Patent ID: 12240601

It should be noted that the figures set forth herein are intended to exemplify the general characteristics of the methods, algorithms, and devices among those of the present technology, for the purpose of the description of certain aspects. The figure may not precisely reflect the characteristics of any given aspect and are not necessarily intended to define or limit specific forms or variations within the scope of this technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a structure with a light-responsive polymer disposed thereon such that morphing of the structure is provided when the light-responsive polymer is activated by a light source. Stated differently, a morphing structure configured to change shape during use via activation of a light-responsive polymer disposed thereon is provided by the teachings of the present disclosure.

In one form of the present disclosure, the morphing structure is a morphing aerodynamic structure such as a high-altitude kite (also referred to herein simply as “kite”) tethered to a ground-station electric generator (also referred to herein simply as “generator”). And flying and unwinding the kite from the generator generates electricity. The kite includes a body with an outer covering and a bridle attached to the body. And instead of controlling an angle of attack, roll, pitch, and/or yaw of the kite using a control unit that controls the bridle, a light source is used to activate one or more areas with a light-responsive polymer disposed thereon such that the outer covering and/or cords of the bridle change shape and/or dimension and the angle of attack, roll, pitch, and/or yaw of the kite are at least partially controlled without a control unit. In this manner, morphing aerodynamic structures having less weight and enhanced efficiency than traditional morphing aerodynamic structures are provided.

Referring now toFIGS.1A-1B, a perspective view of a morphing aerodynamic structure10is shown inFIG.1Aand a sectional view of section1B-1B inFIG.1Ais shown inFIG.1B. The morphing aerodynamic structure10includes a body100with an outer covering110(e.g., a fabric canopy) and a bridle120attached to the body100. In some variations, the body100includes an inflated tubular frame (not labeled) with a bow-shaped leading edge tube102. The leading edge tube102of the body100is supported by leading edge cords122L and a trailing edge (+x direction) of the outer covering110is supported by trailing edge cords122T.

The bridle120extends from the body100to a control unit130configured to change a length of one or more of the cords122L,122T. For example, in some variations the control unit130includes motors, winch drums, and a break such that the cords122T.122L can be winched in to reduce the length thereof and winched out to increase the length thereof.

In some variations, the morphing aerodynamic structure10, and other morphing structures disclosed herein, can include one or more sensors (not shown) configured to detect, measure, and send signals related to environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, among others) and/or morphing aerodynamic structure conditions (e.g., GPS location, elevation, azimuth angles of the tether, traction force on the tether, among others). In addition, the control unit130can include one or more computers for communication with the sensors and/or a ground station (not shown), and for motor control of the motors, winch drums, and break.

During operation of the morphing aerodynamic structure10, wind ‘W’ blowing through the atmosphere exerts a “traction force” on the outer covering110such that the body100seeks or desires to move in the +x and +z directions, and a tether140transfers the traction force to a ground station (not shown). In some variations, the control unit130controls or changes the lengths of the cords122L,122T such that an angle of attack θ of the body changes and lift (+z force) of the kite increases or decreases. As used herein, the phrase “angle of attack” refers to an average angle between the outer covering110and a direction of the wind Was illustrated in the figures. And in at least one variation, the control unit130changes the length of the cords122L,122T such that an angle of attack, roll, pitch, and/or yaw of the body100are controlled and a desired flight path of the morphing aerodynamic structure10is provided.

For example, and with reference toFIGS.2A-2B, the morphing aerodynamic structure10is attached to a ground-station electric generator ‘EG’ with the tether140, the tether is wound around a drum ‘D’ of the electric generator EG, and the force of the wind on the body100results in a traction force that simultaneously unwinds the tether140, turns the drum D, and generates electricity. In addition, by controlling the lengths of the cords122L,122T, the control unit130controls the angle of attack, roll, pitch, and/or yaw of the body100such that the morphing aerodynamic structure10flies in a general figure-eight pattern ‘P’. The morphing aerodynamic structure10is allowed to fly and unwind the tether140from the drum D until a desired amount of the tether140is unwound and/or a desired amount of electricity is generated by the electric generator EG. Thereafter, i.e., after the “reel-out” stage, the control unit130controls the length of the cords122L,122T such that the angle of attack of the body100is reduced and the electric generator EG winds the tether140back onto the drum D during a “reel-in” stage illustrated inFIG.2B. The energy consumption of the reel-in stage is less than the energy production of the reel-out stage such that a net energy increase is provided and stored in a battery cell and/or provided to a power grid. However, the control unit130uses a mechanical winch system to change the lengths of the cords122L,122T, and the weight of the mechanical winch system is undesirable.

Referring now toFIGS.3A-3B, a morphing structure20according to one form of the present disclosure is shown. In some variations, the morphing structure20is a morphing aerodynamic structure, while in other variations the morphing structure20is not a morphing aerodynamic structure. And in at least one variation the morphing structure20does not include a control unit attached thereto. For example, the morphing structure20includes an outer covering210with a light-responsive polymer250disposed thereon such that illumination (activation) of the light-responsive polymer250with light262, e.g., a laser beam (also referred to herein simply as “laser”), from an artificial light source260(i.e., not light from the sun) contracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer250. In addition, an area of the outer covering210where the light-responsive polymer250is disposed changes shape without the use of a mechanical or pneumatic system as illustrated inFIG.3B.

The light-responsive polymer250, and other light-responsive polymers disclosed herein, is configured to be activated when illuminated with light having a predefined light wavelength and/or a predefined range of light wavelengths. For example, in some variations the light-responsive polymer250is configured to change shape (e.g., shrink/contract or expand) when illuminated with a light having wavelengths within the UV light range, while in other variations the light-responsive polymer250is configured to change shape when illuminated with a light having wavelengths within the IR light range. And in at least one variation, the light-responsive polymer250is configured to change shape when illuminated with light having an intensity above a predefined threshold. In this manner the light-responsive polymer250can be activated independent of surrounding or ambient light such as light from the sun, indoor home lighting, indoor office lighting, and/or indoor factory lighting, among others.

In some variations, the light-responsive polymer250, and other light-responsive polymers disclosed herein, is configured to return to an original shape. For example, in some variations the light-responsive polymer250, after being activated by the light262, returns to its original shape after being heated above a de-activation temperature. That is, the light-responsive polymer250has a de-activation temperature above which the material relaxes and recovers deformation that occurs during and after being illuminated with the light262. And in such variations, the morphing structure20can include one or more heating elements255(FIG.3B) configured to heat the light-responsive polymer250above its de-activation temperature such that the outer covering210returns to its original shape (FIG.3A).

Non-limiting examples of the light-responsive polymer250, and other light-responsive polymers disclosed herein, include azobenzene-based polymers, triphenylmethane-based polymers, spiropyran-based polymers, polypeptide-based polymers, thermoplastic polyurethane polymers, among others. In addition, non-limiting examples of de-activation temperatures for the light-responsive polymer250, and other light-responsive polymers disclosed herein, include temperatures equal to about 25° C., 30° C., 40° C., 50° C., and temperatures in between the values list, among others.

Referring toFIGS.4A-4B, a morphing structure30according to another form of the present disclosure is shown. Particularly, the morphing structure30is an inflatable morphing structure with an outer covering310and a light-responsive polymer350disposed thereon. And illumination (activation) of the light-responsive polymer350with light362from an artificial light source360as illustrated inFIG.4Acontracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer350and changes the shape of the outer covering310as illustrated inFIG.4B. Accordingly, the outer covering310changes shape as shown inFIG.4Bwithout the use of a mechanical or pneumatic system.

In some variations, the light-responsive polymer350is configured to return to its original shape. And in such variations, the morphing structure30can include one or more heating elements355(FIG.4B) configured to heat the light-responsive polymer350above its de-activation temperature.

Referring toFIG.5, a morphing aerodynamic structure40according to still another form of the present disclosure includes a body400with a bow-shaped leading edge tube402, an outer covering410, a bridle420with a plurality of cords422L,422T attached to the body400, and a light-responsive polymer450disposed on the outer covering410and/or the cords422L,422T. In some variations, the light-responsive polymer450is disposed on specific areas of the outer covering410(e.g., areas410a,410b,410c, among others) and/or specific lengths or areas of the cords422L,422T (e.g., areas422a,422b, among others), while in other variations the light-responsive polymer450is disposed on an entirety of the outer covering410and/or the cords422L,422T. And in at least one variation, the outer covering410and/or one or more of the cords422L,422T is made from the light-responsive polymer450.

The light-responsive polymer450is configured to change shape when activated or illuminated by a predefined light source, e.g., an on-board LED, an on-board laser, and/or an off-board laser, which in turn changes the shape of the outer covering410and/or cord(s)422L,422T where the light-responsive polymer450is present. In some variations, the light-responsive polymer450shrinks (decreases in volume) when activated by a predefined light wavelength or predefined range of light wavelengths, while in other variations the light-responsive polymer450expands (increases in volume) when activated by a predefined light wavelength or predefined range of light wavelengths.

As used herein, the term “on-board” refers to a light source attached to the morphing aerodynamic structure40and the term “off-board” refers to a light source not attached to the morphing aerodynamic structure40. For example, in some variations a ground-based laser460and/or an air-based laser470(e.g., a balloon-based laser) is used to illuminate one or more areas of the light-responsive polymer450. In the alternative, or in addition to, an optional on-board laser480is used to illuminate one or more areas of the light-responsive polymer450.

Similar to the morphing structures20and30discussed above, in some variations the morphing aerodynamic structure40can include one or more heating elements455configured to heat the light-responsive polymer450above its de-activation temperature such that the light-responsive polymer450, and a respective area410a,410b,410c,422a,422bon which the light-responsive polymer450is disposed, return to its original shape when heated above the de-activation temperature.

Referring now toFIGS.6A-6D, non-limiting examples of a light source activating the light-responsive polymer450and changing the shape of outer covering410and/or one or more of the cords422L,422T of the morphing aerodynamic structure40inFIG.5are shown. Referring particularly toFIG.6A, light462from a light source (e.g., light source460) is illustrated illuminating the area410c, and such illumination activates and contracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer450on the area410csuch that the outer covering410contracts inwardly (−x/−z direction) and the angle of attack θ increases from θo(FIG.5) to θ1.

Referring toFIG.6B, light462from a light source (e.g., light source460) is illustrated illuminating the area422bon the cord422T and such illumination activates and contracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer450on the area422bsuch that the cord422T contracts (i.e., decreases in length) and the angle of attack θ increases from θ1(FIG.6A) to θ2.

Referring toFIG.6C, light462from a light source (e.g., light source460) is illustrated illuminating the area422aon the cord422L and such illumination activates and contracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer450on the area422asuch that the cord422L contracts (i.e., decreases in length) and the angle of attack θ decreases from θ2(FIG.6A) to θ0.

Referring toFIG.6D, light462from a light source (e.g., light source460) is illustrated illuminating the light-responsive polymer450on one of the cords422T and such illumination activates and contracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer450such that the cord422T contracts. Also, light472from another light source (e.g., light source470) is illustrated illuminating the light-responsive polymer450on the outer covering410and such illumination activates and contracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer450such that the outer covering410contracts. Accordingly, activation of the light-responsive polymer450at different areas or regions on the morphing aerodynamic structure40provides for control of the angle of attack angle θ, roll, pitch, and/or yaw of body400without the use of a mechanical or pneumatic system. And while not shown inFIGS.6A-6D, in some variations one or more heating elements455(FIG.5) heat the light-responsive polymer450above its de-activation temperature to assist in the control of the angle of attack angle θ, roll, pitch, and/or yaw of body400without the use of a mechanical or pneumatic system.

Referring now toFIG.7, a morphing aerodynamic structure system50according to the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. The morphing aerodynamic structure system50(also known as a ladder mill aerodynamic structure) includes a plurality of morphing aerodynamic structures52tethered together with a tether540. The morphing aerodynamic structures52individually include a body500with an outer covering510and the outer covering510includes one or more areas (e.g.,510a,510b, among others) with a light-responsive polymer550disposed thereon or made therefrom as illustrated inFIG.7A. That is, one or more areas or sections of the outer coverings510include a light-responsive polymer550disposed thereon and/or are formed from the light-responsive polymer550. And in at least one variation, the entirety of the outer covering is formed from the light-responsive polymer550.

In operation, the morphing aerodynamic structures52on a trailing side (+x direction) of the morphing aerodynamic structure system50are controlled to have a relatively large angle of attack for a reel-out stage and the morphing aerodynamic structures52on a leading side (−x direction) of the morphing aerodynamic structure system50are controlled to have a relatively small angle of attack for a reel-in stage. For example, and with reference toFIG.7A, light562and/or light572from a light source(s) illuminates the area510band such illumination activates and contracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer550disposed on the area510b. Accordingly, the area510bcontracts and the angle of attack of the morphing aerodynamic structure52increases for the reel-out stage. And with reference toFIG.7B, light562and/or light572from a light source(s) is illustrated illuminating the area510aand such illumination activates and contracts (shrinks) the light-responsive polymer550disposed on the area510a. Accordingly, the area510acontracts and the angle of attack of the morphing aerodynamic structure52decreases for the reel-in stage. Accordingly, the outer covering510changes shape without the use of a mechanical or pneumatic system. And similar to the heating elements described above, one or more heating elements555can be included such that the light-responsive polymer550can be heated above its de-activation temperature and return to its original shape.

Referring now toFIG.8, a block diagram for a morphing structure system60is shown. The morphing structure system60includes a morphing structure62with a body600having an outer covering610. In some variations the morphing structure62is a morphing aerodynamic structure, while in other variations the morphing structure62is not a morphing aerodynamic structure. The outer covering610includes one more areas (not labeled) with a light-responsive polymer650disposed thereon. In some variations, the light-responsive polymer650is disposed on an entirety of the outer covering610and in at least one variation, the outer covering610is made from the light-responsive polymer650.

The morphing structure system60also includes at least one artificial light source660,670spaced apart from the morphing structure62and in communication with a controller680. In some variations, one or more heating elements655are included and in communication with the controller, and in at least one variation one or more sensors690in communication with the controller680are included and configured to monitor the shape of the morphing structure62and/or detect a change in shape of the morphing structure62.

In operation, the controller680commands the light source660and/or the light source670to illuminate the light-responsive polymer650on one or more areas of the outer covering610such that the light-responsive polymer650and the corresponding arca change shape (e.g., contract) and the morphing structure62moves from a first shape to one or more desired second shapes. And in some variations, the controller680commands one or more of the heating elements655to heat one or more respective areas of the outer covering610, and the light-responsive polymer650disposed thereon, above a predefined de-activation temperature such that the morphing structure62moves from one or more desired second shapes to one or more desired third shapes (e.g., back to the first shape). In this manner the morphing structure system60is configured to control the shape and/or flight path the morphing structure62.

Referring now toFIG.9, a method70for controlling the shape of a morphing structure as described above includes monitoring the shape at700and determining whether or not the shape should be changed at710. In some variations, the shape is monitored using one or more sensors disposed on and/or attached to the morphing structure, and the one or more sensors can be in communication with a controller configured to receive signals from the one or more sensors. And in at least one variation, whether or not the shape of the morphing structure should be changed is determined by the controller. If a change in the shape of the morphing structure is not desired, the method70returns to700where continued monitoring of the morphing structure continues and this cycle, i.e.,700-710-700, continues until the shape of the morphing structure is determined to be changed at710. The method70then continues to720and determines which area or areas of the morphing structure should be changed. In some variations, the controller determines which area or areas of the morphing structure should be changed and to what extent or how much the shape of the area or areas should be changed.

The method70then continues to730where light-responsive polymer disposed on the determined area or areas is illuminated with a light source such that the light-responsive polymer and the corresponding area or areas change shape as desired. The method returns to700where continued monitoring of the morphing shape occurs and determination of whether or not additional changing of the shape is desired at710. This cycle, i.e.,700-710-720-730-700continues until a desired shape of the morphing structure is provided.

The preceding description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical “or.” It should be understood that the various steps within a method may be executed in different order without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all ranges and subdivided ranges within the entire range.

The headings (such as “Background” and “Summary”) and sub-headings used herein are intended only for general organization of topics within the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure of the technology or any aspect thereof. The recitation of multiple forms or variations having stated features is not intended to exclude other forms or variations having additional features, or other forms or variations incorporating different combinations of the stated features.

As used herein the term “about” when related to numerical values herein refers to known commercial and/or experimental measurement variations or tolerances for the referenced quantity. In some variations, such known commercial and/or experimental measurement tolerances are +/−10% of the measured value, while in other variations such known commercial and/or experimental measurement tolerances are +/−5% of the measured value, while in still other variations such known commercial and/or experimental measurement tolerances are +/−2.5% of the measured value. And in at least one variation, such known commercial and/or experimental measurement tolerances are +/−1% of the measured value.

As used herein, the terms “comprise” and “include” and their variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in succession or a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that may also be useful in the devices and methods of this technology. Similarly, the terms “can” and “may” and their variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation that a form or variation can or may comprise certain elements or features does not exclude other forms or variations of the present technology that do not contain those elements or features.

The systems, components and/or processes described above can be realized in hardware or a combination of hardware and software and can be realized in a centralized fashion in one processing system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected processing systems. Any kind of processing system or another apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a processing system with computer-usable program code that, when being loaded and executed, controls the processing system such that it carries out the methods described herein. The systems, components and/or processes also can be embedded in a computer-readable storage, such as a computer program product or other data programs storage device, readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform methods and processes described herein. These elements also can be embedded in an application product which comprises the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein and, which when loaded in a processing system, is able to carry out these methods.

Furthermore, arrangements described herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied, e.g., stored, thereon. Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The phrase “computer-readable storage medium” means a non-transitory storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), a ROM, an EPROM or flash memory, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Generally, modules as used herein include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular data types. In further aspects, a memory generally stores the noted modules. The memory associated with a module may be a buffer or cache embedded within a processor, a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, or another suitable electronic storage medium. In still further aspects, a module as envisioned by the present disclosure is implemented as an ASIC, a hardware component of a system on a chip (SoC), as a programmable logic array (PLA), or as another suitable hardware component that is embedded with a defined configuration set (e.g., instructions) for performing the disclosed functions.

Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber, cable, radio frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present arrangements may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java™, Smalltalk, C++, Python, or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the specification and the following claims. Reference herein to one aspect, or various aspects means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with a form or variation is included in at least one form or variation. The appearances of the phrase “in one variation” or “in one form” (or variations thereof) are not necessarily referring to the same form or variation. It should also be understood that the various method steps discussed herein do not have to be carried out in the same order as depicted, and not each method step is required in each form or variation.

The foregoing description of the forms or variations has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular form or variation are generally not limited to that particular form or variation, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected form or variation, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

While particular forms or variations have been described, alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents that are or may be presently unforeseen may arise to applicants or others skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims as filed and as they may be amended, are intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications variations, improvements, and substantial equivalents.