Fluid-Driven Bubble Actuator Arrays for Adaptive Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices and methods for ensuring consistent conformal contact and pressure distribution on the human body, such as prosthetic limbs, helmets, and robotic manipulators, are inadequate in addressing changing conditions like residual limb volume changes, pressure ulcer prevention, and precise force distribution, leading to discomfort, skin damage, and suboptimal object grasping.
Innovation Solution
A flexible two-dimensional array of fluid-driven bubble actuators that can dynamically modulate pressure and stiffness by varying internal pressures in cells, using sensors and a processor to adjust fluid flow and maintain conformal contact and distribute forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive devices like vacuum-assisted prosthesis sockets or air-cushioned sockets are used, then conformal contact is achieved, but the ability to actively modulate or distribute pressure and compensate for volume changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the contact surface into multiple independent cells that can be individually pressurized or depressurized. Each cell acts as an independent actuator, allowing localized pressure modulation to adapt to changing body contours and prevent pressure ulcers while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static passive cushioning to dynamic active pressure control. Sensors continuously monitor pressure distribution and body volume changes, and the control system dynamically adjusts fluid flow to individual cells to maintain optimal pressure distribution and conformal contact throughout the gait cycle.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If frequent manual intervention is implemented for body weight shifting and skin examination, then pressure ulcer prevention is improved, but loss of time and human resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device autonomously monitors pressure distribution through embedded sensors and automatically adjusts pressure in real-time without requiring user intervention. The system self-regulates to prevent pressure ulcer formation by redistributing pressure away from high-risk areas, eliminating the need for frequent manual skin examinations and repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor contact pressure and provide feedback to the control system. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time detection of pressure buildup and automatic pressure redistribution to prevent pressure ulcers before they occur, rather than requiring reactive manual intervention.
3Strength
If existing foam cushioning is used in wearable devices, then impact protection is provided, but consistent conformal contact and precise force distribution cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning system is segmented into multiple independent pressure-controlled cells rather than using uniform foam. This segmentation allows each cell to independently adjust its pressure to match the contours of the body or object, ensuring consistent conformal contact and precise force distribution while maintaining impact protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter in each cell to adapt to varying contact conditions. During impact, cells can increase pressure to provide protection, while during normal wear, they maintain lower pressures for comfort and conformal contact, enabling precise control over force distribution that static foam cannot achieve.
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 consistent conformal contact and precise pressure distribution, reducing discomfort and skin damage, improving prosthetic fit, and enhancing robotic grasping capabilities by actively adapting to changing conditions and ensuring optimal force distribution.
Implementation Method 1
fluid-driven bubble actuators that can dynamically modulate pressure and stiffness by varying internal pressures in cells
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure includes bubble actuator arrays and methods for making and using the same. Some bubble actuator arrays include a first flexible layer having a substantially flat first portion and a plurality of second portions that protrude away from the first portion to define chambers, a flexible second layer sealed to the first layer to define a plurality of cells in the chambers and between the layers, and where the array can be coupled to a fluid source such that the internal pressures of the cells can be varied. Some of the present methods include adjusting with a processor and fluid source the pressure in the cells of an array. Others of the present methods include placing sacrificial material into chambers of a molded first layer such that a plurality of cells is formed when a second layer is molded coincident to the first and the sacrificial material is removed.