Artificial muscle lightweight seat massager and tactile responsive chair

Abstract

To provide an artificial muscle chair device.SOLUTION: The artificial muscle chair device includes a plurality of artificial muscles embedded in a chair. Each artificial muscle includes a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region. A first electrode and a second electrode are each disposed in the electrode region of the housing. The artificial muscle chair device further includes a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing. The first and second electrodes electrostatically attract, inflating the expandable fluid region with dielectric fluid and thereby applying selective pressure to an outer surface of the chair.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This specification generally relates to artificial muscles, particularly artificial muscles that provide massage and tactile response functions to a user sitting in a chair. [Background technology]

[0002] Users have long benefited from massage and the advantages it offers, such as muscle relaxation and / or pain and tension relief / elimination and / or stress reduction. In recent years, users have been able to receive machine-based massages in chairs. However, such chairs utilize conventional actuators, which tend to be heavy and power-hungry. Therefore, using conventional actuators is impractical in situations where weight and / or power consumption reduction is a priority.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide improved massage and tactile feedback to users sitting in chairs. [Overview of the project]

[0004] In one embodiment, the artificial muscle chair device includes a plurality of artificial muscles embedded in a chair. Each artificial muscle includes a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region. A first electrode and a second electrode are each positioned in the electrode region of the housing. The artificial muscle chair device further includes a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing. The first and second electrodes are electrostatically attracted, causing the expandable fluid region to expand with the dielectric fluid, thereby applying selective pressure to the outer surface of the chair.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method for operating an artificial muscle chair device includes supplying voltage using a power supply electrically coupled to each electrode pair of a plurality of artificial muscles within the chair. Each artificial muscle includes a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, a first electrode and a second electrode respectively positioned in the electrode region of the housing, and a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing. The method also includes electrostatic attraction via the first and second electrodes, inflating the expandable fluid region with the dielectric fluid, and applying selective pressure to the outer surface of the chair.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the artificial muscle wheelchair device includes a plurality of artificial muscles embedded in the chair. Each artificial muscle includes a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, along with first and second electrodes, each positioned in the electrode region of the housing. The artificial muscle wheelchair device further includes a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing, and the first and second electrodes are configured to electrostatically attract and inflate the expandable fluid region with the dielectric fluid, thereby applying selective pressure to the chair. At least two of the plurality of artificial muscles are simultaneously in different operating states. Furthermore, the artificial muscle wheelchair device includes a plurality of independently operable layered actuation structures, each comprising one or more actuation platforms alternately arranged with one or more mounting platforms to form one or more actuation cavities between them. At least one of the plurality of artificial muscles is positioned in one or more actuation cavities, and the plurality of independently operable layered actuation structures are embedded in the chair. The artificial muscle wheelchair device also includes a controller to which the plurality of artificial muscles are communicatively coupled. The controller is configured to provide output to multiple artificial muscles, thereby providing tactile feedback to the occupant of the artificial muscle chair device, which is located inside the vehicle.

[0007] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in conjunction with the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0008] The embodiments shown in the drawings are factually illustrative and exemplary, and are not intended to limit the subject matter as defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood in conjunction with the following drawings, in which similar structures are indicated by the same reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1A] This figure schematically depicts a side view of a chair having an internally arranged layered operating structure according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 1B] This figure schematically depicts a side view of the chair of Figure 1A, which has a seat occupant and a heating element, along with a screen positioned in front of the seat occupant, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2A] This figure schematically depicts an exploded view of an artificial muscle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2B] This figure schematically depicts a perspective view of an artificial muscle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 2C] This figure schematically illustrates a layered actuation structure, comprising an actuation platform alternately arranged with a mounting platform to form an actuation cavity between them, to include an artificial muscle, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 3] Figures 2A-2C schematically depict an illustrative top view of an artificial muscle, in which a pressure sensor is attached to the artificial muscle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 4] This figure schematically depicts an exploded view of the artificial muscle of Figure 3, in which a pressure sensor is not attached to the artificial muscle, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 5] This figure schematically depicts a top view of the artificial muscle shown in Figure 4, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6] This figure schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the artificial muscle of Figure 4 taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 5 in a non-operating state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 7] This figure schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the artificial muscle of Figure 4 taken along lines 6-6 of Figure 5 in an operating state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 8] This figure schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of another illustrative artificial muscle in a non-operating state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 9] This figure schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the artificial muscle shown in Figure 4 in an operational state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 10] This figure schematically depicts an exploded view of another illustrative artificial muscle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 11] This figure schematically depicts a top view of the artificial muscle of Figure 10 according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 12] This figure schematically depicts a top view of another artificial muscle according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 13A] This figure schematically depicts a cross-section of another embodiment of a layered acting structure including an artificial muscle in a non-operating state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 13B] This figure schematically depicts the layered operating structure of Figure 13A in which an artificial muscle is in an operating state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. [Figure 14] These figures schematically illustrate the actuator systems for operating the artificial muscle devices shown in Figures 2A-2C and 13A-13B according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments described herein relate to artificial muscle chair devices, which include artificial muscles configured to apply pressure to a chair occupant. Because artificial muscles are lighter than conventional motors and actuators, they are more suitable for use in vehicles than conventional motors for various reasons, such as vehicle handling and fuel economy. The artificial muscle chair devices described herein may include a layered actuation structure having an actuation platform alternately arranged with a mounting platform to form an actuation cavity between them. The artificial muscle chair devices described herein may include artificial muscles embedded in a chair, each artificial muscle comprising a housing having an electrode region and an inflatable fluid region, and a first electrode and a second electrode, each positioned in the electrode region of the housing. A dielectric fluid may be placed within the housing, which the first and second electrodes electrostatically attract, causing the inflatable fluid region to expand with the dielectric fluid, thereby applying selective pressure to the chair. The artificial muscles can then, individually or collectively, provide various beneficial types of pressure, such as pressure massage patterns and / or tactile feedback based on occupant input, vehicle operation, and / or output from an infotainment device. Various embodiments of artificial muscle chair devices and their operation are described in more detail herein. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0011] Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B, the artificial muscle chair device 1 is schematically depicted as having a plurality of layered actuating structures 3 each having a plurality of artificial muscles 4. In FIG. 1A, the pressure exerted on one or more outer surfaces 2 of the artificial muscle chair device 1 by the actuating of the layered actuating structure 3 and the constituent artificial muscles 4 is represented by arrows extending through the seat back 6 of the artificial muscle chair device 1. In some embodiments, some of the available layered actuating structures 3 may be activated while others are not. In some embodiments, some of the artificial muscles 4 can be activated within the layered actuating structure 3 while other artificial muscles 4 within the same layered actuating structure 3 cannot be activated / utilized at that time. In this way, the layered actuating structure 3 can apply a selective pressure to one or more outer surfaces 2 of the artificial muscle chair device 1.

[0012] In some embodiments, the layered actuating structures may be operable independently of other layered actuating structures. In other embodiments, the layered actuating structure 3 and the constituent artificial muscles 4 may be present in any other suitable part of the artificial muscle chair device 1, such as a seat cushion, armrest, footrest, or any other part that may come into contact with an occupant. As used herein, the terms "occupant" and "user" can be used interchangeably. In other embodiments, artificial muscles 4 without an actuating structure can be utilized in other arrangements, such as an artificial muscle stack or an artificial muscle that applies pressure individually to an occupant without engaging perpendicularly with other artificial muscles. Any artificial muscle 4 can actuate / deactivate relative to any other artificial muscle, either simultaneously or at different speeds, intervals, intensities, etc. In this way, any type of pressure pattern, such as changes in pressure and position, can be applied and utilized to massage pressure, such as undulating pressure and / or pressure waves. In this embodiment, the artificial muscle chair device 1 can be present within a vehicle (automobile, truck, sports utility vehicle, van, motorcycle, aircraft, boat, ship, submersible aircraft, spacecraft, etc.). In other embodiments, the artificial muscle chair device 1 can be disposed outside of a vehicle, such as in a home, office, or patio furniture.

[0013] Looking at FIG. 1B, the occupant 5 sits on the artificial muscle chair device 1 and receives pressure through the portion of the outer surface 2 arranged from the layered actuating structure 3 to the seat back 6. In this embodiment, the artificial muscle chair device 1 can include one or more heating elements 7 in the seat back 6 and the seat cushion 8 to provide warmth. Any suitable type of heating element 7 such as insulated wire, carbon fiber, etc. can be utilized. In some embodiments, one or more cooling elements (seat ventilation via one or more built-in fans, air conditioning via a compressor, condenser, etc.) may be present in any suitable configuration, regardless of the presence or absence of the heating element 7.

[0014] The infotainment system / device screen 9 is depicted as being viewable by occupant 5. Any suitable type of device and / or content can be utilized, such as television, streaming or internet content, games, navigation, vehicle operation, etc., as a non-limiting example. Occupant 5 can provide input to screen 9 via input buttons on the artificial muscle chair device 1, or via screen 9 if it is a touchscreen, eye-tracking, gesture tracking, game controller, remote control, smartphone, table, laptop, etc. Output from the infotainment system may be provided to the artificial muscle chair device 1 so that occupant 5 can receive the output as haptic feedback. For example, video game or movie events may result in certain types of pressure feedback via the artificial muscle chair device 1. When occupant 5 is operating the vehicle (or is a passenger), haptic feedback may be provided via the artificial muscle chair device 1 for various reasons, such as driver assistance (lane departure, blind spot detection, speed limit alert, etc.), as a non-limiting example. As will be further discussed herein, some embodiments of the artificial muscle 4 may utilize pressure / weight sensors. For example, an artificial muscle chair device 1 for passengers may not provide tactile feedback unless a sufficient weight (e.g., exceeding a predetermined threshold) is detected by the pressure sensor to indicate that an occupant 5 is sitting in the artificial muscle chair device 1. In another example, tactile feedback may be provided to the occupant 5 based on the operation of the vehicle by the occupant 5. In yet another example, the changing operation may be based on an output received by a controller based on inputs received from the occupant 5 and / or the vehicle (further discussion with respect to Figure 14).

[0015] Referring here to Figures 2A-2C, the artificial muscle group 10 is schematically depicted. Embodiments of the artificial muscle group 10 are depicted as having artificial muscles arranged in an alternating pattern in the exploded view of Figure 2A and the non-exploded view of Figure 2B. As described herein, pressure can be applied to the artificial muscle group 10, such as when it is subjected to weight (i.e., downward pressure), by using the action of one or more artificial muscles 100. In this embodiment, all artificial muscles 100 can be actuated / deactivated simultaneously, but in other embodiments, not all artificial muscles 100 can actuated / deactivated together.

[0016] Referring to Figure 2C, the artificial muscle group 10 can utilize any suitable type of external structure, such as a layered actuation structure 3 having one or more actuation platforms 16 arranged alternately with mounting platforms 13 that form an actuation cavity 15 to enclose the artificial muscles 100 between them. By having such an external structure, the actuation cavity 15 can hold the artificial muscles 100 in place. The artificial muscles 100 can be aligned vertically according to their respective electrode regions 194 and / or inflatable fluid regions 196, as will be further described with respect to Figures 4-10.

[0017] Furthermore, embodiments are considered using a plurality of artificial muscles 100 arranged in a single layer within an operating cavity 15, in contrast to an artificial muscle stack. During operation, one or more artificial muscles 100 can be actuated to inflate and apply pressure to the inner and / or outer layers of the artificial muscle group 10. The actuation of each artificial muscle 100 of the plurality of artificial muscles 100 may be independent and selective to maintain a periodic operating pressure. During operation, the actuation of one or more artificial muscles 100 can be controlled by an actuation system 1100, which may include a configuration device housed in an onboard control unit 40 coupled to (or included in) the artificial muscle group 10, as will be described in more detail with respect to Figure 14. This may allow the actuation amount of one or more artificial muscles 100 to be determined using, for example, a pressure value (Pa / Pascal, PSI, etc.).

[0018] Multiple artificial muscles 100 can be arranged in multiple artificial muscle stacks. It should be understood that any number of artificial muscle stacks can be considered. In some embodiments, the inflatable fluid regions of each artificial muscle 100 in each of the multiple artificial muscle stacks are aligned coaxially with one another. However, in other embodiments, there may be some correction values ​​between the inflatable fluid regions of at least some of the artificial muscles 100 in the multiple artificial muscle stacks. Furthermore, embodiments in which multiple artificial muscles 100 are arranged in a single layer within the working cavity 15 can be considered.

[0019] Each of the artificial muscles 100 includes an electrode pair 104 placed within the housing 110 together with a dielectric fluid 198 (Figures 3-9). The electrode pair 104 is positioned in the electrode region 194 of the housing 110, adjacent to the expandable fluid region 196. During operation, a voltage is applied to the electrode pair 104, causing them to be pulled together, thereby directing the dielectric fluid towards the expandable fluid region 196, which then expands. In Figures 2A-2C, each of the artificial muscles 100 is in a non-operating state. When the multiple artificial muscles 100 are not operating, the operating cavity 15 has a non-operating thickness C N This includes. When multiple artificial muscles 100 are activated, the working cavity 15 has a working thickness C A This includes the operation of multiple artificial muscles 100, which push the inner layer inward, and the operating thickness C of the operating cavity 15. A The non-operating thickness C of the working cavity 15 is N It is larger than that. Figures 2A-2C show the complete non-operational state of the artificial muscle group 10, and it should be understood that the individual artificial muscles 100 and the individual artificial muscle stacks may be operated independently to provide selective pressure.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of one or more artificial muscles 100 can be independently actuated to apply selective pressure within the artificial muscle group 10. In embodiments including multiple artificial muscle stacks, each artificial muscle stack may be independently actuated. Furthermore, the artificial muscles 100 of a single artificial muscle stack can also be independently actuated, and the displacement stroke applied by a single artificial muscle stack can be modified based on the number of individual artificial muscles 100 of the single artificial muscle stack being actuated. This facilitates the amount of pressure applied by the artificial muscle group 10. For example, a first artificial muscle stack may be actuated to increase the pressure exerted by the artificial muscle group 10, while a second artificial muscle stack may not be actuated or actuated to a lesser extent based on the amount of pressure required in a given time. If more pressure is needed, the second artificial muscle stack can be further actuated.

[0021] Referring here to Figures 3-5, an exemplary artificial muscle 100 of the artificial muscle group 10 is depicted in more detail. The artificial muscle 100 includes a housing 110, an electrode pair 104 including a first electrode 106 and a second electrode 108 fixed to opposing surfaces of the housing 110, a first electrical insulator layer 111 fixed to the first electrode 106, and a second electrical insulator layer 112 fixed to the second electrode 108. In some embodiments, the housing 110 is a one-piece monolithic layer including a pair of opposing inner surfaces such as a first inner surface 114 and a second inner surface 116, and a pair of opposite outer surfaces such as a first outer surface 118 and a second outer surface 120. In some embodiments, the first inner surface 114 and the second inner surface 116 of the housing 110 are heat-sealable. In other embodiments, the housing 110 may be a pair of individually manufactured film layers such as a first film layer 122 and a second film layer 124. Therefore, the first film layer 122 includes a first inner surface 114 and a first outer surface 118, and the second film layer 124 includes a second inner surface 116 and a second outer surface 120.

[0022] The embodiments described herein refer to the housing 110 as primarily comprising a first film layer 122 and a second film layer 124, in contrast to a one-piece housing, but it should be understood that either arrangement is considered. In some embodiments, the first film layer 122 and the second film layer 124 have substantially the same structure and composition. For example, in some embodiments, the first film layer 122 and the second film layer 124 each comprise biaxially oriented polypropylene.

[0023] The first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are each positioned between the first film layer 122 and the second film layer 124. In some embodiments, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are each aluminum-coated polyester, such as Mylar®. In addition, one of the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 is a negatively charged electrode, and the other of the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 is a positively charged electrode. For the purposes discussed herein, either electrode 106, 108 can be positively charged, as long as the other electrodes 106, 108 of the artificial muscle 100 are negatively charged.

[0024] The first electrode 106 has a surface 126 facing the film and an inner surface 128 on the opposite side. The first electrode 106 is positioned against the first film layer 122, specifically the first inner surface 114 of the first film layer 122. In addition, the first electrode 106 includes a first terminal 130 that extends from the first electrode 106 beyond the edge of the first film layer 122 so that the first electrode 106 can be actuated by connecting the first terminal 130 to a power supply. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the terminal is coupled either directly or in series to the power supply and the controller of the operating system 1100. Similarly, the second electrode 108 has a surface 148 facing the film and an inner surface 150 on the opposite side. The second electrode 108 is positioned against the second film layer 124, specifically the second inner surface 116 of the second film layer 124. The second electrode 108 includes a second terminal 152 that extends from the second electrode 108 beyond the edge of the second film layer 124, so that the second terminal 152 can be connected to a controller of the power supply and operating system 1100 to activate the second electrode 108.

[0025] The first electrode 106 includes two or more tab portions 132 and two or more bridge portions 140. Each bridge portion 140 is positioned between adjacent tab portions 132 and interconnects these adjacent tab portions 132. Each tab portion 132 has a first end 134 extending radially from the central axis C of the first electrode 106 to the opposing second end 136 of the tab portion 132, where the second end 136 defines a portion of the outer circumference 138 of the first electrode 106. Each bridge portion 140 has a first end 142 extending radially from the central axis C of the first electrode 106 to the opposite second end 144 of the bridge portion 140, which defines another portion of the outer circumference 138 of the first electrode 106. Each tab portion 132 has a tab length L1, and each bridge portion 140 has a bridge length L2 extending radially from the central axis C of the first electrode 106. The tab length L1 is the distance from the first end 134 to the second end 136 of the tab portion 132, and the bridge length L2 is the distance from the first end 142 to the second end 144 of the bridge portion 140. The tab length L1 of each tab portion 132 is longer than the bridge length L2 of each bridge portion 140. In some embodiments, the bridge length L2 is 20% to 50% of the tab length L1, such as 30% to 40% of the tab length L1.

[0026] In some embodiments, two or more tab portions 132 are arranged in one or more pairs of tab portions 132. Each pair of tab portions 132 includes two tab portions 132 arranged directly opposite each other. In some embodiments, the first electrode 106 may include only two tab portions 132 arranged on opposing sides or ends of the first electrode 106. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4-6, the first electrode 106 includes four tab portions 132 and four bridge portions 140 interconnecting adjacent tab portions 132. In this embodiment, the four tab portions 132 are arranged as two pairs of tab portions 132 that are directly opposite each other. Furthermore, as shown, the first terminal 130 extends from one second end 136 of the tab portion 132 and is formed integrally with it.

[0027] Similar to the first electrode 106, the second electrode 108 includes at least one pair of tab portions 154 and two or more bridge portions 162. Each bridge portion 162 is positioned between adjacent tab portions 154 and interconnects these adjacent tab portions 154. Each tab portion 154 has a first end 156 extending radially from the central axis C of the second electrode 108 to an opposing second end 158 of the tab portion 154, where the second end 158 defines a portion of the outer circumference 160 of the second electrode 108. Since the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are coaxial with each other, their central axes C are identical. Each bridge portion 162 has a first end 164 extending radially from the central axis C of the second electrode to an opposing second end 166 of the bridge portion 162 that defines another portion of the outer circumference 160 of the second electrode 108. Each tab portion 154 has a tab length L3, and each bridge portion 162 has a bridge length L4 extending radially from the central axis C of the second electrode 108. The tab length L3 is the distance from the first end 156 to the second end 158 of the tab portion 154, and the bridge length L4 is the distance from the first end 164 to the second end 166 of the bridge portion 162. The tab length L3 is longer than the bridge length L4 of each bridge portion 162. In some embodiments, the bridge length L4 is 20% to 50% of the tab length L3, such as 30% to 40% of the tab length L3.

[0028] In some embodiments, two or more tab portions 154 are arranged in one or more pairs of tab portions 154. Each pair of tab portions 154 includes two tab portions 154 arranged directly opposite each other. In some embodiments, the second electrode 108 may include only two tab portions 154 arranged on the opposing side or end of the first electrode 106. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4-6, the second electrode 108 includes four tab portions 154 and four bridge portions 162 interconnecting adjacent tab portions 154. In this embodiment, the four tab portions 154 are arranged as two pairs of tab portions 154 directly opposite each other. Furthermore, as shown, the second terminal 152 extends from one second end 158 of the tab portion 154 and is formed integrally with it.

[0029] Referring to Figures 3-9, at least one of the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 has a central opening formed therein between the first end 134 of the tab portion 132 and the first end 142 of the bridge portion 140. In Figures 6 and 7, the first electrode 106 has a central opening 146. However, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, if the central opening is located within the second electrode 108, it should be understood that the first electrode 106 does not need to include the central opening 146. Alternatively, if the central opening 146 is located within the first electrode 106, the second electrode 108 does not need to include the central opening. Referring to Figures 3-9, the first electrical insulator layer 111 and the second electrical insulator layer 112 each have shapes that generally correspond to the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108. Therefore, the first electrical insulator layer 111 and the second electrical insulator layer 112 each have tab portions 170, 172 and bridge portions 174, 176 corresponding to similar portions on the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108. Furthermore, when positioned thereon, the first electrical insulator layer 111 and the second electrical insulator layer 112 each have outer perimeters 178, 180 corresponding to the outer perimeter 138 of the first electrode 106 and the outer perimeter 160 of the second electrode 108, respectively.

[0030] In some embodiments, it should be understood that the first electrical insulator layer 111 and the second electrical insulator layer 112 have substantially the same structure and composition. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first electrical insulator layer 111 and the second electrical insulator layer 112 each include adhesive surfaces 182, 184 and opposing non-sealing surfaces 186, 188, respectively. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first electrical insulator layer 111 and the second electrical insulator layer 112 are polymer tapes adhered to the inner surface 128 of the first electrode 106 and the inner surface 150 of the second electrode 108, respectively.

[0031] Referring again to Figures 3-9, the artificial muscle 100 is shown in an assembled form, with the first terminal 130 of the first electrode 106 and the second terminal 152 of the second electrode 108 extending beyond the outer periphery of the housing 110, i.e., beyond the first film layer 122 and the second film layer 124. As shown in Figure 4, the second electrode 108 is stacked on top of the first electrode 106, and therefore the first electrode 106, the first film layer 122, and the second film layer 124 are not shown. In its assembled form, the first electrode 106, the second electrode 108, the first electrical insulator layer 111, and the second electrical insulator layer 112 are sandwiched between the first film layer 122 and the second film layer 124. The first film layer 122 is partially sealed to the second film layer 124 in the region surrounding the outer periphery 138 of the first electrode 106 and the outer periphery 160 of the second electrode 108. In some embodiments, the first film layer 122 is heat-sealed to the second film layer 124. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first film layer 122 is sealed to the second film layer 124 to define a sealing portion 190 surrounding the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108. The first film layer 122 and the second film layer 124 can be sealed by any suitable method, such as using an adhesive, heat seal or the like.

[0032] The first electrode 106, the second electrode 108, the first electrical insulator layer 111, and the second electrical insulator layer 112 provide a barrier that prevents the first film layer 122 from sealing to the second film layer 124 and forming an unsealed portion 192. The unsealed portion 192 of the housing 110 includes an electrode region 194 into which the electrode pair 104 is provided, and an expandable fluid region 196 surrounded by the electrode region 194. The central openings 146 and 168 of the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 form the expandable fluid region 196 and are arranged to stack axially with each other. Although not shown, the housing 110 can be cut to match the shape of the electrode pair 104, thereby reducing the size of the artificial muscle 100, i.e., the size of the sealed portion 190.

[0033] The dielectric fluid 198 is provided within the non-seal portion 192 and flows freely between the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108. A “dielectric” fluid as used herein is a medium or material that transmits electrical force without conduction and therefore has low electrical conductivity. Some non-limiting examples of dielectric fluids include perfluoroalkanes, transformer oil, and deionized water. It should be understood that the dielectric fluid 198 may be injected into the non-seal portion 192 of the artificial muscle 100 using a needle or other suitable injection device.

[0034] Referring here to Figures 6 and 7, the artificial muscle 100 is operable between a non-operating state and an operating state. In the non-operating state, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are partially separated from each other, close to their central openings 146, 168 and the first ends 134, 156 of the tab portions 132, 154. The second ends 136, 158 of the tab portions 132, 154 remain in place relative to each other because the housing 110 is sealed at the outer circumference 138 of the first electrode 106 and the outer circumference 160 of the second electrode 108. At least one of the artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10 may be in a non-operating state for a given time. In the operating state, as shown in Figure 7, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are brought into contact with each other and oriented parallel to each other to push the dielectric fluid 198 into the expandable fluid region 196. As a result, the dielectric fluid 198 flows through the central openings 146 and 168 of the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108, causing the expandable fluid region 196 to expand. At least one of the artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10 or more may be in an operating state at a given time.

[0035] Referring here to Figure 6, the artificial muscle 100 is shown in a non-operating state. The electrode pair 104 is provided within the electrode region 194 of the non-sealed portion 192 of the housing 110. The central opening 146 of the first electrode 106 and the central opening 168 of the second electrode 108 are coaxially aligned within the expandable fluid region 196. In the non-operating state, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are partially separated and non-parallel to each other. Because the first film layer 122 is sealed to the second film layer 124 around the electrode pair 104, the second ends 136, 158 of the tab portions 132, 154 are in contact with each other. Thus, the dielectric fluid 198 is provided between the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108, thereby separating the first ends 134, 156 of the tab portions 132, 154 that are adjacent to the expandable fluid region 196. In other words, the distance between the first end 134 of the tab portion 132 of the first electrode 106 and the first end 156 of the tab portion 154 of the second electrode 108 is greater than the distance between the second end 136 of the tab portion 132 of the first electrode 106 and the second end 158 of the tab portion 154 of the second electrode 108. This causes the electrode pair 104 to zipper toward the expandable fluid region 196 when in operation. In some embodiments, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 may be flexible. Thus, as shown in Figure 5, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are convex so that the second ends 136 and 158 of their tab portions 132 and 154 remain close to each other, but are spaced apart from each other near the central openings 146 and 168. In the non-operating state, the expandable fluid region 196 has a first height H1.

[0036] As shown in Figure 7, when activated, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 zip towards each other from the second ends 144, 158 of their tab portions 132, 154, thereby pushing the dielectric fluid 198 into the expandable fluid region 196. As shown, in the activated state, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are parallel to each other. In the activated state, the dielectric fluid 198 flows into the expandable fluid region 196, causing it to expand. Thus, the first film layer 122 and the second film layer 124 expand in opposite directions. In the activated state, the expandable fluid region 196 has a second height H2, which is higher than the first height H1 of the expandable fluid region 196 when it is in the deactivated state. Although not shown, it should be noted that the electrode pair 104 may be partially activated to a position between the deactivated and activated states. This allows for partial expansion of the expandable fluid region 196 and adjustment as needed.

[0037] A voltage is applied by a power source (such as power source 48 in Figure 14) to move the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 toward each other. In some embodiments, a voltage of up to 10 kV can be supplied from the power source to induce an electric field through the dielectric fluid 198. The attractive force generated between the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 pushes the dielectric fluid 198 into the expandable fluid region 196. The pressure from the dielectric fluid 198 within the expandable fluid region 196 deforms the first film layer 122 and the first electrical insulator layer 111 in a first axial direction along the central axis C of the first electrode 106, and the second film layer 124 and the second electrical insulator layer 112 deform in a second axial direction opposite to the central axis C of the second electrode 108. When the voltage supplied to the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 is interrupted, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 return to their initial non-parallel positions in the non-operating state.

[0038] It should be understood that this embodiment of the artificial muscle 100 disclosed herein, specifically the tab portions 132, 154 having interconnecting bridge portions 174, 176, provides many improvements over actuators that do not include tab portions 132, 154, such as the hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuator described in the paper titled “Hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic actuators with muscle-like performance” by E. Acome, SK Mitchell, TG Morrissey, MB Emmett, C. Benjamin, M. King, M. Radakovitz, and C. Keplinger (Science 05 Jan 2018: Vol. 359, Issue 6371, pp. 61-65). Embodiments of the artificial muscle 100 that include two pairs of tab portions 132, 154 on each of the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 reduce the overall mass and thickness of the artificial muscle 100 and reduce the amount of voltage required during operation. Furthermore, the embodiment reduces the total volume of the artificial muscle 100 without reducing the amount of force generated after operation, compared to known HASEL actuators that include donut-shaped electrodes having a uniform radially extending width. More specifically, the tab portions 132 and 154 of the artificial muscle 100 provide a zipping front that results in increased operating force by providing localized and uniform hydraulic operation of the artificial muscle 100, compared to a HASEL actuator that includes donut-shaped electrodes. Specifically, one pair of tab portions 132 and 154 provides twice the amount of actuator power per unit volume compared to a donut-shaped HASEL actuator, while two pairs of tab portions 132 and 154 provide four times the amount of actuator power per unit volume. Bridge portions 174 and 176 that interconnect the tab portions 132 and 154 limit buckling of the tab portions 132 and 154 by maintaining the distance between adjacent tab portions 132 and 154 during operation.Since the bridge portions 174 and 176 are integrally formed with the tab portions 132 and 154, the bridge portions 174 and 176 prevent leakage between the tab portions 132 and 154 by eliminating mounting positions that increase the risk of rupture.

[0039] During operation, when the artificial muscle 100 is actuated by supplying a voltage and applying that voltage to the electrode pairs 104 of the artificial muscle 100, due to the expansion of the expansible fluid region 196, 4 N·mm / cm 3 or more, 3 5 N·mm / cm 3 or more, 3 6 N·mm / cm 3 or more, 3 7 N·mm / cm or more,

[0040] 8 N·mm / cm or more,

[0041] or of the same kind, a force of 3 Newton millimeters (N·mm) per cubic centimeter (cm 3 ) of the actuator volume is generated. Supplying the voltage can include, for example, generating the voltage in an embodiment where the power source 48 (FIG. 14) is a battery that converts the voltage, or in an embodiment where the power source 48 (FIG. 14) is a power adapter or other known or not yet developed technology for preparing the voltage for the application. In one example, when the artificial muscle 100 is actuated with a voltage of 9.5 kilovolts (kV), the artificial muscle 100 provides a generated force of 5 N. In another example, when the artificial muscle 100 is actuated with a voltage of 10 kV, the artificial muscle 100 provides a 440% strain with a 500 - gram load.

[0040] Furthermore, the sizes of the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108 are proportional to the displacement amount of the dielectric fluid 198. Therefore, if a larger displacement within the expansible fluid region 196 is desired, the size of the electrode pair 104 increases with respect to the size of the expansible fluid region 196. It should be understood that the size of the expansible fluid region 196 is defined by the central openings 146 and 168 of the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108. Therefore, the degree of displacement within the expansible fluid region 196 can alternatively or additionally be controlled by increasing or decreasing the sizes of the central openings 146 and 168.

[0041] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, another embodiment of the artificial muscle 201 is shown. The artificial muscle 201 is substantially similar to the artificial muscle 100. Therefore, similar structures are indicated by similar reference numerals. However, as shown, the first electrode 106 does not include a central opening. Thus, only the second electrode 108 includes a central opening 168 formed therein. As shown in Figure 8, the artificial muscle 201 is in a non-operating state, with the first electrode 106 being planar and the second electrode 108 being convex relative to the first electrode 106. In the non-operating state, the inflatable fluid region 196 has a first height H3. In the operating state, as shown in Figure 9, the inflatable fluid region 196 has a second height H4 which is higher than the first height H3. It should be understood that by providing the central opening 168 only in the second electrode 108, as opposed to both the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108, the entire deformation may be formed on one side of the artificial muscle 201. Furthermore, since the entire deformation is formed on only one side of the artificial muscle 201, the second height H4 of the expandable fluid region 196 of the artificial muscle 201 extends further from the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the central axis C of the artificial muscle 201 than the second height H2 of the expandable fluid region 196 of the artificial muscle 100, assuming all other dimensions, orientations, and volumes of the dielectric fluid are the same. It should be understood that the embodiment of the artificial muscle 201 can be used together with or instead of one or more artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10 shown in Figures 2A-2C.

[0042] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the pressure sensor 80 is located on the housing 110 and can be aligned with a central opening 168 or a central opening 146, which are openings for the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 108, respectively. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 80 may be located on an expandable fluid region 196 of the housing 110. In other embodiments, the pressure sensor 80 may be located on any suitable surface of the housing 110 or the artificial muscle 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, different pressure sensors 80 within the artificial muscle group 10 may be positioned at different locations relative to different housings 110 and / or artificial muscles 100. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 80 has two sensor projections 82 that extend outward from the pressure sensor 80 and may be positioned between the inner layer 30 and the outer layer 20. The sensor projections may be used for wireless communication with other components, such as a controller 50 (as shown in Figure 14) and / or other wireless sensors positioned on other artificial muscles 100. In other embodiments, any number of sensor projections 82 of any shape, size, and / or configuration can be utilized. In yet another embodiment, the pressure sensor 80 may not have sensor projections 82.

[0044] In some embodiments, the pressure sensor 80 may be any suitable type, such as an absolute pressure, gauge pressure, or differential pressure sensor, as an example not limited to it. Sensing by the pressure sensor 80 may include any suitable technology, such as resistance sensing, capacitance sensing, piezoelectric sensing, optical sensing, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), or any other suitable type of pressure sensing technology. The output from the pressure sensor 80 may be from a millivolt output transducer, a volt output transducer, a transmitter, or any other suitable configuration device.

[0045] As shown in Figures 10-12, another embodiment of the artificial muscle 300 is shown. It should be understood that the artificial muscle 300 includes a similar structure to the artificial muscle 100 (Figures 4-9) and therefore operates similarly to the artificial muscle 100 (Figures 4-9). Accordingly, the artificial muscle 300 described herein can be incorporated into the artificial muscle chair device 1 (Figures 1A-1B) in place of or in addition to the aforementioned artificial muscle. In particular, the artificial muscle 300 includes a fan portion 332 instead of the tab portion 132 discussed in relation to the artificial muscle 100. However, as described above with respect to the artificial muscle 100 and below with respect to the artificial muscle 300, it should be understood that both the fan portion 332 and the tab portion 132 of the artificial muscle 300 are, generally, radially extending portions of the electrodes of the artificial muscle, located in adjacent bridge portions, and providing a zipping function. In fact, these radially extending sections (e.g., the tab section and the fan section) each increase the actuator force per unit volume, while minimizing buckling and rupture during operation.

[0046] Referring here to Figures 10 and 11, the artificial muscle 300 includes a housing 302, an electrode pair 304 including a first electrode 306 and a second electrode 308 fixed to opposing surfaces of the housing 302, a first electrical insulator layer 310 fixed to the first electrode 306, and a second electrical insulator layer 312 fixed to the second electrode 308. In some embodiments, the housing 302 is a one-piece monolithic layer including a pair of opposing inner surfaces such as a first inner surface 314 and a second inner surface 316, and a pair of opposite outer surfaces such as a first outer surface 318 and a second outer surface 320. In some embodiments, the first inner surface 314 and the second inner surface 316 of the housing 302 are heat-sealable. In other embodiments, the housing 302 may be a pair of individually manufactured film layers such as a first film layer 322 and a second film layer 324. Therefore, the first film layer 322 includes a first inner surface 314 and a first outer surface 318, and the second film layer 324 includes a second inner surface 316 and a second outer surface 320.

[0047] In contrast to a one-piece housing, a housing 302 comprising a first film layer 322 and a second film layer 324 can be referred to. It should be understood that both arrangements are possible. In some embodiments, the first film layer 322 and the second film layer 324 have substantially the same structure and composition. For example, in some embodiments, the first film layer 322 and the second film layer 324 each comprise biaxially oriented polypropylene.

[0048] The first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 are each positioned between the first film layer 322 and the second film layer 324. In some embodiments, the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 are each aluminum-coated polyester, such as Mylar®. Furthermore, one of the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 is a negatively charged electrode, and the other is a positively charged electrode. For the purposes discussed herein, either electrode 306, 308 can be positively charged, as long as the other electrodes 306, 308 of the artificial muscle 300 are negatively charged.

[0049] The first electrode 306 has a surface 326 facing the film and an inner surface 328 on the opposite side. The first electrode 306 is positioned against the first film layer 322, specifically, the first inner surface 314 of the first film layer 322. In addition, the first electrode 306 includes a first terminal 330 that extends from the first electrode 306 beyond the edge of the first film layer 322 so that the first electrode 306 can be actuated by connecting the first terminal 330 to a power source. Specifically, the terminal is coupled either directly or in series to the power source and controller of the operating system 1100 (Figure 14). Similarly, the second electrode 308 has a surface 348 facing the film and an inner surface 350 on the opposite side. The second electrode 308 is positioned against the second film layer 324, specifically, the second inner surface 316 of the second film layer 324. The second electrode 308 includes a second terminal 352 that extends from the second electrode 308 beyond the edge of the second film layer 324, such that the second terminal 352 is connected to the power supply and controller of the operating system 1100 (Figure 14) so ​​that the second electrode 308 can be operated.

[0050] Here, with respect to the first electrode 306, the first electrode 306 includes two or more fan portions 332 that extend radially from the central axis C of the artificial muscle 300. In some embodiments, the first electrode 306 includes only two fan portions 332 located on opposite sides or ends of the first electrode 306. In some embodiments, the first electrode 306 includes more than two fan portions 332, such as three, four, or five fan portions 332. In embodiments in which the first electrode 306 includes an even number of fan portions 332, the fan portions 332 may be arranged in two or more pairs of fan portions 332. As shown in Figure 10, the first electrode 306 includes four fan portions 332. In this embodiment, the four fan portions 332 are arranged in two pairs of fan portions 332, with the two individual fan portions 332 in each pair being directly opposite each other.

[0051] Each fan portion 332 has a first side edge 332a and a second side edge 332b on the opposite side. As shown, the first terminal 330 extends from one second end 336 of the fan portion 332 and is formed integrally with it. The channel 333 is at least partially defined by the opposing side edges 332a, 332b of adjacent fan portions 332 and thus extends radially toward the central axis C. The channel 333 terminates at the end 340a of a bridge portion 340 that interconnects adjacent fan portions 332.

[0052] As shown in Figure 10, the dividing line D is included to indicate the boundary between the fan portion 332 and the bridge portion 340. The dividing line D extends from the side edges 332a, 332b of the fan portion 332 to the first end 334 of the fan portion 332, which is collinear with the side edges 332a, 332b. For clarity, it should be understood that the dividing line D is shown in Figure 10 and that the fan portion 332 is integral with the bridge portion 340. The first end 334 of the fan portion 332, which extends between adjacent bridge portions 340, defines the internal length of the fan portion 332. Due to the shape of the fan portion 332, which tapers toward the central axis C between the first side edge 332a and the second side edge 332b, the second end 336 of the fan portion 332 defines the external length of the fan portion 332, which is longer than the internal length of the fan portion 332.

[0053] Furthermore, each fan portion 332 has a pair of angles 332c defined by the intersection of the second end portion 336 and the first and second side edges 332a and 332b of the fan portion 332. In some embodiments, the angles 332c are formed at an angle of 90 degrees or less. In other embodiments, the angles 332c are formed at an acute angle.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, each fan portion 332 has a first side length defined by the distance between the first end 334 and the second end 336 of the fan portion 332 along the first side edge 332a and the dividing line D which is collinear with the first side edge 332a. Each fan portion 332 also has a second side length defined by the distance between the first end 334 and the second end 336 of the fan portion 332 along the second side edge 332b and the dividing line D which is collinear with the second side edge 332b. In this embodiment, the first side length is longer than the second side length of the fan portion 332 so that the first electrode 306 has an elliptical shape.

[0055] The second end 336, first side edge 332a and second side edge 332b of each fan portion 332, and the bridge portion 340 interconnecting the fan portions 332 define the outer circumference 338 of the first electrode 306. In this embodiment, the central opening 346 is formed within the first electrode 306 between the fan portions 332 and the bridge portion 340 and is coaxial with the central axis C. Each fan portion 332 has a fan length extending from the perimeter 342 of the central opening 346 to the second end 336 of the fan portion 332. Each bridge portion 340 has a bridge length extending from the perimeter 342 of the central opening 346 to the end 340a of the bridge portion 340, i.e., the channel 333. As shown, the bridge lengths of each bridge portion 340 are substantially equal to each other. Each channel 333 has a channel length defined by the distance between the end 340a of the bridge portion 340 and the second end of the fan portion 332. Since the bridge lengths of each bridge portion 340 are substantially equal to each other, and the first side length of the fan portion 332 is longer than the second side length of the fan portion 332, the first pair of opposing channels 333 has a channel length longer than the channel length of the second pair of opposing channels 333. As shown, the width of the channel 333 extending between the opposing side edges 332a, 332b of adjacent fan portions 332 remains substantially constant because the opposing side edges 332a, 332b are substantially parallel to each other.

[0056] In the embodiment, the central opening 346 has a radius of 2 centimeters (cm) to 5 cm. In the embodiment, the central opening 346 has a radius of 3 cm to 4 cm. In the embodiment, the total fan area of ​​each fan section 332 is at least twice the area of ​​the central opening 346. It should be understood that the ratio between the total fan area of ​​the fan section 332 and the area of ​​the central opening 346 is directly related to the total deflection of the first film layer 322 when the artificial muscle 300 is activated. In the embodiment, the bridge length is 20% to 50% of the fan length. In the embodiment, the bridge length is 30% to 40% of the fan length. In the embodiment where the first electrode 306 does not include the central opening 346, the fan length and bridge length can be measured around an imaginary circle coaxial with the central axis C.

[0057] Similar to the first electrode 306, the second electrode 308 includes two or more fan sections 354 extending radially from the central axis C of the artificial muscle 300. The second electrode 308 includes substantially the same structure as the first electrode 306 and therefore includes the same number of fan sections 354. Specifically, the second electrode 308 is shown as including four fan sections 354. However, it should be understood that the second electrode 308 can include any appropriate number of fan sections 354.

[0058] Each fan portion 354 of the second electrode 308 has a first side edge 354a and a second side edge 354b on the opposite side. As shown, the second terminal 352 extends from one second end 358 of the fan portion 354 and is formed integrally with it. The channel 355 is at least partially defined by the opposing side edges 354a, 354b of adjacent fan portions 354 and thus extends radially toward the central axis C. The channel 355 terminates at the end 362a of a bridge portion 362 that interconnects adjacent fan portions 354.

[0059] As shown in Figure 10, an additional dividing line D is included to indicate the boundary between the fan portion 354 and the bridge portion 362. Dividing line D extends from the side edges 354a, 354b of the fan portion 354 to the first end 356 of the fan portion 354, which is collinear with the side edges 354a, 354b. For clarity, dividing line D is shown in Figure 10, and it should be understood that the fan portion 354 is integral with the bridge portion 362. The first end 356 of the fan portion 354, which extends between adjacent bridge portions 362, defines the internal length of the fan portion 354. Because the shape of the fan portion 354 tapers toward the central axis C between the first side edge 354a and the second side edge 354b, the second end 358 of the fan portion 354 defines the external length of the fan portion 354, which is longer than the internal length of the fan portion 354.

[0060] Furthermore, each fan portion 354 has a pair of angles 354c defined by the intersection of the second end 358 of the fan portion 354 with the first side edge 354a and the second side edge 354b, respectively. In some embodiments, the angles 354c are formed at an angle of 90 degrees or less. In other embodiments, the angles 354c are formed at an acute angle. During the operation of the artificial muscle 300, the angles 332c of the first electrode 306 and the 354c of the second electrode 308 are configured to attract each other at a lower voltage compared to the rest of the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308. Therefore, if the artificial muscle 300 is initially operated at angles 332c, 354c, the outer circumference 338 of the first electrode 306 and the outer circumference 360 ​​of the second electrode 308 are attracted to each other at a lower voltage, reducing the possibility of an air pocket or void forming between the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 after the artificial muscle 300 has been operated.

[0061] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, in the embodiment, the first side edge 354a of each fan portion 354 has a first side length defined by the distance between the first end 356 and the second end 358 of the fan portion 354, along the dividing line D which is collinear with the first side edge 354a. Each fan portion 354 also has a second side length defined by the distance between the first end 356 and the second end 358 of the fan portion 354, along the dividing line D which is collinear with the second side edge 354b. In the embodiment, the first side length is longer than the second side length of the fan portion 354, such that the second electrode 308 has an elliptical shape corresponding to the shape of the first electrode 306.

[0062] The second end 358, first side edge 354a and second side edge 354b of each fan portion 354, and the bridge portion 362 interconnecting the fan portions 354 define the outer circumference 360 ​​of the second electrode 308. In this embodiment, the central opening 368 is formed within the second electrode 308 between the fan portion 354 and the bridge portion 362 and is coaxial with the central axis C. Each fan portion 354 has a fan length extending from the perimeter 364 of the central opening 368 to the second end 358 of the fan portion 354. Each bridge portion 362 has a bridge length extending from the central opening 368 to the end 362a of the bridge portion 362, i.e., the channel 355. As shown, the bridge lengths of each bridge portion 362 are substantially equal to each other. Each channel 355 has a channel length defined by the distance between the end 362a of the bridge portion 362 and the second end of the fan portion 354. The bridge lengths of each bridge portion 362 are substantially equal to each other, and the first side length of the fan portion 354 is longer than the second side length of the fan portion 354, so that the first pair of opposing channels 355 has a channel length longer than the channel length of the second pair of opposing channels 355. As shown, the width of the channel 355 extending between the opposing side edges 354a, 354b of adjacent fan portions 354 remains substantially constant because the opposing side edges 354a, 354b are substantially parallel to each other.

[0063] In the embodiment, the central opening 368 has a radius of 2 cm to 5 cm. In the embodiment, the central opening 368 has a radius of 3 cm to 4 cm. In the embodiment, the total fan area of ​​each fan section 354 is at least twice the area of ​​the central opening 368. It should be understood that the ratio between the total fan area of ​​the fan section 354 and the area of ​​the central opening 368 is directly related to the total deflection of the second film layer 324 when the artificial muscle 300 is activated. In the embodiment, the bridge length is 20% to 50% of the fan length. In the embodiment, the bridge length is 30% to 40% of the fan length. In the embodiment where the second electrode 308 does not include the central opening 368, the fan length and bridge length can be measured around an imaginary circle coaxial with the central axis C.

[0064] As described herein, the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 each have central openings 346 and 368 coaxial with the central axis C. However, it should be understood that if the central opening 368 is located within the second electrode 308, the first electrode 306 does not need to include the central opening 346. Alternatively, if the central opening 346 is located within the first electrode 306, the second electrode 308 does not need to include the central opening 368.

[0065] Referring again to Figure 10, the first electrical insulator layer 310 and the second electrical insulator layer 312 have substantially elliptical shapes that roughly correspond to the shapes of the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308, respectively. Thus, the first electrical insulator layer 310 and the second electrical insulator layer 312 each have fan portions 370, 372 and bridge portions 374, 376 that correspond to similar portions on the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308, respectively. Furthermore, when placed on them, the first electrical insulator layer 310 and the second electrical insulator layer 312 each have outer peripheries 378, 380 that correspond to the outer periphery 338 of the first electrode 306 and the outer periphery 360 of the second electrode 308, respectively.

[0066] In some embodiments, it should be understood that the first electrical insulator layer 310 and the second electrical insulator layer 312 have substantially the same structure and composition. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first electrical insulator layer 310 and the second electrical insulator layer 312 each include adhesive surfaces 382, ​​384 and opposing non-sealing surfaces 386, 388, respectively. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first electrical insulator layer 310 and the second electrical insulator layer 312 are polymer tapes adhered to the inner surface 328 of the first electrode 306 and the inner surface 350 of the second electrode 308, respectively.

[0067] Referring here to Figure 11, the artificial muscle 300 is shown in an assembled form, with the first terminal 330 of the first electrode 306 and the second terminal 352 of the second electrode 308 extending beyond the outer circumference of the housing 302, i.e., beyond the first film layer 322 (Figure 10) and the second film layer 324. The second electrode 308 is stacked on top of the first electrode 306, and therefore the first film layer 322 (Figure 10) is not shown. In its assembled form, the first electrode 306, the second electrode 308, the first electrical insulator layer 310 (Figure 10), and the second electrical insulator layer 312 (Figure 10) are sandwiched between the first film layer 322 (Figure 10) and the second film layer 324. The first film layer 322 (Figure 10) is partially sealed to the second film layer 324 in the region surrounding the outer periphery 338 (Figure 10) of the first electrode 306 and the outer periphery 360 of the second electrode 308. In some embodiments, the first film layer 322 (Figure 10) is heat-sealed to the second film layer 324 (Figure 10). Specifically, in some embodiments, the first film layer 322 (Figure 13) is sealed to the second film layer 324 to define a sealing portion 390 surrounding the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308. The first film layer 322 (Figure 10) and the second film layer 324 can be sealed by any suitable method, such as using an adhesive, heat seal, vacuum seal or the like.

[0068] The first electrode 306, the second electrode 308, the first electrical insulator layer 310 (Figure 10), and the second electrical insulator layer 312 (Figure 10) provide a barrier that seals the first film layer 322 (Figure 10) over the second film layer 324, preventing the formation of an unsealed portion 392. The unsealed portion 392 of the housing 302 includes an electrode region 394 where the electrode pair 304 is provided, and an expandable fluid region 396 surrounded by the electrode region 394. The central openings 346 (Figure 10) and 368 of the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 define the expandable fluid region 396 and are arranged to stack axially with each other. Although not shown, the housing 302 can be cut to match the shape of the electrode pair 304 and to reduce the size of the artificial muscle 300, i.e., the size of the sealed portion 390. The dielectric fluid is contained within the non-sealed portion 392 and flows freely between the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308.

[0069] Referring here to Figure 12, an alternative embodiment of the artificial muscle 300' is shown. It should be understood that the artificial muscle 300' is similar to the artificial muscle 300 described herein. Therefore, similar structures are indicated by similar reference numerals. The first electrode 306 and second electrode 308 of the artificial muscle 300' have a circular shape, in contrast to the elliptical shape of the first electrode 306 and second electrode 308 of the artificial muscle 300 described herein. As shown in Figure 12, with respect to the second electrode 308, the first edge length of the first side edge 354a is equal to the second edge length of the second side edge 354b. Therefore, the channels 355 formed between the opposing side edges 354a and 354b of the fan portion 354 each have equal lengths. Although the first electrode 306 is obscured from view in Figure 12 by the second electrode 308, it should be understood that the first electrode 306 also has a circular shape corresponding to the shape of the second electrode 308.

[0070] The operation of the artificial muscle 300 will be described again with reference to Figures 10 and 11. In the non-operating state, the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 are partially separated from each other, close to their central openings 346, 368 and the first ends 334, 356 of the fan portions 332, 354. The second ends 336, 358 of the fan portions 332, 354 remain in place relative to each other because the housing 302 is sealed at the outer circumference 338 of the first electrode 306 and the outer circumference 360 ​​of the second electrode 308. In the operating state, the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 are in contact with each other and oriented parallel to each other, pushing the dielectric fluid 398 into the expandable fluid region 396. This causes the dielectric fluid 398 to flow through the central openings 346, 368 of the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308, expanding the expandable fluid region 396.

[0071] In the non-operating state, the distance between the first end 334 of the fan portion 332 of the first electrode 306 and the first end 356 of the fan portion 354 of the second electrode 308 is longer than the distance between the second end 336 of the fan portion 332 of the first electrode 306 and the second end 358 of the fan portion 354 of the second electrode 308. This causes the electrode pair 304 to zipper toward the expandable fluid region 396 when activated. When activated, the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 zipper toward each other from the second ends 336 and 358 of their fan portions 332 and 354, respectively, thereby pushing the dielectric fluid 398 into the expandable fluid region 396. In the operating state, the first electrode 306 and the second electrode 308 are parallel to each other. In the operating state, the dielectric fluid 398 flows into the expandable fluid region 396, causing it to expand. Therefore, the first film layer 322 and the second film layer 324 expand in opposite directions.

[0072] Here, with reference to Figures 13A and 13B, the layered actuation structure 500 is schematically depicted. Figure 13A schematically depicts the layered actuation structure 500 in a non-acting state. Figure 13B schematically depicts the layered actuation structure 500 in an acting state. Figures 13A and 13B provide side cross-sectional views of embodiments of the layered actuation structure 3 that can be embedded in an artificial muscle chair device 1, unlike the embodiments shown in Figures 1A-1B and 2C. The layered actuation structure 500 includes one or more actuation platforms 502 arranged alternately with one or more mounting platforms 506 to form one or more platform pairs 510. Each platform pair 510 includes a mounting platform 506 and an actuation platform 502 that form an actuation cavity 512 between them. The layered actuation structure 500 may have multiple actuation cavities 512 so that multiple artificial muscles 100 can be placed in one or more of the multiple actuation cavities 512. In some embodiments, there may be multiple artificial muscles 100 in each of multiple working cavities 512 such that some or all of the artificial muscles 100 in one working cavity 512 are in an activated state, and some or all of the artificial muscles 100 in another working cavity 512 are in a deactivated state.

[0073] Each of the one or more operating platforms 502 includes a surface 504 facing the cavity. Similarly, each of the one or more mounting platforms 506 includes a surface 508 facing the cavity. In each platform pair 510, the surface 504 facing the cavity of each operating platform 502 faces the surface 508 facing the cavity of each mounting platform 506. In some embodiments, the operating platform 502 and the mounting platform 506 each include thicknesses ranging from 1 / 4 inch (approximately 0.635 cm) to 1 / 32 inch (approximately 0.0794 cm), for example, 1 / 4 inch (approximately 0.635 cm), 1 / 8 inch (approximately 0.318 cm), 1 / 10 inch (approximately 0.254 cm), 1 / 12 inch (approximately 0.212 cm), 1 / 16 inch (approximately 0.159 cm), 1 / 20 inch (approximately 0.127 cm), 1 / 24 inch (approximately 0.106 cm), 1 / 28 inch (approximately 0.091 cm), 1 / 32 inch (approximately 0.0794 cm), or any range ending at any two of these values.

[0074] Referring further to Figures 13A and 13B, each of the platform pairs 510 is spaced at least by a cavity displacement distance 530 from at least one adjacent platform of the platform pair 510, providing clearance for one or more working platforms 502 to move in the direction of movement (e.g., the Y direction shown in Figures 13A and 13B) relative to one or more mounting platforms 506. Furthermore, one or more artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' are positioned in each of the working cavities 512 such that the operation of one or more artificial muscles 100, 300, 300', i.e., the expansion of the inflatable fluid regions 196, 396, applies pressure to one or more working platforms 502 and generates translational motion of one or more working platforms 502. While the artificial muscle 100 is depicted in Figures 13A and 13B, it should be understood that the layered actuation structure 500 may include any embodiment of the artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' described herein. In some embodiments, a single artificial muscle 100, 300, 300' is placed in some or all of the actuation cavities 512. In other embodiments, multiple artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' are placed in some or all of the actuation cavities 512. Furthermore, when multiple artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' are placed in actuation cavities, the multiple artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' may be placed in an artificial muscle stack comprising multiple artificial muscle layers arranged in an alternating offset arrangement. In an alternating offset arrangement, multiple artificial muscle layers are arranged such that the inflatable fluid regions 196, 396 of the housings 110, 302 of one or more artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' in each artificial muscle layer overlap with at least one radially extending portion 132, 154, 332, 354 of one or more artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' in an adjacent artificial muscle layer. In other words, the inflatable fluid regions 196, 396 of the housings 110, 302 of one or more artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' in each artificial muscle layer overlap with the electrode regions 194, 394 of the housings 110, 302 of one or more artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' in an adjacent artificial muscle layer.In other embodiments, multiple artificial muscles can be arranged in an artificial muscle stack comprising multiple artificial muscle layers arranged in a coaxial configuration. In the coaxial configuration, the inflatable fluid regions 196, 396 of the individual artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' of each of the other individual artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' of the other individual artificial muscle layers are aligned coaxially. It should be understood that the artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' can be arranged in the working cavity 512 in any other desired configuration.

[0075] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, one or more actuation platforms 502 and one or more mounting platforms 506 each include one or more bumps 550 extending into one or more actuation cavities 512. In particular, the bumps 550 extend outward from the cavity-facing surface 504 of the actuation platform 502 and the cavity-facing surface 508 of the mounting platform 506. One or more bumps 550 are sized and positioned to overlap with at least one electrode area 194, 394 of one or more artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' located in the actuation cavity 512. During operation, when the inflatable fluid regions 196, 396 of the artificial muscles 100, 300, 300' inflate and compress the surfaces 504, 508 facing the cavities of the working platform 502 and the mounting platform 506, the deflated electrode regions 194, 394 compress the bumps 550. In some embodiments, the bumps 550 are positioned to correspond to an alternating offset arrangement of the artificial muscle stack. That is, one or more bumps 550 are positioned such that each bump 550 aligns with at least one radially extending portion 132, 154, 332, 354 located in the electrode region 194, 394 of at least one artificial muscle 100, 300, 300'.

[0076] Referring here to Figure 14, the actuator system 1100 is provided for operating the artificial muscle group 10, and in particular can operate one or more artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10. The actuator system 1100 comprises a controller 50, one or more pressure sensors 80, an operating device 46, a power supply 48, a display device 42, network interface hardware 44, and a communication path 41 which is communicatively coupled to these components, some or all of which may be located in the onboard control unit 40.

[0077] The controller 50 may include a processor 52 and a non-temporary electronic memory 54 in which various components are communicatively coupled. In some embodiments, the processor 52 and the non-temporary electronic memory 54 and / or other components are contained within a single device. In other embodiments, the processor 52 and the non-temporary electronic memory 54 and / or other components may be distributed among multiple communicatively coupled devices. The controller 50 may include a non-temporary electronic memory 54 that stores a set of machine-readable instructions. The processor 52 can execute the machine-readable instructions stored in the non-temporary electronic memory 54. The non-temporary electronic memory 54 may include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any device capable of storing machine-readable instructions so that the machine-readable instructions can be accessed by the processor 52. Thus, the operating system 1100 described herein may be implemented as pre-programmed hardware elements or as a combination of hardware and software components in any computer programming language. The non-temporary electronic memory 54 may be implemented as one memory module or multiple memory modules.

[0078] In some embodiments, the non-temporary electronic memory 54 includes instructions for performing functions of the actuation system 1100. The instructions may include instructions for operating the artificial muscle group 10, for example, instructions for operating one or more artificial muscles 100 individually or collectively, and instructions for operating the artificial muscle stack individually or collectively.

[0079] The processor 52 may be any device capable of executing machine-readable instructions. For example, the processor 52 may be an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other computing device. The non-temporary electronic memory 54 and the processor 52 are coupled to a communication path 41 that provides signal interconnectivity between various components and / or modules of the operating system 1100. Thus, the communication path 41 enables any number of processors to be communicatively coupled to one another, and modules coupled to the communication path 41 to operate in a distributed computing environment. Specifically, each module can operate as a node capable of transmitting and / or receiving data. As used herein, the term “communicatively coupled” means that coupled components can exchange data signals with one another, such as electrical signals over a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals over air, or optical signals over an optical waveguide.

[0080] As schematically depicted in Figure 14, the communication path 41 connects the processor 52 and non-temporary electronic memory 54 of the controller 50 to several other components of the actuator system 1100 in a communicative manner. For example, the actuator system 1100 depicted in Figure 14 includes a processor 52 and non-temporary electronic memory 54 that are communicatively connected to a pressure sensor 80, an operating device 46, and a power supply 48.

[0081] The operating device 46 allows the user to control the operation of the artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10. In some embodiments, the operating device 46 may be any combination of switches, toggles, buttons, or controls to provide user operation. The operating device 46 is coupled to a communication path 41 so that the communication path 41 communicably couples the operating device 46 to other modules of the actuator system 1100. The operating device 46 can provide a user interface for receiving user instructions regarding a specific operating configuration of the artificial muscle group 10, such as a desired amount of action.

[0082] A power source 48 (e.g., a battery) supplies power to one or more artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10. In some embodiments, the power source 48 is a rechargeable DC power source. It should be understood that the power source 48 may be a single power source or a battery for supplying power to one or more artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10. A power adapter (not shown) is provided for supplying power to one or more artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10 via the power source 48 and can be electrically coupled via a wiring harness or similar. In fact, the power source 48 is a device that can receive power at one level (e.g., one voltage, power level, or current) and output power at a second level (e.g., a second voltage, power level, or current).

[0083] In some embodiments, the actuation system 1100 also includes a display device 42. The display device 42 is coupled to a communication path 41 such that the communication path 41 communicatively couples the display device 42 to other modules of the actuation system 1100. The display device 42 may be located in the artificial muscle group 10, for example, as part of an onboard control unit 40. The display device 42 may output notifications in response to the display of the operating status of the artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10, or changes in the operating status of one or more artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10. In addition to providing optical information, the display device 42 may be a touch screen that detects the presence and location of tactile input on or adjacent to the surface of the display device 42. Thus, the display device 42 may include an operating device 46 that can receive mechanical input directly to the optical output provided by the display device 42. For example, a user may be able to specify a desired operating pressure value.

[0084] In some embodiments, the actuator system 1100 includes network interface hardware 44 for communicatively connecting the actuator system 1100 to a portable device 70 via the network 60. The portable device 70 may include, but is not limited to, a smartphone, tablet, personal media player, or any other electrical device including wireless communication capabilities. The portable device 70 may correspond to any other type of device that can communicate with the screen 9, infotainment device, or network interface hardware 44 as depicted in Figure 1B, using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, and / or any other suitable communication protocol. It should be understood that, if provided, the portable device 70 may help provide user commands to the controller 50 in place of the operating device 46. Thus, the user may be able to control or set a program for controlling the artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10 by utilizing the control of the operating device 46. Thus, the artificial muscles 100 of the artificial muscle group 10 can be remotely controlled via the portable device 70, which wirelessly communicates with the controller 50 via the network 60. For example, the user may be able to specify a desired pressure value. Furthermore, the portable device 70 can receive and display pressure measurements from one or more pressure sensors 80 associated with one or more artificial muscles 100.

[0085] It should be understood here that the embodiments described herein relate to artificial muscle chair devices, which include artificial muscles embedded within the chair. In this way, the operation of the artificial muscles can be achieved in a lightweight chair that is more suitable for use in a vehicle. The artificial muscles can be utilized to provide various beneficial types of pressure, such as pressure massage patterns and / or tactile feedback. The applied pressure, which may include tactile feedback, may be based on occupant input, vehicle operation, and / or output from an infotainment device.

[0086] Please note that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” may be used herein to describe the degree of inherent uncertainty that may arise from any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. Furthermore, these terms are used herein to describe the extent to which a quantitative representation may deviate from the given reference without altering the fundamental function of the subject matter in question.

[0087] While specific embodiments are illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed subject matter are described herein, it is not necessary to use such aspects in combination. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the claimed subject matter. The inventions disclosed herein include the following embodiments: [Aspect 1] A set of artificial muscles embedded in a chair, each artificial muscle comprising a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, and a first electrode and a second electrode respectively positioned in the electrode region of the housing, A dielectric fluid disposed within the housing, Equipped with, The first and second electrodes are configured to electrostatically attract each other, causing the expandable fluid region to expand with the dielectric fluid, thereby applying selective pressure to the outer surface of the chair. Artificial muscle chair device. [Aspect 2] The first electrode and the second electrode each comprise two or more radially extending portions and two or more bridge portions, Each of the two or more bridge sections interconnects adjacent radially extending sections. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned between the two or more radially extending portions and has a central opening surrounding the expandable fluid region. The artificial muscle chair device according to Embodiment 1. [Aspect 3] The aforementioned two or more radially extending portions comprise two or more fan sections, Each fan section includes a first end having an internal length, a second end having an external length, a first side edge extending from the second end, and a second side edge extending from the second end, wherein the external length is longer than the internal length. Each bridge section interconnects adjacent fan sections at the first end of the adjacent fan section. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned between the two or more fan portions and has a central opening surrounding the expandable fluid region. The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 2. [Aspect 4] The aforementioned two or more radially extending portions comprise two or more tab portions and two or more bridge portions, Each of the two or more bridge sections interconnects adjacent tab sections. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned between the two or more tab portions and has a central opening surrounding the expandable fluid region. The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 2. [Aspect 5] The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 1, wherein the plurality of artificial muscles are communicatively coupled to a controller. [Aspect 6] The controller further comprises a pressure sensor that is communicatively coupled to the controller, The pressure sensor is configured to output the current pressure value to the controller, and the operation of the electrode pair is based on the current pressure value. The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 5. [Aspect 7] The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 6, wherein the current pressure value is used to detect the occupant of the artificial muscle chair device. [Aspect 8] The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 5, wherein the operation of one or more of the artificial muscles includes haptic feedback based on an output received by the controller from an infotainment device configured to be used by an occupant of the artificial muscle chair device. [Aspect 9] The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 5, wherein the operation of one or more of the artificial muscles is modified based on input received from an occupant of the artificial muscle chair device. [Aspect 10] The artificial muscle chair device is located inside a vehicle, as described in embodiment 5. [Aspect 11] The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 10, wherein the operation of one or more of the artificial muscles includes haptic feedback based on an output received by the controller from the vehicle. [Aspect 12] The layered actuation structure further comprises one or more mounting platforms and one or more actuation platforms arranged alternately to form one or more actuation cavities in between, At least one of the plurality of artificial muscles is placed in the one or more working cavities, and the layered working structure is embedded in the chair. The artificial muscle chair device according to Embodiment 1. [Aspect 13] The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 12, further comprising a plurality of layered acting structures in which at least two layered acting structures can be operated independently. [Aspect 14] It further includes multiple working cavities, Multiple artificial muscles are arranged within one or more of the multiple working cavities. The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 12. [Aspect 15] The artificial muscle chair device according to embodiment 1, further comprising one or more cooling elements, one or more heating elements, or a combination thereof. [Aspect 16] A method for operating an artificial muscle chair device, Voltage is supplied using a power supply electrically coupled to each electrode pair of multiple artificial muscles embedded in the chair, and each artificial muscle, A housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, A first electrode and a second electrode, each positioned in the electrode region of the housing, The housing comprises a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing, Attracted electrostatically through the first and second electrodes, The expandable fluid region is expanded with the dielectric fluid, Selective pressure is applied to the outer surface of the chair. A method that includes doing so. [Aspect 17] The layered actuation structure further comprises one or more actuation platforms arranged alternately on one or more mounting platforms to form one or more actuation cavities in between, At least one of the plurality of artificial muscles is placed in the one or more working cavities, and the layered working structure is embedded in the chair. The method according to embodiment 16. [Aspect 18] One or more of the artificial muscles are communicatively connected to a controller. The operation of the artificial muscle chair device is modified based on the output received by the controller from the occupant. The method according to embodiment 16, further including the following: [Aspect 19] Artificial muscle wheelchair device, A plurality of artificial muscles embedded in a chair, each artificial muscle comprising a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, and a first electrode and a second electrode respectively positioned in the electrode region of the housing, A dielectric fluid disposed within the housing, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrostatically attracted, causing the expandable fluid region to expand with the dielectric fluid, thereby applying selective pressure to the chair, and at least two of the plurality of artificial muscles are simultaneously in different operating states, A plurality of independently operable layered actuation structures, each comprising one or more actuation platforms arranged alternately with one or more mounting platforms to form one or more actuation cavities between them, wherein at least one of the plurality of artificial muscles is positioned in one or more actuation cavities, and the plurality of independently operable layered actuation structures are embedded in the chair, A controller to which the aforementioned multiple artificial muscles are connected in a communicative manner, Equipped with, The controller is configured to provide output to the plurality of artificial muscles and to provide tactile feedback to the occupant of the artificial muscle wheelchair device, and the artificial muscle wheelchair device is located inside a vehicle. [Aspect 20] The occupant of the artificial muscle vehicle seat device is the operator of the vehicle. The tactile feedback provided to the occupant of the artificial muscle wheelchair device is based on the operation of the vehicle by the occupant of the artificial muscle wheelchair device. The artificial muscle vehicle chair device described in embodiment 19.

Claims

1. Multiple artificial muscles embedded in a chair, each artificial muscle comprising a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, and a first electrode and a second electrode respectively positioned in the electrode region of the housing, A dielectric fluid disposed within the housing, Equipped with, The first and second electrodes are configured to attract each other electrostatically, causing the expandable fluid region to expand with the dielectric fluid, thereby applying selective pressure to the outer surface of the chair. The first electrode and the second electrode each comprise two or more radially extending portions and two or more bridge portions, Each of the two or more bridge sections interconnects adjacent radially extending sections. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned between the two or more radially extending portions and has a central opening surrounding the expandable fluid region. Artificial muscle chair device.

2. The aforementioned two or more radially extending portions comprise two or more fan sections, Each fan section includes a first end having an internal length, a second end having an external length, a first side edge extending from the second end, and a second side edge extending from the second end, wherein the external length is longer than the internal length. Each bridge section interconnects adjacent fan sections at the first end of the adjacent fan section. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned between the two or more fan portions and has a central opening surrounding the expandable fluid region. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 1.

3. The two or more radially extending portions comprise two or more tab portions and two or more bridge portions, Each of the two or more bridge sections interconnects the adjacent tab sections. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned between the two or more tab portions and has a central opening surrounding the expandable fluid region. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 1.

4. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of artificial muscles are communicably coupled to a controller.

5. The controller further comprises a pressure sensor that is communicatively coupled to the controller, The pressure sensor is configured to output the current pressure value to the controller, and the operation of the electrode pair is based on the current pressure value. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 4.

6. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 5, wherein the current pressure value is used to detect the occupant of the artificial muscle chair device.

7. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 4, wherein the operation of one or more of the artificial muscles includes haptic feedback based on an output received by the controller from an infotainment device configured to be used by an occupant of the artificial muscle chair device.

8. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 4, wherein the operation of one or more of the artificial muscles includes modifying the operation based on input received from an occupant of the artificial muscle chair device.

9. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 4, wherein the artificial muscle chair device is located inside a vehicle.

10. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 9, wherein the operation of one or more of the artificial muscles includes haptic feedback based on an output received by the controller from the vehicle.

11. The layered actuation structure further comprises one or more mounting platforms and one or more actuation platforms arranged alternately to form one or more actuation cavities in between, At least one of the plurality of artificial muscles is placed in the one or more working cavities, and the layered working structure is embedded in the chair. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 1.

12. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of layered acting structures in which at least two layered acting structures can be operated independently.

13. It further includes multiple working cavities, Multiple artificial muscles are arranged within one or more of the multiple working cavities. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 11.

14. The artificial muscle chair device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more cooling elements, one or more heating elements, or a combination thereof.

15. A method for operating an artificial muscle chair device, Voltage is supplied using a power supply electrically coupled to each electrode pair of multiple artificial muscles embedded in the chair, and each artificial muscle, A housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, A first electrode and a second electrode, each positioned in the electrode region of the housing, The housing comprises a dielectric fluid disposed within the housing, The first electrode and the second electrode each comprise two or more radially extending portions and two or more bridge portions, each of the two or more bridge portions interconnecting adjacent radially extending portions, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned between the two or more radially extending portions and comprises a central opening surrounding the expandable fluid region. The first and second electrodes are electrostatically attracted to each other by the supplied voltage. The expandable fluid region is expanded with the dielectric fluid, Selective pressure is applied to the outer surface of the chair. A method that includes doing so.

16. The layered actuation structure further comprises one or more actuation platforms arranged alternately on one or more mounting platforms to form one or more actuation cavities in between, At least one of the plurality of artificial muscles is placed in the one or more working cavities, and the layered working structure is embedded in the chair. The method according to claim 15.

17. One or more of the artificial muscles are communicatively connected to a controller. The operation of the artificial muscle chair device is modified based on the output received by the controller from the occupant. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the following:

18. Artificial muscle wheelchair device, A plurality of artificial muscles embedded in a chair, each artificial muscle comprising a housing having an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, and a first electrode and a second electrode respectively disposed in the electrode region of the housing, A dielectric fluid disposed within the housing, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrostatically attracted to each other, the expandable fluid region is expanded by the dielectric fluid, and thereby a selective pressure is applied to the chair, and at least two of the plurality of artificial muscles are simultaneously in different operating states, A plurality of independently operable layered actuation structures, each comprising one or more actuation platforms arranged alternately with one or more mounting platforms to form one or more actuation cavities between them, wherein at least one of the plurality of artificial muscles is positioned in one or more actuation cavities, and the plurality of independently operable layered actuation structures are embedded in the chair, A controller to which the aforementioned multiple artificial muscles are connected in a communicative manner, Equipped with, The first electrode and the second electrode each comprise two or more radially extending portions and two or more bridge portions, each of the two or more bridge portions interconnecting adjacent radially extending portions, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is positioned between the two or more radially extending portions and comprises a central opening surrounding the expandable fluid region. The controller is configured to provide output to the plurality of artificial muscles and to provide tactile feedback to the occupant of the artificial muscle wheelchair device, and the artificial muscle wheelchair device is located inside a vehicle.

19. The occupant of the artificial muscle vehicle seat device is the operator of the vehicle. The tactile feedback provided to the occupant of the artificial muscle wheelchair device is based on the operation of the vehicle by the occupant of the artificial muscle wheelchair device. The artificial muscle vehicle chair device according to claim 18.

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