Tech Briefs

Mechanical/​Mechatronics

Access our comprehensive library of mechanical and mechatronics technical briefs, from engineering experts at NASA and government, university, and commercial laboratories.

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Briefs: Materials
This novel gel-creation method could open applications in water filtration, batteries, and smart windows.
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Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
The solution increases water recovery, prevents mineral scaling, and cuts the volume of brines in half.
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Briefs: Energy
Applications include wind turbines, solar arrays, commercial space mobile launchers, and industrial process stacks and equipment.
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Briefs: Materials
Superalloys that withstand extremely high temperatures could be finely tuned for specific properties such as mechanical strength.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The lightweight brake rotor design with high heat dissipation uses novel surface cooling technology.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Prototypes show promise as a low-cost, natural filtration option.
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Briefs: Energy
An enhanced polymer could be used for more energy-efficient systems with a smaller carbon footprint.
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Briefs: Motion Control
SMA tube elements drive rotary and ring gear motion in compact, powerful actuators.
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Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
The Battery Identity Global Passport could be accessible as a scannable QR code or a computer chip.
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Briefs: Transportation
This technology can be used for large production volumes such as fuel-cell-powered vehicles.
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Briefs: Energy
Solid-state batteries offer a higher level of safety and potentially longer life than lithium-ion batteries.
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Briefs: Transportation
Applications include sensor signal conditioning in harsh conditions such as automotive, oil and gas operations, and firefighting.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Terrestrial uses include physical therapy, clinical diagnosis, athletic training and performance, and robust exercise equipment.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
This wearable device is placed on the skin to measure a variety of body responses, from electrical to biomechanical signals.
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Briefs: Energy
This could make possible embedded devices like a spinal cord-stimulating unit with a battery-powered magnetic transmitter on a wearable belt.
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Briefs: Software
The algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects for picking and sorting or tool use.
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Briefs: Energy
Injection of air at the trailing edge of a winglet further reduces drag.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
A production-based X-ray solution performs product quality evaluation directly on the manufacturing line.
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Briefs: Materials
The soft material demonstrates autonomous, heartbeat-like oscillating properties.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The size and shape of the nanostructure can be controlled as it is assembled piece by piece.
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Briefs: Unmanned Systems
These tiny aerial robots can operate in cramped spaces and withstand collisions.
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Briefs: Energy
This could lead to the commercial development of smart glass, with applications ranging from imaging to advanced robotics.
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Briefs: Materials
The carbon fiber serves as the electrode, conductor, and load-bearing material.
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Briefs: Energy
The technology harvests electrical energy from waste heat sources.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The device uses load frames to test bonded structures in aerospace, automotive, defense, and energy storage applications.
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Briefs: Motion Control
A catalytic reaction causes a two-dimensional, chemically coated sheet to spontaneously morph into a three-dimensional gear.
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Briefs: Aerospace
Applications include portable aerospace structures and terrestrial structures such as cleanrooms and field hospitals.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.
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Briefs: Energy
Due to the chemical stability and durability of industrial polymers, plastic waste does not easily degrade in landfills and is often burned, which produces carbon dioxide and other hazardous gases. In order...
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