US 12,645,909 B2 · Multifunctional soft diode for artificial systems

Abstract

Artificial material systems that seek to mimic the basic processes of life must perform multiple complex functions including responsiveness, motion, and metabolism. Networks of programmable materials offer a pathway toward achieving these functions by altering local chemical, physical, and structural properties to enable control. We demonstrate the ability to perform multiple complex functions in a single soft elastomeric material system by reconfiguring, in situ, passive bistable fluidic diodes that are inspired by mammalian venous valves. We show how pneumo-mechanical programmability allows these silicone elastomer diode assemblies to accomplish, without rearranging the fluidic circuit, multiple functions including pumping (motion), energy storage/discharge (metabolism), logic operations (response), and signal filtering/rectification. The ability to achieve multiple functions through in situ programming may lead to the development of efficient artificial systems capable of complex functions in compact, remote applications.

Claims25

Dependent claims

A system comprising:

a flow channel comprising a fluid;
and
a valve disposed within the flow channel, wherein:
the valve comprises a first flexible member;
the valve comprises a second flexible member;
the first flexible member and the second flexible member are configured to move from a first position to a second position;
in the first position the first flexible member and the second flexible member are configured to permit fluid flow in a first direction and to restrict fluid flow in a second direction;
in the second position the first flexible member and the second flexible member are configured to permit fluid flow in the second direction and to restrict fluid flow in the first direction;
the first flexible member and the second flexible member form an overlap configured such that the overlap separates when the fluid flow has a pressure exceeding a pressure gradient formed from the overlap;
the overlap is configured such that the flexible members passively change positions bidirectionally to correspond to the direction of the fluid flow;
and,
the first flexible member and the second flexible member are configured to remain in the first position or the second position without an external energy input.

9 more elements

A method of controlling a flow of a fluid in a circuit, wherein:

the circuit comprises a plurality of valves, each comprising a first flexible member and a second flexible member configured to move from a first position to a second position;
each of the plurality of valves are configured to permit fluid flow in a first direction when the first flexible member and second flexible member are in the first position;
each of the plurality of valves are configured to permit fluid flow in a second direction when the first flexible member and second flexible member are in the second position;
the plurality of valves are each configured to remain in the first position or the second position without an external energy input;
the first flexible member and the second flexible member of each of the plurality of valves form an overlap in each of the plurality of valves;
the overlap separates when the fluid flow has a pressure exceeding a pressure gradient formed from the overlap;
the overlap is configured such that the flexible members passively change positions bidirectionally to correspond to the direction of the fluid flow;
and,
the fluid flow in the circuit is controlled by applying the pressure gradient of the fluid antiparallel to the overlap in one or more of the plurality of valves.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multifunctional soft diode for artificial systems

Life of this patent

Multifunctional soft diode for artificial systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims25