A dynamic interface between a vehicle windshield and a structure (e.g., an A-pillar) is provided. The dynamic interface can be actively managed to allow its configuration to be selectively changed based on real-time driving environment conditions. The interface can include one or more actuators that can be selectively activated or deactivated to change the aerodynamic characteristics of the interface. When a crosswind activation condition is detected, the actuator(s) can be activated. The actuator(s) can be soft-bodied structures. The actuator(s) can include a bladder defining a fluid chamber filled with a dielectric fluid. A first conductor and a second conductor can be operatively positioned on opposite portions of the bladder. When electrical energy is supplied to the conductors, they can become oppositely charged. As a result, the conductors can be electrostatically attracted toward each other, displacing some of the dielectric fluid to an outer peripheral region of the fluid chamber.

A hybrid actuation device including a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate, a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first plate and the second plate, a bladder positioned between the first plate and the second plate, the bladder housing a fluid, a first fixed electrode coupled to the second plate, and a flexible electrode coupled to the first plate and extending along the first fixed electrode.

High strain hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic transducers having increased maximum theoretical and practical strains are disclosed. In particular, the actuators include electrode configurations having a zipping front created by the attraction of the electrodes that is configured orthogonally to a strain axis along which the actuators. This configuration produces increased strains. In turn, various form factors for the actuator configuration are presented including an artificial circular muscle and a strain amplifying pulley system. Other actuator configurations are contemplated that include independent and opposed electrode pairs to create cyclic activation, hybrid electrode configurations, and use of strain limiting layers for controlled deflection of the actuator.

Artificial muscles comprising a body of dielectric elastomer, wherein the body contains a pair of microfluidic networks are presented. Each microfluidic network includes a plurality of channels fluidically coupled via a manifold. The channels of the microfluidic networks are interdigitated and filled with conductive fluid such that each set of adjacent channels functions as the electrodes of an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator. By using the manifolds as compliant wiring to energize the electrodes, artificial muscles in accordance with the present disclosure mitigate some or all of the reliability problems associated with prior-art artificial muscles.

A method for detecting fluid injection in a patient, the method including the steps of providing a fluid storage tank; providing fluid for use in machinery and adding said fluid to the fluid storage tank; and providing a fluorescent dye and adding the fluorescent dye to the fluid such that the fluid fluoresces in the presence of ultraviolet light.

A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly includes positioning a layer stack comprising an electrode positioned between an electrode insulator and a support polymer in a vacuum bag, removing air from the vacuum bag thereby vacuum coupling the electrode to the electrode insulator, and removing the layer stack from the vacuum bag, where upon removal of the layer stack from the vacuum bag, the electrode remains vacuum coupled to the electrode insulator and the electrode insulator is in direct contact with the electrode, thereby forming an electrode assembly.

A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly includes positioning a layer stack comprising an electrode positioned between an electrode insulator and a support polymer in a vacuum bag, removing air from the vacuum bag thereby vacuum coupling the electrode to the electrode insulator, and removing the layer stack from the vacuum bag, where upon removal of the layer stack from the vacuum bag, the electrode remains vacuum coupled to the electrode insulator and the electrode insulator is in direct contact with the electrode, thereby forming an electrode assembly.

A hybrid actuation device including a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate, a shape memory alloy wire coupled to the first plate and the second plate, a bladder positioned between the first plate and the second plate, the bladder housing a fluid, a first fixed electrode coupled to the second plate, and a flexible electrode coupled to the first plate and extending along the first fixed electrode.

The present disclosure provides an actuator including a pouch which is sealed and formed with an asymmetric structure, a dielectric fluid which is filled in the pouch, and an electrode which is attached to one surface of the pouch and the other surface opposite the one surface, wherein the pouch includes a first part provided on one side and having a predetermined area, and a second part provided on the other side opposite the one side and having a smaller area than the first part, and when power is applied to the electrodes, the first part or the second part of the pouch is expandable by movement of the dielectric fluid due to the asymmetric structure, and an active plate having the same.

The present disclosure provides an actuator including a pouch which is sealed and formed with an asymmetric structure, a dielectric fluid which is filled in the pouch, and an electrode which is attached to one surface of the pouch and the other surface opposite the one surface, wherein the pouch includes a first part provided on one side and having a predetermined area, and a second part provided on the other side opposite the one side and having a smaller area than the first part, and when power is applied to the electrodes, the first part or the second part of the pouch is expandable by movement of the dielectric fluid due to the asymmetric structure, and an active plate having the same.