Temperature responsive systems
View Patent ↗A shape memory material activated device of the present invention uses a shape memory material activator to create a path through a shell wall of the device. The path through the shell wall may release a substance contained in the shell or allow a substance to enter the shell. The path may be created by fracturing, puncturing, exploding, imploding, peeling, tearing, stretching, separating, debonding, abrading or otherwise opening the shell and, may be permanent or reversible. The substance may be released in one location while the device is stationary or along a path while it is traveling, self-powered by the shape memory material activator. In addition, the substance may be delivered to an object upon contact with its surface. The self powering abilities allow these devices to be used as substance delivery devices as well as actuators, transporters, and energy conversion systems with modular characteristics and growth potential. The devices may be armed, prior to the beginning of their service life, to be placed in a state of readiness to release their substances once the path is created. Prior to arming they may be maintained at any temperature, incapable of releasing their substances. The devices according to the present invention may be used as temperature sensors or warning devices, drug delivery devices, and the like.
1. A self-propelled device, comprising:
a body;
a shape memory material activator operatively associated with the body, wherein the shape memory material activator has the characteristic of expanding and contracting in a single general direction and configured to be deformed in situ by only a single irreversible action; and
means for providing one-way fraction to the device, whereby after deformation by said single irreversible action the device self-propels by first moving one end of the body forward as the other end provides traction when the shape memory activator undergoes a temperature change in said single direction and then by moving the other end of the body as the one end provides fraction with changing temperature in the reverse direction.
2. A self-propelled delivery system, comprising:
a shape memory material activator;
work enablers operatively associated with the activator; and
at least one track, said at least one track including means for providing traction to said work enablers when said work enablers engage said traction means thereby enabling said work enablers to self-propel the activator therealong to deliver a load when the activator is subjected to temperature cycling, wherein said activator beans to self-propel with the temperature cycling after a single irreversible action allows the engagement of the traction means with the work enablers.
3. A self-propelled delivery system according to claim 2 , wherein said work enablers allow the reversal of self-propelling direction.
4. A self-propelled delivery system according to claim 2 , wherein the activator is configured with an extension arm.
5. A self-propelled delivery system according to claim 4 , wherein the extension arm is further configured with a work producing functional element.
6. A self-driven track delivery system comprising:
at least one track configured with elements for providing traction; and
a shape memory material activator anchored at a point along its length and configured with work enablers adapted to engage the traction elements of the track, wherein the shape memory material activator drives the track when subjected to temperature cycling wherein the track releases a substance while traveling and wherein the distance traveled by the track with each half of a temperature cycle is determined by the position of the anchor point relative to the length of the activator.
7. An energy conversion system, comprising:
at least one module for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy, the at least one module includes a shape memory material activator;
means for providing traction operatively associated with the at least one module;
at least one energy transmission member; and
means for providing traction operatively associated with the at least one energy transmission member, wherein the at least one module traction means engages the transmission member traction means by a single irreversible action thereby coupling the module to the energy transmission member for useable mechanical energy during temperature cycling of the activator.