Telescopic Apparatus Actuator Using Smart Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic apparatuses for bicycles lack a compact and efficient mechanism for actuating movable members, particularly in adjusting the height of the saddle, which is often cumbersome and requires complex hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A telescopic apparatus comprising a first tube, a second tube, a movable member, and an actuator that is deformable in response to stimulation such as electric charge, heat, or biasing force, allowing for compact design and efficient movement of the movable member between closed and open positions within the hydraulic structure, utilizing a piezoelectric element or shape-memory alloy for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex hydraulic system is used for actuating the movable member, then the actuation force and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic systems with smart materials (piezoelectric elements, shape-memory alloys, or electroactive polymers) that directly convert electrical energy into mechanical deformation. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, pumps, valves, and associated mechanical components, achieving reliable actuation through material-level responses to electrical stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters of smart materials (electrical field, temperature, or voltage) to induce dimensional changes in the actuator. By applying electrical voltage or current to piezoelectric elements or shape-memory alloys, the material undergoes reversible phase transitions or electrostatic deformation, directly producing the required mechanical motion without complex mechanical transmission systems.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact actuator design is used, then the device size is reduced, but the actuation force may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite structures combining smart materials with supportive structural materials. The smart material layer (piezoelectric or shape-memory alloy) provides the actuation function through dimensional changes, while the composite structure amplifies and transmits this deformation into useful mechanical force. The elongated shape of the actuator within the telescopic tube maximizes the surface area and volume of smart material while maintaining structural integrity and force transmission efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical actuators are used, then the actuation mechanism is simple, but the ease of operation and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with electrically-controlled smart material actuators. This allows for precise, on-demand adjustment of the telescopic apparatus height through electrical stimulation alone, eliminating the need for manual cranks, levers, or hydraulic controls. The system responds automatically to electrical signals, providing ease of operation through simple electrical actuation.
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
Enables compact and efficient adjustment of the telescopic apparatus, simplifying the structure and allowing for easy height adjustment of the saddle by using deformable actuators that respond to stimulation, thereby improving user experience and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator includes a piezoelectric element configured to change a shape of the piezoelectric element in response to the stimulation
Implementation Method 2
the actuator includes a shape-memory alloy configured to change a shape of the shape-memory alloy in response to the stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
A telescopic apparatus comprises a first tube, a second tube, a movable member, and an actuator. The second tube is telescopically and movably coupled to the first tube. The movable member is movable relative to the first tube in a telescopic direction. The actuator is configured to be deformable so as to move the movable member relative to the first tube in the telescopic direction. The actuator is provided in at least one of the first tube and the second tube.