Actuator with Sealable Edge Region for Passive Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators lack the ability to maintain an actuated position without continuous electrical input, as they rely on fluid flow to maintain hydraulic force, which can be inefficient and require constant energy.
Innovation Solution
The development of a reversible seal mechanism within a fluid-impermeable membrane actuator, utilizing interlocking and connecting elements, allows for the trapping of dielectric fluid in an edge region, enabling the actuator to maintain hydraulic force without further electrical input by sealing the reversible seal, thus maintaining an actuated position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a reversible seal mechanism is implemented to maintain hydraulic force without continuous electrical input, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional interlocking and connecting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The seal mechanism transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic unsealed state through electrostatic actuation. The reversible seal allows the actuator to maintain hydraulic force passively when sealed, and actively release it when electrical input is applied, enabling energy-efficient position holding without continuous power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible seal acts as an intermediary element between the dielectric fluid and the external environment. It controls the flow of dielectric fluid into and out of the edge region, mediating the transition between actuated and relaxed states while maintaining hydraulic force when sealed.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the reversible seal is sealed to maintain hydraulic force, then the actuator can hold position without continuous power, but the ability to release or change position requires additional electrical input
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates in periodic cycles of sealing to maintain position and unsealing to release position. The reversible seal enables discrete transitions between states rather than continuous control, allowing the actuator to hold position indefinitely when sealed and release when electrical input is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
Once the reversible seal is closed, the actuator maintains its actuated position without requiring continuous electrical input. The sealed dielectric fluid self-maintains hydraulic force on the insulating portion, allowing the system to service itself and hold position passively.
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
This solution allows the actuator to deliver hydraulic force efficiently over a longer period with minimal energy input, enabling more energy-efficient operation and the ability to lock in an activated state, facilitating tasks like object displacement without continuous power.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive portion (104a) comprising a conductive material and configured to produce an electric field in response to a first electrical input
Implementation Method 2
a second conductive portion (104b) comprising a conductive material, the second conductive portion being positioned opposite the first conductive portion and configured to attract to the first conductive portion in response to the first electrical input
Implementation Method 3
an insulating portion (106a, 106b) comprising an elastomer configured to electrically isolate the first conductive portion from the second conductive portion
Implementation Method 4
the compartment being configured to deliver a hydraulic force to the insulating portion in response to adherence of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion
Implementation Method 5
a reversible seal comprising an interlocking element and a connecting element, the reversible seal positioned within the compartment and configured to maintain the hydraulic force on the insulating portion
Data Source
AI summary
Actuators having reversible seals are described herein. The actuators can move from a first position to a second position and lock in the second position using a reversible seal. The device can include a soft hydraulic actuator having a fluid-impermeable membrane. The fluid-impermeable membrane can define a compartment, the compartment having a central region, an edge region extending from and fluidly connected with the central region, a reversible seal between the central region and the edge region, and a dielectric fluid. When actuated, the actuators can force fluid through the reversible seals and into the edge region. Once in the edge region, the reversible seals be actuated and controllably sealed to prevent return flow.