Load-bearing variable reinforcement device including electrode structure

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a variable reinforcement device, including a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure. The first electrode structure includes an electrode extension, which extends to a cavity defined between an electrode of the first electrode structure and an opposing electrode of the second electrode structure. The first electrode structure and the second electrode structure can be arranged in a load-bearing state by applying a voltage to the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure to electrostatically attract the electrode to the opposing electrode to press the electrode extension into the cavity. Friction between the electrode extension and the engaging surface defining the cavity prevents the electrode extension from sliding within the cavity, thereby maintaining the structural relationship between the components of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure in response to applying a load to the variable reinforcement device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present specification relates generally to a variable stiffening device and, more particularly, to a variable stiffening device including an electrode structure that compresses an electrode extension to maintain the shape of a deformed structure. Background Art

[0002] Current variable stiffening devices use various technologies to provide a device capable of actuating between a less rigid state and a more rigid state. These devices are actuated based on the application of an external stimulus, such as a change in temperature or pressure. Some exemplary variable stiffening devices use an external vacuum to compress the device's layers, forcing the device into a more rigid state. However, this requires bulky equipment and is inefficient to operate.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved variable reinforcement device that has a low profile and operates on demand. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a variable reinforcement device includes a first electrode structure comprising a first support structure and a plurality of first electrodes extending from the first support structure, the plurality of first electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode structure further comprises a first electrode extension extending from the second electrode. The variable reinforcement device further includes a second electrode structure comprising a second support structure and a plurality of second electrodes extending from the second support structure, the plurality of second electrodes comprising a first opposing electrode, the first opposing electrode opposing the first electrode to form a cavity between a bonding surface of the first electrode and a bonding surface of the first opposing electrode. The first electrode extension extends from the second electrode into the cavity formed by the first electrode and the first opposing electrode, such that when a voltage is applied to the first and second electrode structures, the first electrode extension is sandwiched between the first electrode and the first opposing electrode, such that the first electrode extension is retained in the cavity via the bonding surface to maintain the structural relationship between the first and second electrodes, thereby supporting the first support structure.

[0005] In another embodiment, the variable reinforcement device includes a plurality of electrode pairs extending from a support structure, each electrode pair including an electrode rotatably coupled to the support structure, an opposing electrode, and a cavity defined between a joining surface of the electrode and a joining surface of the opposing electrode. The variable reinforcement device also includes a plurality of electrode extensions, each electrode extension including a first end portion attached to a first electrode of a pair of the plurality of electrode pairs and a free end portion arranged proximate an adjacent pair of the plurality of electrode pairs. The free end portion of each electrode extension is inserted into a cavity defined by an adjacent pair of the plurality of electrode pairs. A voltage source is coupled to each of the plurality of electrode pairs. When a voltage difference provided via the voltage source exists in each electrode pair, each electrode extension is clamped in the cavity defined by the joining surfaces of an adjacent pair of the plurality of electrode pairs, and the electrode extension is held in the cavity by the joining surfaces to maintain a structural relationship between the plurality of electrode pairs, thereby supporting the support structure in a load-bearing state.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method of actuating a variable reinforcement device includes inserting an electrode extension of a first electrode coupled to a support structure into a cavity defined between two mating surfaces of an electrode pair coupled to the support structure. The method also includes generating a voltage using a voltage source electrically coupled to the electrode pair. The method also includes applying the voltage generated by the voltage source to the electrode pair, thereby electrostatically drawing the electrodes of the electrode pair together, such that the position of the electrode extension in the cavity is maintained via contact between the electrode extension and the mating surfaces, thereby maintaining the structural relationship between the first electrode and the electrode pair, thereby holding the support structure in a load-bearing position.

[0007] These and other features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments may be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structures are represented by like reference numerals, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1A Depicted is an exploded view of a variable reinforcement device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0010] Figure 1B Depicts a method according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 1A A top view of the variable reinforcement device shown in FIG. 1 in a non-load-bearing state.

[0011] Figure 1C Schematically depicts a method of passing through a Figure 1BA cross-sectional view of the electrode structure of the variable strengthening device shown in line II.

[0012] Figure 2 Depicts a method according to one or more embodiments described herein. Figure 1A A perspective view of the variable reinforcement device shown in FIG. 1 in a loaded state; and

[0013] Figure 3 Depicts a method of traversing a Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of the electrode structure of the variable enhancement device along line III-III is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a variable stiffening device that is configurable between a non-load-bearing state and a load-bearing state by inserting an electrode extension into a cavity defined between electrode structures and applying a voltage to the electrode structures to clamp the electrode extension within the cavity. In an embodiment, the electrodes of each electrode structure have opposing engagement surfaces defining a cavity, wherein each engagement surface has an attachment element that engages with the electrode extension inserted into the cavity when a voltage is applied. Friction between the electrode extension and the attachment element that engages the electrode extension maintains the structural relationship between the electrodes by utilizing shear forces in the electrode extension to maintain the variable stiffening device in the load-bearing state.

[0015] Now refer to Figure 1A 、 1B 1C schematically depicts a variable strengthening device 100. The variable strengthening device 100 includes a first electrode structure 102 and a second electrode structure 104. Figure 1C As depicted, in an embodiment, the first electrode structure 102 is disposed on and in contact with the second electrode structure 104. In an embodiment, the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104 are similar in size such that when the first electrode structure 102 is disposed on and aligned with the second electrode structure 104, the first electrode structure 102 completely covers the second electrode structure 104.

[0016] like Figure 1A and 1B As depicted, first electrode structure 102 includes a plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114 extending from first support structure 106. Second electrode structure 104 includes a plurality of opposing electrodes 140, 142, 144, and 146 extending from second support structure 138. In an embodiment, plurality of electrodes 110, 112, 114, and 116 are movable relative to first support structure 106. For example, Figure 1CAs depicted, the electrode 110 is coupled to the first support structure 106 via a flexible joint 178 having a greater flexibility than the first support structure 106 and the electrode 110. In an embodiment, the flexible joint 178 is formed from a layer of material (e.g., Figure 3 102 ). The first support structure 106 may be constructed of a material layer 310 (described above), the material layer extending across the entire first electrode structure 102. For example, in an embodiment, the flexible joint 178 may be formed by laser patterning or ablating a material layer such that the thickness of the material layer within the flexible joint 178 is reduced compared to the remainder of the first electrode structure 102, thereby providing flexibility at the flexible joint 178 to facilitate movement of the first electrode structure 102 from a non-load-bearing state to a load-bearing state, as described herein. It should be understood that the first electrode 108, the third electrode 112, and the fourth electrode 114 may be coupled to the first support structure 106 via flexible joints similar to the flexible joint 178.

[0017] In an embodiment, the plurality of opposing electrodes 140, 142, 144, and 146 are also movable relative to the second support structure 138. In various embodiments, the second electrode structure 104 has a similar cross-sectional layer structure as the first electrode structure 102 described herein. Figure 1C As depicted, second electrode 142 is coupled to second support structure 138 via flexible joint 176, which may be similar in structure to flexible joint 178 described herein. It should be understood that opposing electrodes 140, 144, and 146 may be coupled to second support structure 138 via flexible joints similar to flexible joint 176. Flexible joints 176 and 178 coupling the electrodes of first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 to first support structure 106 and second support structure 138 beneficially allow first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 to move from a non-load-bearing state to a loaded state.

[0018] Figure 1A An exploded view of the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104 is depicted in an unloaded state. In the depicted embodiment, the first support structure 106 and the second support structure 138 are planar sheets (e.g., Figure 1A ). When first electrode structure 102 is in an unloaded state, first electrode 108, second electrode 110, third electrode 112, and fourth electrode 114 are coplanar with (or extend parallel to) first support structure 106. When second electrode structure 104 is in an unloaded state, opposing first electrode 140, second electrode 142, third electrode 144, and fourth electrode 146 are coplanar with second support structure 138. In an embodiment, when first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 are in an unloaded state, first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 extend parallel to each other.

[0019] In an embodiment, to move the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104 to the loaded state, the plurality of electrodes 108 , 110 , 112 , and 114 are moved in a downward direction (eg, Figure 1A -Z direction) relative to the first support structure 106 (e.g., via folding about Figure 1C The plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114 are no longer coplanar with the first support structure 106, but extend at an angle θ relative to the first support structure 106 (see FIG. Figure 1C ). The plurality of opposing electrodes 140, 142, 144, and 146 can be moved in a similar manner relative to the second support structure 138. In other words, the electrodes of the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104 are moved uniformly relative to the first support structure 106 and the second support structure 138. In the depicted embodiment, the electrodes 108, 110, 112, 140, 142, 144, and 146 of the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104 are each of the same shape and are arranged in a similar manner relative to the first support structure 106 and the second support structure 138. Such a configuration is advantageous in providing a uniform load distribution and a balanced structure, but various alternative embodiments are also contemplated in which the electrodes 108, 110, 112, 140, 142, 144, and 146 can have different sizes and extend in different directions.

[0020] In an embodiment, first support structure 106 and second support structure 138 are each parallelogram-shaped (e.g., square-shaped), and electrodes 108, 110, 112, 140, 142, 144, and 146 of first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 are each coupled to and extend from an edge of first support structure 106 or an edge of second support structure 138. In an embodiment, electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114 each have the same dimensions (e.g., length and width) as first support structure 106, and electrodes 140, 142, 144, and 146 each have the same dimensions as second support structure 138. When dimensioned in this manner, first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 can be folded into a substantially cubical configuration, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 It will be appreciated that various alternative dimensions are contemplated for the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104. For example, in an embodiment, the dimensions of the electrode 110 may differ from those of the electrode 112 such that the first support structure 106 is tilted when arranged in a support configuration. It will be appreciated that the dimensions of the electrodes may be customized as needed for any application with a specific orientation of the first support structure 106.

[0021] like Figure 1A As depicted, first electrode structure 102 includes first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122. In an embodiment, first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122 are comprised of a layer of material that also extends through the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114 (e.g., as described herein with respect to Figure 3 The electrode layer 308 is described. In an embodiment, each of the first electrode extension 116, the second electrode extension 118, the third electrode extension 120, and the fourth electrode extension 122 includes a first end portion extending directly from one of the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114, and a free end portion disposed proximate to an adjacent one of the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114. For example, the first electrode extension 116 includes a first end portion 124 extending from the electrode 108 (e.g., the electrode layer extends continuously from the electrode 108 to the first electrode extension 116) and a free end portion 123 disposed proximate to the electrode 110. The free end portion 123 is not directly attached to the electrode 110, but is movable relative to the electrode 110. The second electrode extension 118 includes a first end portion 128 extending from the second electrode 110 and a free end portion 126 disposed proximate to the electrode 112. Third electrode extension 120 includes a first end 132 extending from electrode 112 and a free end 130 disposed proximate electrode 114. Fourth electrode extension 122 includes a first end 136 extending from electrode 114 and a free end 134 disposed proximate electrode 108.

[0022] The first electrode extension 116, the second electrode extension 118, the third electrode extension 120 and the fourth electrode extension 122 include free ends 123, 126, 130 and 134 that are movable relative to the first electrode structure 102 to facilitate the variable reinforcement device 100 to be moved from one electrode structure to another. Figure 1A The non-load bearing state described in the figure is adjusted to the load bearing state. Figure 1A and 1BAs depicted, first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 may be arranged relative to one another such that a plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114 are aligned relative to a plurality of opposing electrodes 140, 142, 144, and 146. Thus, electrode 108 may be arranged on and overlap opposing electrode 140 to form a first cavity 152, electrode 110 may be arranged on and overlap opposing electrode 142 to form a second cavity 154, electrode 112 may be arranged on and overlap opposing electrode 144 to form a third cavity 156, and electrode 114 may be arranged on and overlap opposing electrode 146 to form a fourth cavity 158. In an embodiment, when the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112 and 114 and the plurality of opposing electrodes 140, 142, 144 and 146 are moved relative to the first support structure 106 and the second support structure 138 to place the variable reinforcement device 100 in a load-bearing state, each of the first electrode extension 116, the second electrode extension 118, the third electrode extension 120 and the fourth electrode extension 122 is inserted into one of the first cavity 152, the second cavity 154, the third cavity 156 and the fourth cavity 158.

[0023] For example, Figure 1C As depicted, when the electrode 110 is folded at the flexible joint 178 so that the electrode 110 extends at an angle θ relative to the first support structure 106, the first electrode extension 116 is inserted into the second cavity 154 formed between the electrode 110 and the opposing electrode 142. The second cavity 154 is formed between the engagement surface 166 of the opposing electrode 142 and the engagement surface 168 of the electrode 110. When the electrode 110 and the opposing electrode 142 are folded about the flexible joints 178 and 176, the free end 123 of the electrode extension 116 travels through the second cavity 154. In view of this, the amount of movement of the electrode 110 and the opposing electrode 142 (e.g., the value of the angle θ) determines the extent to which the electrode extension 116 is arranged within the second cavity 154. As shown in FIG. Figure 1A As depicted, electrode extension 116 is an arcuate tab that substantially fully extends the distance between electrode 108 and electrode 110. Forming electrode extension 116 as an arcuate tab advantageously prevents electrode extension 116 from protruding from second cavity 154 when variable reinforcement device 100 is arranged in a loaded state. Furthermore, the length of electrode extension 116 (e.g., extending the entire length between electrode 108 and electrode 110) advantageously maximizes the amount of electrode extension 116 that extends into second cavity 154, thereby maximizing the contact area between electrode extension 116 and engagement surfaces 166, 168.

[0024] It should be understood that alternative configurations for electrode extensions 116 are contemplated. For example, in embodiments, first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122 may not be shaped as arcuate tabs. For example, in embodiments, first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122 may comprise substantially straight linear segments extending from a first one of the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114 to an adjacent one of the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114. In embodiments, first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122 may turn or change direction as they extend between the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114. In an embodiment, each of first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122 may extend not the entire distance between pairs of electrodes in plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114, but only a portion of the distance between the pairs of electrodes. Any size or shape of first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122 consistent with insertion of the electrode extension into a cavity formed by an electrode of first electrode structure 102 and an opposing electrode of second electrode structure 104 may be used consistent with the present disclosure.

[0025] like Figure 1C As depicted, bonding surface 166 of opposing electrode 142 includes attachment element 172, while bonding surface 168 of electrode 110 includes attachment element 174. In an embodiment, first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 can each be attached to a voltage source (not depicted) such that first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 receive voltages having opposite polarities. The opposite polarities of the electrostatic attraction between electrode 110 and opposing electrode 142 cause bonding surfaces 166 and 168 to be pressed against first electrode extension 116 within second cavity 154. Attachment elements 172 and 174 can engage first electrode extension 116 to generate friction between bonding surfaces 166 and 168 and first electrode extension 116. This friction can prevent first electrode extension 116 from moving within second cavity 154 in the presence of an external force (e.g., from a load disposed on first support structure 106). Thus, when a voltage is applied to first and second electrode structures 102 and 104, friction provided via adhesion elements 172 and 174 facilitates maintaining the structural relationship between electrodes 108 and 110 (eg, when variable reinforcement device 100 is placed in a loaded state).

[0026] The attachment elements 172 and 174 may take a variety of different forms depending on the implementation. For example, in an embodiment, the attachment elements 172 and 174 are attachment layers (e.g., attachment layers 326 and 328 comprising polypropylene tape) that extend across the entire engagement surfaces 166 and 168 and are formed with adhesive tape. Figure 3 ). In an embodiment, the attachment elements 172 and 174 are roughened elements. For example, the bonding surfaces 166 and 168 may include a texture pattern that overlaps the first electrode extension 116 and serves as the attachment elements 172 and 174. In an embodiment, the first electrode extension 116 may include an attachment element (e.g., Figure 3 326 and 328 ), which engage with adhesion elements 172 and 174 when first electrode extension 116 is compressed within second cavity 154 when voltage is applied to first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 .

[0027] Still refer to Figure 1C In an embodiment, a sealing element 160 is disposed between the electrode 110 and the opposing electrode 142. The sealing element 160 can seal the second cavity 154 to prevent external debris from entering the second cavity 154 and disrupting the operation of the variable reinforcement device 100. The sealing element 160 can be disposed at ends of the electrode 110 and the opposing electrode 142 opposite the flexible joints 178 and 176, respectively. In an embodiment, the sealing element 160 includes an attachment element extending between the bonding surfaces 166 and 168. In an embodiment, when the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104 are separated from Figure 1A , the sealing element 160 can guide the first electrode extension 116 through the second cavity 154 as the electrode extension 116 travels through the second cavity 154. In an embodiment, the engagement surfaces 166 and 168 can include grooves or channels (not depicted) that are shaped in a manner corresponding to the outer surface of the first electrode extension 116 such that the engagement surfaces 166 and 168 guide the first electrode extension 116 through the second cavity 154.

[0028] Although only Figure 1CWhile the second cavity 154 is described between the electrode 110 and the opposing electrode 142, it should be understood that the cavities formed between other electrode pairs between the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114 and the plurality of opposing electrodes 140, 142, 144, and 146 may have a similar structure to the second cavity 154. For example, the first cavity 152 formed between the electrode 108 and the opposing electrode 140 may receive the fourth electrode extension 122 and have a similar structure to the second cavity 154. The third cavity 156 formed between the electrode 112 and the opposing electrode 144 may receive the second electrode extension 118 and have a similar structure to the second cavity 154. The fourth cavity 158 formed between the electrode 114 and the opposing electrode 146 may receive the third electrode extension 120 and have a similar structure to the second cavity 154.

[0029] Reference Figure 1A and 1B Although the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104 are described herein as each including four electrodes, it should be understood that alternative embodiments are contemplated that include fewer or more electrodes. In an example, the first electrode structure 102 may include only electrodes 108 and 110 and the first electrode extension 116, while the second electrode structure 104 may include only one of the opposing electrodes 140 and 142 (e.g., to form a cavity for inserting the first electrode extension 116). Furthermore, not every electrode of the first electrode structure 102 may have an electrode extension extending therefrom. For example, in an embodiment, the first electrode structure 102 may include only the first electrode extension 116 and the third electrode extension 120.

[0030] In embodiments, the electrode extensions may not all be included in a single electrode structure. For example, in embodiments, first electrode structure 102 includes first electrode extension 116 and second electrode extension 118 (e.g., as described herein, first electrode extension 116 and second electrode extension 118 may extend directly from electrodes of first electrode structure 102), while second electrode structure 104 includes third electrode extension 120 and fourth electrode extension 122. Furthermore, alternative embodiments of variable enhancement device 100 may include first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 that differ in shape from one another. For example, in embodiments, first electrode structure 102 (and plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114) is larger in size than second electrode structure 104, such that a cavity formed between an electrode and an opposing electrode is displaced from an end of variable enhancement device 100. Electrode structures having various size relationships, electrode distributions, support structure configurations, and arrangements of electrode extensions may be used consistent with the present disclosure.

[0031] Reference Figure 1BIn an embodiment, the first electrode structure 102 and the second electrode structure 104 can have weight-reducing features that are used to reduce the weight of the variable reinforcement device 100 and remove unnecessary materials therefrom. For example, in an embodiment, the first support structure and the second support structure each include a structural layer (e.g., Figure 3 The structural layers 310 and 318 are patterned to reduce the weight of the variable reinforcement device 100. Figure 1B As depicted, each of the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114 of the first electrode structure 102 includes two elongated cavities 148 extending near its outer edges and a circular cavity 150 disposed in its central region. In contrast to the plurality of electrodes 108, 110, 112, and 114, the first support structure 106 includes a plurality of circular cavities 150. First support structure 106 may not include elongated cavities 148 in order to provide rigid structural support for the load placed thereon. In an embodiment, the second electrode structure 104 includes a group of similar weight-reducing features. In an embodiment, neither the first electrode structure 102 nor the second electrode structure 104 includes weight-reducing features to provide maximum structural support. As will be appreciated, the number and arrangement of weight-reducing features incorporated into the variable reinforcement device 100 may depend on the desired load-bearing capacity, the materials used to construct the first and second electrode structures 102, 104, the size and arrangement of the first and second electrode structures 102, 104, and the voltage to be applied to the first and second electrode structures 102, 104. Thus, any number and arrangement of weight-reducing features may be incorporated into the variable reinforcement device 100 consistent with the present disclosure.

[0032] Now refer to Figure 2 , depicts a perspective view of the variable reinforcement device 100 in a loaded state. The electrodes 108 and 114 are folded (e.g., around a shape similar to that described herein). Figure 1C 178) such that the electrodes 108 and 114 are substantially perpendicular to the first support structure 106 (e.g., with respect to Figure 1C The angle θ is depicted as being between about 80 degrees and about 100 degrees. In an embodiment, the support end 202 of the electrode 114 and the support end 204 of the electrode 108 are disposed on a surface (e.g., a table, the ground, or any support). In the depicted angled configuration, the electrodes 108 and 114 support the first support structure 106 in a position above the surface in a supported state.

[0033] The fourth electrode extension 122 extends behind the electrode 108 to Figure 1B140 is formed in a first cavity 152 between electrode 108 and opposing electrode 140. As described herein, electrode 108 and opposing electrode 140 can include bonding surfaces that define first cavity 152 and include attachment elements that engage with fourth electrode extension 122 when a voltage from a voltage source is applied to variable enhancement device 100. For example, voltages of opposite polarity can be applied to first electrode structure 102 and second electrode structure 104 to induce electrostatic attraction between electrode 108 and opposing electrode 140, thereby engaging the bonding surfaces defining the cavity with fourth electrode extension 122 at the attachment elements. Friction between fourth electrode extension 122 and the attachment elements maintains the positioning of fourth electrode extension 122 within first cavity 152 and the structural relationship between electrode 108 and electrode 114, thereby maintaining first support structure 106 supported via support ends 202 and 204. It should be appreciated that the first, second, and third electrode extensions 116 , 118 , and 118 may be similarly retained within the cavity defined by the electrode pair of the first and second electrode structures 102 , 104 to maintain the variable reinforcement device 100 in a loaded state.

[0034] like Figure 2 As depicted, load 200 is placed on first support structure 106. In an embodiment, friction between first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122 and the engaging surfaces defining the cavity in which the electrode extensions are placed is sufficient to prevent first electrode extension 116, second electrode extension 118, third electrode extension 120, and fourth electrode extension 122 from sliding, even when load 200 is placed on the first support structure. In one example, variable reinforcement device 100 is configured to weigh approximately 20 grams and is capable of maintaining a load-bearing state using a 10 kV voltage even when a load 200 weighing approximately 1 kg is placed on first support structure 106. Therefore, in this example, variable reinforcement device 100 is capable of supporting at least approximately 50 times its own weight.

[0035] Figure 3 Depicted in Figure 1B An example cross-sectional view of a variable reinforcement device at line III-III depicted in FIG. In an embodiment, Figure 3 The cross-sectional view depicted in Figure 1A and 1B Thus, the first electrode structure 102 may extend in a first plane, and the second electrode structure 104 may extend in a second plane (e.g., about Figure 1C The depicted angle θ may be approximately 0 degrees).

[0036] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a third cavity 156 formed between the electrode 112 of the first electrode structure 102 and the opposing electrode 144 of the second electrode structure 104 is depicted. The electrode 112 includes an electrode layer 308, a structural layer 310, a protective layer 312, and an adhesive layer 314. The electrode layer 308 can be a layer of conductive material suitable for receiving a voltage from a voltage source. In an embodiment, the electrode layer 308 is formed from Mylar (e.g., biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate) coated with aluminum. Mylar advantageously provides relatively high tensile strength and dimensional stability. As Figure 3 As depicted, electrode layer 308 extends from electrode 112 through first end 132 into electrode extension 120. Mylar provides tensile strength to third electrode extension 120 so that third electrode extension 120 does not break when variable reinforcement device 100 is placed in a loaded state as described herein. In an embodiment, electrode layer 308 extends across the entire extent of first electrode structure 102 as described herein.

[0037] The structural layer 310 provides structural support to the electrode layer 308 so that the variable reinforcement device 100 can maintain its structure despite a relatively heavy load applied to the variable reinforcement device. In an embodiment, the structural layer 310 is arranged in direct contact with the electrode layer 308. The structural layer 310 may include polycarbonate for durability, strength, and ductility. In the depicted example, the structural layer 310 does not extend into the third electrode extension 120 to enhance the strength of the material to be directed to the electrode layer 308. Figure 1B 156 . The third electrode extension 120 is shown in FIG. 15A . The protective layer 312 can provide environmental resistance (e.g., moisture resistance) and fatigue resistance to the structural layer 310 . In an embodiment, the protective layer 312 is comprised of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). An adhesive layer 314 is disposed on a side of the electrode layer 308 opposite the structural layer 310 . The adhesive layer 314 defines a bonding surface 304 that delimits one side of the third cavity 156 . In an embodiment, the adhesive layer 314 is comprised of BOPP tape and an acrylic adhesive to provide an attachment element for bonding with the second electrode extension 118 .

[0038] Opposing electrode 144 includes electrode layer 316, structural layer 318, protective layer 320, and adhesive layer 322. In an embodiment, opposing electrode 144 has a structure similar to electrode 112. As shown, electrode layers 306 and 316 are arranged such that adhesive layers 312 and 322 are the only material separating electrode layers 306 and 316. This arrangement provides a minimum distance between electrode layers 306 and 316 when they are attracted to and in contact with each other in response to a voltage applied to variable reinforcement device 100. This minimum distance maximizes the attractive force between electrode 112 and opposing electrode 144, thereby maximizing resistance to second electrode extension 118 sliding out of third cavity 156 when the variable reinforcement device is in a loaded state.

[0039] Free end 126 of second electrode extension 118 is shown disposed within third cavity 156. In an embodiment, as the positioning of electrode 112 and opposing electrode 144 is adjusted, free end 126 is inserted further into cavity 156 to increase the overlap between second electrode extension 118 and engagement surfaces 302 and 304 of electrode 112 and opposing electrode 144. Upon application of voltage to variable enhancement device 100, electrode 112 is electrostatically attracted to opposing electrode 144, causing second electrode extension 118 to be pressed against both engagement surfaces 302 and 304. The adhesive in adhesive layers 312 and 322 provides friction to prevent second electrode extension 118 from sliding within third cavity 156 when voltage is applied.

[0040] In the depicted example, both second electrode extension 118 and third electrode extension 120 include adhesive layers 326 and 328 disposed on either side of electrode layer 308. In an embodiment, adhesive layers 326 and 328 are comprised of BOPP tape with an acrylic adhesive. Adhesive layers 326 and 328 increase friction between second electrode extension 118 and engagement surfaces 302 and 304, beneficially increasing the strength of variable reinforcement device 100 when placed in the load-bearing state described herein. Adhesive layer 326 can be applied to electrode layer 308 simultaneously with adhesive layer 312.

[0041] It should now be understood that the embodiments described herein are directed to a variable reinforcement device comprising a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure. The first electrode structure includes an electrode extension that extends into a cavity defined between an electrode of the first electrode structure and an opposing electrode of the second electrode structure. The first and second electrode structures can be placed in a load-bearing configuration by applying a voltage to the first and second electrode structures to electrostatically attract the electrodes to the opposing electrodes, thereby pressing the electrode extension into the cavity. Friction between the electrode extension and the engaging surfaces defining the cavity prevents the electrode extension from sliding within the cavity, thereby maintaining the structural relationship between the components of the first and second electrode structures in response to the application of a load to the variable reinforcement device.

[0042] It should be noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" may be used herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

[0043] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that come within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A variable strengthening device, comprising: a first electrode structure, the first electrode structure comprising a first support structure and a plurality of first electrodes extending from the first support structure, the plurality of first electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode structure further comprises a first electrode extension extending from the second electrode; as well as a second electrode structure comprising a second support structure and a plurality of second electrodes extending from the second support structure, the plurality of second electrodes comprising a first opposing electrode, the first opposing electrode opposing the first electrode to form a cavity between a bonding surface of the first electrode and a bonding surface of the first opposing electrode, wherein: The first electrode extension portion extends from the second electrode into a cavity formed by the first electrode and the first relative electrode, so that when voltage is applied to the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure, the first electrode extension portion is clamped between the first electrode and the first relative electrode, so that the first electrode extension portion is retained in the cavity via the bonding surface to maintain the structural relationship between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby supporting the first supporting structure.

2. The variable strengthening device according to claim 1, wherein: The first support structure and the second support structure comprise planar sheets, wherein the plurality of first electrodes are coplanar with the first support structure and the plurality of second electrodes are coplanar with the second support structure when the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure are in a non-load bearing state.

3. The variable strengthening device according to claim 2, wherein: When the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure are in a carrying state, the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes form an angle relative to the first supporting structure and the second supporting structure, so that the supporting ends of the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes support the first supporting structure and the second supporting structure in the carrying position.

4. The variable strengthening device according to claim 1, wherein: The first support structure is arranged on the second support structure such that the plurality of first electrodes are aligned with the plurality of second electrodes.

5. The variable strengthening device according to claim 4, wherein: The plurality of first electrodes further include a third electrode and a fourth electrode extending from the first support structure; The plurality of second electrodes further include a second opposing electrode, a third opposing electrode, and a fourth opposing electrode extending from the second support structure; The first electrode and the first opposing electrode are aligned with each other to form a first cavity between a bonding surface of the first electrode and a bonding surface of the first opposing electrode; The second electrode and the second opposing electrode are aligned with each other to form a second cavity between a bonding surface of the second electrode and a bonding surface of the second opposing electrode; the third electrode and the third opposing electrode are aligned with each other to form a third cavity between a bonding surface of the third electrode and a bonding surface of the third opposing electrode; as well as The fourth electrode and the fourth opposing electrode are aligned with each other to form a fourth cavity between a bonding surface of the fourth electrode and a bonding surface of the fourth opposing electrode.

6. The variable strengthening device according to claim 5, wherein: The first electrode structure further includes a second electrode extension extending from the first electrode and inserted into the fourth cavity, a third electrode extension extending from the fourth electrode and inserted into the third cavity, and a fourth electrode extension extending from the second electrode into the second cavity; and When voltage is applied to the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure, the first electrode extension is clamped and held in the first cavity, the second electrode extension is clamped and held in the fourth cavity, the third electrode extension is clamped and held in the third cavity, and the fourth electrode extension is clamped and held in the second cavity.

7. The variable strengthening device according to claim 4, wherein: The variable reinforcement device maintains a cube-like shape when a voltage is applied to the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure and a load is placed on the first support structure or the second support structure.

8. The variable strengthening device according to claim 1, wherein: The first electrode structure comprises a first layer of electrode material and the second electrode structure comprises a second layer of electrode material.

9. The variable strengthening device according to claim 8, wherein: The first layer of electrode material and the second layer of electrode material include aluminum coated biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate.

10. The variable strengthening device according to claim 8, wherein: The first layer of electrode material and the second layer of electrode material extend continuously over the entire extent of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure.

11. The variable strengthening device according to claim 8, wherein: The first electrode structure includes a first structural layer supporting a first layer of electrode material, and the second electrode structure includes a second structural layer supporting a second layer of electrode material.

12. The variable strengthening device according to claim 11, wherein: The first structural layer includes a flexible joint between the first support structure and the plurality of first electrodes, and the second structural layer includes a flexible joint between the second support structure and the plurality of second electrodes.

13. The variable strengthening device according to claim 1, wherein: The bonding surface includes an adhesive layer disposed on the first electrode and the first counter electrode.

14. A variable strengthening device, comprising: a plurality of electrode pairs extending from the support structure, each electrode pair comprising an electrode rotatably coupled to the support structure, an opposing electrode, and a cavity defined between an engagement surface of the electrode and an engagement surface of the opposing electrode; a plurality of electrode extensions, wherein each of the plurality of electrode extensions comprises a first end portion attached to a first electrode of one of the plurality of electrode pairs and a free end portion disposed proximate an adjacent one of the plurality of electrode pairs, wherein the free end portion of each electrode extension is inserted into a cavity defined by an adjacent one of the plurality of electrode pairs; and A voltage source is connected to each of the plurality of electrode pairs, wherein when a voltage difference provided by the voltage source exists in each electrode pair, each electrode extension is clamped in a cavity defined by the bonding surfaces of an adjacent pair of the plurality of electrode pairs, and the electrode extension is held in the cavity by the bonding surfaces to maintain a structural relationship between the plurality of electrode pairs, thereby supporting the support structure in a load-bearing state.

15. The variable reinforcement device according to claim 14, wherein: The electrodes of the plurality of electrode pairs are rotatably coupled to the first portion of the support structure via flexible joints formed in a structural support layer that extends throughout the first portion of the support structure and each electrode of the plurality of electrode pairs; and Opposing electrodes of the plurality of electrode pairs are rotatably coupled to a second portion of the support structure, the second portion being attached to an underside surface of the first portion of the support structure.

16. The variable strengthening device according to claim 14, wherein: The support structure is a parallelogram and each of the plurality of electrode pairs extends from an edge of the support structure such that the variable reinforcement device is substantially parallelogram-shaped when the support structure is placed in a load-bearing position and the support structure defines a load-bearing surface for supporting a load of at least about 50 times the weight of the variable reinforcement device.

17. The variable strengthening device according to claim 14, wherein: An engagement surface defining each cavity includes an attachment element that engages one of the plurality of electrode extensions to retain the electrode extension in the cavity.

18. A method of actuating a variable reinforcement device, the method comprising: inserting an electrode extension of a first electrode coupled to the support structure into a cavity defined between two engagement surfaces of an electrode pair coupled to the support structure; generating a voltage using a voltage source electrically coupled to the electrode pair; as well as A voltage generated by a voltage source is applied to the electrode pair, thereby electrostatically pulling the electrodes of the electrode pair together, so that the position of the electrode extension in the cavity is maintained via contact between the electrode extension and the bonding surface to maintain the structural relationship between the first electrode and the electrode pair, thereby holding the support structure in a load-bearing position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising moving the first electrode and electrode pair from the unloaded state by rotating the first electrode and electrode pair about a flexible joint formed between the first electrode and electrode pair and the support structure while inserting the electrode extension into the cavity.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The engagement surface includes an attachment element that engages the electrode extension to maintain a position of the electrode extension in the cavity.

Images