Segmented Artificial Muscle Actuator for Load-Dependent Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional artificial muscle actuators with twisted high polymer fiber bundles wound in a coil suffer from low driving efficiency under normal loads due to their design, where the deformation is constant irrespective of load, leading to inefficient energy use and reduced performance.
Innovation Solution
The actuator design incorporates a first and second actuator unit with different spring rates and displacement capabilities, where the first unit is used for small loads and both units for larger loads, allowing for controlled temperature adjustment and optimized energy usage by selectively heating the actuator fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the normal load is set far smaller than the allowable maximum load for safety, then the actuator reliability is improved, but the driving efficiency under normal load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two separate actuator units (first and second units) with different spring rates, allowing each unit to operate optimally at different load levels. The first unit with lower spring rate handles small loads efficiently, while the second unit with higher spring rate handles larger loads, resolving the contradiction between reliability and driving efficiency across the full load range.
2Device complexity
If the deformation is constant irrespective of load in conventional actuators, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the energy efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system dynamically switches between the first and second actuator units based on the applied load. The control unit determines which unit to activate based on load conditions, allowing the system to adapt its characteristics to match the operational requirements, thereby improving energy efficiency without excessive structural complexity.
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 enhances driving efficiency by reducing thermal energy consumption under low loads and ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of loads, improving the actuator's overall efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
each of the one or more first actuator fibers and the one or more second actuator fibers stretches or contracts when temperature of the high polymer fiber bundle that each of the one or more first actuator fibers and the one or more second actuator fibers includes is changed
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator includes a first actuator unit including first actuator fibers and a second actuator unit including second actuator fibers located between plate members. The first and second actuator fibers stretch or contract when temperature changes. A spring rate of the second actuator fibers is higher than that of the first actuator fibers. A maximum displacement amount of the second actuator unit is smaller than that of the first actuator unit. The temperature of the first actuator fibers is controlled in a case where a displacement amount of one plate member relative to the other plate member is smaller than a first displacement amount, and the temperature of the first actuator fibers and the temperature of the second actuator fibers are controlled in a case where the displacement amount is equal to or larger than the first displacement amount and equal to or smaller than a maximum displacement amount.