Programmable Texture Surfaces Using Artificial Muscles for Aerodynamic Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle surface modifications, such as spoilers and air dams, are not adaptable to varying conditions and may not be desired outside high wind situations, necessitating a solution for on-demand surface modifications to improve aerodynamics.
Innovation Solution
A programmable texture surface utilizing artificial muscles with a housing, electrode region, and dielectric fluid, where an electrode pair is actuatable between non-actuated and actuated states to expand and contract, allowing for selective surface texture changes on demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional structures such as spoilers and air dams are added to reduce drag and disrupt unfavorable air movement, then aerodynamic capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases and the modifications cannot be adjusted for different conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the surface texture adjustable and changeable. Instead of fixed spoilers and air dams, the invention uses programmable texture surfaces with artificial muscles that can dynamically alter the surface topology in response to varying aerodynamic conditions, allowing the same surface to adapt its characteristics rather than requiring multiple fixed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the surface by using artificial muscles that alter the texture height and configuration. The surface texture parameters (height, distribution, pattern) can be modified electrically through the artificial muscle actuation, enabling aerodynamic optimization without adding complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
2Reliability
If surface disturbances are added to improve aerodynamics in high wind conditions, then aerodynamic stability is improved, but the modifications are not desired in other conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The programmable texture surface with artificial muscles enables dynamic switching between different surface configurations. The surface can be actuated to create disturbances when aerodynamic stability is needed (high wind conditions) and return to a smooth configuration when not needed, providing conditional adaptability through electrical control rather than mechanical switches
Solution Approach 2:
The system can automatically sense aerodynamic conditions and adjust the surface texture accordingly. The artificial muscles are actuated based on detected wind conditions, allowing the surface to self-regulate its aerodynamic properties without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If a programmable texture surface with artificial muscles is implemented, then adaptability and aerodynamic control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses artificial muscles that operate on electrostatic principles with dielectric fluids, which can be considered a form of fluid-based actuation. This approach replaces complex mechanical actuation systems with electrically-controlled fluid displacement mechanisms, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining programmability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (motors, linkages, switches) with artificial muscles that use electrostatic fields to produce mechanical motion. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling programmable surface control through electrical signals
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 programmable texture surface provides enhanced aerodynamic stability in high wind conditions while maintaining a uniform appearance in other conditions, and can also serve as a decorative feature, offering versatility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region
Implementation Method 2
actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable texture surface including one or more artificial muscles is provided. Each artificial muscle includes a housing having a first wall opposite a second wall and an electrode region adjacent an expandable fluid region. One or both of the first wall and the second wall include an interior tapered portion within the electrode region. A dielectric fluid is housed within the housing and an electrode pair is housed within the electrode region of the housing. The electrode pair includes a first electrode coupled to the first wall and a second electrode coupled to the second wall, such that at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is coupled to the interior tapered portion. The electrode pair is actuatable between a non-actuated state and an actuated state such that actuation from the non-actuated state to the actuated state directs the dielectric fluid into the expandable fluid region.