Dielectric Elastomer Actuator with Pre-Distorted Spiral Laminate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dielectric elastomer actuators are not thin enough, limiting their applications due to higher driving voltage requirements and potential for electrode breakage.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric elastomer actuator with a laminate structure featuring a spiral or concentric shape, where pre-distortion of 10% or larger is applied to the elastomer and electrode layers, reducing thickness and driving voltage while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the dielectric elastomer actuator is made thinner, then the driving voltage requirement is reduced and structural balance is enhanced, but the electrode may become more prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pre-distortion to the elastomer and/or electrode before final assembly, creating a pre-stressed state that compensates for subsequent thinning effects. This preliminary action allows the actuator to be made thinner while maintaining electrode integrity through the pre-established stress distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the area distortion parameter to 10% or larger, which fundamentally alters the stress-strain relationship in the thin actuator structure. This parameter change enables the actuator to achieve thinness while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength and electrode integrity through optimized geometric nonlinearity.
2Length of moving object
If pre-distortion is applied to the elastomer and electrode with area distortion of 10% or larger, then the actuator can be thinned and driving voltage reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-distortion process is implemented as a preliminary manufacturing step where the elastomer and electrode are distorted before assembly. This approach consolidates multiple manufacturing operations into a single preparatory phase, making the overall process more manageable despite the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where the pre-distorted elastomer and electrode work together as an integrated system. The area distortion of 10% or larger creates a synergistic effect between the layers, allowing the composite structure to achieve thinness while maintaining manufacturability through coordinated deformation of multiple 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
The actuator is thinned, reducing driving voltage requirements and enhancing structural balance, allowing for efficient operation without support members and minimizing electrode breakage.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating elastic layer (elastomer layer) 21A and an electrode 21B
Implementation Method 2
pre-distortion is applied to the elastomer 21A and/or the electrode 21B, and area distortion of the elastomer 21A and/or the electrode 21B is 10% or larger
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a laminate including an elastomer layer and an electrode, in which the laminate has a spiral or concentric shape, pre-distortion is applied to at least one member out of the elastomer layer and the electrode, and area distortion of the at least one member is 10% or larger.