Artificial Muscle Actuator Miniaturization via Bonded Cylindrical Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuators with bundled artificial muscles face limitations in miniaturization due to the need for significant expansion and contraction in radial directions, which affects durability, and the use of sealing members and fastening belts restrict the use of small-diameter tubular members, hindering miniaturization efforts.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design incorporates a plurality of artificial muscles with elastic tubes covered by braided tubes, where outside cylindrical bodies with bonding portions directly bond the elastic tubes to the braided tubes, eliminating the need for sealing members and allowing for the use of smaller diameter artificial muscles, thereby achieving miniaturization by direct fluid supply to the elastic tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single artificial muscle with elastic tube and tubular network is used, then the arm member can be swung to predetermined angle, but the elastic tube requires excessive radial expansion and contraction which reduces durability
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into multiple artificial muscles (first and second artificial muscles) bundled together, where each muscle handles a portion of the actuation load. This segmentation reduces the radial expansion and contraction requirements for each individual elastic tube, thereby improving durability while maintaining the required swinging capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If sealing members and fastening belts are used to bundle tubular members, then the actuator structure is secured, but miniaturization is hindered due to inability to use small-diameter tubular members
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member and fastening belt functions are merged into a single integrated outside cylindrical body with bonding portions. The bonding portions directly bond both the elastic tube and the outside cylindrical body, eliminating the need for separate sealing members and fastening belts. This integration enables the use of small-diameter tubular members while maintaining structural stability,从而实现 miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing and fastening functions are extracted from separate components (sealing members and fastening belts) and integrated into the bonding portions of the outside cylindrical body. This extraction and reintegration simplifies the overall structure and enables miniaturization.
3Length of moving object
If multiple tubular members are bundled together, then axial extension amount is greatly increased, but the use of sealing members and fastening belts prevents miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing and fastening functions are merged into the outside cylindrical body with integrated bonding portions, eliminating the need for additional sealing members and fastening belts. This allows the use of multiple small-diameter artificial muscles to achieve large axial extension without increasing the overall actuator size, thereby enabling miniaturization.
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 configuration enables increased axial extension without requiring extensive radial expansion and contraction, allowing for the miniaturization of the actuator while maintaining durability and functionality, as the bonding process secures the artificial muscles without the need for additional sealing components, enabling efficient operation with smaller diameter components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic tube (13) and a braided tube (15) covering an outside of the elastic tube (13)... expansion and contraction in a radial direction of the elastic tube
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator main body (11) is formed by a plurality of artificial muscles (12). Each artificial muscle (12) includes an elastic tube (13) and a braided tube (15) covering an outside of the elastic tube (13). A first outside cylindrical body (21) is attached to one end portion of the actuator main body (11), and a second outside cylindrical body (22) is attached to the other end portion of the actuator main body (11). Bonding portions (23, 24) are respectively provided in the first and second outside cylindrical bodies (21, 22). The bonding portions (23, 24) are used to bond the elastic tube (13) to the braided tube (15), to bond the outside cylindrical body (21) to the artificial muscles (12), and to bond the outside cylindrical body (22) to the artificial muscles (12).