3D-Printable Dielectric Elastomer Composition for Low-Voltage Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dielectric elastomers require high voltage for actuation and pre-stretching to suppress electromechanical instability, and they struggle to achieve high permittivity without compromising electrical and mechanical properties like dielectric strength and Young's modulus.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric elastomeric material with a dielectric constant of 20-65 at 103 Hz, formed from a composition of acrylate monomers, cross-linkers, and photoinitiators, which can be 3D printed, allowing for complex geometries and actuation at low electric fields without pre-stretching or passive layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high permittivity is achieved in dielectric elastomers, then the actuation voltage requirement is reduced, but electrical and mechanical properties such as dielectric strength and Young's modulus deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by incorporating high permittivity fillers (such as barium titanate, lead zirconate titanate, or ceramic particles) into the elastomer matrix. This composite structure enables the material to achieve high permittivity while maintaining the mechanical flexibility and dielectric strength of the base elastomer, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced actuation voltage and maintained reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition and molecular structure parameters of the elastomer by selecting specific polymer matrices (such as acrylic elastomers, silicone rubber, or polyurethane) and adjusting cross-linking density. These parameter changes optimize the balance between permittivity, dielectric strength, and mechanical properties, allowing high permittivity without compromising electrical and mechanical performance
2Stability of the object's composition
If pre-stretching is applied to suppress electromechanical instability, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by developing elastomers with optimized viscoelastic properties and loss tangent values. By adjusting the polymer composition and cross-linking structure, the material inherently resists electromechanical instability without requiring pre-stretching, thus maintaining stability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pre-stretching system with a material-based solution. Instead of using mechanical structures to maintain stability, the elastomer's intrinsic material properties (such as optimized elastic modulus and damping characteristics) are engineered to suppress electromechanical instability, thereby eliminating the need for complex pre-stretching mechanisms
3Shape
If passive structures are added to produce complex shape changes, then the shape control capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the material parameters by incorporating elastomers with tailored viscoelastic properties, loss tangent values, and dielectric characteristics. These parameter changes enable the material to achieve complex shape changes through its inherent response to electric fields, eliminating the need for passive structures and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the dielectric elastomer material itself multi-functional by engineering it to simultaneously provide actuation, shape control, and stability. The optimized elastomer composition can produce complex deformations and maintain structural integrity without requiring separate passive components, thus achieving shape control while minimizing device complexity
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 material exhibits high sensitivity, low Young's modulus, and excellent thermal and mechanical properties, enabling giant out-of-plane deformations and self-healing capabilities, suitable for various applications including sensors and soft robotic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The composition comprises: a polymer comprising at least one acrylate monomer; a cross-linker; and a photoinitiator
Implementation Method 2
Dielectric Elastomers (DE) are soft and perfect insulator polymers which are able to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy leading to change in its size and shape
Implementation Method 3
a cross-linker
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric elastomeric material having a permittivity of 20-65 at 103 Hz is provided. The dielectric elastomeric material is formed from a composition comprising: a polymer comprising at least one acrylate monomer; a cross-linker; and a photoinitiator. A conductive elastomer comprising the dielectric elastomeric material, as well as a method of forming the dielectric elastomeric material, are also provided.