Microfluidic Artificial Muscles Using Dielectric Elastomers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial muscles technologies, such as electromagnetic, pneumatic, hydraulic, thermal actuators, and electroactive polymers, face challenges like bulkiness, high power consumption, slow actuation, heat management issues, and manufacturing complexities, making them impractical for many applications including exoskeletons and underwater propulsion systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of artificial muscles based on arrays of electrostatic actuators with resilient dielectric material sandwiched between liquid, semi-liquid, or gel electrodes, utilizing microfluidic networks for efficient fluidic and electrical interconnection, enabling reliable and scalable force generation through 3D printing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional electromagnetic devices are used to generate significant force, then high magnetic fields are required, but the devices become large, bulky, and power hungry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromagnetic actuation with electrostatic actuation using dielectric elastomers. The electrostatic actuators generate mechanical force through electrostatic pressure without requiring large magnetic fields, thereby reducing device size while maintaining force generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from electromagnetic to electrostatic, and uses material property changes in dielectric elastomers under electric field to generate force. This parameter change enables high force density in a compact form factor
2Force
If thermal actuators are used to generate significant force, then high force can be achieved, but actuation speed is slow due to heat transfer limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal actuation with electrostatic actuation. The electrostatic actuators respond almost instantaneously to voltage changes, eliminating the thermal inertia that limits actuation speed in thermal actuators while maintaining force generation capability
3Ease of operation
If shape-memory alloys are used for artificial muscles, then easy deformation below transition temperature is achieved, but the material is heavy and actuation is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dielectric elastomers that change their mechanical properties under electric field rather than temperature changes. This eliminates the need for heavy shape-memory alloys and their associated thermal management systems, achieving lightweight artificial muscles with fast actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces thermally-driven shape-memory alloy actuation with electrically-driven electrostatic actuation of dielectric elastomers, achieving both weight reduction and improved actuation speed
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional EAP actuators are fabricated, then muscle-like actuation is achieved, but fabrication is cumbersome and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dielectric elastomer membrane with flexible printed circuit board electrodes, creating an integrated structure that simplifies fabrication. The FPCB electrodes provide both electrical connection and structural support, eliminating separate electrode assembly steps and improving reliability through robust electrical connections
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
This solution provides a simple, efficient, and durable actuation technology suitable for artificial muscles, capable of generating significant force with reduced size and power consumption, suitable for applications like acoustically quiet underwater propulsion and prosthetics, with improved reliability and manufacturability.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic actuators that include resilient dielectric material disposed between liquid, semi-liquid, or gel electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Artificial muscles comprising a body of dielectric elastomer, wherein the body contains a pair of microfluidic networks are presented. Each microfluidic network includes a plurality of channels fluidically coupled via a manifold. The channels of the microfluidic networks are interdigitated and filled with conductive fluid such that each set of adjacent channels functions as the electrodes of an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator. By using the manifolds as compliant wiring to energize the electrodes, artificial muscles in accordance with the present disclosure mitigate some or all of the reliability problems associated with prior-art artificial muscles.