System and methods for actuation using electro-osmosis
US9487387B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 12, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF25B41/10
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention exploits a widely used device in micro-fluidics, the electro-osmotic pump (EOP), to create very low energy micro-scale and macro-scale mechanical actuators. The EOP uses electrical fields to move naturally occurring charged particles (ions) through a fluid medium. As the ions move in response to the applied field, they drag the (non-charged) fluid along, establishing bulk flow. When confined to a narrow chamber, a pressure gradient can be established. The combination of pressure gradient and flow performs mechanical work. With the use of electro-osmotic pumps, the invention enables actuators to be constructed in a variety of embodiments, including for example, a sheet structure, a piston structure, and a cellular structure to name a few.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.