Electroactive Polymer Fastening Arrangement for Low-Stress Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fastening arrangements require significant mechanical effort and stress on components during assembly and are difficult to release without destroying the fastening element or counterpart.
Innovation Solution
A fastening arrangement utilizing an electroactive polymer actuator with elastic electrode layers that change dimensions when voltage is applied, allowing locking elements to pivot between locked and released positions with minimal mechanical load, enabling easy engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening arrangements (screw connections, rivet connections) are used, then reliable connection is achieved, but significant mechanical stresses are exerted on the components during assembly and removal is difficult or destructive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, rivets requiring manual tightening forces) with an electroactive polymer actuator system. The EAP actuator uses electrical energy to generate mechanical motion that opens and closes the locking elements, eliminating the need for high manual mechanical stresses during assembly and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to be dynamically controllable through the electroactive polymer actuator. The system transitions from a static locked state to an unlocked state by applying electrical voltage, allowing the locking elements to pivot and release without destructive forces. This dynamic control enables reliable connection while avoiding excessive mechanical stresses.
2Reliability
If conventional fastening arrangements are used, then secure connection is achieved, but removal requires great effort or destruction of fastening element
Solution Approach 1:
The removal operation is simplified by replacing manual mechanical effort with electrical actuation. The electroactive polymer actuator receives an electrical signal and automatically actuates the locking elements to the open position, enabling easy removal without destructive forces or excessive manual effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the removal operation automatically through the electroactive polymer actuator. When an electrical signal is applied, the actuator self-actuates the locking elements to release the connection, eliminating the need for manual intervention or destructive removal methods.
3Ease of operation
If electroactive polymer actuator is used, then effortless assembly and easy release are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electroactive polymer actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuation mechanism and the driving force for the locking elements. The EAP material inherently converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, eliminating the need for separate motors, gears, or linkages that would increase complexity further.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in the physical state of the electroactive polymer material in response to electrical voltage. The EAP changes its dimensions or shape when voltage is applied, directly translating this parameter change into the mechanical motion needed to open or close the locking elements, thereby simplifying the overall mechanism.
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 allows for effortless assembly and disassembly without applying large mechanical loads, using the electroactive polymer's restoring force to generate contact pressure and facilitating simple voltage-controlled locking and unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
a first electroactive polymer layer (17) is provided between the first and the second electrode layers (13, 15), wherein the first electroactive polymer actuator is designed such that applying an electrical voltage between the first and the second electrode layers (13, 15) leads to a change in the dimensions of the first electroactive polymer layer (17) parallel to the first and second electrode layers (13, 15)
Implementation Method 2
the first and second locking elements (9, 11) are in the locking position when no electrical voltage is applied between the first and second electrode layers (13, 15), and wherein the first and second locking elements (9, 11) are pivoted relative to each other into the release position when an electrical voltage is applied between the first and second electrode layers (13, 15)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A fastening arrangement is shown and described, comprising a fastening element (1) that has a base part (7), a first locking element (9), and a second locking element (11). The first and second locking elements (9, 11) are attached to the base part (7) and can assume a locking position and a release position. The base part (7) has a first electroactive polymer actuator comprising a first electrode layer (13) and a second electrode layer (15) extending parallel to each other, and a first electroactive polymer layer (17) is provided between the first and second electrode layers (13, 15).The first electroactive polymer actuator is designed such that applying a predetermined electrical voltage between the first and second electrode layers (13, 15) leads to a change in the dimensions of the first electroactive polymer layer (17) parallel to the first and second electrode layers (13, 15). Furthermore, the fastening element is designed such that the first and second locking elements (9, 11) are in the locked position when no electrical voltage is applied between the first and second electrode layers (13, 15), and the first and second locking elements (9, 11) are pivoted relative to each other into the unlocked position when an electrical voltage is applied between the first and second electrode layers (13, 15).