Thermally Adaptive Locking Structure With Controlled Multi-Metal Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory shape alloys are influenced by working fluid temperatures, necessitating complex machinery for control, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A locking device composed of a composition gradient with differing thermal expansion coefficients and a thermoelectric junction, formed of dissimilar metals or plastic with fillings/fibers, allows for controlled deformation without additional mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If memory shape alloy or multi-metallic parts are used to avoid complex machinery, then device complexity is reduced, but the shape control reliability deteriorates due to unwanted shape changes from working fluid temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a composition gradient within the material structure, where different regions have different coefficients of thermal expansion. This allows specific zones to expand or contract differently in response to temperature changes, enabling controlled shape transformation while maintaining overall structural integrity. The gradient composition is achieved through additive manufacturing techniques that vary material composition spatially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by combining multiple materials with different thermal expansion properties in a gradient structure. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit tailored thermal response characteristics, where the gradual transition between materials with different CTEs creates predictable shape changes in response to temperature variations, solving the reliability issue while maintaining design simplicity.
2Productivity
If working fluid temperatures are present in the system, then operational functionality is enabled, but unwanted shape changes occur in the alloy parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by deliberately designing the material composition to vary spatially, creating a gradient in the coefficient of thermal expansion parameter. This controlled variation in material parameters allows the structure to transform its shape in a predictable manner in response to temperature changes from working fluids, converting an unwanted effect into a controlled functional response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly utilizes thermal expansion by designing a composition gradient where different regions have different coefficients of thermal expansion. When exposed to working fluid temperatures, these regions expand or contract at different rates, creating a coordinated shape transformation that enables controlled movement or positioning while maintaining operational functionality.
3Reliability
If precise shape control is required for locking device function, then locking reliability is improved, but additional control mechanisms are needed increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the material itself to provide the shape control function through its gradient composition. The material autonomously responds to temperature changes by transforming its shape in a predictable manner, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms such as actuators, sensors, or control systems. This self-service approach maintains high locking reliability while avoiding additional complexity.
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 secure locking and unlocking through thermal input, eliminating the need for movable parts and providing a controllable, securable locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion
Implementation Method 2
a thermoelectric junction operationally coupled to the composition gradient
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device having: a composition gradient defining a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second coefficient of thermal expansion that differs from the first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a thermoelectric junction operationally coupled to the composition gradient, wherein the composition gradient is formed of either of a plurality of dissimilar metals or of plastic with fillings or fibers.