GB2549289A

GB2549289A - Memory metal 3-D model

Info

Publication number: GB2549289A
Application number: GB1606139.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Gray Daniel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-11
Filing date: 2016-04-11
Publication date: 2017-10-18

Abstract

A model made of nickel titanium wire or sheets. The model is covered in fabric for aesthetic, cosmetic or design purposes. The nickel titanium alloy, also known as nitinol allows the model to change shape when heat in the form of hot water, hot air, fire or electricity is applied.

Description

Title

Memory Metal 3D Model

Background

This invention relates to making and designing 3 dimensional (3-D) models made from the shape memory alloy, Nitinol. Nitinol wire and/or foil will be used.

Heat is applied to the metal to activate it. The heating source can be from any means such as hot water, hot air, fire, or electricity.

Once the heat is applied to the shape memory alloy, nitinol, it reacts and opens up into the 3-D model.

The magic is in the movement it creates as it comes to life, rising up into its shape. Or, folding out from one shape to another. The model can even be squashed up and unfolds when it transforms into the shape memory given once heat is applied.

Statement of Invention

This invention proposes making and designing 3-D Models using the shape memory alloy, nitinol.

Advantages

By using the shape memory alloy, Nitinol, the 3-D Model will take the shape memory given to it once activated through heat.

Drawing Description and Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

For a more complete explanation of the present invention and the technical advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description and the accompanying drawings in which : • Figures 1-8 shows examples of some ideas of the designs that can be constructed. The 3-D models designed using this method can replicate any object and is not limited to the drawings provided. The framework is constructed by welding and /or gluing the nitinol wire or foil together to make the design. The Nitinol frame is then shaped into the design desired and held into place while it is heated to give it its memory. Fabric material is then used where required and sewed and/or glued into the appointed artistic design. Please note that the shaded area in the drawings is only used to represent the models shadow in order to give a more 3-D effect. This is not actually apart of the design. • Figure 1 illustrates the example of a 3-D acorn model before it opens up. Figure 1. lis the nitinol wire and/or foil frame, which is around the entire object. Figure 1.2 and 1.3 refers to the aesthetic design. Figure 1.4 refers to the fabric material covering the frame. • Figure 2 illustrates what happens to the model illustrated in figure 1 once heat is applied to it.

The acorn has now opened and a tree rises from its centre. Figure 2.1 refers to the nitinol wire and/or foil frame. Figure 2.2 refers to the fabric material covering the frame. • Figure 3-8 , like figure 1 and 2, shows the transformation stages of the other idea examples. • Figures 3 and 4 refers to a 3-D model of a water lily. Figure 3 shows the lily before it opens up and figure 4 shows the opened lily in its transformed state once the heat has been applied to it. Figure 3.1 refers to the nitinol frame. Figure 3.2 is a lily pad illustrated for cosmetic purposes. Figure 3 .3 refers to the fabric material covering the frame. Figure 4.1 refers to the nitinol frame, here it is illustrated in its transformed state taking the lily petal shape memory it was given. Figure 4.2 refers to the fabric material covering the frame. For the purposes of this design hot water would be the most likely heating agent. • Figures 5 shows the nitinol frame of the angel knight 3-D model squashed down. This illustrates another presentation idea before transformation takes place, when the heat is applied. The effect is such that the frame will unfold out of the squashed crumple and rise up into the 3-D shape. Please note that the angel knight is just an example. This could replicate any figure or object. • Figure 6 illustrates the 3-D model figure of the angel knight after transformation has taken place. Figure 6.1 is the figure that has been cosmetically designed using fabric material. Figure 6.2 refers to the nitinol frame which is the entire model which has been made with nitinol wire and/or foil. Figure 6.3 refers to the fabric material covering the frame. • Figure 7 shows another presentation design, pre-transformation, where nitinol foil is solely used. Figure 7.1 shows the nitinol foil as a sheet. Figure 7.2 shows the foil squashed up. Either of these methods can be used. Figure 8 shows the transformed 3-D object from either pre-presentation method illustrated in figure 7, once heat is applied. In this example the shape memory given is that of an outstretched hand. In this case as nitinol foil has solely been used no fabric material would necessarily be used to cover the frame. Please note this is just an example, the design could replicate any figure or object.

Claims

Claims That which is claimed: 1. A 3-D model comprising of the shape memory alloy Nitinol, in the form of nitinol wire and/or foil. Nitinol (nickel titanium) is the preferred shape memory alloy due to its constituent elements of equal atomic percentages and combination of unique characteristics of shape memory and super-elasticity. Where nitinol wire and/or foil is used a fabric material may cover the model for aesthetic, cosmetic and design purposes.
2. A 3-D model according to claim 1, which takes its 3 diamentional shape once heat is applied to the shape memory alloy. Heat can be applied in the form of hot water, hot air, fire, or electricity.
3. A 3-D model according to claim land 2 where the nitinol wire and /or foil used gives the ability to be deformed at one temperature, and then return to its original shape when being heated to its transformation temperature.This effect is caused by the material changing from its low temperature monoclinic martensitic structure to the high temperature cubic austenitic structure. Transformation temperatures range from -15 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius. This 3-D model will be using the higher range of temperatures to make the transformation.
4. A 3-D model according to claim 1 and 2 where super-elasticity occurs at temperatures just above the transformation temperature and allows the material to recover from up to 8% strain with a permanent set of 0.5% or less. This is makes the nitinol highly appropriate in bringing out the artistic characteristics of the 3-D model’s design