Muscle Sleeve Bending via Parallel Actuator Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial muscle devices based on elastic polymeric fibers face challenges in cost-effective production, noise reduction, and complex design, particularly in achieving precise actuation and bending of elongated objects.
Innovation Solution
A muscle sleeve comprising parallel actuating muscles on either side of a fabric sleeve, secured with fasteners and a crimp, which allows for linear contraction and controlled bending of objects by resistively heating the muscles, enabling flexible and directional actuation without requiring direct fastening to the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional motors are used for actuation, then reliable motion control is achieved, but production cost increases, production volume decreases, operation noise increases, and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional motor systems with artificial muscle devices that convert electrical energy directly to mechanical motion through resistive heating of conductive elements within elastic polymeric fibers. This substitution eliminates complex motor components (stators, rotors, bearings, gears) while achieving reliable actuation through the electro-thermal-mechanical coupling mechanism inherent in the muscle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical resistance and temperature as key parameters to control muscle contraction. By varying the electrical current applied to conductive wires or carbon nanotube networks embedded in the polymeric matrix, the system dynamically adjusts thermal expansion and contraction forces, enabling precise motion control without mechanical feedback systems
2Productivity
If artificial muscle devices with twisted and coiled polymers are used, then production cost decreases and production volume increases, but operation noise and design complexity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible polymeric fibers with twisted and coiled configurations that naturally dampen operational noise through their elastic deformation and internal friction. The flexible nature of these polymer structures absorbs vibration and acoustic energy, eliminating the need for additional noise reduction components while maintaining high production volumes through scalable manufacturing processes
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuating muscles are disposed on both sides of the fabric, then bending precision and directional control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the actuation system into multiple independent muscle segments disposed on opposite sides of the fabric sleeve. Each muscle can be independently controlled through separate electrical connections, enabling precise differential actuation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each muscle's position and properties while simplifying the overall control architecture through modular independence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes asymmetric arrangement of actuating muscles on opposite sides of the fabric to achieve directional bending control. By varying the number, position, or activation state of muscles on each side, the system creates asymmetric force distributions that produce controlled bending moments in specific directions, enabling precise angular positioning without complex mechanical linkages
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 muscle sleeve effectively bends elongated objects with controlled precision, generating significant force and allowing for multiple directional actuations by varying the contraction of muscles and crimp placement, while maintaining simplicity and reducing noise and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
generating significant force and allowing for multiple directional actuations by varying the contraction of muscles and crimp placement
Data Source
AI summary
A muscle sleeve includes: a sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of first actuating muscles disposed next to each other and in parallel with each other on a first side of the sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of second actuating muscles disposed next to each other and in parallel with each other on a second side of the sleeve-formed fabric; a plurality of fasteners that secure ends of the first and second actuating muscles to the fabric; and a crimp secured to the fabric.