Electroactive Polymer Actuator for High-Pressure Valve Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off devices using electroactive materials fail to achieve a tight seal under high pressure due to insufficient force exerted by the closing element and are not compact due to the arrangement of additional components, such as shafts and sealing requirements.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement features multiple shut-off elements with actuators made of electroactive material and electrodes, where the closing elements firmly contact the passage elements, and the use of multiple foils between electrodes increases actuator stroke and contact pressure, allowing for a tighter seal and compact design with a frusto-conical closure for enhanced tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single piece of electroactive material is used as the actuator, then the actuator can be simple in structure, but the relative length extension is small and the actuator must be made relatively long to achieve sufficient stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into multiple electroactive material pieces (first, second, and third pieces) arranged in sequence. Each piece contributes to the overall length extension, allowing the actuator to achieve sufficient stroke while keeping individual pieces short and the structure compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroactive material pieces are arranged not only in series but also with overlapping regions in the longitudinal direction, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement maximizes the length extension within a compact volume.
2Device complexity
If the closing element is not pressed against the passage element, then the actuator structure remains simple, but no tight seal is created that can withstand high pressure loads
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator uses electroactive material pieces that dynamically change length in response to voltage application. When voltage is applied, the pieces extend and press the closing element firmly against the passage element, creating a tight seal. When voltage is removed, the pieces contract, allowing the closing element to open. This dynamic mechanism provides both simple structure and reliable sealing.
3Force
If the actuator stroke is increased by making the electroactive material longer, then sufficient contact pressure can be achieved, but the overall device size increases and compact design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electroactive material pieces are arranged with overlapping regions, where the second piece overlaps with both the first and third pieces in the longitudinal direction. This nested arrangement allows the pieces to work together synergistically, multiplying the effective stroke and contact pressure while minimizing the overall device volume.
4Force
If multiple electroactive material pieces are arranged with overlapping regions, then the actuator stroke and contact pressure are increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electroactive material pieces and electrodes are merged into a single integrated component through co-molding. This combining of multiple elements into one manufacturing step simplifies production despite the complex three-dimensional overlapping arrangement, reducing assembly steps and ensuring precise positioning of all components.
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
This solution achieves a high level of tightness in the closed position and efficient flow in the open position, enabling the shut-off devices to withstand high pressure loads while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
the actuators comprise a common element made of an electroactive material and two electrodes each. When opposite voltages are applied to the electrodes, the piece of electroactive material stretches longitudinally
Implementation Method 2
the closing elements in the closed position each lie firmly against an area of the respective passage elements that surrounds the respective passage opening
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
The device has a through-opening (2) formed in a discharge element (1). An actuator (4) is provided for moving a closure element (3) between a close position and open position. The actuator is accommodated in a through-flow region (7), and includes a foil (10) made of electroactive material e.g. silicone, formed between two flat electrodes (11, 12). The closure element fixedly lies at a region of the discharge element in the close position, where the region surrounds the through-opening. The foil includes thickness between 4 micrometers and 100 micrometers.