Smart Opening and Closing Apparatus Using Shape Memory Alloys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape memory alloy technologies require continuous energy supply or manual operation for bidirectional shape changes, leading to high energy consumption and operational inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A smart opening and closing apparatus using a two-way shape memory alloy with a controller that applies stimuli to both the opening/closing means and fixation means with a time difference, allowing the fixation means to maintain the open or closed state without continuous energy, utilizing shape memory alloys in both the opening/closing member and fixation members to control the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bidirectional shape memory alloys are used for opening and closing operation, then operational convenience is improved, but continuous energy supply is required to maintain shapes leading to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into two independent subsystems: opening/closing means with opening/closing members for shape transformation, and fixation means with fixation members for maintaining the transformed shape. This segmentation allows the fixation members to take over the energy-consuming maintenance function, enabling the opening/closing members to operate with lower energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation members act as an intermediary mechanism between the opening/closing members and the environment. When opening/closing members transform the garment shape, fixation members selectively interfere to maintain this transformed shape without requiring continuous energy supply, thus mediating the energy consumption issue.
2Use of energy by moving object
If unidirectional shape memory alloys are used, then manual operation is required to return to original shape, but this increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation members automatically maintain the transformed shape of the opening/closing members without requiring manual intervention. When the opening/closing members transform the garment, the fixation members self-activate to interfere and hold this shape, eliminating the need for manual operation to maintain the state.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation members are designed to preemptively maintain the transformed shape immediately after the opening/closing members complete their transformation. This preliminary action of shape maintenance eliminates the need for subsequent manual intervention to preserve the transformed state.
3Extent of automation
If shape memory alloys are used for automatic opening and closing, then operational convenience is improved, but energy consumption increases due to continuous stimulation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies stimuli periodically rather than continuously. Electric stimuli are applied to opening/closing members to initiate shape transformation, then stimuli are applied to fixation members to maintain the transformed shape. This periodic stimulation pattern significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous stimulation while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using two different types of shape memory alloy members with different functions. The opening/closing members respond to electrical stimuli for shape transformation, while fixation members maintain the transformed shape through selective interference, changing the energy consumption parameter from continuous high-level stimulation to periodic low-level stimulation.
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
Reduces energy consumption by allowing the apparatus to maintain the open or closed state without continuous energy supply, enhancing operational convenience and efficiency while minimizing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
the opening/closing member includes a shape memory alloy memorizing an open or closed shape
Implementation Method 2
the fixation members include a shape memory alloy memorizing a shape interfering with the opening/closing means or not interfering with the opening/closing means
Implementation Method 3
the opening/closing member may be provided inside and protected by a first protective member formed of a heat insulating and insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
Discloses is a smart opening and closing apparatus. More particularly, the smart opening and closing apparatus includes an opening/closing means configured to be opened or closed depending upon application of a stimulus, a fixation means configured to maintain an open state of the opening/closing means by selectively interfering with the opening/closing means depending upon application of a stimulus, and a controller configured to control opening/closing of the opening/closing means by applying a stimulus to the opening/closing means and the fixation means and, in a state in which the stimulus is released, to control the fixation means to interfere with the opening/closing means so as to maintain a shape of the opening/closing means. In accordance with such a configuration, the shape of the opening/closing means may be maintained also in state in which a stimulus is not applied, whereby low-power operation may be accomplished.