Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Surface Constraints for Stable Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilayer actuators experience a significant decrease in strain when voltage is applied, limiting their displacement and effectiveness in drive and electronic apparatuses.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer dielectric elastomer actuator with constraining members on its surfaces, which are harder than the actuator body, to stabilize the driven body and reduce strain by controlling the expansion and contraction of the elastomer layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a multilayer actuator is applied to a drive apparatus or electronic apparatus, then the actuator can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, but the strain decreases significantly when voltage is applied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical energy to mechanical energy conversionVSAvoidstrain

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by introducing an unconstrained portion in the actuator body that is not constrained by constraining members, allowing this region to flex and expand when voltage is applied. This flexible region compensates for the overall strain reduction caused by the constrained surfaces, enabling the actuator to maintain effective displacement while converting electrical energy to mechanical energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If constraining members are provided on the surfaces of the actuator body, then the driven body can be stabilized, but the configuration and production process become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriven body stabilityVSAvoidactuator configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the actuator body into two distinct regions: a constrained portion with constraining members for stability, and an unconstrained portion without constraining members for flexibility. This segmentation allows the actuator to achieve both stability from the constrained region and displacement capability from the unconstrained region, without requiring complex overall configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the first surface and second surface of the actuator body are entirely constrained, then the driven body is stabilized, but the displacement amount is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriven body stabilityVSAvoiddisplacement amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different constraint conditions in different regions of the actuator body. The constrained portion has constraining members that provide stability, while the unconstrained portion lacks these members, allowing local expansion and contraction. This localized differentiation enables the actuator to maintain both stability and displacement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively reduces strain and maintains displacement, enhancing the actuator's performance in various drive and electronic applications without complicating the actuator's configuration or production process.

Implementation Method 1

a multilayer actuator in which an electrode and an elastomer layer are arranged in a layered formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic compression: Electrostriction

Implementation Method 2

A multilayer dielectric elastomer actuator with constraining members on its surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric elastomer actuation: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 3

constraining members on its surfaces, which are harder than the actuator body, to stabilize the driven body and reduce strain by controlling the expansion and contraction of the elastomer layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4009509B1Actuator, drive device and electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.12.18 SONY GROUP CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

[Object] An actuator includes an actuator body that includes a first surface and a second surface that face each other; a first constraining member that is provided on the first surface, and constrains the first surface from expanding and contracting; and a second constraining member that is provided on the second surface, and constrains the second surface from expanding and contracting. The actuator body includes a first electrode, a second electrode that faces the first electrode, and an elastomer layer that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode is a pattern electrode. The first constraining member and the second constraining member are provided correspondingly to the first electrode.