Magnetic Slimebot Composition for Deformable Narrow-Space Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small-scale robots face limitations in deformability and environmental adaptability, with elastomer-based robots restricted by predesigned shapes and fluid-based robots requiring demanding environments, limiting their ability to navigate narrow spaces and adapt to complex interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional magnetic slimebot composition comprising tetrafunctional borate ions, magnetic particles, and a polymeric glue forms a non-Newtonian fluid, enabling large deformations and environmental adaptability, with reconfigurability, self-healing, and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastomer-based soft robots are used, then complex interface adaptability is achieved, but deformability and ability to pass through narrow spaces are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines elastomer and fluid materials into a composite system where an elastomer shell encapsulates a fluid core. This composite structure allows the robot to exhibit both the interface adaptability of elastomers and the deformability of fluids, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes magnetic field application to change the rheological parameters of the fluid core, transforming it from a viscous state to a more fluid state under magnetic influence. This parameter change enables enhanced deformability while maintaining the structural integrity provided by the elastomer shell.
2Shape
If fluid-based soft robots are used, then deformability and ability to pass through narrow spaces are improved, but demanding operating environments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer shell provides environmental adaptability and structural stability, allowing the fluid core to deform freely without requiring specific environmental conditions. The composite structure protects the fluid from adhesion issues and environmental demands while maintaining its deformability advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer shell acts as an intermediary between the fluid core and the external environment, shielding the fluid from demanding operating conditions while transmitting magnetic field forces to enable deformation and movement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastomer-based soft robots are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but reconfigurability in situ is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the fluid core can be reconfigured in situ through magnetic field application, while the elastomer shell maintains structural integrity. The system transitions from a static elastomer structure to a dynamic composite structure with adaptable configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic field application changes the rheological parameters of the fluid core, enabling reconfiguration from a stable viscous state to a deformable state, and back again. This parameter change allows in situ reconfigurability while the elastomer shell preserves overall structural integrity.
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 magnetic slimebot achieves enhanced deformability, adaptability, and multifunctionality, allowing navigation through narrow spaces, grasping objects, and repairing circuits, while being biocompatible and suitable for biomedical applications.
Implementation Method 1
an external magnetic field is a promising choice for actuating small-scale robots
Implementation Method 2
0.005-80 wt. % of magnetic particles; wherein said tetrafunctional borate ion, buffer and magnetic particles are crosslinked in said polymeric glue to form a non-Newtonian fluid composition
Implementation Method 3
said tetrafunctional borate ion, buffer and magnetic particles are crosslinked in said polymeric glue to form a non-Newtonian fluid composition
Implementation Method 4
form a non-Newtonian fluid composition
Implementation Method 5
Fluid-based soft robots exhibit better deformability than elastomer-based soft robots owing to their fluid flow properties that allow them to easily pass through extraordinarily narrow and restricted spaces
Implementation Method 6
an intelligent deformable and cooperative ferrofluid-based soft robot that could pass through 1.5 mm diameter narrow channels
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a multifunctional magnetic composition that can be used in applications such as slimebots and sensors. In one embodiment, said composition, comprises: a) 0.005-5 wt. % of a source of tetrafunctional borate ions; b) a buffer for maintaining pH at 6.5 to 9.5; c) 0.005-80 wt. % of magnetic particles; and d) a polymeric glue having hydroxyl groups; wherein said tetrafunctional borate ion, buffer and magnetic particles are crosslinked in said polymeric glue to form a non-Newtonian fluid composition.