System and methods for actuation using electro-osmosis
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United States of America Patent
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Nov 8, 2016
Grant Date -
Jul 30, 2015
app pub date -
Aug 20, 2013
filing date -
Aug 20, 2012
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Abstract
The invention exploits a widely used device in micro-fluidics, the electro-osmotic pump (EOP), to create very low energy micro-scale and macro-scale mechanical actuators. The EOP uses electrical fields to move naturally occurring charged particles (ions) through a fluid medium. As the ions move in response to the applied field, they drag the (non-charged) fluid along, establishing bulk flow. When confined to a narrow chamber, a pressure gradient can be established. The combination of pressure gradient and flow performs mechanical work. With the use of electro-osmotic pumps, the invention enables actuators to be constructed in a variety of embodiments, including for example, a sheet structure, a piston structure, and a cellular structure to name a few.
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