Artificial Muscle Fluid Temperature Control for Faster Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driving methods for artificial muscle modules are inefficient in terms of energy consumption and response speed, particularly when using electric resistance heating, which limits their ability to perform flexible movements and increase energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A driving device and method that utilizes a fluid tank system with high and low temperature water tanks, a circulation pump, and a temperature control unit to provide a controlled temperature fluid to a heat reaction driving unit, such as a shape-memory alloy spring, allowing for flexible movement and improved energy efficiency by optimizing the operating temperature of the artificial muscle module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical signals are transmitted through cables to control artificial muscle modules, then control capability is achieved, but the system becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through cables with optical signal transmission through light-guiding portions integrated into the artificial muscle structure. This substitution eliminates the need for separate control cables and electronic components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining full control capability over the artificial muscle modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial muscle module is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the actuator and the signal transmission medium. The light-guiding portion is integrated directly into the muscle structure, allowing the same component to both generate mechanical motion and transmit control signals optically, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If artificial muscles are made smaller and lighter, then wearability and comfort are improved, but driving capability and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal transmission parameter from electrical to optical, enabling smaller and lighter artificial muscle structures to achieve adequate control capability. Optical signals can be transmitted through thin, flexible light-guiding portions without requiring bulky electrical connectors or power delivery systems, thus maintaining driving capability while reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The artificial muscle system is divided into modular units, each with integrated light-guiding portions for local control. This segmentation allows each module to be independently optimized for minimal weight while maintaining full control capability through optical signals, avoiding the need for heavy centralized control systems.
3Ease of operation
If control cables and electronic components are integrated into artificial muscles, then control capability is enhanced, but the muscles become bulky and uncomfortable for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control signal transmission function directly into the artificial muscle structure through integrated light-guiding portions. This eliminates the need for separate control cables and electronic components that would increase volume, while maintaining full control capability through the unified optical control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical control system (cables and electronic components) with an optical control system integrated into the muscle structure. This substitution dramatically reduces the volume required for control functionality, making the artificial muscles suitable for wearable applications where space and comfort are critical.
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 solution enables flexible movement of the artificial muscle module with enhanced response speed and energy efficiency, allowing for precise control of the artificial muscle's contraction and relaxation based on temperature, mimicking the flexibility of natural muscles while reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an artificial muscle module which has a predetermined shape and changes its shape in response to a voltage applied thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
In a driving device of an artificial muscle module and a driving method thereof, the driving device includes a fluid tank unit, a fluid providing line, a fluid collecting line, a circulation pump unit, a temp control unit and a fluid distributing unit. The fluid providing line includes high temp and low temp water tanks. The fluid providing line connects a first side of the artificial muscle module to the fluid tank unit. The fluid collecting line connects a second side of the artificial muscle module to the fluid tank unit. The circulation pump unit is positioned at at least one of the fluid providing line and the fluid collecting line. The temp control unit controls temperature of the fluid. The fluid distributing unit is positioned at the fluid collecting line, and distributes the fluid in the fluid collecting line.