Flexible Electrode Actuator With Restraining Members for Mechanical Work
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soft actuators using dielectric elastomers between electrodes are limited in converting deformation into practical mechanical work, failing to realize actions like jumping, throwing, gathering, storing, discharging, catching, tightening, and loosening.
Innovation Solution
An actuator with a flexible electrode and a base electrode covered by an insulation layer, where the flexible electrode deforms towards the base electrode when voltage is applied, utilizing restraining members to support the deformation and convert it into various mechanical actions such as shifting, pressing, or changing volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dielectric elastomer is held between a pair of electrodes to perform deformation, then the actuator can generate mechanical work through deformation, but it cannot realize various concrete actions such as jumping, throwing, gathering, storing, discharging, catching, tightening, and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible electrode is divided into multiple functional regions: a deforming portion that undergoes deformation under voltage, a restraining member that serves as a support point, and other portions that perform specific actions. This segmentation allows each region to have specialized functions, enabling diverse actions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the spatial relationship between the deforming portion and other portions of the flexible electrode to create mechanical work. By allowing the deforming portion to deform in one dimension (towards the base electrode) while restraining it at specific points, the structure converts this deformation into multi-dimensional mechanical actions such as jumping, gathering, and tightening.
2Productivity
If the flexible electrode deforms towards the base electrode when voltage is applied, then mechanical work can be generated, but the deformation cannot be effectively converted into practical mechanical actions
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining member acts as an intermediary between the deforming portion and the base electrode. It provides a support point that allows the deforming portion to deform towards the base electrode while converting this deformation into useful mechanical work through the movement of other portions of the flexible electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible electrode itself serves multiple functions: it generates deformation through dielectric elastomer properties, provides structural support through its flexible nature, and performs the actual mechanical work through the movement of its various portions. This self-service approach improves conversion efficiency by eliminating the need for separate conversion mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If restraining members are added to support the deforming portion, then various mechanical actions can be realized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a support point for the deforming portion, defines the boundary between deforming and non-deforming regions, and enables the conversion of deformation into various mechanical actions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while increasing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support function, deformation control function, and mechanical work output function into a single integrated flexible electrode structure with restraining members. This consolidation achieves various mechanical actions without requiring separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in 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
Enables the actuator to perform diverse actions like jumping, throwing, gathering, discharging, catching, and loosening, which conventional soft actuators cannot achieve, by effectively utilizing the deformation of the flexible electrode.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric elastomer held between a pair of electrodes deforms
Implementation Method 2
when a voltage is applied between the flexible electrode and the base electrode, the flexible electrode deforms so as to approach the opposing surface
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator has a flexible electrode that has flexibility and a base electrode of which an opposing surface facing the flexible electrode is covered with an insulation layer, and is configured such that, when a voltage is applied between flexible electrode and the base electrode, the flexible electrode deforms so as to approach the opposing surface. The actuator includes a restraining member that restrains the flexible electrode on the base electrode. The flexible electrode has a deforming portion that deforms when a voltage is applied between the electrodes. The deforming portion deforms in a direction of approaching the opposing surface, with the restraining member serving as a support point.