Systems and methods for a remote control actuator
AssigneeTrustees of Tuffs College
InventorsFiorenzo G. Omenetto, Meng Li
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present application relates to compositions and methods of making flexible composite materials that are capable of moving, on a micro- or macro-scale, in response to an applied magnetic field and localized heat from a heat source. The present disclosure further provides systems and methods of using the flexible composite material as an actuator for performing a mode of actuation. In one embodiment, the flexible composite material forms a wireless actuator that, when irradiated with light, is capable of micro- and macro-scale motion acting through the interplay of optically absorptive elements and low-Curie temperature magnetic particles.
Claims27
A temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite comprising:
- a composite material comprising at least one polymer and a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed throughout at least a portion of the composite material,
- wherein the polymer is silk fibroin or poly(dimethylsiloxane), and
- wherein the plurality of magnetic particles comprises a Curie temperature above which the plurality of magnetic particles becomes paramagnetic and loses spontaneous magnetization.
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic particle comprises a Curie temperature of less than 300° C.
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic particle comprises chromium dioxide (CrO2).
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic particle is dispersed uniformly throughout at least a portion of the composite material.
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic particle is dispersed at a gradient concentration, wherein the concentration of magnetic particle is greater at a first location in the composite material when compared to a second location.
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the polymer and the plurality of magnetic particles are formed into a material selected from a film, a sponge, a monolith, and a hydrogel.
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible composite material comprises a weight ratio of magnetic particle to polymer between 1:1 and 5:1.
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composite material is formed into an actuator, wherein at least a portion of the actuator is configured to move in response to the Curie temperature and a magnetic field.
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composite material is formed in the shape of a grapple actuator, wherein the grapple actuator comprises one or more opposing lever configured to pinch and retract in response to a portion of the grapple actuator reaching the Curie temperature and a magnetic field.
The temperature-responsive flexible magnetic composite according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the composite material is formed in the shape of a wheel, wherein the wheel is configured to rotate in response to a portion of the wheel reaching the Curie temperature and a magnetic field.
A thermal-sensitive actuator system comprising:
- an actuator composed of a composite material, the composite material comprising at least one polymer and a plurality of magnetic particles dispersed throughout at least a portion of the composite material, wherein the plurality of magnetic particles has a Curie temperature above which the plurality of magnetic particles becomes paramagnetic and loses spontaneous magnetization;
- a magnet configured to apply a magnetic field over at least a portion of the actuator;
- and
- a heating system configured to apply heat at least a portion of the actuator.
A method of using a flexible composite material as an actuator, the method comprising:
- heating a composite material to a temperature sufficient to raise the temperature of at least a portion of the composite material above a Curie temperature of one or more magnetic particles in the composite material,
- wherein the composite material comprises at least one polymer and the one or more magnetic particles dispersed throughout at least a portion of the composite material, wherein the polymer is silk fibroin or poly(dimethylsiloxane), and wherein the plurality of magnetic particles comprises a Curie temperature above which the plurality of magnetic particles becomes paramagnetic and loses spontaneous magnetization.
A method of making a flexible magnetic composite material, the steps comprising:
- casting a layer of a material comprising at least one polymer and a plurality of magnetic particles;
- and
- forming the material into an actuator,
- wherein the polymer is silk fibroin or poly(dimethylsiloxane), and
- wherein the plurality of magnetic particles comprises a Curie temperature above which the plurality of magnetic particles becomes paramagnetic and loses spontaneous magnetization.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.