Thermally Driven Actuator with Segmented Shape Memory Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional actuators are heavy, prone to failure due to pressures and stresses, and limited in providing customizable positioning as they typically transition between only two stable configurations, lacking the ability to achieve multiple desired configurations.
Innovation Solution
A thermally driven actuator system utilizing shape memory materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers, and liquid crystal elastomers, which can be reconfigured through selective heat application to achieve multiple customizable configurations by independently heating different regions of the thermally driven element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional actuators (hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical motors) are used, then actuation force and reliability are improved, but weight increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical motors) with a thermally-driven system using shape memory materials. The shape memory alloy or polymer elements directly convert thermal energy to mechanical motion, eliminating heavy mechanical components while maintaining actuation capability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition temperature changes in shape memory materials to trigger actuation. By controlling temperature parameters (heating to transition temperature and cooling below it), the material transitions between different stable configurations, providing reliable actuation through fundamental material property changes rather than mechanical means.
2Weight of moving object
If shape memory materials are used, then weight is reduced, but the ability to achieve multiple customizable configurations is lost (limited to two stable configurations)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shape memory material into multiple independently controllable regions or elements. Each region can be heated to its transition temperature independently, allowing selective activation of different segments. This segmentation enables the system to achieve multiple customizable configurations by combining different segment states, overcoming the traditional two-state limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static two-state shape memory materials to a dynamic multi-configuration system. By enabling independent control of multiple regions and utilizing intermediate temperature states, the system can dynamically adjust to various configurations beyond the traditional two stable states, achieving adaptability and versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If selective heating of multiple regions is implemented, then configuration versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple heating elements into a unified control system that can selectively activate different regions. By merging the heating control functions and using a centralized controller to manage multiple heating zones, the system achieves multi-configuration capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity through integrated design.
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 lightweight, durable, and versatile actuation capable of achieving multiple configurations without material phase change, allowing for precise control and reconfiguration of structural elements, enhancing the functionality and reliability of actuator systems.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more heating elements are configured to selectively and independently apply heat to one or more of a plurality of different regions of the thermally driven element to selectively raise a temperature or temperatures of the selected region or regions
Implementation Method 2
the reconfiguration can occur based on a material phase change in at least a portion of the thermally driven element that occurs at a predetermined temperature (e.g., such as for a shape memory alloy or a shape memory polymer)
Implementation Method 3
the thermally driven element can include, e.g., one or more shape memory materials such as a shape memory alloy or a shape memory polymer
Implementation Method 4
the reconfiguration can occur based on a thermal strain that is proportional to temperature (e.g., such as for a liquid crystal elastomer)
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to thermally driven actuator systems including a thermally driven element and one or more heating elements coupled to and in thermal contact with the thermally driven element. The thermally driven element can be capable of being selectively reconfigured in shape based on a thermal strain or temperature driven phase change. The one or more heating elements can be configured to selectively and independently apply heat to one or more of a plurality of different regions of the thermally driven element to selectively raise a temperature or temperatures of the selected region or regions of the thermally driven element to selectively reconfigure the shape of the thermally driven element.