Artificial Muscle Electrode Bilayer for High-Voltage Force Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial muscle actuators based on electrostatics, such as HASEL muscles, require higher voltages to exert sufficient force for practical applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of an insulation bilayer comprising an acryl-based polymer layer and a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) layer on metal films in electrode pairs within artificial muscle actuators, which increases the breakdown voltage per thickness, allowing for higher voltage operation without electrical breakdown, thereby enhancing actuator force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If higher voltages are applied to increase actuator force, then the actuator force increases, but electrical breakdown occurs in the insulation layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a composite insulation bilayer structure consisting of a first insulation layer (e.g., acrylic polymer with high dielectric constant) and a second insulation layer (e.g., polypropylene with high breakdown voltage). This composite structure combines the high dielectric constant of the first layer, which enhances electrostatic force generation, with the high breakdown voltage of the second layer, which prevents electrical breakdown at high operating voltages. The synergistic combination resolves the contradiction between needing high voltage for force generation and avoiding insulation breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the insulation system by selecting materials with specific dielectric constants and breakdown voltages. The first insulation layer uses materials with high dielectric constants (e.g., acrylic polymers with κ≈3-4) to enhance capacitance and force generation, while the second layer uses materials with high breakdown voltages (e.g., polypropylene with breakdown voltage >20 kV/mm) to enable high-voltage operation. This parameter optimization allows the actuator to operate at higher voltages for increased force without suffering from electrical breakdown.
2Device complexity
If a single-layer insulation structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the breakdown voltage per thickness is insufficient for high-voltage operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite bilayer insulation structure where each layer serves a distinct functional purpose. The first layer (acrylic polymer) provides high dielectric constant for force enhancement, while the second layer (polypropylene) provides high breakdown voltage for reliability. This composite approach achieves superior electrical performance compared to single-layer structures, justifying the increased structural complexity through functional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of local quality by assigning different material properties to different layers of the insulation structure. The first layer is optimized for dielectric performance (high κ) to enhance electrostatic force, while the second layer is optimized for electrical strength (high breakdown voltage) to prevent breakdown. This localized optimization of material properties at different positions in the insulation structure resolves the contradiction between simplicity and high-voltage capability.
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 artificial muscle actuators to operate at higher voltages, increasing the achievable actuator force while maintaining resistance to electrical breakdown, facilitating their use in various applications like robotics and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
an insulation bilayer disposed on the metal film of the first electrode in an orientation facing the second electrode. The insulation bilayer includes an acryl-based polymer layer disposed on the metal film and a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) layer disposed on the acryl-based polymer layer
Implementation Method 2
The electrode pair is drawn together in response to an applied voltage, pushing the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region
Implementation Method 3
pushing the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region to hydraulically inflate the expandable fluid region
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial muscle actuator that includes a housing, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair positioned in the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode each include a metal film. The first electrode includes an insulation bilayer disposed on the metal film of the first electrode in an orientation facing the second electrode. In addition, the insulation bilayer includes an acryl-based polymer layer disposed on the metal film and a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) layer disposed on the acryl-based polymer layer.