Dielectric elastomer drive sensor system and seat therewith
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dielectric elastomer systems face challenges in simultaneously enhancing both driving and sensor functions due to limitations in electrode layer configuration, where increasing the area of one pair of electrode layers compromises the other, and time-sharing configurations restrict repulsion force during sensor functions.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric elastomer driving sensor system with a tubular-shaped dielectric elastomer layer, where driving and sensor regions are arranged circumferentially with larger driving regions and smaller sensor regions, allowing for independent operation and balanced performance of both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the area of one pair of electrode layers is increased and the distance between electrode layers is reduced to improve driving function, then the area of the other pair of electrode layers becomes smaller and the distance between them increases, degrading sensor function
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode layers are segmented into four distinct regions: first driving region, first sensor region, second driving region, and second sensor region. This segmentation allows each region to be independently optimized for its specific function, with driving regions having larger area and smaller spacing for force generation, while sensor regions have appropriate area and spacing for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode layers are assigned different functional qualities: driving regions are designed with larger area and smaller inter-electrode distance to maximize repulsion force, while sensor regions are designed with different dimensions and spacing optimized for capacitance detection. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each function to have its optimal parameters in its designated region.
2Adaptability or versatility
If time-sharing configuration is used to perform both driving and sensor functions, then repulsion force is limited during sensor function periods, making it unsuitable for applications requiring simultaneous functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode layers are divided into separate driving regions and sensor regions that can operate independently and simultaneously. This spatial segmentation eliminates the need for time-sharing, allowing the driving function to generate full repulsion force while the sensor function performs detection without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric elastomer unit is designed as a multi-functional system where a single structure performs both driving and sensing functions through its different regional components. The driving regions generate repulsion force while sensor regions detect capacitance changes, enabling simultaneous operation of both functions within one integrated unit.
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
Enables simultaneous and balanced execution of driving and sensor functions, improving comfort and load distribution by adjusting repulsion forces in real-time, suitable for applications requiring frequent detection and simultaneous functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of units in which dielectric elastomer layers are used perform a driving function and a sensor function. In the driving function, it is intended that a repulsion force is distributed by causing each unit to separately generate a repulsion force.
Implementation Method 2
Patent document JP2016121758 A discloses a damping member being connected to a control unit that measures the capacitance of a capacitor unit including a first sensor electrode, a dielectric layer, and a second sensor electrode.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A dielectric elastomer driving sensor system includes: a dielectric elastomer transducer portion including a dielectric elastomer layer and a pair of electrode layers that sandwich the dielectric elastomer layer, where the pair of electrode layers include a driving region and a sensor region that are partitioned from each other; a power supply unit that applies a voltage to the driving region; a detection unit that detects a change in capacitance in the sensor region; and a control unit that controls the power supply unit and the detection unit. With this configuration, both the driving function and the sensor function can be performed.