Electrochemical actuator and method of making same
First Claim
1. A micro-miniaturized electrochemical actuator, comprising:
- a housing defining an interior chamber;
semi-solid electrolyte means hermetically sealed within said interior chamber for facilitating the conduction of current;
electrode means extending through said housing and at least partially into said interior chamber for contacting in electrical communication said electrolyte means;
digital semiconductor means for controlling the timing, duration, frequency and amount of current flowing to said electrode means; and
moveable means disposed at least partially within said interior chamber for facilitating actuation, whereby when current is passed between said electrode means, as directed by said controlling means, a gas is liberated from said semi-solid electrolyte means increasing the pressure applied to said moveable means by said electrolyte means, and causing said moveable means to move.
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Abstract
A new and improved electrochemical actuator and method of using it enables a reversible electrochemical generation of gases for inducing a phase/volume change that can produce high actuation forces, long actuation distances, and remain at the last pressure level attained by current flow even after the power is switched off, enabling a zero power hold at any position. The electrochemical actuator includes an electrolyte solution sealed within a substantially constant volume chamber, having electrical contacts disposed therein such that the electrolyte is in electrical communication with the electrical contacts. Passage of current between the contacts through the electrolyte, separates the electrolyte and or electrode material into its component gas or gases, resulting in an increased pressure within the chamber. This pressure can either act directly upon, or be routed via pneumatic or hydraulic lines, to actuate a diaphragm, move a piston, inflate a bladder, or any other suitable means of converting pressure to motion or displacement. The electrochemical actuator of the present invention can be scaled-up for large scale applications, or down-scaled for micro-miniaturization applications. Because of its low voltage and current requirements, the present electrochemical actuator is fully compatible with modern semiconductor circuits. Furthermore, the electrochemical actuator of the present invention can be operated over a wide temperature range and inexpensively manufactured in large quantities.
85 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A micro-miniaturized electrochemical actuator, comprising:
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a housing defining an interior chamber; semi-solid electrolyte means hermetically sealed within said interior chamber for facilitating the conduction of current; electrode means extending through said housing and at least partially into said interior chamber for contacting in electrical communication said electrolyte means; digital semiconductor means for controlling the timing, duration, frequency and amount of current flowing to said electrode means; and moveable means disposed at least partially within said interior chamber for facilitating actuation, whereby when current is passed between said electrode means, as directed by said controlling means, a gas is liberated from said semi-solid electrolyte means increasing the pressure applied to said moveable means by said electrolyte means, and causing said moveable means to move. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A micro-miniaturized electrochemical actuator valve mechanism, comprising:
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a housing defining an interior chamber having an upper portion and a lower portion; semi-solid electrolyte means hermetically sealed within said upper portion of said interior chamber for facilitating the conduction of current; electrode means extending through said housing and at least partially into said interior chamber for contacting in electrical communication said electrolyte means; digital semiconductor means for controlling the timing, duration, frequency and amount of current flowing to said electrode means; inlet means defining a valve seat, disposed on said lower portion of said interior chamber for permitting fluid communication between said lower portion of said interior chamber and the outside environment; outlet means disposed on said lower portion of said interior chamber for permitting fluid communication between said lower portion of said interior chamber and the outside environment; and moveable means disposed within said interior chamber for facilitating actuation, whereby when current is passed between said electrode means, as directed by said controlling means, a gas is liberated from said electrolyte means increasing the pressure applied to said moveable means by said electrolyte means, and causing said moveable means to move toward said valve seat until said moveable means contacts said valve seat thereby closing off the valve. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A micro-miniaturized electrochemical actuator push/pull mechanism, comprising:
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a frame defining two or more interior chambers; semisolid electrolyte means hermetically sealed within said interior chamber for facilitating the conduction of current; electrode means extending through said frame and at least partially into said interior chamber for contacting in electrical communication said electrolyte means; digital semiconductor means for controlling the timing, duration, frequency and amount of current flowing to said electrode means; and at least two moveable means disposed within said interior chambers for facilitating actuation, whereby when current is passed between said electrode means, as directed by said controlling means, a gas is liberated from said electrolyte means increasing the pressure applied to said moveable means by said electrolyte means, and causing said moveable means to simultaneously move toward or away from each other. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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14. A micro-miniaturized electrochemical actuator isolated from thermally hostile environments, comprising:
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a housing defining an interior chamber; semi-solid electrolyte means hermetically sealed within said interior chamber for facilitating the conduction of current; electrode means extending through said housing and at least partially into said interior chamber for contacting in electrical communication said electrolyte means; digital semiconductor means for controlling the timing, duration, frequency and amount of current flowing to said electrode means; moveable means disposed at least partially within said interior chamber for facilitating actuation, whereby when current is passed between said electrode means, as directed by said controlling means, a gas is liberated from said electrolyte means increasing the pressure applied to said moveable means by said electrolyte means, and causing said moveable means to move; and means for transmitting the force of said moveable means when in motion to a remote location for actuation within a thermally hostile environment. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification