productivity are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidmanual manipulation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated laser processing system. The laser energy source is controlled to locally alter the chemistry and structure of shape memory materials through non-contact energy application, eliminating the need for manual handling while precisely creating multiple transformation temperatures in different regions of the material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If processing is performed without shielding gas, then the process is simpler, but impurity levels (especially oxygen) increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidimpurity introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs shielding gas during laser processing to create an inert atmosphere that prevents oxidation and impurity contamination of the shape memory material. The shielding gas flows over the material surface during laser treatment, maintaining material purity while allowing the laser processing to proceed effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional processing methods are used, then equipment requirements are minimal, but manufacturing precision and control over force profiles are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce profile fabrication precisionVSAvoidprocessing equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes laser processing parameters (energy density, pulse duration, scanning speed, wavelength) to precisely control the local chemical and structural changes in the shape memory material. By varying these parameters, different transformation temperatures and force profiles can be fabricated with high precision in different regions of the material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical processing equipment with a laser-based energy delivery system. This substitution enables non-contact, highly precise localized modification of the material properties, allowing for complex force profiles to be created with greater accuracy than mechanical methods could achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the creation of materials with tailored force profiles and pseudo-elastic properties, allowing for precise control of shape changes and enhanced functionality in various applications, including medical devices, textiles, and sports equipment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one energy source aligned with the energy source aperture to provide energy to the shape memory material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy application: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a shielding gas provider attached to the shielding gas engagement portion to provide shielding gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShielding gas protection: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11000741B2Multiple memory materials and systems, methods and applications therefor

Publication Date: 2021.05.11 SMARTER ALLOYS INC

AI summary

An apparatus for fabrication of a multiple memory material including: a feeding assembly for feeding shape memory material; a processing station aligned with the feeding assembly to receive the shape memory material to be processed; at least one energy source aligned with an energy source aperture to provide energy to the shape memory material; a shielding gas provider attached to a shielding gas engagement portion to provide shielding gas; and a controller configured to control the feeding assembly, the shielding gas provider and the energy source according to predetermined parameters to form the multiple memory material. A method for fabricating a multiple memory material including: determining process parameters for the shape memory material, via a controller; receiving shape memory material at a feeding assembly; feeding the shape memory material, via the feed assembly, to a processing station; providing shielding gas to the processing station, via a shielding gas provider; and providing energy to the shape memory material, via at least one energy source, based on the process parameters to produce the multiple memory material.