Mechanically programmed soft actuators with conforming sleeves
First Claim
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1. A mechanically programmed actuator comprising:
- at least one soft actuator body configured to bend, linearly extend, contract, twist, or combinations thereof when actuated without constraint;
an activation mechanism configured to actuate the soft actuator; and
at least one sleeve wrapped around at least a part of the soft actuator body and configured to constrain the soft actuator body inside the sleeve when actuated and to enable the soft actuator body to deform where the soft actuator body is not covered by the sleeve.
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Abstract
A mechanically programmed actuator includes at least one soft actuator body configured to bend, linearly extend, contract, twist, or combinations thereof when actuated without constraint; an activation mechanism (e.g., a fluid pump) configured to actuate the soft actuator body; and at least one sleeve wrapped around part of the soft actuator body and configured to constrain the soft actuator body inside the sleeve when actuated and to cause the soft actuator body to deform where not covered by the sleeve.
37 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A mechanically programmed actuator comprising:
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at least one soft actuator body configured to bend, linearly extend, contract, twist, or combinations thereof when actuated without constraint; an activation mechanism configured to actuate the soft actuator; and at least one sleeve wrapped around at least a part of the soft actuator body and configured to constrain the soft actuator body inside the sleeve when actuated and to enable the soft actuator body to deform where the soft actuator body is not covered by the sleeve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for mechanical actuation, comprising:
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using a mechanically programmed actuator including at least one soft actuator body that defines a chamber and at least one sleeve wrapped around part of the soft actuator body; and pumping fluid into the chamber defined by the soft actuator body, causing the soft actuator body to deform where the soft actuator body is not covered by the sleeve, while the sleeve limits the soft actuator body from deforming where the sleeve covers the soft actuator body. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification