Wireless Laser Activation of Thermally Responsive Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermally actuated active material actuators require hard-wire communication for activation, limiting their flexibility and applicability, especially in hazardous environments or where operator presence is not feasible.

Innovation Solution

The use of wireless transmission methods, such as radiated energy, to activate thermally actuated active material actuators without the need for an electric circuit, enabling remote activation and expanding potential applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hard-wire communication is used to activate thermally actuated active material actuators, then reliable activation control is achieved, but the spacing between the input device and actuator is limited and system flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespacing between input device and actuatorVSAvoidelectric circuit requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical hard-wire connection system with an optical wireless transmission system. A laser source transmits activation signals through optical beams that can travel through air or transparent media, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections between the input device and actuator. This substitution enables remote activation while maintaining reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical intermediary (laser beam transmission medium) that carries the activation signal from the input device to the actuator without requiring direct physical contact or electrical connection. The optical medium acts as a mediator that transfers energy and control signals across distances that would be impractical for hard-wire connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hard-wire communication is used for actuator activation, then operator control is maintained, but application in hazardous environments or during power outages is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication environment flexibilityVSAvoidactivation capability in challenging conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing electrical hard-wire communication with optical laser transmission, the system becomes adaptable to hazardous environments where electrical connections would be dangerous or impractical. The optical system can operate in locations with water, chemicals, or during power outages, expanding the versatility of actuator applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical activation system provides universal applicability across diverse environments - it can be used in hazardous locations, during power outages, in aquatic environments, and in situations where electrical connections are prohibited. The laser transmission method serves multiple application scenarios that electrical systems cannot address.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If electrical current is used to heat the actuator, then direct activation control is achieved, but the presence of a user proximal to the actuator is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote activation capabilityVSAvoidenergy transmission method

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The laser beam serves as an intermediary energy carrier that transmits activation energy from a remote source to the actuator. This allows operators to activate actuators from safe distances or hazardous locations without being physically proximal to the actuator, enabling true remote operation while efficiently delivering the required energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach allows for increased spacing between the activation device and actuator, enabling on-demand activation in challenging environments and during power outages, and expands the use of thermally activated active materials in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a receptive element operable to engage the transmission and, as a result of such engagement, produce a signal sufficient to activate the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

an electric circuit comprising an input device or controller provides the electric current used to directly (e.g., through Joule heating) or indirectly heat the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

Thermally actuated active material (e.g., shape memory alloy, shape memory polymer, paraffin wax, etc.) actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 4

thermally actuated active material actuators require hard-wire communication to effect on-demand activation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS8656714B2Methods of activating thermally responsive active materials using wireless transmission

Publication Date: 2014.02.25 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

Actuation assemblies for and methods of activating a thermally actuated active material actuator utilizing wireless transmissions of energy.