Multi-Layer Diaphragm Actuator Compact Frame Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Stacked diaphragm actuators require significant space due to the height of their frame parts, which is not efficiently utilized, leading to wasted space and reduced installation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer diaphragm actuator design where multiple electro-active polymer layers are clamped between a single frame pair, reducing the overall construction height while maintaining high force generation, achieved by directly opposing diaphragm layers and using flexible frame parts to allow for compact and efficient mechanical movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If multiple diaphragm actuators are stacked on top of one another via their frame parts, then the available force is increased, but the construction height and space requirement increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailable forceVSAvoidconstruction height

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple diaphragm layers (at least two) within a single actuator assembly between one pair of frame parts, rather than stacking separate actuators. This merging approach maintains high force output through the cumulative effect of multiple electro-active polymer layers while eliminating the redundant frame structures that would otherwise increase construction height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent nests multiple diaphragm layers within a compact arrangement between the frame parts, with the electro-active polymer layers disposed in a stacked manner. This nesting allows the active regions to be efficiently packed while the frame parts extend only minimally beyond the diaphragm layers, reducing overall construction height.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If each diaphragm layer is clamped in its own frame parts, then the structural stability is improved, but a large amount of space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the clamping function into a single frame structure that secures multiple diaphragm layers simultaneously. The frame parts are designed to clamp all electro-active polymer layers between them, eliminating the need for separate frames for each layer and thereby reducing wasted space while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame parts serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, clamp multiple diaphragm layers simultaneously, and define the boundaries of the actuator assembly. This multi-functionality allows a single frame structure to stabilize multiple layers without requiring additional space-consuming components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the frame parts are made taller to accommodate multiple diaphragm layers, then the clamping stability is improved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping stabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame parts are designed with localized clamping regions that provide sufficient stability exactly where needed—at the boundaries of the diaphragm layers—rather than requiring uniformly tall structures. The frame parts extend only minimally beyond the active regions, concentrating structural support where it is most effective while minimizing overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The frame parts are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to adapt to the diaphragm layers and provide effective clamping with minimal extension. This flexibility enables stable clamping of multiple layers while keeping the frame parts compact and reducing the overall installation space requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 multi-layer diaphragm actuator achieves comparable force generation to stacked actuators but with a lower construction height, reducing space requirements and enabling more efficient use of installation space.

Implementation Method 1

the diaphragm layer can typically be formed from an electro-active polymer which e.g. expands or contracts when a voltage is applied. In this way the electrical energy applied by the application of voltage is converted into mechanical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-active polymer effect: Electroactive Polymer

Implementation Method 2

If a sufficiently strong electric voltage is applied to the electrodes, the electrodes are drawn towards one another and so the polymer film lying therebetween is compressed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric compression: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

Since the dielectric polymer film used is almost incompressible, the reduction in the spacing between the electrodes leads to a change in shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIncompressibility effect:

Data Source

PatentUS10158064B2Diaphragm actuator and method for producing a diaphragm actuator

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A diaphragm actuator has a first frame part and a second frame part, between which at least two diaphragm layers are disposed in a stacked manner and formed as electro-active polymer layers. Furthermore, a method for producing a diaphragm actuator is described.