Optothermo-electric stimulus responsive circuit structure based on novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarns

Abstract

The utility model discloses a light -heat -electricity stimulus response circuit structure based on novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, including plastic frame, silver -carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, wire, power, resistance, LED, plastic spring, first copper foil adhesive tape, second copper foil adhesive tape, under the light -heat -electricity stimulus, silver -carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn deformation is controlled second copper foil adhesive tape and the contact of first copper foil adhesive tape to control circuit on-off. Simple structure, low cost, compatible light / heat / electricity three kinds of stimulation mode, through silver -carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn deformation to control the switch state of circuit, have higher response sensitivity, can be widely used in remote light control system, electric power remote control, wearable electronics and robot embedded system etc. field, is the great leap of circuit switch technology to flexible, intelligent and multi -functional,

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrical technology, and in particular to a photothermal and electrical stimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. Background Technology

[0002] As a core execution unit in intelligent power systems, remote control circuit switches are undergoing a revolutionary transformation in their material systems, shifting from traditional metallic conductors to nanocomposite materials. Although photothermal-electric remote control technology is gradually being applied in power automation systems, its core switching devices still face multiple technical bottlenecks. At the signal transmission level, existing photoelectric switches have significant limitations: ambient light interference easily leads to false triggering, signal transmission distance is limited (requiring reliance on optical lenses for range extension), and the reliability of detecting transparent / highly reflective objects is insufficient. Furthermore, current light-driven switches mostly rely on ultraviolet light triggering mechanisms (such as azobenzene LCE isomerization), whose short-wavelength light sources are not only harmful to the human body but also have weak penetrating power, making effective control in deep tissues or obstructed environments difficult.

[0003] Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), as smart materials combining the elasticity of rubber and the anisotropy of liquid crystals, have emerged in the field of soft actuation in recent years. Their molecular orientation properties endow LCEs with reversible deformation capabilities, making it possible to develop next-generation contactless remote switches. However, the current application of LCEs in circuit switches is still limited by challenges such as a single driving mode, insufficient response speed, and low integration, which urgently require breakthroughs through material composites and structural innovations.

[0004] Carbon nanotube / silver composite conductive materials have become an ideal choice for high-reliability switching contact devices due to their unique conductive-thermal synergistic effect. By introducing multifunctional nanofillers, a qualitative leap can be achieved in the photothermal-electric response performance of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). Designing a novel circuit switch structure by combining carbon nanotubes / silver and liquid crystal elastomers is a promising research direction. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to disclose a photothermal and electrical stimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. The structure is simple, the manufacturing cost is low, and it is compatible with three stimulation modes: light, heat, and electricity. The switching state of the circuit is controlled by the deformation of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. It has high response sensitivity and can be widely used in remote light control systems, power remote control, wearable electronics, and robot embedded systems. It represents a major leap forward in circuit switching technology towards flexibility, intelligence, and multifunctionality.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a photothermal and electrical stimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, comprising a plastic frame, a silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, a wire, a power supply, a resistor, an LED, a plastic spring, a first copper foil tape, and a second copper foil tape. The power supply, resistor, and LED are connected to the wire. The plastic frame has a first free end and a second free end. The two ends of the wire are respectively fixed to the first free end and the second free end. The first copper foil tape is adhered to the first free end and electrically connected to the wire. The second copper foil tape is adhered to one end of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. The other end of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is electrically connected to the other end of the wire. One end of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is connected to the plastic frame by a plastic spring. Under photothermal and electrical stimulation, the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn deforms to control the contact between the second copper foil tape and the first copper foil tape to control the circuit's on / off state.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plastic spring and the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn are located on the same horizontal line.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first copper foil tape and the second copper foil tape are triangular copper foil tapes with their apexes facing each other.

[0009] In some embodiments, the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn has a diameter of 0.5-0.6 mm and a length of 65-75 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plastic frame is a PET frame or a PI frame.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plastic frame has a thickness of 4-6 cm, a length of 9-11 cm, and a width of 4-6 cm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plastic spring is a PC spring.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first copper foil tape and the second copper foil tape is 0.4mm-0.5mm.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this utility model are: simple structure, low manufacturing cost, compatibility with three stimulation modes of light / heat / electricity, control of circuit switching state by deformation of silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, high response sensitivity, and wide application in remote light control systems, power remote control, wearable electronics and robot embedded systems, etc., which is a major leap for circuit switching technology towards flexibility, intelligence and multi-functionality. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the photothermal and electrical stimulation response circuit structure based on the novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn shown in this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 SEM images of liquid crystal elastomer yarn (a) and silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn (b);

[0017] Figure 3 FIRT images of liquid crystal elastomer yarn and silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn;

[0018] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows the test results of breaking strength and elongation at break of liquid crystal elastomer yarn and silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn.

[0019] Figure 5 The graph shows the test results of the driven stretching rate, driven recovery time, and response time of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention. Equivalent transformations or substitutions in function, method, or structure made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0021] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a photothermal and electrical stimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, comprising a plastic frame 1, a silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3, a wire 5, a power supply 7, a resistor 6, an LED 8, a plastic spring 2, a first copper foil tape 41, and a second copper foil tape 42.

[0022] In this embodiment, the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 has a diameter of 0.55 mm and a length of 70 mm. The plastic frame 1 is a PET frame or a PI frame, with a thickness of 5 cm, a length of 10 cm, and a width of 5 cm. The plastic spring 2 is a PC helical spring (PC-L5-30), with a helical spring wire diameter of 5 mm and a free length of 30 mm. The first copper foil tape 41 and the second copper foil tape 42 have a thickness of 0.45 mm.

[0023] The power supply 7, resistor 6 and LED 8 are connected to the wire 5. The plastic frame 1 has a first free end 11 and a second free end 12. The two ends of the wire 5 are respectively fixed to the first free end 11 and the second free end 12, for example, by binding with straps.

[0024] The first copper foil tape 41 is adhered to the first free end 11 and electrically connected to the wire 5. The second copper foil tape 42 is adhered to one end 31 of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. The other end 32 of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is electrically connected to the other end of the wire 5. The power supply 7, resistor 6, LED 8, silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3, first copper foil tape 41, and second copper foil tape 42 constitute an electrical circuit.

[0025] The first copper foil tape 41 and the second copper foil tape 42 are triangular copper foil tapes with their apexes facing each other. Thus, when the second copper foil tape 42 moves horizontally to the first copper foil tape 41, it can contact the first copper foil tape 41 in a timely and efficient manner to connect the circuit.

[0026] One end 31 of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is connected to the plastic frame 1 via a plastic spring 2. The plastic spring 2 and the plastic frame 1 are fused together, and one end 31 of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is attached to the plastic spring 2. The plastic spring 2 and the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 are located on the same horizontal line, which facilitates the plastic spring 2 to pull the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 to move horizontally linearly, ensuring that the second copper foil tape 42 and the first copper foil tape 41 can make effective contact.

[0027] The working principle of the photothermal and electrical stimulation response circuit structure based on the novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is as follows:

[0028] When the power supply is 7 (<6V), and there is no near-infrared light (wavelength 808nm) or heat source stimulation in the external environment, the circuit switch remains stationary. Because the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 has conductive properties, the circuit remains open, and LED 8 is lit. When near-infrared light and / or heat source stimulation are present in the external environment, the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 will rapidly contract and deform the plastic spring 2, disconnecting the connection between the second copper foil tape 42 and the first copper foil tape 41, resulting in an open circuit, and LED 8 is not lit. When the near-infrared light and heat source stimulation are removed, the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 gradually returns to its original length under the pull of the plastic spring 2, and the second copper foil tape 42 and the first copper foil tape 41 come into contact, the circuit is open, and LED 8 is lit.

[0029] When power supply 7 is at low voltage (<6V), the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3, due to minimal heating, maintains its original shape under the tension of the plastic spring 2. The second copper foil tape 42 and the first copper foil tape 41 are in contact, the circuit is complete, and LED8 is lit. When power supply 7 > 6V, the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 will shrink under electrothermal stress, causing the plastic spring 2 to deform. The connection between the second copper foil tape 42 and the first copper foil tape 41 will be broken, the circuit will be open, and LED8 will not light up. When power supply 7 drops below 6V, the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3, due to minimal heating, returns to its original shape under the tension of the plastic spring 2. The second copper foil tape 42 and the first copper foil tape 41 are in contact, the circuit is complete, and LED8 is lit.

[0030] The preparation method of silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 is as follows:

[0031] Step 1: Select liquid crystal monomers with carbon-carbon double bonds at both ends of the molecular chain, such as RM257 and RM82, and chain extenders containing thiol chemical bonds, such as hexanedithiol (C6H2O). 14 S2), octanedithiol (C8H) 18 S2) and other substances were dissolved in dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) or trichloromethane (CHCl3) solution and stirred until dissolved evenly. Then, dipropylamine (DPA) catalyst was added. Subsequently, the mixed solution was magnetically stirred at 1000-3000 rpm for 12-24 hours at 25℃-35℃.

[0032] Step 2: Place the thoroughly stirred reaction solution in a 60-80℃ forced-air oven for 12-24 hours to allow for a secondary reaction and remove the solvent. After drying, redissolve the dried reactants in CH2Cl2 or CHCl3 solution, while adding a certain mass fraction of silver nitrate and CNTs (controlling the spinning solution concentration within the range of 24%-32%, where the amount of silver nitrate added accounts for 1-5% of the solute mass fraction, and the amount of CNTs added accounts for 0.5-2% of the solute mass fraction). The mixed spinning solution is then ultrasonically treated to make the CNTs more evenly distributed and reduce their aggregation. Finally, the photoinitiator 2-hydroxy-4'-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylphenylacetone is added.

[0033] Step 3: Transfer the prepared solution into a syringe. Connect the syringe needle to the positive terminal of a high-voltage power supply (6-18kV), connect the receiving roller to the negative terminal, and adjust the distance between the needle and the receiving roller (8-15cm). During electrospinning, the spinning solution is spun into continuous nanofibers with a certain degree of orientation by a syringe pump at a constant flow rate (0.2-1.6mL / h) under the stretching force of an electric field, and gradually stacked on the receiving roller to form a film.

[0034] Step 4: The prepared nanofiber membrane was stretched and twisted, and then irradiated with 30W wavelength 365nm ultraviolet light for 30-300 min to obtain a responsive silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3. Subsequently, conductive silver paste was coated onto the surface of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 to obtain the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn 3 used in this embodiment. Pure liquid crystal elastomer yarn is an existing product and can be directly electrospun using the solution from step 1.

[0035] The above preparation method is convenient to operate, has a short preparation cycle, and can efficiently produce continuous long fibers. Furthermore, the fiber exhibits high orientation of liquid crystal units, resulting in a more sensitive response to stimuli. In the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, the role of silver-carbon nanotubes is as follows: due to the numerous carbon nanotubes and silver particles distributed within the composite yarn, a stable conductive layer can be formed with the conductive silver paste distributed on the outer layer during deformation, thereby giving the composite yarn excellent electrostimulation response driving performance. It also possesses excellent photothermal conversion and thermal conductivity. Due to its optical absorption in the near-infrared light spectrum, part of the energy is released in the form of photons, and the other part is converted into heat energy, acting on the composite yarn itself, causing its temperature to rise rapidly. The liquid crystal elastomer will contract along the direction parallel to the initial orientation of the liquid crystal, while simultaneously expanding along the direction perpendicular to the orientation, thus realizing the deformation of the composite yarn.

[0036] like Figure 2 The images shown are SEM images of liquid crystal elastomer yarn (a) and silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn (b). It can be seen that the surface of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is loaded with Ag and CNTs, which exist in the form of fiber clusters and have a certain porous structure.

[0037] like Figure 3 The images shown are FIRT images of liquid crystal elastomer yarn and silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, where the liquid crystal monomer RM257 is at 1520 cm⁻¹. -1 The characteristic absorption peak of a carbon-carbon double bond is observed at 2570 cm⁻¹, with the chain extender HDT showing a peak at 2570 cm⁻¹. -1 The characteristic absorption peak of thiol groups is observed at 1520 cm⁻¹. Silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is prepared through a two-step crosslinking process. In the spectra of both the liquid crystal elastomer yarn and the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, the characteristic absorption peak of thiol groups is observed at 1520 cm⁻¹. -1 (C=C stretching) and 2570cm -1 The absence of an absorption band at the (SH bend) indicates that chemical polymerization has been completed.

[0038] like Figure 4The figure shows the test results of breaking strength and elongation at break for liquid crystal elastomer yarn and silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. Specifically, yarn test samples (50mm in length) were prepared, and the strength of a single yarn was tested using a tensile strength tester (model: PT-990T). As can be seen from the figure, the breaking strength of the liquid crystal elastomer yarn is significantly lower than that of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, but its elongation at break is much greater. The silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn exhibits superior mechanical properties.

[0039] like Figure 5 The figure shows the test results of the driven stretching rate, driven recovery time, and response time of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. Specifically, a 70mm long silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn was applied to a photothermal-electric stimulation response circuit based on the novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, and tests were conducted using a heating gun, a near-infrared laser emitter, and a miniature power supply (<6V). As shown in the figure, under photothermal-electric driving, the driven stretching rate of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is basically consistent, exhibiting good driven deformation capability and a sensitive response with a large stretching deformation rate.

[0040] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible implementations of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent implementations or modifications made without departing from the spirit of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0041] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A photothermal-electric stimulus-responsive circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, characterized in that, Includes a plastic frame, silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn, wires, power supply, resistor, LED, plastic spring, first copper foil tape, and second copper foil tape; The power supply, resistor, and LED are connected to the wire. The plastic frame has a first free end and a second free end. The two ends of the wire are respectively fixed to the first free end and the second free end. The first copper foil tape is adhered to the first free end and electrically connected to the wire. The second copper foil tape is adhered to one end of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn. The other end of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is electrically connected to the other end of the wire. One end of the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn is connected to the plastic frame by a plastic spring. Under photothermal and electrical stimulation, the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn deforms to control the contact between the second copper foil tape and the first copper foil tape to control the circuit on / off.

2. The photothermoelectric stimulus-responsive circuit structure based on novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic spring and the silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn are located on the same horizontal line.

3. The photothermal and electrostimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first copper foil tape and the second copper foil tape are triangular copper foil tapes, and their apexes face each other.

4. The photothermal and electrostimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The silver-carbon nanotube / liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn has a diameter of 0.5-0.6 mm and a length of 65-75 mm.

5. The photothermal and electrostimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic frame is a PET frame or a PI frame.

6. The photothermal and electrostimulation response circuit structure based on the novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn according to claim 5, characterized in that, The plastic frame has a thickness of 4-6cm, a length of 9-11cm, and a width of 4-6cm.

7. The photothermal and electrostimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic spring is a PC spring.

8. The photothermal and electrostimulation response circuit structure based on a novel liquid crystal elastomer composite yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the first copper foil tape and the second copper foil tape is 0.4mm-0.5mm.

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