Artificial Muscle Actuator With Reversible Balloon Pressure Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial muscle actuator devices are inefficient due to high power consumption and lack compatibility with the human body, limiting their versatility, especially in applications like robotics.
Innovation Solution
A compact and power-saving artificial muscle actuator device using inflatable and deflatable balloons with a solenoid-driven actuator unit that eliminates working fluid pressure loss, allowing for versatile motion functions similar to human muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large-sized compressor is used to inflate and deflate balloons, then the artificial muscle can achieve motion function, but the power consumption becomes too high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inflation and deflation functions into a single compressor unit that operates bidirectionally. The compressor serves dual purposes: inflating the artificial muscle and deflating it, eliminating the need for separate compression and expansion systems. This merging of functions reduces overall system power consumption while maintaining full motion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using a single compressor that can operate in reverse. Instead of maintaining constant high pressure with large compressors, the system dynamically adjusts pressure parameters through the reversible compressor operation, achieving efficient inflation and deflation cycles with reduced energy consumption.
2Ease of operation
If the artificial muscle device is designed with a mechanical shape different from human muscles, then it can provide functional capability, but it lacks compatibility with the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by covering the balloon with a net structure that provides localized mechanical properties. The net covering gives the artificial muscle a more natural appearance and tactile quality at the surface level, while the internal balloon structure maintains the functional capability. This layered approach allows different parts to have different qualities - functional internally and compatible externally.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact and power-saving actuator unit is used, then the device size is reduced, but the complexity of managing working fluid pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reversible compressor serves the system by automatically managing both inflation and deflation cycles. The single compressor unit self-regulates the working fluid pressure by reversing its operation mode, eliminating the need for separate pressure management systems. This self-service approach reduces overall system complexity despite the compact design requirements.
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 device achieves energy-efficient motion assistance suitable for both human and robotic applications, with reduced size and component count, enhancing versatility and motion speed.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid that moves the piston back and forth
Implementation Method 2
a first balloon that is inflated and deflated by fluid pressure of a first working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The artificial muscle actuator device is structured to suit the muscles of the body and has a versatile structure that can be applied as a device responsible for the motion function of a robot, due to a small, electric-power-conserving motive power source that uses balloon inflation and deflation and eliminates fluid pressure loss. In the artificial muscle actuator device, an actuator unit and a first artificial muscle unit are connected by a first linking tube, the actuator unit and a second artificial muscle unit are connected by a second linking tube, the first artificial muscle unit and the second artificial muscle unit are attached to a body site, and the actuator unit is controlled by current conduction, so as to perform flexion and extension movements of a skeleton at the body site.