Flexible Actuator Array With Integrated Drive Layers for Miniaturized Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible actuators are large in volume and complex in control due to magnetic field or pneumatic control principles, failing to meet requirements for miniaturization and programmable control.
Innovation Solution
A flexible actuator comprising a plurality of units with a driving circuit layer and a flexible deformation layer, where the driving circuit layer provides control signals for the deformation layer, allowing for independent control and miniaturization through a simple and compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic field control principle or pneumatic control principle is adopted, then drive control can be realized, but the flexible actuator becomes large in overall volume and complex in control program
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field control and pneumatic control systems with a simplified electrical control system. The driving circuit layer directly controls the flexible deformation layer through electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex magnetic field generators or pneumatic valves, thus reducing both volume and control program complexity while maintaining drive control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex control intermediaries (magnetic field control programs or pneumatic control programs) from the system. By directly integrating the driving circuit layer with the flexible deformation layer, it eliminates the need for separate control software or hardware, achieving a more compact and simpler device structure
2Reliability
If magnetic field control principle or pneumatic control principle is adopted, then drive control can be realized, but the flexible actuator becomes large in overall volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes bulky magnetic field generators or pneumatic components with a thin-film driving circuit layer that can be directly integrated onto the flexible deformation layer. This electrical control approach dramatically reduces the overall volume while preserving the drive control function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the driving circuit layer is integrated within or directly onto the flexible deformation layer. This multi-layer integration allows the control components to be embedded within the actuator structure itself, minimizing the overall volume
3Reliability
If existing flexible actuator structures are used, then drive control is achieved, but miniaturization requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film technology for both the driving circuit layer and the flexible deformation layer. This allows the actuator to be miniaturized while maintaining its drive control function, as the thin-film structure reduces volume without compromising the essential control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the actuator into discrete flexible actuator units arranged in an array, where each unit consists of a driving circuit layer and a flexible deformation layer. This segmentation enables independent miniaturization of each unit while maintaining overall drive control functionality across the entire actuator array
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 flexible actuator achieves miniaturization and programmable control, enabling precise deformation and efficient mass production, while meeting user requirements for size and control complexity.
Implementation Method 1
both the first driving electrode and the second driving electrode are located on a side of the second flexible film away from the first flexible film
Implementation Method 2
The driving circuit layer is configured to provide a control signal for the flexible deformation layer; and the flexible deformation layer is configured to deform under the control of the control signal
Implementation Method 3
a material of the third flexible film includes: a dielectric elastomer material; and the driving circuit layer includes: a third driving electrode and a fourth driving electrode both located on a side of the third flexible film
Implementation Method 4
a material of the fourth flexible film includes: a thermal expansion material; and the driving circuit layer includes: a fifth driving electrode on a side of the fourth flexible film
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a flexible actuator, a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic device, belongs to the technical field of flexible actuators, and can solve the problems that existing flexible actuators are large in size and complex in control program. The flexible actuator provided by the present disclosure includes: a plurality of flexible actuator units arranged in an array; each of the flexible actuator units includes: a driving circuit layer, and a flexible deformation layer located on a side of the driving circuit layer; the driving circuit layer is configured to provide a control signal for the flexible deformation layer; and the flexible deformation layer is configured to deform under the control of the control signal.