Shape Memory Alloy Driving Device with Flexible Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving devices such as voice coil motors and piezo actuators have limitations including low output and increased size and power consumption, which are not suitable for applications requiring efficient transmission of driving force in industries like augmented reality and robotics.
Innovation Solution
A driving device utilizing shape memory alloys with flexible structures that contract and expand, allowing for a stacked configuration and adjustable height, enabling efficient transmission of driving force while minimizing size and power consumption through a power supply and connection conducting wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the size of the driving device is increased to increase the output, then the output is improved, but the power consumption greatly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar wire configurations to three-dimensional coiled wire structures. The wire is wound into multiple loops around a central axis, creating a volumetric driving element that generates force in the vertical direction. This dimensional change allows the device to achieve higher output without increasing the horizontal footprint, and the coiled structure provides mechanical advantage through lever arm effects while maintaining compact size and low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the coiled wire is positioned within a housing that contains magnetic components and flexible membranes. The wire loops are nested around a central axis, and multiple layers of the coiled structure are stacked vertically. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of available space, allowing the driving element to generate high output force within a compact volume, thereby improving power efficiency without sacrificing output capability.
2Power
If conventional driving devices like voice coil motors or piezo actuators are used, then driving force transmission is achieved, but the output is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining conductive wire material with magnetic components and flexible membrane materials. The coiled wire serves as both the electrical conductor and the mechanical actuator, while magnetic components provide force amplification. The flexible membrane converts radial wire expansion into vertical displacement. This composite approach integrates multiple functional materials to achieve high output and efficient driving force transmission, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-material actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters of the wire material, specifically its electrical resistance and thermal expansion properties. By applying electrical current, the wire heats up and expands radially, which is then converted into vertical motion through the flexible membrane structure. This parameter-based actuation mechanism allows for precise control of output force and displacement, achieving high productivity in driving force transmission while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 driving device achieves enhanced mobility and stability by converting the contractile force of shape memory alloys into a driving force, allowing for linear motion and improved power efficiency, suitable for applications in augmented reality and robotics.
Implementation Method 1
a first wire extending in a first direction and including a first shape memory alloy... based on a contraction of the first wire in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A driving device includes a first driving element and a first flexible structure. The first driving element includes a first wire extending in a first direction and includes a shape memory alloy. The first flexible structure has a certain width in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and when the first wire contracts in the first direction, the first flexible structure has a height increasing in a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. The driving device further includes a second driving element including a second wire and a second flexible structure, the second wire extending in the first direction and including a shape memory alloy. The second flexible structure has a certain width in the second direction, and when the second wire contracts in the first direction, the second flexible structure has a height increasing in the third direction.