Dielectric Elastomer Drive Charge Removal for Faster Contraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The responsiveness of dielectric elastomer drive systems is hindered by stored charge in the electrode layers, which slows down the contraction speed compared to elongation speed due to the capacitive nature of the electrode layers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a charge removal unit that converts stored charge to thermal energy, managed by a main switch unit to connect or disconnect the dielectric elastomer drive unit from the power supply or charge removal unit, improving responsiveness by facilitating rapid transitions between elongated and contracted states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the dielectric elastomer drive unit is repeatedly elongated and contracted for driving applications, then productivity is improved, but the stored charge causes energy loss and reduces overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding principle by removing and dissipating the stored charge through the charge removal unit. Although the charge is discarded rather than recovered, this enables rapid cycling of the drive unit, allowing frequent elongation-contraction cycles that improve productivity. The ability to quickly reset the charge state permits higher operating frequencies.
2Speed
If a charge removal unit is added to remove stored charge and improve contraction speed, then responsiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charge removal unit is designed to operate automatically based on the operational state of the dielectric elastomer drive unit. The main switch unit autonomously controls when the charge removal unit is activated (during contraction phase), eliminating the need for complex external control systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining improved contraction speed.
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 enhances the responsiveness of the dielectric elastomer drive system by promptly removing stored charge, allowing for quicker transitions between states and reducing undesired losses.
Implementation Method 1
the charge removal unit converts the charge stored in the dielectric elastomer drive unit to thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
The pair of electrode layers 912 flanking the dielectric elastomer layer 911 electrically constitute a capacitor. When voltage is applied to the pair of electrode layers 912 to elongate the dielectric elastomer drive unit 91, a charge is stored in the pair of electrode layers 912.
Implementation Method 3
When voltage is applied to a pair of electrode layers 912 from a power supply unit 92 in a dielectric elastomer drive system X, the pair of electrode layers 912 are attracted to each other by Coulomb force.
Implementation Method 4
This reduces the thickness of a dielectric elastomer layer 911 having significant flexibility, and increases the dimension in a planar direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric elastomer drive system A1 includes: a dielectric elastomer drive unit 1 provided with a dielectric elastomer layer 11 and a pair of electrode layers 12 flanking the dielectric elastomer layer 11; a power supply unit 5 configured to apply voltage to the dielectric elastomer drive unit 1; and a charge removal unit 2 configured to remove the charge stored in the dielectric elastomer drive unit 1. The configuration contributes to improving responsiveness.