BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to an inflatable contractable tension actuator inflatable
in response to increasing fluid pressure.
[0002] Earlier inflatable, contractable actuators designed for providing a selected tension
force between two points include' United States Patent No. 2,483,088 issued September
27th, 1949 to de Haven which is composed of an inner elastomeric tube and an outer
tensioning tube composed of strands interwoven on the diagonal, forming a plurality
of left-handed and right-handed helices in the shape of a continuous tube. Radially
directed force on the helically wound strands is provided by the inner tube in response
to increasing the fluid pressure therein. Expansion of the helices translates into
overall contraction and resultant tension applied to the actuator end supports.
[0003] United States Patent No. 2,844,126 issued July 22, 1958 to Gaylord discloses an elongated
expansible bladder made of flexible elastomeric material surrounded by a woven sheath
forming an expansible chamber which contracts in length when expanded circumferentially
by pressurized fluid. The sheath and end connectors translate radial expansion to
axial force on a load.
[0004] United States Patent No. 3,645,173 issued February 29th, 1972 to Yarlott discloses
an elongated flexible thin-walled bladder coupled at either end to coupling member
end supports. The bladder expands or contracts radially in response to increased or
decreased fluid pressure in the bladder, respectively, translating to axial movement
of the end supports from extended or retracted positions, respectively. A network
of spaced apart longitudinally-extending inextensible strands coupled by spaced apart
inextensible strands embedded in the bladder, prevent elastic expansion of the shell
and assist in translating radial force into axial tension.
[0005] Russian Patent No. 291,396 issued in 1971, discloses a flexible bladder with non-stretchable
threads fitted in the tube walls and affixed to end terminals similar to Yarlott.
[0006] An important source of failure of devices such as de Haven arises from rubbing of
the inextensible strands on the bladder. Such friction is at a maximum at the start
of any contraction or extension due to the static nature of the friction and the requirement
to break through this relatively high level of static friction before experiencing
a lower dynamic friction. In devices such as de Haven, elastic hysteresis occurs due
to expansion of the bladder surrounded by the strands.
[0007] The second limitation of some foregoing devices arises because of the relatively
limited amount of contraction as a percentage of the uncontracted distance between
the actuator ends that such actuators can achieve. The percentage contraction of the
de Haven and Gaylord actuators is limited by the need to change the angle of the woven
strands in the outer sheath during contraction. The amount of pulling force and the
percentage contraction of an axially contractable actuator is directly related to
the volumetric expansion of the bladder since the work done by the actuator equals
the pressure therein multiplied by the total change in volume inside the actuator.
In the above devices, the volume change inside the bladder is set substantially by
the volume change inside the inextensible strands or cables, sometimes referred to
as the spindle volume.
[0008] Although Yarlott, de Haven and Gaylord refer to a requirement for only flexible material
for the bladder, de Haven and Gaylord indicate elastomeric material as being preferable.
It has been discovered that operation of devices such as de Haven and Gaylord is enhanced
by the lateral forces exerted on the strands as a result of elastic expansion of the
bladder between the strands. Unfortunately, the high friction forces on, and tension
forces in the fabric at these locations drastically increases the likelihood of actuator
failure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] According to the invention, there is provided an axially contractable actuator which
includes an elongated hollow enclosure formed by a fluid impermeable substantially
non-elastic membrane. The enclosure has a plurality of [convex polyhedral protrusions
each with respective bases having more than three sides. Each base side of a protrusion
is attached to a base side of an adjacent protrusion by a flexible seam or continuous
fold, and each protrusion foldable about a plane dividing the protrusion into two
parts from an axially-extended condition in which the base sides are substantially
parallel to an axially-contracted condition in which the protrusion encloses a volume
larger than that enclosed in the axially-extended condition. A pair of axially-aligned
end terminations is formed at each end of the enclosure with one of the end terminations
being hollow. A pair of end connectors are each coupled to respective end terminations
with one of the end connectors having an axial bore which provides fluid communication
between an interior of the hollow enclosure and a source of pressurized fluid. A provision
of a plurality of protrusions articulating about their base seams and sides allows
the use of substantially non-elastic material for the membrane of the hollow enclosure
or bladder, thereby avoiding failure problems associated with elastomeric material.
Moreover, the hollow enclosure may be made from flat sheet material which is strong
enough to withstand standard pneumatic line pressures. Alternatively, the hollow enclosure
may be a single-curved hollow membrane. Moreover, the output force exerted and work
done by such an actuator is relatively large due to the large change in volume and
a large percentage contraction achievable by the enclosure. The percentage contraction
is large due to the ability of the enclosures to articulate without excessive radial
bulging. Furthermore, if the hollow enclosure is made from flat sheet material, the
volume enclosed by the actuator in the axially-extended state becomes significantly
minimized, thus increasing actuator efficiency.
[0010] The actuator may include a network of linked cables attached to the end connectors
and extend over the base seams of the protrusions to enclose the hollow enclosure
for transmitting tension force in the membrane of the enclosure to pulling force at
the end connectors. By utilizing substantially non-elastic material for the membrane
of the hollow enclosure, the hollow enclosure and linked cables move together with
no sliding friction between the two. The network of linked cables transmits tension
force in the membrane of the enclosure to pulling force at the ends of the actuator;
thus, there is no breakaway force resulting from static friction to be overcome between
the enclosure and the linked cables. Another advantage of the linked cables is that
the length of the links of the cable can be selected in order to modify the characteristic
force curve of the actuator. For smaller actuators or actuators operating at lower
pressure, the network of linked cables is optional, as the tensile strength of the
hollow enclosure can be made sufficient to transmit the pulling forces to the ends
of the actuator.
[0011] By utilizing properly dimensioned articulating protrusions such as convex four-sided
pyramids, increased reliability is obtained due to the minimization of stretching
or buckling in the enclosure membrane. Proper dimensioning of the protrusions also
allows modification of the characteristic force curve of the actuator.
[0012] Advantageously, the membrane of the hollow structure is made of a flexible material.
Utilizing a flexible material rather than a rigid plate for the protrusions results
in a more even distribution of membrane tension forces over the length of the base
seams of the protrusions.
[0013] The end connectors may have a plurality of longitudinally-extending spaced apart
cable stanchions for receiving cable loops from ends of the linked cables which pass
between the stanchions and loop around ends thereof. A nipple protruding from an end
of one of the connectors is used for snug reception of a corresponding end termination
of the hollow enclosure and a retainer ring is provided for engagement over the stanchions
so as to lock the cable loops in place around the stanchions and hold the cables close
to the hollow enclosure.
[0014] One of the nipples may have a hollow interior and be in fluid communication with
a fluid orifice in the connector for coupling to a source of pressurized fluid.
[0015] The linked cables may each be terminated with a fitting and the end connectors may
have corresponding sockets radially spaced apart for reception of respective fittings.
A retainer ring is engaged over the ends of the cables and end connectors for retention
of the cables to the end connectors.
[0016] The protrusions may be in the shape of convex polyhedra. The polyhedra may each be
truncated transversely to the base thereof when the associated polyhedra are folded
substantially flat. Alternatively, they may be truncated substantially parallel to
the base when folded substantially flat.
[0017] The protrusions may have an arcuate outer periphery extending from one end thereof
to an opposite v thereof.
[0018] Alternatively, the convex polyhedra may be-formed into dome shapes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019]
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an actuator according to a preferred embodiment
of the invention in an axially-extended state.
ligure 2 is a perspective view of the actuator of Figure 1 in a partially axially-contracted
state.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the hollow enclosure shown in Figure 1 in a axially-extended
state.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the network of linked cables with end connectors
of the actuator of Figure 1 in an axially-extended state.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the hollow enclosure shown in Figure 1 in an axially-contracted
state.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the network of linked cables of the actuator of
Figure 1 in an axially-contracted state.
Figure 7 is an alternative end connector assembly and an inverted nipple extending
inside the hollow enclosure.
Figure 8 is another end connector assembly similar to Figure 7.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a four-sided pyramidal protrusion forming one of
several which comprise a hollow enclosure.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a truncated pyramidal polyhedron which is adapted
to form one of the plurality of polyhedrons of the hollow enclosure.
Fioure 11 is a perspective view of the forces on an element of fabric of the hollow
enclosure.
Figure 12 is a schematic force diagram showing the fabric-cable interaction.
Figure 13 is a schematic elevation view of a force diagram on a mesh segment.
Figure 14 is a schematic view of a force diagram showing the forces on an end connector.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of an actuator having protrusions in the shape of
four-sided convex polyhedra having an outer surface which is truncated substantially
parallel to the base of the polyhedra when the latter is folded flat.
Figure 16 is a perspective view of an actuator having polyhedra with arcuate outer
peripheries.
Figure 17 is a perspective view of an actuator the protrusions of which are in the
form of convex polyhedra truncated transverse to the base thereof when the latter
are folded substantially flat.
Figure 18 is a perspective view of an actuator having substantially dome-shaped protrusions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The actuator 11 shown in Figure 1 in axially-extended form has a network of linked
cables 10 which are attached to end connectors 12 and 13. The axial direction extends
between connectors 12 and 13. The network of linked cables 10 surrounds a hollow enclosure
14 made of flexible, substantially non-elastic, impermeable material which is also
attached to end connectors 12 and 13. The hollow enclosure 14 which protrudes through
apertures of the network of linked cables 10 can accommodate fluid pressure from a
gaseous or liquid medium.
[0021] The actuator 11 in axially-contracted form is shown in Figure 2.
[0022] The hollow enclosure 14, illustrated in Figures 3 and 5 without the network of linked
cables 10 and end connectors 12, is made from flexible, substantially non-elastic
impermeable material, such as for example woven fibres of nylon or kevlar
TM bonded with flexible rubber or plastic to form an impermeable membrane. In Figure
3, the hollow enclosure is in the axially-extended state, while Figure 5 shows it
in the axially-contracted state. -A tubular nipple 32 and fittings 18 may either be
external to the hollow enclosure 14 or internal thereto as shown in Figure 7. The
hollow enclosure 14 has a characteristic shape of multiple interconnected convex polyhedra
which are in this embodiment approximate four-sided pyramids 15 joined along their
basal edges 44, each pyramid having lateral corners 46 extending from the basal edge
intersections to an apex 47. The corners 46 are formed by the intersection of adjacent
polyhedron faces 48. The hollow enclosure embodiment shown in Figure 3 has two stages
49 and 51 along the actuator axis of six four-sided pyramids each, for a total of
twelve pyramids in all. Other hollow enclosure configurations of more than two stages
of convex polyhedra along the actuator axis and fewer than or greater than 6 convex
polyhedra in each stage work well also.
[0023] Figures 4 and 6 illustrate the network of linked cables 10 and the end connectors
12 in isolation from the hollow enclosure 14. The network 10 is comprised of non-stretchable
flexible tension links 20 which are joined together at nodes 22 so as to form four-sided
diamond-shaped apertures 24 in the network. The cables or tension links 20 are terminated
with bulbous fittings 26 which are inserted into sockets 28 in the end connectors
12 and 13 thus forming a strong connection. Retaining ring 30 serves to hold the bulbous
cable terminations 26 into the sockets 28 of the end connectors 12 and to hold the
cable elements 20 next to the hollow enclosure 14 as the actuator 11 contracts axially.
End connectors 12 and 13 serve to transmit actuator cooling force to a load. End connector
12 also serves to let liquid or gas into or out of the hollow enclosure 14 by means
of orifice 16 and the nipple 32 having a hollow interior which is in fluid communication
with orifice 16.
[0024] Other network designs employing six-sided apertures, for example, are also possible.
The network of linked cables 10 is fabricated from multiple-strand steel cables 20
joined together at the nodes 22 with metal compression ferrules. Other materials can
be used for the network of linked cables 10, for example, solid wire, pivoted rigid
links, joined twine, and synthetic fibres.
[0025] Figure 7 illustrates an alternative end connector 42 suitable for tension actuators
with a cable network 10 having looped ends 34 thereof attached to the end connector
body 36. Threaded cable stanchions 38 serve to transmit the pulling force from the
cable elements to the end connector body 36. The retainer ring 40 is internally threaded
so that it can be screwed over the end connector body 36. An internal termination
18 to the hollow enclosure 14 is provided for receiving a nipple 32 of the end connector
42. An internal end termination of the hollow enclosure allows shortening of the total
length of the actuator 11.
[0026] Figure 8 illustrates yet another alternative end connector 43 in which the fluid
orifice 23 is at the end rather than running transversely to the axis of the actuator
14.
[0027] Referring to Figure 5, the protruding polyhedra of hollow enclosure 14 are four-faced
pyramids joined to each other along their basal edges 44 by continuous folds or flexible
seams 54. Each face 48 of a pyramid is joined to adjacent faces 48 by flexible lateral
seams 55 extending along corners 46. The polyhedra could be truncated pyramids as
shown in Figure 10 meeting along a truncated edge 50 having lateral seams 52 and basal
edges 57 rather than having lateral seams 55 as shown in Figure 9 meeting at an apex
47. The polyhedra of hollow enclosure 14 need not be all identical nor need they be
symmetrical.
[0028] The cable network 10 has segments or links 20 which occupy the valleys between adjacent
polyhedra. They need not be attached to the hollow enclosure 15, but may optionally
be attached thereto or embedded in the material of the hollow enclosure 14.
[0029] In operation,"the admission through orifice 16 of fluid pressure inside hollow enclosure
14 causes the membrane of the latter to flex and accommodate an increase in volume
inside enclosure 14. The expansion of enclosure 14 causes the network of linked cables
10 to expand radially and contract axially; thus, the linked cables 10 transfer tension
in the membrane of the hollow enclosure 14 to pulling force on the end connectors
12 and 13.
[0030] When the actuator 11 is fully extended, each polyhedron is collapsed to its minimum
possible volume which is negligible compared to its expanded volume. As actuator contraction
develops, each polyhedron expands its volume by folding articulation along its lateral
seams 55. In addition, the polyhedra alter their mutual orientation by folding along
their common basal edges 44. The net result is an increase in both radius and total
enclosure volume, and a corresponding shortening of the enclosure 14. The polyhedra
are each dimensioned so that articulation is accompanied by only negligible change
in their surface dimensions while also maintaining substantially shear-free connections
to each other. Avoidance of elastic deformation in this manner permits the enclosure
to be fabricated from impermeable substantially non-elastic impregnated fabric or
even from rigid hinged plates. However, the former material is preferable inasmuch
as the flexible fabric distributes tension forces over the entire surface area of
the enclosure. At full expansion (actuator-contracted), the flexible fabric polyhedra
tend to develop a moderately curved or conical form, and the polyhedra faces will
bulge with only minimal stretching.
[0031] The folding articulation of the polyhedra facilitates contraction of the actuator
11 with only a relatively small change in radius of the portion of the hollow enclosure
defined by the basal seams 54 from that in an extended condition to that in a contracted
condition. The latter radius change is small compared with the inflatable balloon-like
devices having a plurality of longitudinally-extending load bearing cables. The actuator
11 is capable of achieving contractions in excess of 45%. The cable network 10 constrains
radial expansion of the enclosure, thereby minimizing elastic deformation as well
as r
plieving interpolyhedra seams of any longitudinal tension. Cable network 10 transmits
a large axial force to the end connectors, thereby minimizing axial stress on the
enclosure fabric at the end connectors and failure of the enclosure 14.
[0032] Figure 5 and Figures 15 through 18 show expanded hollow enclosures (actuator-contracted)
without a network of linked cables (illustrated in Figure 6). For small actuators
or actuators operating at lower pressure, the network of linked cables is not necessary,
since the tensile strength of the hollow enclosure itself is sufficient to transmit
pulling forces to the ends of the actuator. Therefore, Figure 5 and Figures 15 through
18 represent independent actuator embodiments. End connectors for actuators without
a network of linked cables are optional. If end connectors are employed, they may
be similar to those depicted in Figures 4, 7 and 8, but without provision for terminating
the cables 10, and without the retaining sleeve 30 and 40.
[0033] A theoretical analysis of the actuator 11 involves a force equilibrium analysis as
well as an energy analysis. The essential concept of the force equilibrium analysis
is the transformation of outward pressure forces on the polyhedra faces into longitudinal
tension force in the cable mesh. Considering an isolated fabric polyhedron, the faces
of the polyhedron balance outward pressure force by developing a moderate curvature
and internal tension T shown in Figure 11 according to Laplace's formula, as follows:
where:
T = internal tension force per unit width of fabric
R = radius of curvature of the fabric
P = pressure difference between the interior and the exterior of the fabric
[0034] Next, considering a cable segment 20 as shown in Figure 12 acted on by the tension
forces T of adjacent polyhedra faces having an angle 2b between them, the resultant
force per unit length F on the cable segment 20 is given by:
[0035] Thus, if the polyhedra has a very flat profile, that is, a low apex, then angle b
is large and cos b is small, thereby reducing force F.
[0036] Force F on the cable segment 20 perpendicular thereto is balanced by the large tension
forces in the adjacent cable segments as shown in Figure 13 according to the following:
where:
FF = adjacent cable segment tension
F = perpendicular force on the cable segment according to Equation 2
c = angle between the cable segment and its adjacent neighbouring segments
M = the numbers of connecting segments at the two ends of the segment under consideration
1 = segment length
[0037] The above formula ignores the small segment curvature and the three-dimensional aspect
of the force equilibrium equation.
[0038] Finally, considering N cable segments meeting end connector 42 at angle d as shown
in Figure 14, the resultant actu§ator force Fa is given by:
[0039] An energy analysis can equate the work done by the fluid interior to the enclosure,
to the work done by the contracting actuator on its external end connections because
of the minimal elastic strain energy accompanying polyhedra articulation; thus, the
force on a load to the end connectors is given by the following:
where:
L = length of the enclosure
P = fluid pressure in the enclosure
[0040] In this case, a tension force is considered to be positive. For an actuator of original
length Lo, Fa is proportional to the square of Lo.
[0041] With this second (energy) approach, force versus contraction, maximum contraction,
etc., can be determined by computing the geometrical behaviour of the articulating
enclosure as it contracts. Articulation with minimal deformation can also be ensured
by testing specific polyhedra designs in this computation. Generally, very large forces
are achieved at small contractions, and less forces at large contraction. By appropriate
choice of numbers and forms of polyhedra, one can tailor specific aspects of actuator
behaviour, such as maximum contractions, magnitude of axial force, radial size, etcetera,
exhibiting a versatility which distinguishes the present actuator from other tension
actuators. Specific designs can be obtained which exhibit greater than 45% maximum
contraction.
[0042] An alternative configuration for the protrusions of an actuator is illustrated in
Figure 15 in which the protrusions 60 are in the form of convex polyhedra 70 having
six faces 66 and a four-sided base 64 wherein the top of the polyhedra are truncated
in a direction substantially parallel to the base when the polyhedra are folded flat.
[0043] Yet another alternative configuration for the actuator is illustrated in Figure 16
in which the protrusions consist of a four-sided base 72 and an arcuate periphery
74 extending from one corner of the base to a diagonally-opposite corner thereof in
a direction substantially axially of the actuator.
[0044] Figure 17 illustrates an actuator having a plurality of convex polyhedra 76 joined
along their bases with each polyhedra having a four-sided base and an upper periphery
truncated transversely to the direction of the base when the polyhedra are folded
flat.
[0045] Finally Figure 18 illustrates yet another embodiment of an actuator in which the
protrusions are in the form of domes 78 joined together along base edges.
[0046] Other variations, departures and modifications lying within the spirit of the invention
and scope as defined by the appended claims will be obvious to those skilled in the
art.
1. An axially contractable actuator, comprising:
(a) an elongated hollow enclosure formed by a fluid impermeable and substantially
non-elastic flexible material having a plurality of protrusions each with respective
bases having more than three sides, each base side of a protrusion being attached
to a base side of an adjacent protrusion by a flexible seam of continuous fold, and
each protrusion foldable about a plane dividing the protrusion into two parts, from
an axially-extended condition in which the base sides are substantially parallel to
an axially-contracted condition in which the protrusion encloses a volume larger than
that enclosed in the axially-extended condition, and a pair of axially-aligned end
terminations, one at each end of said enclosure.
(b) a means for introducing pressurized fluid into the interior of said hollow enclosure;
and
(c) a means for transmitting tension force in the material of said enclosure to axial
pulling force at the end terminations.
2. An actuator as in claim 1, including a network of linked cables attached to end
connectors which are coupled to the said end terminations wherein the cable network
is nonintegral with the enclosure and extends over the base seams of said protrusions
to embrace said hollow enclosure for transmitting tension force in the enclosure to
pulling force at the end connectors.
3. An actuator as in claim 1, wherein said protrusions are each in the shape of convex
four-sided pyramids.
4. An actuator as in claim 2, wherein said end connectors have a plurality of longitudinally-extending
spaced apart cable stanchions for receiving cable loops from ends of said linked cables
which pass between said stanchions and loop around ends thereof, a nipple protruding
from an end of one of said connectors for snug reception of a corresponding end termination
of said hollow enclosure and a retainer ring for engagement over said stanchions so
as to lock the cable loops in place around said stanchions, and hold cables next to
the hollow enclosure.
5. An actuator as in claim 4, wherein one of said nipples has a hollow interior and
is in fluid communication with a fluid orifice in said connector for coupling to a
source of pressurized fluid.
6. An actuator as in claim 4, wherein said linked cables are each terminated with
a bulbous fitting and said end connectors have corresponding sockets radially spaced
apart for reception of respective fittings and a retainer ring for engagement over
ends of said cables for retention thereof to said end connector.
7. An actuator as in claim 1, wherein said protrusions are in the shape of convex
polyhedra.
8. An actuator as in claim 7, wherein said polyhedra are each truncated transversely
to the base thereof when the associated polyhedra are folded substantially flat.
9. An actuator as in claim 7, wherein said polyhedra are each truncated substantially
parallel to the base when the associated polyhedra are folded substantially flat.
10. An actuator as in claim 1, wherein the protrusions have an arcuate outer periphery
extending from one end thereof to an opposite end thereof.
11. An actuator as in claim 1, wherein the protrusions are substantially dome-shaped.
12. An actuator as in claim 1, where said enclosure is constructed or rigid planar
panels connected by flexible seams.
13. An actuator as in claim 1, or claim 12, where said enclosure is constructed from
flat sheet material.