Reversible color-changing chameleon-imitating skin device

Abstract

The invention provides a reversible color-changing chameleon-imitating skin device. The reversible color-changing chameleon-imitating skin device comprises a color sensor, a control unit, a voltage output module and a color-changing layer, the color sensor is used for detecting environment color data in real time and sending the environment color data to the control unit; the control unit is used for determining a corresponding voltage and a voltage control signal of the environment color data based on the received environment color data and a preset color-voltage relationship, and sending the voltage control signal to the voltage output module; and the voltage output module is used for responding to the voltage control signal and controlling the output voltage of the color changing layer so as to realize reversible change of the color.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of bionic devices, and in particular to, but is not limited to, a reversible color-changing chameleon skin-imitation device. Background Art

[0002] Chameleons can adapt to their environment by changing their skin color, an ability that relies primarily on the pigment cells and light-reflecting structures in their skin. However, existing biomimetic devices often exhibit suboptimal color-changing effects, making rapid color changes difficult. Currently, a variety of electrochromic materials have been developed, including polymers, metal oxides, and liquid crystals. Liquid crystals, due to their excellent optical properties and tunability, have become a key research area in the field. The application of silver nanowire networks can further enhance the conductivity and optical properties of electrochromic materials, thereby enhancing the color-changing effect.

[0003] However, existing electrochromic devices still have some shortcomings in practical applications, such as long response time, insufficient color changes, and complex control systems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on the problems in the related art, an embodiment of the present invention provides a reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device, which can quickly respond to environmental changes and achieve dynamic and reversible comprehensive adjustment of color.

[0005] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is achieved as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device, the device comprising a color sensor, a control unit, a voltage output module, and a color-changing layer;

[0007] The color sensor is used to detect environmental color data in real time and send the environmental color data to the control unit;

[0008] The control unit is configured to determine a voltage corresponding to the ambient color data and a voltage control signal based on the received ambient color data and a preset color-voltage relationship, and send the voltage control signal to the voltage output module;

[0009] The voltage output module is used to control the output voltage of the color-changing layer in response to the voltage control signal to achieve a reversible change in color.

[0010] In some possible implementations, the device further includes a substrate layer;

[0011] The base layer is composed of a flexible polymer material, including polyurethane, which enables the device to adapt to different shapes and surfaces to provide good adhesion and stability.

[0012] In some possible implementations, the device further includes a heat dissipation layer;

[0013] The heat dissipation layer is arranged on the back of the color-changing layer and is composed of a high thermal conductivity metal material and a phase change material to enhance heat dissipation and prevent the color-changing layer from overheating.

[0014] In some possible implementations, the device further includes a temperature sensor;

[0015] The temperature sensor is used to monitor the actual temperature of the color-changing layer and send the actual temperature to the control unit to ensure that the color-changing layer is within an optimal operating temperature range.

[0016] In some possible implementations, the color-changing layer includes a conductive silver nanowire solution and a liquid crystal material E7; the concentration of the conductive silver nanowire solution is 0.5 wt %, and the concentration of the liquid crystal material E7 is 99.5 wt %.

[0017] In some possible implementations, the color-changing layer is prepared by dissolving the conductive silver nanowire solution and the liquid crystal material E7 in a mixed solution of ethanol and acetone, performing ultrasonic treatment to obtain a reaction solution, and dropping the reaction solution into the center of the base layer, performing spin coating, collecting a thin film, and coating the thin film on a conductive electrode to apply an electric field.

[0018] In some possible implementations, the conductive electrode is conductive indium tin oxide.

[0019] In some possible implementations, the voltage variation range of the color-changing layer is 0-5V.

[0020] In some possible implementations, the high thermal conductivity metal material in the heat dissipation layer includes copper and aluminum.

[0021] In some possible implementations, the phase change material in the heat dissipation layer includes paraffin and fatty acid.

[0022] The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device provided by the present invention has the advantages of fast response speed, high adaptability, wide color change range and strong reversibility. It can adapt to rapidly changing environments in a timely manner and improve camouflage and display effects. At the same time, the use of flexible polymer materials as the base layer makes the device have good flexibility and durability, can adapt to various shapes and surfaces, provide stable adhesion, and have good stability and reliability. It is suitable for smart camouflage, displays, sensors and other fields. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the structure of the reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a logical flow diagram of the reversible color-changing chameleon skin-imitation device provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of voltage-color and temperature changes provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is the voltage-color H value reversible curve provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a camouflage diagram of an application scenario provided by the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments should not be regarded as limiting the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] In the following description, references to "some embodiments" describe a subset of all possible embodiments. However, it is understood that "some embodiments" may be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments, and may be combined with each other without conflict. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in the embodiments of the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain. The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present invention only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0030] In the following description of the present embodiment, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used in the embodiments of the present invention and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Those skilled in the art should understand that in the following description of the embodiments of the present invention, the order of serial numbers does not mean the order of execution, some or all of the steps can be executed in parallel or sequentially, and the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the numerical ranges in the embodiments of the present invention are to be understood as also specifically disclosing each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the ranges. Each smaller range between any intermediate value within a stated value or stated range and any other stated value or intermediate value within a range is also encompassed by the present invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded within the range.

[0033] Unless otherwise indicated, the technical / scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Although preferred methods and materials are described herein, any methods and materials similar or equivalent thereto may also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All documents mentioned in this specification are incorporated by reference to disclose and describe the methods and / or materials associated with the documents. In the event of any conflict with any incorporated document, the contents of this specification shall prevail.

[0034] The embodiment of the present invention provides a reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a color sensor, a control unit, a voltage output module and a color-changing layer;

[0035] The color sensor is used to detect environmental color data in real time and send the environmental color data to the control unit;

[0036] The control unit is configured to determine a voltage corresponding to the ambient color data and a voltage control signal based on the received ambient color data and a preset color-voltage relationship, and send the voltage control signal to the voltage output module;

[0037] The voltage output module is used to control the output voltage of the color-changing layer in response to the voltage control signal to achieve a reversible change in color.

[0038] The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device provided by the present invention has the advantages of fast response speed, high adaptability, wide color change range and strong reversibility. It can adapt to rapidly changing environments in a timely manner and improve camouflage and display effects. At the same time, the use of flexible polymer materials as the base layer makes the device have good flexibility and durability, can adapt to various shapes and surfaces, provide stable adhesion, and have good stability and reliability. It is suitable for smart camouflage, displays, sensors and other fields.

[0039] In this embodiment of the present invention, the color sensor is a TCS230, which is used to detect the surrounding color in real time and transmit the detected RGB values ​​to the control unit. This color sensor has high sensitivity and fast response capabilities, and can accurately capture changes in ambient light, thereby providing real-time data support to the control unit.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is an STM32 microcontroller, which is responsible for receiving the ambient color data detected by the color sensor and performing data processing, outputting a voltage control signal to the PWM voltage output module, and adjusting the voltage of the color-changing layer in real time to achieve rapid color changes and ensure that the color change of the color-changing layer matches the ambient color.

[0041] Furthermore, the control unit calculates and adjusts the voltage of the color-changing layer in real time to achieve rapid color changes. The control unit's built-in algorithm automatically adjusts the voltage output of the color-changing layer based on ambient color information fed back by the color sensor, ensuring accurate and timely color changes.

[0042] Furthermore, the system control unit uses a PWM control mode to adjust the voltage of the color-changing layer. Based on the set voltage value, the color-changing layer will rapidly change color to adapt to the surrounding environment. The frequency and duty cycle of the PWM signal can be adjusted according to actual needs to achieve more precise color control.

[0043] Furthermore, the system control unit achieves different optical effects by reducing voltage and changing the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules, enabling the color-changing layer to achieve reversible color changes, ensuring the camouflage effect under different environmental conditions. This reversibility allows the device to quickly adapt to different environments, increasing the flexibility of the camouflage effect.

[0044] In this embodiment of the present invention, a voltage output module is connected to the control unit and is used to control the voltage output of the color-changing layer according to the voltage control signal from the control unit, thereby achieving reversible color change. This module can precisely adjust the output voltage according to the control unit's control instructions, ensuring that the color of the color-changing layer changes smoothly and quickly.

[0045] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a base layer; the base layer is composed of a flexible polymer material, and the flexible polymer material comprises polyurethane, which enables the device to adapt to different shapes and surfaces to provide good adhesion and stability.

[0046] In this embodiment of the present invention, the base layer is made of a flexible polymer material, including polyurethane, to ensure the device's flexibility and durability. This base layer design enables the reversibly color-changing chameleon-like skin device to adapt to various shapes and surfaces, providing excellent adhesion and stability. The choice of polyurethane not only enhances the device's mechanical strength but also strengthens its weather and abrasion resistance, ensuring long-term use in diverse environmental conditions.

[0047] It should be noted that the plasma treatment time of polyurethane is 2 minutes and the power is 50W.

[0048] In some embodiments, the device also includes a heat dissipation layer; the heat dissipation layer is arranged on the back of the color-changing layer, and is composed of a high thermal conductivity metal material and a phase change material to enhance heat dissipation, and is used to enhance heat dissipation and prevent the color-changing layer from overheating.

[0049] In this embodiment of the present invention, a heat dissipation layer is located on the back of the color-changing layer. It is composed of highly thermally conductive metal materials (copper and aluminum) and phase-change materials (paraffin and fatty acids). This enhances heat dissipation, prevents overheating of the color-changing layer, and ensures system stability and reliability. This heat dissipation layer design effectively reduces the operating temperature of the color-changing layer, extending the device's lifespan.

[0050] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a temperature sensor; the temperature sensor is used to monitor the actual temperature of the color-changing layer and send the actual temperature to the control unit to ensure that the color-changing layer is within an optimal operating temperature range.

[0051] In this embodiment of the present invention, a DS18B20 temperature sensor is used to monitor the actual temperature of the electrochromic layer and feed it back to the control unit to ensure that the electrochromic material remains within its optimal operating temperature range. This temperature sensor offers high precision and stability, enabling real-time monitoring of temperature changes to prevent overheating or underheating from affecting the performance of the electrochromic layer.

[0052] In some embodiments, the color-changing layer is formed by a conductive silver nanowire solution and a liquid crystal material E7; the concentration of the conductive silver nanowire solution is 0.5 wt %, the concentration of the liquid crystal material E7 is 99.5 wt %, and an appropriate amount of solvent is added to adjust the viscosity.

[0053] Furthermore, the color change response time of the color-changing layer is less than 2 seconds, ensuring timely color adjustment in rapidly changing environments, enhancing the camouflage effect. This fast response makes the device perform well in dynamic environments and can effectively cope with sudden environmental changes.

[0054] Furthermore, the color change of the color-changing layer has comprehensive full-color adjustability, suitable for various color environments and needs. The device can achieve a wide range of adjustments from dark to light colors, from single colors to multiple colors, meeting the needs of different application scenarios.

[0055] It should be noted that by switching the voltage, the surface charge of the silver nanowires in the color-changing layer changes, thereby affecting the arrangement of the E7 liquid crystal molecules to achieve different optical effects, so that the reversible color-changing function of the device can achieve color camouflage in different environments.

[0056] It should be noted that the above solvent can be a mixed solution of ethanol and acetone, and the volume ratio of the mixed solution is 1:1.

[0057] It should be noted that when the above reaction solution was subjected to ultrasonic treatment, the ultrasonic treatment time was 30 min, the frequency was 40 kHz, and the power was 100 W.

[0058] It should be noted that the above reaction solution is added dropwise to the center of the polyurethane and spin-coated into a thin film. The spin-coating speed is 5000-10000 rpm / s and the spin-coating time is 25-45 s.

[0059] The film was dried at room temperature for 1 hour and then heat-treated at 70°C for 1 hour. A transparent conductive electrode was coated on the film surface to facilitate the application of an electric field. The film exhibited good electrochromic performance and stability.

[0060] It should be noted that the conductive electrode material is transparent conductive indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0061] The technical method of the present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0062] The embodiment of the present invention provides a reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device, such as Figure 2 As shown, including the following:

[0063] Preparation of the base layer: A flexible polymer material, such as polyurethane, is selected as the base layer to ensure flexibility and durability. The thickness of the base layer should be optimized based on actual application requirements to provide good adhesion and stability.

[0064] Preparation of the color-changing layer: A mixed solution of conductive silver nanowires and liquid crystal material E7 is prepared, with a concentration of 0.5wt% silver nanowires and 99.5wt% E7 liquid crystal material. An appropriate amount of ethanol or acetone is added at a volume ratio of 1:1 to adjust the viscosity before spin coating onto the substrate. By controlling the voltage within 0-5V, the surface charge of the silver nanowires changes, affecting the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules and achieving different optical effects, ultimately achieving color change and reversibility of the color-changing layer.

[0065] Preparation of heat dissipation layer: Select a mixture of metal materials with high thermal conductivity and phase change materials. High thermal conductivity materials such as copper or aluminum ensure the thermal conductivity and durability of the materials. Phase change materials such as paraffin and fatty acids achieve heat absorption and heat release through the phase change process to maintain the temperature balance of the device.

[0066] The control unit design utilizes an STM32 microcontroller as its core, responsible for receiving signals from the color sensor and temperature sensor and outputting control signals to the PWM voltage conversion module. Based on the ambient RGB data fed back by the color sensor, the control unit adjusts the voltage output of the external color-changing layer to match the color, achieving automatic color adjustment. This process utilizes a PWM-to-voltage converter, which finely adjusts the color-changing layer voltage based on the duty cycle of the corresponding pulse signal output by the STM32, ensuring fast response and high performance.

[0067] This embodiment 1 provides a reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device based on an electrochromic material, and tests its reversible color change effect under a reversible voltage.

[0068] After the STM32 control unit receives the RGB color data returned by the color sensor, it converts the RGB color model into a color model that is closer to human visual perception through the RGB to HSV formula. Hue (H) indicates the type of color. The value ranges from 0 to 2400 degrees, covering the color wheel, representing most color types. Each hue value corresponds to a specific color. The change of H value makes color selection and adjustment intuitive and convenient. The example effect is as follows Figure 3 shown.

[0069] Repeated tests were performed in the voltage range of 0-5V to record the color change of the chameleon-like skin and the reversibility. Figure 4 shown.

[0070] The reversible color-changing chameleon skin-like device is applied to the intelligent camouflage system to verify its camouflage effect in an actual forest environment.

[0071] Sixteen 4×4 small chameleon-like skins are integrated into a large area, and four color sensors are connected to each other through wires to detect environmental color changes. The control unit will simultaneously provide corresponding color-changing voltages to the four areas. Each multi-color chameleon-like skin directly simulates the multi-color pattern and active camouflage ability of animal skin in the form of pixels. Figure 5 shown.

[0072] The present invention provides a novel reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device, which achieves rapid and reversible color changes through the combination of thermochromic materials, silver nanowire networks, color sensors and control units, and has broad application prospects.

[0073] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0074] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A reversible color-changing chameleon skin-imitation device, characterized in that: The device includes a color sensor, a control unit, a voltage output module and a color-changing layer; The color sensor is used to detect environmental color data in real time and send the environmental color data to the control unit; The control unit is used to determine the corresponding voltage of the environmental color data and the voltage control signal based on the received environmental color data and the preset color-voltage relationship, and send the voltage control signal to the voltage output module; The voltage output module is used to control the output voltage of the color-changing layer in response to the voltage control signal to achieve a reversible change in color.

2. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes a substrate layer; The base layer is composed of a flexible polymer material, including polyurethane, which enables the device to adapt to different shapes and surfaces to provide good adhesion and stability.

3. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes a heat dissipation layer; The heat dissipation layer is arranged on the back of the color-changing layer and is composed of a high thermal conductivity metal material and a phase change material to enhance the heat dissipation composition, and is used to enhance the heat dissipation and prevent the color-changing layer from overheating.

4. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes a temperature sensor; The temperature sensor is used to monitor the actual temperature of the color-changing layer and send the actual temperature to the control unit to ensure that the color-changing layer is within an optimal operating temperature range.

5. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The color-changing layer is formed by a reaction solution of a conductive silver nanowire solution and a liquid crystal material E7; the concentration of the conductive silver nanowire solution is 0.5 wt %, and the concentration of the liquid crystal material E7 is 99.5 wt %.

6. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The color-changing layer is prepared in the following manner: the conductive silver nanowire solution and the liquid crystal material E7 are dissolved in a mixed solution of ethanol and acetone, ultrasonically treated to obtain the reaction solution, and the reaction solution is dripped into the center of the base layer, spin-coated, a thin film is collected, and the thin film is coated in a conductive electrode to apply an electric field.

7. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The conductive electrode is conductive indium tin oxide.

8. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The voltage variation range of the color-changing layer is 0-5V.

9. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The high thermal conductivity metal material in the heat dissipation layer includes copper and aluminum.

10. The reversible color-changing chameleon-like skin device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The phase change material in the heat dissipation layer includes paraffin and fatty acid.

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