SMM Wire Locking Apparatus with Force Conditioner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hybrid computing devices face challenges in achieving a robust yet energy-efficient connection mechanism that balances strength with low energy consumption, affecting battery life and operating temperature.

Innovation Solution

The use of a shape memory material (SMM) wire and a force conditioner to create a locking apparatus that applies a contraction force and opposing return force, allowing for a secure and efficient transition between locked and unlocked positions with minimal energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a stronger connection mechanism is used to connect the screen to the input devices, then the connection strength and robustness are improved, but the energy consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static strong connection to a dynamic system that adjusts its locking force. The SMM wire provides strong locking when engaged, but the mechanism can be easily unlocked with minimal force, creating a dynamic system that is strong when needed but energy-efficient during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The SMM wire changes its physical properties (length and force output) based on temperature or electrical stimulation. When activated, it contracts to provide strong locking force; when deactivated, it returns to its original state, allowing easy unlocking with minimal energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a robust connection mechanism is used, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the operating temperature of the hybrid computer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidoperating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with an SMM-based actuation system. The SMM wire can be activated electrically or thermally to provide locking force, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical pressure or complex spring mechanisms that generate heat during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the SMM wire directly acts on the locking arm without a force conditioner, then the device complexity is reduced, but the available unlocking force is insufficient and the force curve is highly variable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism complexityVSAvoidavailable unlocking force

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The force conditioner acts as an intermediary between the SMM wire and the locking arm. It conditions the force output from the SMM wire to provide a more consistent force curve and amplifies the available unlocking force, while still maintaining relative simplicity in the overall mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Force

If the SMM wire is made longer to increase the contraction force, then the available force is improved, but the device dimensions and form factor increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontraction forceVSAvoidSMM wire length

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing force through wire length (one dimension), the force conditioner utilizes mechanical advantage through leverage and force multiplication in another dimension. This allows achieving high contraction force with a compact SMM wire, maintaining a small form factor while providing sufficient unlocking force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances the available unlocking force while maintaining a compact form factor and reducing energy consumption, providing efficient movement between locked and unlocked positions with a substantially flat force curve.

Implementation Method 1

The SMM wire has a first state and a second state and the SMM wire is movable between the first state and the second state by the actuator. The first state has a first length and the second state has a second length that is shorter than the first length. Moving from the first state to the second state applies a contraction force along a longitudinal direction of the SMM wire.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory material effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS10794093B2Method of optimizing memory wire actuator energy output

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

In some embodiments, an apparatus for locking a computing device includes an actuator, a locking protrusion connected to a first portion of the computing device, a locking receptacle connected to a second portion of the computing device, a shape memory material (SMM) wire, and a force conditioner. The SMM wire has a first state and a second state and is movable between states by the actuator. The first state and the second state have first and second lengths, respectively. Moving from the first state to the second state applies a contraction force along a longitudinal direction of the SMM wire. The force conditioner is configured to apply a return force to the SMM wire that opposes the contraction face. The return force returns the SMM wire toward the first state while moving a maximum available force of the SMM wire to the second state of the SMM wire.