Modular Inflation Segments With Stacked Artificial Muscles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inflation systems, particularly those using artificial muscles, face limitations due to rigidity, weight-to-power ratio issues, and inefficiencies in fluidic actuators, which restrict their versatility and size/shape adaptability for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular inflation system comprising interconnected inflation segments with stacked artificial muscle layers, each including an electrode region and an expandable fluid region, allowing for actuation between states through electrical voltage, enabling flexible shape and size formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluidic actuators are used to power artificial muscles, then the artificial muscles can be actuated, but the speed and efficiency are limited due to fluid transport through channels and tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fluid transport system (channels and tubes) from the artificial muscle structure entirely. Instead of using fluidic actuators that require complex internal plumbing, the invention uses electrically actuated artificial muscles where electrical signals directly control the muscle fibers, eliminating the need for fluid distribution networks and significantly simplifying the device architecture while improving actuation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluid transport system with an electrical control system. By substituting hydraulic/pneumatic actuation with electrical actuation of artificial muscle fibers, the system eliminates the need for mechanical channels and tubes, reducing device complexity and improving response time through direct electrical stimulation of the muscle material.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional inflation systems are used, then inflation function is provided, but the systems are limited by fixed size and shape, requiring additional systems for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inflation system into multiple modular segments, each containing its own artificial muscles and enclosure. These segments can be independently controlled and connected in various configurations to create different overall shapes and sizes. This segmentation allows a single modular system to replace multiple fixed-purpose inflation systems, improving versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability by allowing the modular segments to be connected and disconnected in different arrangements. The artificial muscles within each segment can be independently actuated to change the shape and volume of individual modules, and the overall system configuration can be dynamically adjusted by repositioning or reconfiguring the connected segments, enabling adaptation to different tasks without requiring additional fixed systems.
3Ease of operation
If thermally activated polymer fibers are used for artificial muscles, then actuation is achieved, but control is difficult and operating efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermally activated polymer fibers with electrically actuated artificial muscles. By substituting thermal activation with electrical stimulation, the system achieves precise control through electrical signals that can be rapidly adjusted in intensity and timing. This electrical actuation method significantly improves operating efficiency by directly converting electrical energy to mechanical work in the muscle fibers, eliminating the energy losses associated with thermal conversion and heat dissipation.
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 modular system allows for the creation of inflation systems of any suitable shape and size, enhancing versatility and efficiency by enabling flexible actuation and expansion, suitable for diverse applications such as car lifts, rafts, and blankets.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more plurality of artificial muscles of each of the plurality of artificial muscle layers are operable between an actuated state and a non-actuated state
Implementation Method 2
Other artificial muscles use thermally activated polymer fibers
Implementation Method 3
an expandable fluid region, and an electrode pair positioned in the electrode region of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
Modular inflation systems and inflation segments including an inflation enclosure and a plurality of artificial muscle layers provided within the inflation enclosure in a stacked arrangement, each of the plurality of artificial muscle layers including one or more artificial muscles, wherein one or more plurality of artificial muscles of each of the plurality of artificial muscle layers are operable between an actuated state and a non-actuated state, and one or more fastening members for attaching the inflation segment to another inflation segment.