Integrated hydro-electric actuation and thermal management system with distributed electrolytic energy storage

Abstract

A robotic power and actuation system is disclosed in which a single circulating working fluid performs hydraulic actuation, electrochemical energy storage and delivery, and thermal management functions. The system replaces conventional inert hydraulic fluids and centralized battery packs with an electrochemically active liquid electrolyte having sufficient energy density and mechanical properties to support pressurized fluid actuation. The electrolyte is circulated through a distributed conduit network within the robotic structure to drive hybrid soft and rigid actuators, supply electrical energy to distributed electrical storage or conversion elements, and absorb and transport heat away from high-power electronic components. By integrating power delivery, mechanical actuation, and thermal regulation into a unified fluid loop, the system reduces mass, improves energy utilization efficiency, enhances fault tolerance through distributed energy storage, and enables rapid replenishment of energy via fluid exchange without disassembly or system shutdown.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.