Material Research

Memory Shape Materials

I did some research into shape memory materials because I think the chair should have multiple positions but  I didn't want to use complicated mechanisms. 

The research showed that shape memory technology already exists in alloys, polymers and foams. The basic principle of the technology is that the material has two (or more) shapes, primary and secondary (or temporary). An external trigger is required to recover the materials shape from one form to another. The external trigger can be a temperature change, electric current, contact with a solvent or exposure to a certain light wavelength. A different trigger is required for each shape.

The recovery time for polymers ranges from 1-60 seconds. I think in the future we will be able to control the recovery time when designing the material. This is important because because a large heavy object springing open could cause serious injury to a person.

The technology that would be required to enable the chair to perform its multi-shape transformation is not yet available. I don't think we are too far away and I project that this technology will be readily available by the year 2035.  

Below is a video showing a simple memory shape alloy spring which, after being deformed, returns to its original shape when heated with a heat gun.