Magnetically Induced Thermal Pneumatic Artificial Muscles

A device that performs wireless actuation by inductive heating. The device includes a bladder configured to expand or retract, so as to change the bladder's interior area. The device also includes a container, fluidly coupled to the bladder via a connector, that houses a magnetic rod suspended in a fluid medium. The magnetic rod is configured to react to a magnetic field that produces a phase transition of the fluid medium, causing the fluid medium to be transferred to the bladder's interior area, via the connector, expanding the bladder. The device further includes an induction coil, disposed around the container, and the induction coil's first end is coupled to the container's interior. The device also includes an induction heater, coupled to the induction coil's second end, that powers the induction coil, such that the induction coil generates the magnetic field within the container.

Departments: Office of the Institute Professors, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Technology Areas: Chemicals & Materials: Nanotechnology & Nanomaterials / Industrial Engineering & Automation: Robotics
Impact Areas: Advanced Materials

  • wireless actuators
    United States of America | Published application

License this technology

Interested in this technology? Connect with our experienced licensing team to initiate the process.

Sign up for technology updates

Sign up now to receive the latest updates on cutting-edge technologies and innovations.