Electroactive Valve Actuator for Static Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator technologies, particularly hydraulic systems, face challenges with maintaining an actuated position without continuous electrical input and are prone to leakage and high maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a fluid-impermeable membrane with a compartment containing dielectric fluid and an electroactive valve that allows selective movement of the fluid, enabling the actuator to lock in an actuated position by trapping dielectric fluid in an edge region until activated again.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic systems are used to supply force through compressed gas or liquid, then high pressure can be employed which reduces the size of the operating equipment, but hydraulic systems are notorious for leakage and high maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hydraulic mechanical systems with an electrostatic actuation system. The electrostatic valve uses electric fields to control fluid flow instead of mechanical moving parts, eliminating leakage issues associated with mechanical seals and valves while maintaining the force supply capability through dielectric fluid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the dielectric fluid by controlling its pressure and position within the compartment. By applying electrical voltage to the electrostatic valve, the fluid pressure is modulated to either block or permit flow between regions, enabling force control without mechanical movement.
2Force
If traditional actuators are used, then continuous electrical input is required to maintain an actuated position, but this increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic valve operates by applying periodic or pulsed electrical input rather than continuous power. The valve is activated only when position changes are needed, and once the dielectric fluid is positioned to maintain the actuated state, no further electrical input is required, significantly reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the positioned dielectric fluid itself to maintain the actuated position through hydraulic pressure. The fluid, once positioned by the electrostatic valve, continues to exert force on the membrane without requiring ongoing electrical input, making the system self-sustaining in its actuated state.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an electrostatic valve is used to control dielectric fluid movement, then the actuator can lock in an actuated position without continuous electrical input, but this requires a complex membrane structure with multiple conducting and insulating portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the membrane structure with the electrostatic valve components. The conducting portions are integrated into the membrane itself rather than being separate elements, and the insulating portions are formed as continuous layers. This integration reduces the number of discrete parts while achieving the same functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier separating fluid regions, as an electrostatic actuator through its conducting portions, as an insulator through its insulating portions, and as a force transmission element through the dielectric fluid. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate 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
The actuator can maintain hydraulic force without further electrical input, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing maintenance needs by locking in an actuated state, allowing for sustained displacement of objects with minimal energy input.
Implementation Method 1
The membrane includes a first conductive portion comprising a conductive material and configured to produce an electric field in response to a first electrical input
Implementation Method 2
The second conductive portion is positioned opposite the first conductive portion and configured to attract to the first conductive portion in response to the first electrical input
Implementation Method 3
The compartment is configured to deliver a hydraulic force to the membrane in response to adherence of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion
Implementation Method 4
The electroactive valve is positioned within the compartment and configured to maintain the hydraulic force on the membrane and release the hydraulic force upon receiving a second electrical input
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Actuators having electroactive valves are described herein. The actuators can move from a first position to a second position and lock in the second position using an electroactive valve. The device can include an actuator having a fluid-impermeable membrane. The fluid-impermeable membrane can define a compartment, the compartment having a central region, an edge region extending from and fluidly connected with the central region, an electroactive valve between the central region and the edge region, and a dielectric fluid. When actuated, the actuators can force fluid through the electroactive valves and into the edge region. Once in the edge region, the electroactive valves can prevent return flow until receiving an actuation signal.