Self-Locking SMA Actuator Cartridge for Compression Garments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compression garments face challenges such as being difficult to put on and take off, providing limited compression, or being bulky and restrictive when inflated, necessitating a solution for controllable and efficient compression.
Innovation Solution
A shape memory alloy (SMA) cartridge with end caps and SMA coils that automatically lock in a contracted state when stimulated, allowing for controllable compression and easy integration into various compression garments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If tight fitting passive materials are used for compression garments, then the garments are lightweight, but they are difficult and time-consuming to put on and take off, or provide only limited compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators that can dynamically change the garment's compression state. The SMA coils transition between contracted and extended states based on electrical stimulation, allowing the garment to adapt between compressed and relaxed configurations, thereby solving the contradiction between maintaining compression and ease of donning/doffing
2Weight of moving object
If tight fitting passive materials are used for compression garments, then the garments are lightweight, but they provide only limited compression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical compression materials with active SMA actuators that generate compression forces through shape memory effect. The SMA coils can be electrically stimulated to produce controlled compression forces, overcoming the limitation of passive materials while maintaining lightweight construction
3Ease of operation
If pneumatically-pressurized bladders are used for compression garments, then the garments can be put on and taken off relatively easily, but they are bulky and restrict movement when inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky pneumatic bladders with compact SMA coil actuators. The SMA coils generate compression forces without requiring large inflated chambers, thereby maintaining ease of donning and doffing while eliminating the bulkiness and movement restriction associated with pneumatic systems
4Ease of operation
If pneumatically-pressurized bladders are used for compression garments, then the garments can be put on and taken off relatively easily, but they restrict movement when inflated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using SMA actuators that can dynamically adjust compression levels. The garment can be easily donned in a relaxed state and then selectively compressed in specific regions, maintaining movement freedom in non-compressed areas while providing targeted compression where needed
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 SMA cartridge provides efficient, controllable compression without continuous power application, maintaining the contracted state and enabling easy donning and doffing of garments while minimizing bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
The SMA coils have a trained state and a deformed state, where the SMA coils are in the deformed state when a stimulus is provided thereto and where the SMA coils are in the trained state when the stimulus is removed therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments provide a shape memory alloy (SMA) cartridge for use in providing controllable compression. The SMA cartridge includes first and second end caps, each of the first and second end caps being coupled to a passive material. One or more SMA coils extend between the first and second end caps. The SMA coils have a trained state and a deformed state, where the SMA coils are in the deformed state when a stimulus is provided thereto and the SMA coils are in the trained state when the stimulus is removed therefrom. The first end cap and the second end cap include a locking mechanism to automatically lock the first and second end caps in a fixed position relative to one another when the SMA coils are contracted.