Thin Displacement Driving Device Using Shape Memory Alloy Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to develop a thin displacement driving device that can efficiently move objects, such as camera modules or light-emitting components, in narrow or thin spaces within electronic devices, like mobile phones, without using bulky motor-driven components.
Innovation Solution
A thin displacement driving device is designed using a combination of first and second movable plates, axial limiting units, and shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, where the movement of one plate triggers the movement of the other, allowing for displacement without the need for traditional motors, utilizing SMA wires and elastic units to provide the necessary forces for object movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional motor-driven components are used to drive camera modules or light-emitting components, then the displacement driving function can be achieved, but the device thickness increases and the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional motor-driven mechanical systems with shape memory alloy (SMA) wires that convert electrical energy directly into mechanical displacement through thermal actuation. This substitution eliminates bulky motor components while achieving the same displacement function, thereby reducing device thickness and space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent phase transformation properties of shape memory alloy materials. By changing the temperature parameter through electrical heating of SMA wires, the material transitions between austenite and martensite phases, producing large reversible strains that drive the displacement mechanism without requiring thick mechanical components
2Ease of operation
If traditional motor-driven components are used for displacement driving, then the driving function is achieved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electrical pulses to heat the shape memory alloy wires, inducing phase transformations only when needed for displacement. The SMA material maintains its displaced position passively through elastic recovery forces without requiring continuous power supply, thereby reducing average power consumption compared to motor-driven systems that require continuous energy input to maintain position
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy system provides self-sustaining displacement and position maintenance through its inherent pseudoelastic and shape memory properties. Once actuated by electrical heating, the SMA wires can maintain displacement without continuous energy input, and the elastic units provide restoring forces automatically, eliminating the need for continuous power consumption associated with motor control systems
3Length of stationary object
If the device is designed as thin form factor, then the portability is improved, but the space for driving components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second movable plate is disposed on the first movable plate, and the axial limiting units are integrated within the overlapping regions of the movable plates. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy the same spatial envelope, achieving complex displacement functionality within a thin form factor without compromising adaptability
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 enables the miniaturization of displacement driving mechanisms, allowing for efficient movement of objects in thin spaces with reduced power consumption, as the device can store and expose camera modules or light-emitting components as needed, while maintaining positions without continuous power supply.
Implementation Method 1
The two ends of the first SMA wire are respectively connected to the electrodes of the first electrode terminal pair
Implementation Method 2
a first shape memory alloy (SMA) wire. The two ends of the first SMA wire are respectively connected to the electrodes of the first electrode terminal pair
Implementation Method 3
The first elastic unit is disposed between the first substrate and the first movable plate to provide a first restoring force for the first movable plate
Data Source
AI summary
A thin displacement driving device includes a first movable plate, a second movable plate, an axial limiting unit, a first actuator and a second actuator. The axial limiting unit limits the moving direction of the first movable plate and the second movable late. The first actuator has a first shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first movable plate, and the second actuator has a second shape memory alloy wire coupled to the second movable plate. Movement of the first movable plate by the actuation of the first actuator will trigger movement of the second movable plate, and movement of the second movable plate by actuation of the second actuator will trigger movement of the first movable plate.