Electrostatic Jamming Layers for Low-Voltage Flexible Stiffening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic jamming devices are limited by requiring high voltages, being difficult to fabricate, and susceptible to electrical breakdown, with previous devices only allowing simple bending into developable surfaces and having issues with pinholes or cracks in dielectric layers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrostatic jamming device using conductive and dielectric layers with a thickness of less than 10 micrometers, operating at low voltages below the air breakdown voltage, allowing bending in one state and resisting bending in another, with urging elements to maintain close proximity of layers and reduce air gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage is used in electrostatic jamming devices, then motion resistance is achieved, but energy storage and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from high voltage to low voltage operation, enabling the jamming device to function at voltages below the air breakdown voltage. This parameter change reduces energy storage requirements and safety risks while maintaining motion resistance capability through optimized dielectric layer design and electrode configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite structures with conductive layers and dielectric layers in specific configurations. The dielectric layers with thickness less than 10 micrometers are positioned between conductive layers to create effective electrostatic jamming at low voltages, transforming the material composition to enable low-voltage operation
2Reliability
If thick dielectric layers are used, then electrical breakdown is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dielectric layer thickness parameter to less than 10 micrometers, which is thin enough to simplify manufacturing but thick enough to prevent electrical breakdown at low operating voltages. This optimized thickness parameter resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin dielectric layers that can be manufactured using cost-effective processes such as deposition or lamination. These thin layers are replaceable and can be applied to flexible substrates, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to thick dielectric structures
3Adaptability or versatility
If simple bending is allowed, then device flexibility is maintained, but functional versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic jamming device that can transition between flexible and rigid states. By applying voltage to the electrostatic jamming structure, the device can dynamically change its mechanical properties, allowing it to resist bending when needed while maintaining flexibility when the voltage is removed. This dynamic control enables complex patterns and shapes without permanently increasing structural 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
Enables controlled resistance to motion at low voltages, reducing energy storage and safety risks, while being immune to defects in dielectric layers and allowing complex patterns and shapes, thus improving manufacturing efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible electrostatic jamming device using conductive and dielectric layers with a thickness of less than 10 micrometers, operating at low voltages below the air breakdown voltage
Implementation Method 2
with urging elements to maintain close proximity of layers and reduce air gaps
Data Source
AI summary
At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to a flexible device, comprising a flexible component layer, and a jamming device disposed proximate to the flexible component layer. The jamming device permits the flexible component layer to be bent in a first state. The jamming device is configured to resist bending of the flexible component layer in a second state.