3D-Printed Spinodoid Ferroelectrics for Precise Microarchitectures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional processing methods for ferroelectric materials limit the exploration of complex and precise microstructures, hindering the development of architected ferroelectric metamaterials with enhanced piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.

Innovation Solution

The use of a spinodoid geometry with 3D printing technology to create ferroelectric metamaterials, combining numerical homogenization and deep learning to optimize microarchitectures, and electrically polarizing the materials to enhance their piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional processing methods are used for ferroelectric materials, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and ability to create complex microstructures deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicrostructure precisionVSAvoidprocessing method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical processing methods with digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technology. This substitution enables precise control over microstructure geometry and composition, achieving complex spinodoid architectures that cannot be fabricated using traditional mechanical means. The digital printing approach allows for layer-by-layer construction with high precision while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the digital printing process, including controlling printing resolution, layer thickness, and material composition ratios. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves precise control over the microstructure's geometric features, pore size distribution, and material density, thereby optimizing ferroelectric performance without requiring complex post-processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If complex spinodoid geometries are 3D printed, then manufacturing precision of microstructures is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinodoid geometry precisionVSAvoidfabrication simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary digital modeling and simulation of the spinodoid geometry before physical fabrication. The microstructure design is optimized in silico, allowing prediction of manufacturing challenges and optimization of printing parameters in advance. This preliminary digital preparation simplifies the actual printing process by pre-configuring all necessary parameters, reducing trial-and-error iterations, and enabling direct fabrication of complex geometries without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If ferroelectric materials are electrically polarized, then piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties are improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveferroelectric performanceVSAvoidpolarization energy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality optimization by directing electrical polarization selectively to specific regions of the spinodoid microstructure. Rather than uniformly polarizing the entire material, the process targets areas with highest ferroelectric potential based on local geometric features and stress distribution. This localized approach reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining or enhancing piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties in critical regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach results in high-performance ferroelectric metamaterials with improved piezoelectric and pyroelectric figures of merit, enabling applications in sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters with enhanced sensitivity and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Ferroelectric effect generates electrical power from mechanical oscillations and temperature fluctuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerroelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A numerical homogenization can predict their effective multiphysical properties. A poling simulation can be conducted to determine the poling direction of the local element. The determined poling direction can then be imported to the numerical homogenization model to extract the effective mechanical and piezoelectric constants.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

Ferroelectric effect generates electrical power from mechanical oscillations and temperature fluctuations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPyroelectric effect: Pyroelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240431210A1Thermoelectromechanical system and method of making same

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 MCGILL UNIV

AI summary

The thermoelectromechanical system can have a porous structure having a spinodoid geometry and formed of an electrically polarized ferroelectric material, the structure occupying a volume and having a first area spaced apart from a second area; and a device electrically connected to the first area and to the second area.