Variable Stiffness Actuator with Elastic Connecting Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing variable stiffness actuators for flexible members lack efficient mechanisms to transition between low-stiffness and high-stiffness states without damaging electrical connections during bending deformations, particularly in constrained spaces.

Innovation Solution

A variable stiffness actuator comprising a shape-memory member that transitions between phases, an inducing member capable of generating heat, and a conductive connecting member that elastically connects the shape-memory and inducing members, allowing for controlled stiffness changes and reduced stress on electrical connections during deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a shape-memory member is used to change stiffness by bending deformation, then the stiffness can be adjusted, but the electrical connections may be damaged during deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestiffness adjustmentVSAvoidelectrical connection integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is divided into distinct functional segments: the shape-memory member for stiffness control, the inducing member for phase transition, and the connecting member for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while minimizing interference between them, protecting electrical connections from deformation damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member acts as an intermediary between the shape-memory member and the inducing member, providing a stable electrical connection path that is isolated from the bending deformation. This mediator component ensures that electrical signals can pass through without being damaged by the mechanical stress of deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the shape-memory member is directly connected to the inducing member, then the structure is simple, but the electrical connections are vulnerable to damage during bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member serves as a dedicated intermediary component that bridges the shape-memory member and the inducing member while maintaining electrical connectivity. This additional component, though it increases structural complexity slightly, provides crucial protection against electrical connection damage during bending operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is designed with elastic properties to beforehand cushion and absorb the mechanical stress that would otherwise directly affect the electrical connections. This pre-cushioning mechanism protects the electrical pathways from damage before stress can propagate to vulnerable connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the connecting member is rigid, then the electrical connection is stable, but it cannot accommodate bending deformations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection stabilityVSAvoiddeformation accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is designed with dynamic elastic properties that allow it to adapt its stiffness characteristics. During bending deformation, the elastic material can deform to accommodate the shape changes while maintaining continuous electrical contact. When not deforming, it provides stable electrical connection, thus dynamically adapting to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member utilizes flexible conductive material that can bend and deform while maintaining electrical conductivity. This flexible structure allows the electrical connection to accommodate bending deformations of the shape-memory member without losing connectivity or stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 efficient switching between low-stiffness and high-stiffness states while minimizing the risk of damaging electrical connections, effectively managing bending deformations and maintaining stable operation in flexible members.

Implementation Method 1

a shape-memory member (20) capable of transitioning in phase between a first phase and a second phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

an inducing member (30) configured to cause the shape-memory member (20) to transition in phase between the first phase and the second phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10859067B2Variable stiffness actuator

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)

AI summary

A variable stiffness actuator includes a shape-memory member capable of transitioning in phase between a first phase and a second phase. The shape-memory member takes a low-stiffness state when in the first phase, and takes a high-stiffness state. The variable stiffness actuator also includes an inducing member configured to cause the shape-memory member to transition in phase between the first phase and the second phase and a connecting member elastically connecting the shape-memory member and inducing member. All of the shape-memory member, the inducing member, and the connecting member are conductive, and the shape-memory member, the inducing member, and the connecting member are electrically connected to each other.