Electro-Active Polymer Actuator Gripper for Flat Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dielectric elastomer actuators face challenges in maintaining a flat geometry and preventing concave deformation when energized, especially in narrow spaces with low force requirements, where traditional metal force generators are not suitable.
Innovation Solution
An actuator mechanism featuring a gripper that extends along the actuator's length, made of flexible electro-active polymer material, which clamps on opposite sides to prevent concave deformation and allows the actuator to change shape in a form-fitting manner, enabling it to become flat and maintain structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the actuator is energized to expand towards the reinforcers, then the actuator generates force and moves, but the sides of the actuator that are not connected to the reinforcers become concave due to internal force
Solution Approach 1:
A gripper structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the actuator and the external environment. The gripper clamps onto the actuator body and provides external support to counteract the concave deformation caused by internal forces during actuation, thereby maintaining the actuator's geometric integrity while allowing it to generate force.
2Power
If the actuator is made of elastomeric film with dielectric structure, then the actuator can convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, but the actuator cannot maintain flat geometry in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator utilizes an elastomeric film with dielectric properties as its core structure, which is inherently flexible and capable of converting electrical energy to mechanical energy. The gripper structure works in conjunction with this flexible film to provide geometric constraints, enabling the actuator to maintain a flat profile in narrow spaces while preserving its electro-mechanical conversion capability.
3Force
If traditional metal force generators are used, then high force can be generated, but the actuator cannot be used in narrow spaces with low weight requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental material parameters from traditional metal to elastomeric dielectric material. This parameter change enables the actuator to achieve the required force generation capability through electro-mechanical conversion while significantly reducing the weight and allowing integration in narrow spaces where metal force generators cannot be accommodated.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The gripper mechanism enhances the actuator's performance by maintaining a flat shape and increasing resistance, allowing efficient operation in narrow spaces with low weight and force requirements, suitable for various applications including air and space vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEA) consist of an elastomeric film with a dielectric structure, wherein since volume of the elastomeric film does not change, it meets the necessary force requirement and generates force when voltage is applied to the conductive material coated on both surfaces
Implementation Method 2
By means of the electric field generated on the elastomeric film by the voltage applied to the electrodes located on bottom and top of the elastomeric films, the elastomeric film is stretched by expanding and contracting at the parts where it is connected to reinforcers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a body (2); at least one actuator (3) made of an electro-active polymer material, which changes form depending on the electrical energy so that it triggers the body (2); at least two reinforcers (4) which allow the actuator (3) to change form, are positioned on the actuator (3) such that they remain opposite to each other, and are connected to the actuator (3) by clamping, thus transmitting movement to the body (2).