Shape memory alloy-driven double-helical dual-valve-action hydrodynamic drive for soft robotic applications in aqueous environments

Abstract

Various examples are provided related to hydrodynamic drives and their applications. In one example, a hydrodynamic drive includes a flexible body having an interior chamber extending between a first end and a second end. The flexible body includes an actuated helical coil extending between the first end and the second end, where activation of the actuated helical coil contracts the flexible body and deactivation of the actuated helical coil allows expansion of the flexible body. The first or second end can include at least one opening. For example, the hydrodynamic drive can include inlet and outlet valves on the first and second ends of the flexible body. A soft robotic system can include at least one hydrodynamic drive that operates as a pump or thruster.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.