Composite HASEL Transducer Layering for Electrical and Mechanical Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HASEL transducers face limitations as materials with favorable electrical properties often lack desirable physical or mechanical properties, restricting their use in various applications and environments.

Innovation Solution

The development of HASEL transducers with composite structures that combine materials with beneficial electrical properties, such as high dielectric constants and strengths, with materials providing mechanical robustness, chemical resistance, and other physical properties, allowing for tailored performance in specific contexts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If materials with high dielectric constants and strengths are used to improve electrical performance, then the transducer operates at lower voltages with higher efficiency, but the mechanical robustness and physical durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical performanceVSAvoidmechanical robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite dielectric structures combining multiple materials with complementary properties. Specifically, it uses a layered configuration where at least one dielectric layer comprises a composite material integrating high dielectric constant materials with mechanically robust materials, thereby simultaneously achieving superior electrical performance and mechanical durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If materials with high dielectric constants are used to enhance actuation performance at lower voltages, then the transducer efficiency improves, but the resistance to extreme environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation performanceVSAvoidenvironmental resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composite dielectric structure integrates materials selected for their complementary properties: high dielectric constant for actuation performance and high resistance to extreme environmental conditions including temperature, mechanical stress, corrosive chemicals, and UV radiation. The composite nature allows simultaneous optimization of both electrical and environmental resistance properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions or layers of the dielectric structure are assigned different material compositions optimized for specific functions: some layers prioritize electrical properties for actuation, while others prioritize environmental resistance, with each layer performing its specialized function within the composite structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If single-material dielectrics are used to simplify structure, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to provide both favorable electrical and physical properties simultaneously deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidproperty optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This approach enables HASEL transducers to offer enhanced actuation performance, robustness, and durability, making them suitable for a wider range of applications and environments while maintaining effective electromechanical energy conversion.

Implementation Method 1

HASEL transducers include a dielectric layer including at least one fluid dielectric layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

dielectrics with high dielectric strengths enable the use of high electric fields, which increases the overall performance of the transducer and improves reliability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric strength: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS12278572B2Composite layering of hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic transducers

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

AI summary

A hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) transducer includes a composite, multi-layered structure. In an example, a HASEL transducer includes a dielectric layer including at least one fluid dielectric layer. The dielectric layer includes a first side and a second side opposing the first side. The HASEL transducer further includes a first electrode disposed at the first side of the dielectric layer, a second electrode disposed at the second side of the dielectric layer, a first outer layer disposed at the first electrode opposite the dielectric layer, and a second outer layer disposed at the second electrode opposite the dielectric layer. The first outer layer and second outer layer exhibit different mechanical and electrical properties from the dielectric layer.