Latest AIM Projects


Low-Cost Liquid Electrolytes For Room-Temperature Fluoride Ion Batteries

The disclosed technology pertains to a novel class of liquid electrolytes designed for use in fluoride-ion batteries (FIBs). These electrolytes demonstrate an unprecedented electrochemical stability window of above 11 V, ionic conductivity greater than 3 mS/cm, and thermal stability up to 200°C. Comprising commonly available and inexpensive industrial chemicals, the electrolytes can be based on organic, aqueous, or aqueous-organic systems, including the salt, solvent, and diluent components.


Error-Triggered Learning For Efficient Memristive Neuromorphic Hardware

This technology introduces a local, gradient-based, error-triggered learning algorithm with online ternary weight updates for multilayer Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs). It leverages memristive neuromorphic hardware for efficient computation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining high performance levels. The algorithm is complemented by a hardware architecture designed for low-power operation, incorporating memristive crossbar arrays and peripheral circuitry optimized for online training in neuromorphic systems.


Passively Powered Device For Lift Enhancement

This invention introduces a unique rotor mechanism designed to enhance lift and eliminate the destabilizing wingtip vortex in aircraft by utilizing the energy from free stream wind. The rotor's fins are specifically configured to rotate passively, harnessing the ambient airflow to counteract the wingtip vortex directly. Additionally, a wheel placed on the airfoil's upper surface further increases lift by capturing free stream energy, offering a significant improvement over traditional winglet designs.


Lossless Adjustable Spring/Inerter Mechanism

The technology consists of a mechanical setup where a spring or an inerter is connected via a lever with a variable pivot point, allowing for adjustable operation without energy loss. For rotary applications, it involves a lossless adjustable rotary 2-port transformer, realized through two cones coupled by rolling balls, enabling continuous adjustment of angular velocities and torques.


ROTARY VISCOUS DAMPING APPARATUSES AND APPROACH

A UW-Madison clinician has developed an innovative spring and damper system designed to significantly reduce whole-body vibrations (WBV) during neonatal transport. Developed through a collaborative effort between neonatology experts and biomedical engineering students, this device aims to protect vulnerable neonates from the harmful effects of WBV, which can increase the risk of severe brain injuries such as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The system employs rotary viscous dampers in parallel with linear springs to target and mitigate vibrations near the critical natural frequency of 17 Hz. Laboratory and clinical tests have demonstrated promising results, including a 31.9% reduction in acceleration in controlled settings and a 6.7% reduction in real-world ambulance environments. Additionally, the system achieves a frequency shift, reducing the natural frequency from 19.96 Hz to 6.76 Hz, thereby minimizing the risk of vibrations falling within the harmful human sensitivity range. The system integrates seamlessly with existing neonatal transport setups, making it a practical and effective solution for improving the safety and outcomes of neonatal transport.


Engineered Virus-Like Particles For Delivery of Precision Genome Editors in Glaucoma

This technology utilizes engineered viral-like particles (eVLPs) to deliver Base Editors and guide RNA ribonucleoprotein (RNPs) complex directly to the trabecular meshwork (TM) in mice, editing the MYOC gene to treat primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and juvenile-onset glaucoma (JOAG). Unlike traditional treatments that only reduce symptoms, this approach addresses the root genetic cause, offering a one-time, lasting solution.


Combination Therapy for Glaucoma

This technology encompasses a synergistic combination of sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) and Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) for the treatment of glaucoma. This approach not only lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) more effectively than current medications but also acts as a direct neuroprotectant and counters fibrosis in the trabecular meshwork (TM), potentially increasing the success rate of IOP-lowering surgeries and interventions.


Enhanced XNA Aptamers for Therapeutic and Diagnostic Applications

The invention introduces a groundbreaking approach to increase the biological stability and binding affinity of XNA (xeno nucleic acid) molecules. By incorporating base modified side chains that mimic amino acid residues, this method enhances the interaction between XNA aptamers and their protein targets, akin to antibody-antigen interactions. This advancement opens new avenues for the development of highly specific and stable therapeutic and diagnostic agents.


Broadband and Robust Gyroscopes

UCI researchers have developed technology involving advanced gyroscopes and sensors that are designed to be less sensitive to environmental variations by incorporating a broad range of frequency responses, while still maintaining high sensitivity. This is achieved through innovative structural designs and signal processing software that allows for tuning between robustness and sensitivity based on the application needs. The gyroscopes utilize a unique design that includes single-axis sensor technology, multi-axis capabilities, and advanced signal processing techniques to improve operational robustness and sensitivity.


Air-Based Force Sensor for Surgical Applications

This novel air-based force sensor is a pneumatic system designed to measure the force a surgeon applies when inserting instruments into the lumen of a vessel during surgical procedures, such as ureteral access sheaths (UAS) and endoscopes, ensuring that invasive procedures are conducted safely, and preventing perforations caused by too much force during instrument insertion. Unlike its complex, electronic predecessors, this sensor utilizes a simple, air-tight syringe system, making it accessible, budget-friendly, and easy to assemble with standard operating room materials.