Dielectric Elastomer Transducer Segmented Electrode Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dielectric elastomer transducers face issues with electrode damage and insufficient expansion due to the configuration where the dielectric elastomer layer and electrode layers are wound around a tensile force maintaining body, leading to unreasonable rubbing and reduced effective expansion.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric elastomer transducer design featuring a dielectric elastomer function element with overlapping electrode application regions spaced away from a supporting body, electrode-less portions fixed to the supporting body, and a tubular shape without overlapping, allowing for sufficient expansion while preventing electrode damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the dielectric elastomer layer and electrode layers are wound around the tensile force maintaining body to increase driving force, then the driving force is improved, but the electrode layers are damaged due to unreasonable rubbing and constriction
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric elastomer layer is divided into multiple segments along the axial direction, with each segment having electrode layers applied only to specific regions. The segments are spaced apart rather than continuously wound, which prevents the electrode layers from rubbing against each other while still maintaining the driving force through the segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Electrode layers are applied selectively to specific regions (application regions) of the dielectric elastomer layer rather than covering the entire surface. This local application ensures that electrodes are positioned where they contribute to driving force generation while avoiding regions where rubbing and damage would occur.
2Force
If the dielectric elastomer layer is wound around the tensile force maintaining body to increase driving force, then the driving force is improved, but the expansion amount is reduced due to constriction at the axial center portion
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dielectric elastomer layer into multiple spaced-apart sections rather than continuous winding, the constriction effect at the axial center is eliminated. Each segment can expand freely without being constrained by adjacent wound layers, thereby increasing the overall expansion amount while maintaining driving force through the distributed segmented structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a continuous radial winding configuration to a segmented axial distribution, changing the spatial arrangement from concentric layers to spaced segments along the axial direction. This dimensional reorganization allows expansion in the radial direction without the constriction imposed by continuous winding.
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 design enables sufficient expansion and contraction of the dielectric elastomer transducer without damaging the electrode layers, reducing constriction and preventing electrode rubbing, thus achieving effective and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
When a voltage is applied to the electrode layers 92, 93 from the power source unit 95, a Coulomb force causes the electrode layers 92, 93 to attract each other. With the attractive force, the thickness of the dielectric elastomer layer 91 is decreased and the size in the axial direction is increased.
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectric elastomer transducer includes a dielectric elastomer function element having a dielectric elastomer layer and a pair of electrode layers between which the dielectric elastomer function element is interposed, and further includes a supporting body that supports the dielectric elastomer function element. Each of the electrode layers has one or more application regions. The dielectric elastomer function element has one or more function portions on which the application regions of the electrode layers are overlapped. The function portion is spaced away from the supporting body. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid damaging the electrode layer and acquire a sufficient amount of expansion.