Soft Actuator with Light-Driven Yarn Structure for Precise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial muscle technologies face challenges in achieving precise control and reducing volume while maintaining functionality, particularly in soft actuators used for human body applications.
Innovation Solution
A soft actuator design incorporating a yarn structure with a coil spring shape and a light absorption layer, powered by LED light sources, where the light absorption layer generates heat to contract the polymer layer, allowing for precise control and reduced volume through adjustable light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional artificial muscle structures are used, then basic contractile function is achieved, but control precision and volume reduction are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into multiple independent yarn structures (first yarn structure, second yarn structure, etc.) that can be individually controlled. Each yarn structure contains polymer layers with specific light absorption properties, allowing segmented control of different regions of the actuator for improved precision while maintaining compact volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Different polymer layers are assigned different light absorption characteristics (first polymer layer absorbs first wavelength, second polymer layer absorbs second wavelength). This local differentiation enables precise spatial control of contraction zones, improving measurement and control precision without requiring larger actuator dimensions.
2Force
If multiple yarn structures are used to improve contractile force, then output force increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple yarn structures are combined within a single actuator body, with each yarn structure contributing to the overall contractile force. The first yarn structure and second yarn structure work simultaneously or sequentially to generate additive forces, increasing total contractile output while integrating multiple functions into one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
Each yarn structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables light absorption for actuation, and contributes to contractile force generation. The polymer layers serve both as structural elements and as light-absorbing actuators, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 solution enables precise control of the soft actuator, reduces volume and weight, and improves contractile force by using multiple yarn structures, thereby enhancing the precision and efficiency of artificial muscle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a light absorption layer configured to surround an outer surface of the polymer layer
Implementation Method 2
the light absorption layer generates heat to contract the polymer layer
Implementation Method 3
heating a polymer layer of the yarn structure by the heat emitted from the light absorption layer to contract a length of the polymer layer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a soft actuator. The soft actuator includes a first support body, a second support body spaced apart from the first support body in a first direction, a yarn structure having one end coupled to the first support body and the other end coupled to the second support body, and a light source part spaced apart from the yarn structure in a second direction crossing the first direction. The yarn structure includes a polymer layer having a coil spring shape extending in the first direction and a light absorption layer configured to surround an outer surface of the polymer layer.