Transformative Elastomeric Periodic Structures for Tunable Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials with periodic structures lack the ability to dynamically change their geometric patterns in response to macroscopic stress or strain, limiting their adaptability and functionality in applications such as energy absorption, optical manipulation, and acoustic control.
Innovation Solution
Development of transformative elastomeric and elasto-plastic periodic structures that alter their geometric patterns under critical stress or strain, allowing for reversible or retained transformations, enabling tunable attributes like color change, sound transmission, and hydrophobicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If periodic structures are made static, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability to external stimuli is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming static periodic structures into dynamic systems that can change their geometric patterns in response to external stimuli such as stress, strain, temperature, or pH changes. The periodic structure transitions from a fixed configuration to one that can adapt its morphology, enabling the material to tune its properties (optical, acoustic, mechanical) based on environmental conditions while maintaining the periodic arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If periodic structures undergo transformation, then adaptability is improved, but stability of structural configuration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying physical or chemical parameters (stress, strain, temperature, pH) to trigger controlled transformations in the periodic structure. The structure transitions between different stable states (e.g., from a regular periodic pattern to a transformed pattern with different geometric characteristics), allowing reversible or irreversible changes in configuration depending on the magnitude and duration of the applied parameter change.
3Adaptability or versatility
If periodic structures are made reversible, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transitions by designing periodic structures that can undergo reversible transformations between different structural phases or states. These transitions are triggered by external stimuli and allow the material to switch between functional states while maintaining precise geometric periodicity in each state. The reversibility enables the structure to return to its original configuration after stimulus removal, preserving manufacturing precision through controlled phase changes.
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
These materials exhibit sudden, uniform, and robust pattern changes, maintaining original form upon unloading or retaining new patterns, offering mechanically tunable properties for photonic, phononic, and hydrophobic applications, with potential for adaptive functionality across various length scales.
Implementation Method 1
The transformative periodic structure include a plurality of elastomeric periodic solids that experiences a transformation in the structural configuration upon application of a critical macroscopic stress or strain
Implementation Method 2
Upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the elastomeric periodic solids are recovered to their original form
Implementation Method 3
Photonic crystals are composed of submicron structures with periodicity comparable to the wavelength of visible light which are designed to affect the propagation of electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 4
photonic crystals are periodic composite materials with lattice spacings comparable to the acoustic wavelength. They are of interest because of the profound effects of their periodic structure on wave propagation (e.g., the existence of acoustic band gaps)
Implementation Method 5
Periodic submicron structures are also employed to obtain super-hydrophobicity. Micro-textures that modify the wettability of the material have been found in the leaves of about 200 plants
Data Source
AI summary
A transformative periodic structure includes a plurality of elastomeric or elasto-plastic periodic solids that experiences a transformation in the structural configuration upon application of a critical macroscopic stress or strain. The transformation alters the geometric pattern changing the spacing and the shape of the features within the transformative periodic structure. For the case of elastomeric periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the transformative periodic solids are recovered to their original form. For the case of elasto-plastic periodic structures upon removal of the critical macroscopic stress or strain, the new pattern is retained. Polymeric periodic solids can be recovered to their original form by heating or plasticizing.