Coiled, twisted nanofiber yarn and polymer fiber torsional actuators
US10480491B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2925
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twist-spun nanofiber yarn or twist-inserted polymer fibers generate torsional actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize coiled yarns/polymer fibers and can be either neat or comprising a guest. In some embodiments, the torsional fiber actuator includes a first polymer fiber (exhibiting a first polymer fiber diameter) and a torsional return spring in communication with the first polymer fiber. The first polymer fiber is configured to include a first plurality of twists in a first direction to produce a twisted polymer fiber. The first polymer fiber is further configured to include a plurality of coils in the twisted polymer fiber in a second direction each coil having a mean coil diameter. In some embodiments, the torsional nanofiber actuator includes a first carbon nanofiber yarn (having a yarn diameter) and a torsional return spring in communication with the first carbon nanofiber yarn. The first carbon nanofiber yarn includes a plurality of twists in a first direction to produce a twisted carbon nanofiber yarn. The first carbon nanofiber yar…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.