Electroactive Polymer Flexible Body for Motorless Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robots and electrical devices require cumbersome motor or hydraulic systems for walking or local deformation, limiting flexibility, strength, and overall performance.
Innovation Solution
A flexible body comprising flexible units with a first electrode, a second electrode, an electroactive polymer layer, and a thin film transistor, where the electrodes generate an electric field to deform the electroactive polymer layer, allowing for controlled deformation without motors or hydraulic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motor or hydraulic systems are used for control, then walking or local deformation function is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems (motors, hydraulic systems) with an electroactive polymer-based actuation system. The electroactive polymer layer deforms in response to electric fields generated by electrodes, directly producing mechanical motion without intermediate mechanical components. This substitution eliminates the need for complex motors and hydraulic systems, thereby reducing device complexity while improving flexibility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (voltage, electric field strength) to control the deformation of the electroactive polymer layer. By adjusting the electrical parameters applied to the electrodes, the degree and direction of deformation can be precisely controlled, enabling flexible and adaptable motion control without mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If motor or hydraulic systems are used, then deformation control is achieved, but overall working performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a direct electrical-to-mechanical conversion system using electroactive polymers. This substitution improves overall working performance by eliminating energy losses associated with mechanical transmissions, reducing system inertia, and enabling faster response times. The direct actuation mechanism enhances productivity while maintaining simpler control architecture.
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 flexible body achieves simplified structure and enhanced flexibility and performance by converting electric energy into mechanical energy, suitable for applications like artificial muscles, limbs, and massage chairs, with controlled expansion and shrinkage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to provide an electric field acting on the electroactive polymer layer, and the electroactive polymer layer is configured to deform in response to the electric field provided by the first electrode and the second electrode.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a flexible body and a method for controlling the flexible body to deform. The flexible body comprises one or more flexible units, wherein each of the flexible units comprises: a first electrode, a second electrode, an electroactive polymer layer, and a thin film transistor, wherein a source electrode or a drain electrode of the thin film transistor is electrically connected to the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are configured to provide an electric field acting on the electroactive polymer layer, and the electroactive polymer layer is configured to deform in response to the electric field provided by the first electrode and the second electrode.