Electromagnetic Artificial Muscle with Ferromagnetic Rod and Mesh Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current muscle replacement technologies, such as those using heated polymer weaves with high voltage electric currents, face limitations in providing effective and flexible augmentation for individuals with muscle weakness due to trauma, cancer, or disorders like muscular dystrophy, and are not suitable for amputated limbs.
Innovation Solution
An artificial muscle design featuring an internally charged rod surrounded by mesh cylinders and fiber mesh, with titanium attachment points and a viscous fluid, activated by an electromagnetic source and microprocessor, enhancing flexibility and strength through a controlled magnetic motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heated polymer weaves with high voltage electric current are used to coil filaments into a helix creating pulling force, then muscle replacement function is achieved, but limitations in flexibility and effectiveness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical system (heating polymer with high voltage current to coil filaments) with an electromagnetic system. An electromagnet generates a magnetic field that directly acts on a ferromagnetic rod, causing it to move linearly between magnetic poles without requiring thermal heating or filament coiling. This substitution enables more flexible and effective muscle replacement while maintaining the pulling force function.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic source is used to activate artificial muscle, then controlled movement is achieved, but magnetic interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferromagnetic rod as an intermediary between the electromagnet and the mesh cylinders. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that acts on the ferromagnetic rod, which then transmits the magnetic force to the surrounding mesh cylinders through mechanical coupling. This intermediary approach enables controlled movement while containing and directing the magnetic field, reducing unwanted magnetic interference in the surrounding environment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If mesh cylinders surrounded by fiber mesh are used, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where mesh cylinders are positioned inside a fiber mesh envelope, which in turn is contained within an outer housing. The ferromagnetic rod is nested within the mesh cylinders. This nested arrangement provides structural integrity at multiple levels while maintaining a compact overall form factor, balancing strength requirements with device complexity.
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 provides improved flexibility, strength, and controlled movement, reducing magnetic interference and tissue rejection, enabling more effective muscle augmentation and prosthetic functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet with two magnetic poles and a ferromagnetic rod positioned between the magnetic poles such that the ferromagnetic rod is movable in a linear direction by the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnet with two magnetic poles
Implementation Method 3
A fiber, material or mesh of fibers surrounding the mesh cylinders and mechanically attached to the mesh cylinders at an attachment spacing
Data Source
AI summary
An artificial muscle including an internal electromechanically charged rod extending beyond two attach points. A plurality of mesh cylinders having a mesh cylinder top and a mesh cylinder bottom surrounding the charged rod. A fiber surrounding the mesh cylinders and mechanically attached to the mesh cylinders at an attachment spacing and wherein an electromagnetic source activates the artificial muscle through at least one microprocessor. The artificial muscle fiber may be nylon and the attach points may be titanium. The artificial muscle fiber may be coated with nylon. The artificial muscle fiber may contain a viscous fluid.