SMA and Auxetic Actuator for Offshore Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transmission of hydraulic power over long distances in remote offshore operations is inefficient and costly, with hydraulic lines susceptible to damage, leakage, and increased pressure from water depth, requiring large mechanical springs that are prone to stress corrosion and fatigue.
Innovation Solution
An actuation device utilizing shape memory alloy (SMA) components operationally coupled with auxetic materials, where the SMA components are actuated by a power source to displace the auxetic materials perpendicularly, providing a compact and scalable solution that eliminates the need for large stored energy devices and reduces hardware costs and risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If hydraulic power transmission is used over long distances, then mechanical work can be provided, but transmission efficiency decreases and costs increase due to pressure loss and line damage susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into multiple chambers with pistons that can be independently actuated. Each chamber-piston assembly functions as an independent unit, allowing the system to achieve complex motion sequences without requiring complex external control infrastructure. This segmentation enables the system to replace long-distance hydraulic power transmission with localized power application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic power transmission system with a sequence of localized pneumatic or mechanical actuations. Instead of transmitting hydraulic power over long distances through pipes and conduits, the system uses multiple independently controllable chambers that can be actuated in sequence to produce the desired piston motion, eliminating the need for extensive hydraulic infrastructure.
2Reliability
If large mechanical springs are used to compensate for hydraulic head pressure, then mechanical performance is maintained, but the springs become susceptible to stress corrosion and fatigue failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically controllable chamber pressures to compensate for hydraulic head pressure rather than relying on static spring preloads. The chamber pressures can be adjusted in real-time to match operating conditions, eliminating the need for oversized springs that are constantly under high stress and susceptible to fatigue failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces large mechanical springs with a system of controllable chambers and pistons that can actively compensate for hydraulic head pressure. This substitution eliminates the stress corrosion and fatigue issues associated with large springs while maintaining the ability to counteract ambient pressure effects.
3Ease of operation
If stepped actuation is achieved through complex gearing with two linear piston actuators, then step motion is produced, but the device complexity and cycle count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into multiple chambers with individual pistons that can be actuated in a predetermined sequence. Each chamber-piston assembly corresponds to a specific step in the motion sequence, eliminating the need for complex gearing mechanisms. The segmentation allows direct translation of control signals into discrete motion steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic actuation of different chambers in a predetermined sequence to produce stepped motion. Each chamber is actuated for a specific duration and then deactivated, creating a rhythmic pattern of motion that achieves the desired stepped displacement without requiring complex mechanical linkages or high cycle counts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic lines are extended to reach remote facilities, then power transmission is achieved, but the lines become more susceptible to physical damage, blockage, and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple independently controllable chambers that can be actuated locally, eliminating the need for long-distance hydraulic lines. Each chamber can receive control signals and generate force independently, allowing the system to maintain remote operation capability while minimizing the length and exposure of hydraulic conduits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces extensive hydraulic line infrastructure with a system of locally actuated chambers. Control signals can be transmitted electronically over long distances, while the actual power generation occurs locally at each chamber, eliminating the need for long hydraulic lines that are vulnerable to damage, blockage, and leakage.
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 actuation device streamlines flow control operations, reduces costs, minimizes assembly time and weight, enhances safety, and eliminates the need for costly hydraulic power units and large springs, while maintaining effective mechanical performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each actuation unit may include a shape memory alloy component, an auxetic material component operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component
Implementation Method 2
the auxetic material component expands in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the shape memory alloy component
Data Source
AI summary
An actuation device (100) includes a plurality of actuation units (101) disposed about an axis (Ar). Each actuation unit of the plurality of actuation units (101) includes a shape memory alloy component (104a-104n), an auxetic material component (105a-105n) operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n), and a power source (107a-107n) operationally coupled to the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n). Additionally, the actuation device (100) includes a control system (108) operationally coupled to the power source (107a-107n), the control system (108) is configured to actuate the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n) through the power source (108). Further, when actuated, the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n) moves in a direction outward from the axis (Ar) to pull the auxetic material component (105a-105n), and the auxetic material component expands in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the shape memory alloy component (104a-104n).