Electroactive Polymer Strips for Self-Pumping and Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluidic and pneumatic systems lack local fluid actuation and pressure measurement capabilities, requiring external pumps and separate sensors, which can be invasive and impractical, especially for sensitive fluid media.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electroactive polymer (EAP) strips around a fluid passage member for both pumping fluid and sensing pressure, where the strips expand and contract with electrical actuation to force fluid flow and change electrical characteristics with pressure changes, allowing for self-pumping and non-invasive pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external pumps and separate sensors are used for fluid actuation and pressure measurement, then fluid flow and pressure monitoring can be achieved, but device complexity increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (pumping and pressure sensing) into a single integrated system using electroactive polymer strips mounted on the fluid passage member. This eliminates the need for separate external pumps and sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through self-contained functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroactive polymer strips serve dual purposes: they act as actuators to pump fluid when electrically stimulated, and simultaneously function as sensors to detect pressure changes through their piezoresistive properties. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If external pumps and sensors are used, then fluid actuation and pressure measurement are achieved, but the system requires invasive components that may contaminate sensitive fluid media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pumping and sensing functions from external components and integrates them directly onto the fluid passage member itself. This eliminates invasive connections to the fluid stream, reducing contamination risk while maintaining measurement and actuation capabilities through non-contact electrical actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroactive polymer strips act as an intermediary between the electrical control system and the fluid, enabling actuation and sensing without direct mechanical contact with the fluid. This intermediate layer prevents contamination of sensitive fluid media while still achieving the desired control and measurement functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for pumping and sensing, then functional capabilities are achieved, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pumping and sensing capabilities into a single integrated structure where electroactive polymer strips are mounted on the fluid passage member. This integration simplifies manufacturing and assembly by reducing the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured, handled, and assembled, while maintaining full functional capability.
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 self-pumping and pressure sensing within a fluid passage member without external mechanisms, suitable for both compressible and non-compressible fluids, reducing contamination risk and eliminating the need for separate pumps and sensors.
Implementation Method 1
when an electrical charge (e.g., voltage or current) is applied and removed to the EAP strips, they will expand and constrict accordingly
Implementation Method 2
the EAP strips will also change electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, resistance) independent of the applied actuation as they are stretched
Data Source
AI summary
One or more electroactive polymer (EAP) strips are circumferentially or lengthwise embedded or mounted around the fluid passage member. The EAP strips change electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, resistance) independent of an applied actuation as they are stretched, so they may be used to measure fluid pressure and/or fluid flow rate.