Nitrogen-Containing Dielectric Polymers for Low-Energy Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for electroactive materials that exhibit a large mechanical response to a relatively small energy input, which is essential for energy-efficient applications such as robotics, pumps, and prosthetic devices, as existing materials often require higher electrical energy inputs to achieve significant mechanical deformation.
Innovation Solution
The development of electroactive polymer devices featuring at least one layer of a dielectric polymer formed from ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen-containing monomers, excluding acrylonitrile, which are used in piezoelectric, pyroelectric, actuator, or sensor applications, allowing for mechanical displacement upon the application of an electric field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electroactive materials are used, then mechanical deformation can be achieved, but high electrical energy input is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the dielectric polymer by selecting specific ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen-containing monomers (such as N-vinylpyrrolidone, N-vinylcaprolactam, N-vinylimidazole) with particular molecular structures and dipole moments. This chemical parameter change results in enhanced electroactive properties, allowing the material to achieve greater mechanical deformation at lower electrical energy inputs compared to conventional electroactive materials.
2Ease of operation
If conventional dielectric polymers are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but pre-straining is required to achieve adequate displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical-chemical parameters of the dielectric polymer layer by selecting monomers with specific glass transition temperatures, molecular weights, and chain flexibilities. These parameter changes result in a polymer that achieves adequate displacement without requiring pre-straining, as the intrinsic molecular structure provides sufficient electroactive response under normal operating conditions.
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
These polymer devices demonstrate high modulus of elasticity and significant displacement relative to the applied electric field, offering improved energy conversion efficiency and reduced need for pre-straining, making them suitable for various applications including robotics and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
Upon application of an electric field across the actuating component, the at least one layer of the dielectric polymer is mechanically displaced
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An electroactive polymer device is described that includes at least one layer of a dielectric polymer that is a polymerized product of at least one ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen-containing monomer. Also disclosed is a transducer that includes the electroactive polymer as disclosed.