Artificial Muscle Suction Device for Automatic Vehicle Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device holders for vehicles are limited in attachment locations and require manual operation, restricting their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A suction device incorporating artificial muscles with electrode pairs that actuate to form a suction area, allowing for automatic and versatile attachment to various vehicle surfaces without manual adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a clamping mechanism is used to retain mobile devices, then the device can be secured manually, but the operation requires manual adjustment and is not automatic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clamping system with an artificial muscle-based suction system. The artificial muscles, which are electroactive polymers, convert electrical signals directly into mechanical deformation to create suction force, eliminating the need for manual clamping adjustments while achieving secure device retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is designed to automatically adjust and secure the mobile device without user intervention. The artificial muscles self-regulate their contraction to create and maintain the suction force needed to hold the device, providing automatic operation while maintaining ease of use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed attachment mechanism is provided, then the holder can be connected to specific locations, but the location options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is designed with a universal attachment capability that allows it to adhere to various vehicle surfaces including dashboards, windows, and other smooth surfaces. The artificial muscle-based suction mechanism provides consistent attachment performance across different locations without requiring location-specific design modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a suction-based attachment mechanism that uses pressure differentials created by the artificial muscles to adhere the holder to various surfaces. This pneumatic principle allows versatile attachment to multiple vehicle locations without increasing device complexity, as the same suction mechanism works across different surfaces.
3Extent of automation
If artificial muscles with electrode pairs are used, then automatic actuation is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial muscles utilize changes in electrical parameters (voltage application to electrode pairs) to control mechanical actuation. By varying the electrical parameters, the degree of muscle contraction and resulting suction force can be precisely controlled, achieving automatic actuation with a relatively simple control interface despite the complex underlying structure.
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
Enables secure, automatic, and versatile attachment of mobile devices to vehicle surfaces, enhancing usability and flexibility compared to traditional holders.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region
Data Source
AI summary
A suction device including a casing having a central post extending through the casing. A flexible member is provided across a free end of the central post. One or more artificial muscles are housed within the casing and encircle the central post, each artificial muscle including a housing having a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall. The housing having an electrode region adjacent an expandable fluid region, a dielectric fluid housed within the housing, and an electrode pair housed within the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode coupled to the first wall and a second electrode coupled to the second wall. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region and deforms the flexible member to form a suction area at the free end of the central post.