Shape Morphing Fabrics Using Compressible Fibers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fibers and fiber products fail to meet the requirements of modern society's need for smart, avant-garde, and distinctive materials that can adapt to changing conditions such as temperature and electrical stimulation, and provide customizable properties like hardness-softness and friction levels.

Innovation Solution

Development of functional fabrics and devices made from flexible fiber-based materials that reversibly change shape in response to temperature, electrical stimuli, or tension, utilizing shape memory polymers and conductive materials for controlled stiffness and permeability, suitable for wearables, robotic grippers, and smart clothing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fibers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing conditions (temperature, electrical stimulation) is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing conditionsVSAvoidfabric structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining shape memory polymers with conductive materials (such as metal coatings or conductive polymer layers) to create fibers that can respond to both thermal and electrical stimuli. This composite structure enables the fabric to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining a unified material system rather than requiring separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes shape memory polymers that undergo parameter changes in their physical state in response to temperature variations and electrical stimulation. The polymers transition between different conformational states, causing the fiber and fabric to change shape and stiffness accordingly, thereby achieving adaptability through controlled material parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If shape memory polymers are used to achieve reversible shape change, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereversible shape change capabilityVSAvoidfabric manufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by incorporating discrete conductive elements (such as metal coatings or conductive polymer segments) within the fiber structure rather than requiring the entire fabric to be complex. This allows the shape memory polymer matrix to provide the reversible shape change while the conductive segments provide the necessary electrical responsiveness, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conductive materials are added to fibers, then electrical responsiveness is improved, but fiber flexibility may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical responsivenessVSAvoidfiber flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin film or coating structures for the conductive materials applied to the fiber surface. This thin film approach maintains the core flexibility of the fiber while providing sufficient electrical conductivity for responsiveness to electrical stimuli. The conductive layer is designed to be flexible and conform to the fiber's movement without compromising its mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 adaptive and customizable properties in textiles, such as adjustable hardness, friction, and permeability, enhancing comfort, functionality, and integration with electronic components, suitable for wearables, sport bandages, and robotic applications.

Implementation Method 1

functional fabrics or devices, comprising flexible fabrics or fiber-based materials which reversibly change shape upon stimulation with temperature and/or electrical (electrical field and/or charge)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory polymer: Shape Memory Polymer

Implementation Method 2

stimulation with temperature and/or electrical (electrical field and/or charge)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical field stimulation: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20240309565A1Shape morphing fabrics and adaptive fabrics comprising compressible fibers

Publication Date: 2024.09.19 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

The field of the DISCLOSURE lies in adaptive materials for implementation in textiles, wearables and smart clothing. The present disclosure relates to functional fabrics or devices, comprising flexible fabrics or fiber-based materials which reversibly change shape upon stimulation with temperature and/or electrical (electrical field and/or charge) and/or upon applying tension. The present disclosure also relates to the use of said functional fabrics or devices, in particular for changing the hardness-softness in wearables or in parts of objects, or as variable friction layer in robotic grippers. The present disclosure also relates to wearable electronics, smart clothing, sport bandages and compression stockings, flexible sheet heaters. The present disclosure also relates to functional fabrics or devices and theirs uses in shape morphing fabrics, as soft/hard powered exoskeletons for posture corrective/supportive wearables or robotic artificial muscles.