Coiled and non-coiled twisted nanofiber yarn torsional and tensile actuators

US9784249B2 · 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 De Andrade · 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: Jan 30, 2015
• Grant date: Oct 10, 2017
• Expiry date: Oct 24, 2035

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 and/or tensile actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize non-coiled or coiled yarns and can be either neat or comprising a guest. Devices comprising these artificial muscles are also described.