Electrofluidic transducer

Abstract

A flexible transducer is responsive to an electrical circuit for rupturing or perforating a substrate material with a printed trace defining a circuit element. The substrate defines a fluidic seal or valve on a vessel for controlling fluidic communication with the vessel. The control circuit delivers an electrical flow across the trace for inducing an arc or current flow sufficient to melt the substrate and allow the fluid to pass through a formed perforation. Flexible construction of the substrate and vessel are amenable to usage in soft-bodied robots. A flexible polymer such as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) may receive a printed conductive ink in thermal communication with the substrate from a current flow or voltage arc along the substrate. Controlled passage of a gas through the perforation provides a valve or fluid release in a deformable robotic configuration.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.