Polymer Actuator Electrode with Carbon Nanohorns and Nanofibers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polymer actuators with electrolyte and electrode layers face challenges in durability when continuously applying DC voltage, resulting in reduced displacement and unsatisfactory DC durability, despite achieving high displacement amounts and generating forces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating activated carbon nanofibers and carbon nanohorns in the electrode layers, with specific weight ratios and using ionic liquids and base polymers in the electrolyte and electrode layers, enhances durability, displacement, and responsiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If carbon nanotubes and carbon nanohorns are included in the electrode layer in a predetermined ratio, then a great driving force and displacement amount can be generated, but durability is not good and DC durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving forceVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite electrode layer containing both carbon nanotubes and carbon nanohorns in a specific weight ratio (0.3 to 0.7). This composite structure combines the high conductivity and structural integrity of carbon nanotubes with the high surface area and catalytic activity of carbon nanohorns, achieving both great driving force and improved durability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the weight ratio of carbon nanohorn to carbon nanotube in the electrode layer, specifying a range of 0.3 to 0.7. By adjusting this parameter, the patent achieves the optimal balance between driving force (improved by higher nanohorn content) and durability (maintained by sufficient nanotube content), resolving the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If carbon nanotubes and carbon nanohorns are included in the electrode layer in a predetermined ratio, then a great displacement amount can be obtained, but DC durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplacement amountVSAvoidDC durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite electrode layer with carbon nanotubes and carbon nanohorns in a 0.3 to 0.7 weight ratio provides both the high displacement capability (from nanohorn surface area) and the long-term stability (from nanotube structural strength), resolving the contradiction between displacement amount and DC durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different carbon materials with different local properties: carbon nanohorns provide high surface area for ion interaction (enhancing displacement), while carbon nanotubes provide structural framework (ensuring durability). This local differentiation of material functions resolves the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 polymer actuator maintains excellent durability and performance, with increased displacement and generating forces, and improved responsiveness, while maintaining DC durability comparable to actuators without carbon nanohorns.

Implementation Method 1

the electrolyte layer and the electrode layer include ionic liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the electrode layer includes an activated carbon nanofiber and a carbon nanohorn

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS9873609B2Polymer actuator element

Publication Date: 2018.01.23 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD

AI summary

A polymer actuator element includes an electrolyte layer and electrode layers, in which the electrode layer includes an activated carbon nanofiber and a carbon nanohorn.