Pattern-Electrode Actuator With Surface Constraints for Strain Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multilayer actuators experience a decrease in strain when voltage is applied, which affects their performance in drive and electronic apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
The actuator includes constraining members on opposing surfaces to constrain expansion and contraction, with pattern electrodes and elastomer layers, and can be integrated into drive and electronic apparatuses using adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a multilayer actuator is applied to a drive apparatus or electronic apparatus, then the actuator can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, but there is a decrease in strain caused when voltage is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator surface is divided into multiple regions with different constraining characteristics. First constraining members are provided on a first region of the first surface, and second constraining members are provided on a second region of the first surface. This segmentation allows different portions of the actuator to experience different levels of constraint, optimizing both structural stability and strain performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the actuator surface are given different constraining properties. The first constraining members and second constraining members are positioned at different locations and provide different degrees of constraint. This local differentiation enables the actuator to maintain structural integrity where needed while preserving strain capability in other areas.
2Reliability
If constraining members are provided on the actuator surface, then strain and displacement loss is reduced, but the configuration and production process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The constraining members are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. They provide mechanical constraint to reduce strain and displacement loss, while also serving as part of the actuator's structural framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second constraining members are integrated into the actuator structure as a unified system. Rather than being separate add-on components, they are positioned and configured to work together with the multilayer structure, creating a combined system that achieves constraint functionality while maintaining structural coherence.
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 configuration reduces strain and displacement loss, stabilizing actuator performance without complicating the actuator's configuration or production process.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer actuator that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy... an elastomer layer that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes an actuator body that includes a first surface and a second surface that face each other, a first constraining member that is provided on the first surface, and constrains the first surface from expanding and contracting, and a second constraining member that is provided on the second surface, and constrains the second surface from expanding and contracting. The actuator body includes a first electrode, a second electrode that faces the first electrode, and an elastomer layer that is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode is a pattern electrode. The first constraining member and the second constraining member are provided correspondingly to the first electrode.