Chemical-Reaction Soft Crawling Robot for Fast High-Force Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional robots, particularly soft robots, suffer from low driving efficiency and slow movement performance due to their driving modes, which do not generate sufficient force quickly enough, limiting their adaptability and functionality in complex environments.
Innovation Solution
A worm-like soft crawling robot driven by an exergonic chemical reaction, utilizing a body system with flexible corrugated tubes, reaction chambers, elastic transmission components, vacuum suction cups, and a vacuum system to convert high-energy chemical reactions into rapid longitudinal deformations, enabling forward and backward movement with turns and jumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional driving modes (pneumatic, electroactive polymer, shape memory alloy) are used for soft robots, then the robot can achieve flexible movement, but the driving force is insufficient and the movement speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical driving systems (motors, pneumatic actuators) with a chemical reaction system. The exothermic reaction between magnesium powder and water generates gas pressure that directly drives the flexible body, eliminating the need for complex mechanical transmission components and achieving both high force and rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy conversion parameters by using chemical energy (exothermic reaction) instead of mechanical or electrical energy. The reaction between magnesium and water produces hydrogen gas and releases heat, creating rapid pressure changes that drive the robot's movement, thereby achieving high-speed, high-force actuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hard materials are used for traditional robots, then the structure is stable, but the flexibility and adaptability to complex channel paths are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible body shells made of soft materials that can deform and adapt to complex channel geometries. The flexible structure allows the robot to navigate tortuous paths while maintaining structural integrity through the internal gas pressure generated by the chemical reaction, achieving both adaptability and stability.
3Power
If exothermic chemical reaction is used for driving, then the driving force increases significantly, but the temperature control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water as an intermediary substance that moderates the exothermic reaction between magnesium powder and the flexible body. Water controls the reaction rate and temperature by being consumed in the reaction, preventing excessive heat buildup while still generating sufficient gas pressure for high-power actuation.
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 design achieves rapid start-up and multi-directional movement with high driving force, improved environmental adaptability, and lower manufacturing costs, while imitating natural worm-like movements with flexible materials of varying rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
a soft robot driven by an exothermic chemical reaction, which may generate violent energy in a short time
Implementation Method 2
vacuum suction cups installed at the bottoms of the head shells
Data Source
AI summary
A worm-like soft crawling robot driven by an exergonic chemical reaction, including a body system, an exothermic reaction system and a vacuum system. The body system includes a left head shell, a left flexible body shell, a left reaction chamber, a right reaction chamber, a right flexible body shell and a right head shell. Elastic transmission parts are installed in the flexible body shells in a matched way. The exothermic reaction system includes chemical fuel storage units and exothermic reaction stimulation devices. The vacuum system includes vacuum suction cups, vacuum exhaust tubes and vacuum pumps.