Photo-Responsive Composite Actuator with Azobenzene Liquid Crystal Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite actuators require external energy sources like heat or mechanical tension for deformation, and alignment processes are complex for azobenzene liquid crystal polymers to achieve directional photo-deformation.
Innovation Solution
A photo-responsive composite actuator is created by coating a polymeric scaffold film with azobenzene liquid crystal polymer, which undergoes cis-trans conversion upon UV irradiation, allowing bending deformation without the need for alignment, using a protective film with light transmission and blocking patterns to control deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If azobenzene liquid crystal polymer is used to achieve photo-responsive deformation, then the actuator can be controlled by light irradiation, but complex alignment processes are required to achieve directional deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical alignment process with a chemical approach by incorporating a surfactant during the polymerization stage. The surfactant molecules self-assemble to orient the azobenzene liquid crystal polymer chains in a specific direction, eliminating the need for subsequent mechanical alignment steps while maintaining photo-responsive deformation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The surfactant is added during the initial polymerization process to pre-establish the directional orientation of azobenzene liquid crystal polymer chains. This preliminary action of orientation during synthesis eliminates the need for complex post-processing alignment steps
2Ease of operation
If traditional composite actuators use shape-memory alloys or piezoelectric materials, then deformation can be achieved through external stimuli, but external energy sources like heat or electric energy are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal and electrical actuation mechanisms with photo-responsive actuation. The azobenzene liquid crystal polymer directly converts optical energy to mechanical deformation through cis-trans isomerization, eliminating the need for intermediate thermal or electrical energy conversion steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation parameter from thermal or electrical fields to optical fields. By utilizing the photo-responsive properties of azobenzene liquid crystal polymer, the system responds directly to light irradiation parameters (wavelength, intensity, duration) to control deformation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If photo-responsive deformation is achieved through cis-trans conversion of azobenzene, then reversible deformation is possible, but control of bending direction and magnitude requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The surfactant molecules perform the alignment function automatically through self-assembly during polymerization. The amphiphilic nature of the surfactant causes it to organize in specific orientations at the polymer-surfactant interface, which in turn orients the azobenzene liquid crystal polymer chains without requiring external alignment equipment or processes
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 active control of bending deformation by light irradiation position, intensity, and time, with the actuator returning to its original form upon visible light exposure, simplifying the manufacturing process and eliminating the need for external energy sources.
Implementation Method 1
Azobenzene undergoes photo-isomerization in which the molecular structure thereof is converted from a trans form to a cis form upon irradiation with UV rays
Implementation Method 2
the molecular structure thereof is converted from a cis form to a trans form upon irradiation with visible rays
Data Source
AI summary
A photo-responsive composite actuator according to the present invention includes a polymeric scaffold film; an azobenzene liquid crystal polymer applied on a surface of the polymeric scaffold film; and a protective film attached to a surface of the azobenzene liquid crystal polymer.