Smart Soft Composite Actuator Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart structures, such as those using shape memory alloys, are limited in deformation capabilities, primarily allowing linear deformation or out-of-plane bending, and occupy significant space, making it difficult to achieve large deformation and compact actuation in small-sized structures.
Innovation Solution
A smart soft composite actuator is developed, comprising a shape-changing smart material and a supporting matrix or directional material, allowing for controlled in-plane shear, out-of-plane deformation, and twisting by adjusting the position and directionality of the smart and directional materials within the matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If shape memory alloy embedded composites are used for actuation, then actuating quantity can be improved, but the structure is limited to hard matrix and cannot achieve large deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines shape memory alloy (smart material) with soft matrix material to create a composite actuator that achieves both precise actuation control and large deformation capability. The soft matrix enables biomimetic technology and large shape changes while the embedded SMA provides controlled actuation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and deformation versatility.
2Ease of operation
If smart materials are directly attached to structure for actuation, then actuation control is simplified, but the actuator occupies large space
Solution Approach 1:
The smart material is embedded within the soft matrix structure, with the actuator nested inside the overall device geometry. This nesting approach allows the actuator to occupy minimal space while maintaining direct attachment to the structure for simplified control, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and compact size.
3Loss of energy
If multi-stable complex structures are used, then energy consumption is reduced by maintaining deformed state, but the structure can be deformed only in designed shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the smart material to achieve multi-stable states while maintaining the ability to transition between different shapes. The soft matrix combined with embedded smart material allows the structure to be deformed into various desired shapes on demand, while the multi-stable特性 enables energy-efficient maintenance of each deformed state, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and shape changeability.
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
This solution enables large user-desired deformations with reduced size and energy efficiency, allowing for simplified control and fabrication of actuators capable of both deflection and twisting, suitable for applications like shape-changeable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a smart material whose shape is changeable based on an external signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a smart soft composite actuator which enables user-desiring deformation by changing the position of smart material functioning as an active component, wherein the smart soft composite actuator comprises a smart material whose shape is changeable based on an external signal; and a matrix for supporting the smart material and determining an external shape, wherein the smart material is positioned inside the matrix or in a surface of the matrix, and at least one of in-plane shear deformation and out-of-plane deformation is realized by controlling the position of smart material.