Twist coiled polymer actuator inside a seat for position control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing twisted and coiled polymer fishing line (TCPFL) actuators suffer from low actuation frequency, high power consumption, and low efficiency due to slow cooling and poor thermal conductivity.

Innovation Solution

A unique nanomaterial coating consisting of mesoporous carbon-nickel and silver powder with polyvinyl alcohol (C-NiAg-PVA) is applied to mandrel-coiled TCPFL actuators, enhancing thermal contacts and improving dynamic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional actuators like motors and pumps are used, then reliable actuation is achieved, but the actuators become bulky, noisy and rigid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation reliabilityVSAvoidactuator size and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuators (motors, pumps) with a polymer-based actuator that uses electrostatic or dielectric effects to produce mechanical motion. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components while maintaining actuation functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If TCPFL actuators are used, then compact and flexible actuation is achieved, but actuation frequency is low and power consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator compactness and flexibilityVSAvoidactuation frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the electrical parameters (voltage frequency, pulse width modulation) and physical parameters (polymer composition, electrode configuration) of the TCPFL actuator to optimize actuation frequency. By changing these parameters, the system achieves faster cycling while maintaining compactness and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic electrical stimulation with optimized pulse durations and intervals to enhance actuation frequency. By using periodic action with carefully tuned timing, the actuator can cycle more rapidly while maintaining efficient power consumption and avoiding thermal buildup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If TCPFL actuators are used, then compact design is achieved, but power consumption remains high due to poor thermal conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator sizeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces thermal management intermediaries such as heat sinks, thermally conductive materials, or fluid cooling channels integrated with the TCPFL actuator. These intermediaries facilitate heat dissipation, improving thermal conductivity and reducing power consumption while maintaining the compact actuator design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 coated TCPFL actuators exhibit improved dynamic actuation, faster cooling, and reduced power consumption, achieving approximately 10% less power usage and 25% more actuation strain compared to non-coated actuators.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Fabricating the plurality of TCPFL muscles may include incorporating a resistance wire into the plurality of TCPFL muscles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250162482A1Twist coiled polymer actuator inside a seat for position control

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A twisted and coiled polymer fishing line (TCPFL) actuator, method, and computer program product for using the TCPFL actuator. A TCPFL actuator may be received, wherein the TCPFL actuator is fabricated from a plurality of TCPFL muscles. The TCPFL actuator may be used to adjust a vehicle component.