Coiled and twisted nanofiber yarn and polymer fiber actuators

US11143169B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System · US

Inventors

• Na Li · Beijing, CN
• Carter S. Haines · Sachse, US
• Marcio D. Lima · Richardson, US
• Monica Jung DeAndrade · Richardson, US
• Shaoli Fang · Richardson, US
• Jiyoung Oh · Richardson, US
• Mikhail Kozlov · Eatontown, US
• Dongseok Suh · Plano, US
• Ray H. Baughman · Morristown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 9, 2019
• Grant date: Oct 12, 2021
• Expiry date: Oct 9, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/2925
• WIPO field: Textile and paper machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical 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 actuator system includes a twisted and coiled polymer fiber actuator, and at least one of (i) wire connections that enable electrical heating of the twisted and coiled polymer fiber actuator, (ii) a radiation source and radiation pathway that enables photothermal heating of the twisted and coiled polymer fiber actuator, and (iii) a delivery system for delivering chemicals whose reaction produces heating of the twisted and coiled polymer fiber actuator.