US 12,662,334 B2 · Magnetic liquid metal processing method, liquid gripper and manipulation method

Abstract

A method for preparation of a magnetic liquid metal includes: 1) placing A parts by weight of a liquid metal in a container; 2) placing B parts by weight of a metal powder in the container; 3) adding an acidic solution into the container until the liquid metal and the metal powder are submerged; 4) stirring until the liquid metal and the metal powder are sufficiently mixed; and 5) adding water for cleaning the acidic solution, to obtain the magnetic liquid metal by removing the acidic solution. The viscosity and stiffness of the prepared magnetic liquid metal can quickly respond to the stimulus from an applied magnetic field, and a reversible change from liquid to semisolid or solid exists. With a change in magnetic field strengths, the Young's modulus can be regulated in a range from the level of kPa to the level of MPa.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A microgripper, comprising a magnetic liquid metal, wherein the microgripper comprises a bowl-shaped claw, the magnetic liquid metal is disposed within the claw, an electrode is connected to the magnetic liquid metal, and the microgripper also comprises a magnet configured to apply a magnetic field to the magnetic liquid metal;

wherein at least one through hole for the electrode to pass is disposed on the claw.

A gripping method using a magnetic liquid metal, wherein the gripping method comprises:

1) putting an object in an electrolyte;
2) adding the magnetic liquid metal dropwise;
3) applying direct current to the electrolyte via electrodes, wherein a positive electrode is connected to the magnetic liquid metal and a negative electrode is connected to the electrolyte, such that the magnetic liquid metal is diffused in the electrolyte and wraps up the object;
4) applying a magnetic field to the magnetic liquid metal through a magnet, such that the magnetic liquid metal enters into a solid-like state;
5) moving the magnetic liquid metal to drive movement of the object therein to a target position;
and
6) Removing the magnetic field of the magnet and energizing the electrolyte via the electrodes, wherein the negative electrode is connected to the magnetic liquid metal and the positive electrode is connected to the electrolyte, such that the magnetic liquid metal is restored to a liquid state and concentrated on the electrode, so as to get away from the object.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magnetic liquid metal processing method, liquid gripper and manipulation method

Life of this patent

Magnetic liquid metal processing method, liquid gripper and manipulation method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10