The devices and systems described herein generally relate to programmable surfaces. A set of tiles in conjunction with actuators, allow for the surface to be constantly changeable from a first shape to an unlimited variety of second shapes. Once a desired second shape is achieved, the shape can be held by actuating the actuators. The system can include detection and maintenance of the shapes of the programmable surface by controlling which of the actuators are released and when they are released.

An adjustable deforming composite structure based on a hydrogen-induced expansion effect and a preparation method therefor are provided. The hydrogen-induced expansion effect means metals absorb hydrogen under a hydrogen-containing atmosphere and at a temperature to produce a volume expansion effect. Reactions between the metals and hydrogen are reversible reactions. When a hydrogen partial pressure is reduced or the temperature is increased, the hydrogen in the metals is removed, and the metals are restored to an original shape. Under a stimulation of external hydrogen and heat, a composite of a hydrogen-absorbing metal and other non-hydrogen-absorbing materials undergo an adjustable deformation according to a design, and a material undergoes reversible shape changes. The preparation method is applied to composite materials for a 4D printing and is used for an intelligent shape adjustment at a medium to high temperature.

A modular power plant system may include a plurality of thermal energy conversion elements installed in multiple cavities in the bottom of the well or along the well. The thermal energy conversion elements may convert geothermal heat directly to electricity. A surface infrastructure may consist of electricity distribution racks and pumps that drive cooling liquid in closed or open loops to cool the thermal energy conversion elements. AC or DC voltage may be communicated from each of the thermal energy conversion elements to the surface infrastructure for the distribution of electricity in a decentralized power grid.

A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly includes positioning a layer stack comprising an electrode positioned between an electrode insulator and a support polymer in a vacuum bag, removing air from the vacuum bag thereby vacuum coupling the electrode to the electrode insulator, and removing the layer stack from the vacuum bag, where upon removal of the layer stack from the vacuum bag, the electrode remains vacuum coupled to the electrode insulator and the electrode insulator is in direct contact with the electrode, thereby forming an electrode assembly.

In an embodiment, an article comprises a plurality of structural units, wherein each structural unit comprises a first portion; a second portion; wherein the second portion contacts the first portion; and a third portion; wherein the third portion is in communication with the first portion and the second portion and is more compressible than the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first portion comprises a first shape memory alloy having a first preset state and wherein the second portion comprises a second shape memory alloy that has a second preset state; wherein the second preset state is different from the first preset state.

An optical waveguide-type soft photoactuator based on an optical micro/nanofiber includes an optical micro/nanofiber, a first deformed material membrane, and a second deformed material membrane. One end of the optical micro/nanofiber is provided with a taper region and a waist region, and the taper region and the waist region are encapsulated in the first deformed material membrane. The second deformed material membrane covers a side of the first deformed material membrane, and the first deformed material membrane or the second deformed material membrane is doped with a photothermal conversion material. The refractive index of the first deformed material membrane is less than the refractive index of a core of the optical micro/nanofiber. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the first deformed material membrane and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second deformed material membrane are different.

A shape-memory actuator assembly, comprising a shape memory wire element; a first deflection body and a second deflection body, spaced apart from each other, wherein the shape memory wire element is wound around the first deflection body and the second deflection body several times and provides an actuator arrangement located between them. At least one wire holder on the respective deflection body and sections of the shape memory wire element, contacting the wire holder, are embedded in a casting compound.

A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly includes positioning a layer stack comprising an electrode positioned between an electrode insulator and a support polymer in a vacuum bag, removing air from the vacuum bag thereby vacuum coupling the electrode to the electrode insulator, and removing the layer stack from the vacuum bag, where upon removal of the layer stack from the vacuum bag, the electrode remains vacuum coupled to the electrode insulator and the electrode insulator is in direct contact with the electrode, thereby forming an electrode assembly.

The present invention relates to linear actuators comprising an electrically-controlled shape memory alloy coil spring (23) suitable to provide linear displacements in valves, switches, lock systems and provided with a crimped terminal at each extremity, each of said crimped terminals comprising a crimping component (21) and an engaging member (22) suitable to mount the spring (23) into the linear actuator. The invention further discloses the use of said spring (23) with particular geometrical characteristics and crimping system assuring the maximization of the available stroke and fatigue life, structural simplicity, low electrical power requirements and thermal inertia, small size.

The present invention relates to linear actuators comprising an electrically-controlled shape memory alloy coil spring (23) suitable to provide linear displacements in valves, switches, lock systems and provided with a crimped terminal at each extremity, each of said crimped terminals comprising a crimping component (21) and an engaging member (22) suitable to mount the spring (23) into the linear actuator. The invention further discloses the use of said spring (23) with particular geometrical characteristics and crimping system assuring the maximization of the available stroke and fatigue life, structural simplicity, low electrical power requirements and thermal inertia, small size.