Continuous Twisting and Winding of Polymer Fiber Artificial Muscles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing polymer fiber artificial muscles are limited by low efficiency and can only produce artificial muscles of limited length, as they do not enable continuous twisting and winding of fibers.
Innovation Solution
A continuous automatic twisting and winding device comprising a wire feeding mechanism, twisting mechanism, winding mechanism, and translation mechanism, which allows for precise control of twisting load and enables the continuous production of polymer fiber artificial muscles by using torque motors, stepper motors, and synchronized belt transmissions to twist and wind polymer fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional fiber artificial muscle preparation method is used, then the fiber can be twisted to form helical structure, but the production length is limited and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous twisting and winding of polymer fibers through a coordinated system where the twisting mechanism continuously applies torque to the fiber while the winding mechanism simultaneously reels in the twisted fiber. This continuous process eliminates interruptions and enables production of arbitrarily long artificial muscles, directly resolving the contradiction between production efficiency and fiber length limitations of traditional methods.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual or simple automated twisting is used, then the process is simple, but the twisting load cannot be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a force sensor that real-time monitors the twisting load applied to the polymer fiber during the twisting process. The sensor feedback is used to dynamically adjust the motor torque, ensuring the twisting load remains within the optimal range for helical structure formation. This feedback control mechanism achieves precise twisting load control while keeping the device structure relatively simple through straightforward sensor-motor integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous automatic twisting, and winding device and method for the polymer fiber artificial muscle are provided. The device includes a wire feeding mechanism, polymer fibers, a twisting mechanism, a winding mechanism, a translation mechanism, and a base plate. The center axis of the rolling bearing I in the wire feeding mechanism is horizontally aligned with the center axis of the spline shaft in the winding mechanism; the polymer fibers are generally nylon fibers, polyester fibers, etc.; the twisting mechanism, winding mechanism and the translation mechanism are mounted on the base plate; the twisting mechanism articulation seat in the twisting mechanism is fixed on the front support seat in the winding mechanism; the mounted bearing in the translation mechanism is connected to the spline shaft in the winding mechanism by interference fit. The guide rod in the translation mechanism is mounted on the rear support seat in the winding mechanism.