Actuator with Locking Unit for Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial muscle actuators require constant temperature maintenance to hold a displaced state, leading to unnecessary energy consumption when no work is being done.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring first and second actuator fibers connected via a locking unit and controlled by a controller to create a temperature difference, allowing the actuator to lock or unlock by adjusting the temperature of the fibers, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant temperature maintenance is applied to hold a displaced state, then the actuator maintains its position, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily when no work is being done
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system dynamically switches between active temperature maintenance mode and passive locked mode based on operational requirements. The locking unit engages to mechanically maintain position when work is not being performed, allowing temperature control to be discontinued and thereby eliminating unnecessary energy consumption while preserving position holding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit acts as an intermediary mechanical element that takes over the position holding function from the thermal actuation system. By introducing this mechanical locking mechanism, the system can decouple position maintenance from continuous energy input, as the locking unit physically restrains the actuator components in place without requiring active heating
2Use of energy by moving object
If a locking unit is added to enable locked state, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is integrated with the existing actuator components, merging the locking function into the current structural framework. The locking unit utilizes the same actuator fibers and plate structure, combining multiple functions (actuation and locking) within a unified system architecture, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while achieving energy reduction
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 actuator efficiently manages energy use by locking or unlocking based on temperature control, maintaining displacement without continuous energy input.
Implementation Method 1
each of the one or more first actuator fibers and the one or more second actuator fibers is wound spirally and stretches or contracts when temperature thereof is changed
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a first actuator fiber and a second actuator fiber that are connected to plate members, a frame member provided at a fixed distance from the plate member; and a controller that controls temperature of the first actuator fiber and temperature of the second actuator fiber. Each of the first actuator fiber and the second actuator fiber is wound spirally and stretches or contracts when temperature thereof is changed. Stretch or contraction of the first actuator fiber or the second actuator fiber based on the control of the temperature causes the plate member to be locked to the frame member or to be unlocked from the frame member.