Corrugated Diaphragm Structure for Compliant High-Force Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current actuators, particularly those used in human-centered applications like assistive devices and rehabilitation robotics, face limitations in force generation and linearity, making them unsuitable for diverse mechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of corrugated diaphragm actuators, which feature a chamber body with a corrugated diaphragm that expands outwardly when positive pressure is applied within the cavity, addressing issues of force generation and linearity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft actuators are used in human-centered applications, then compliance and safety are improved, but force generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the diaphragm surface by incorporating corrugated channels, transforming a flat diaphragm into a corrugated structure. This curvature enables the diaphragm to expand more effectively when pressurized, generating higher forces while maintaining the soft, compliant nature of the actuator for safe human interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension to force generation by creating corrugated channels that extend in the radial direction from the central axis. This dimensional addition allows the diaphragm to utilize both radial and axial movements during expansion, significantly enhancing force output compared to conventional flat diaphragms.
2Ease of operation
If soft actuators are used in human-centered applications, then compliance and safety are improved, but linearity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The corrugated structure with its curved channels provides a geometric framework that guides the diaphragm's expansion path. This curvature ensures that the radial displacement increases linearly with pressure by distributing the expansion forces uniformly across the corrugated surface, preventing non-linear deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the diaphragm by introducing corrugated channels with specific depths, spacing, and profiles. These parameter modifications create a structure where the relationship between pressure and displacement becomes more linear, as the corrugations control the expansion progression through their geometric characteristics.
3Force
If conventional actuators are used, then force generation is improved, but compliance and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible diaphragm made from elastomeric materials that can be stretched and deformed. This flexible shell structure inherently provides compliance for safe human interaction while the corrugated channel geometry embedded within the diaphragm enables high force generation through efficient pressure utilization during expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator combines different material properties by integrating a flexible elastomeric diaphragm with a structured corrugated channel geometry. This composite approach merges the compliance of soft materials with the force-generating capability of the corrugated structure, achieving both high force output and safety for human-centered applications.
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 corrugated diaphragm actuator achieves enhanced force generation and improved linearity, making it more versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including human-centered systems.
Implementation Method 1
when a positive pressure is applied within the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the corrugated diaphragm may be configured for expanding outwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A corrugated diaphragm actuator may include a chamber body including a plurality of walls defining a cavity. The plurality of walls may include a first wall including a first corrugated diaphragm defining at least one first corrugated channel, and the corrugated diaphragm may be configured for expanding outwardly when a positive pressure is applied within the cavity.