A Bidirectional Soft Diode for Artificial Systems

摘要

Artificial material systems that seek to mimic the basic processes of life mustperform multiple complex functions, including responsiveness, motion, andmetabolism. Networks of programmable materials offer a pathway towardachieving these functions by altering local chemical, physical, and structuralproperties to enable control. The ability to perform multiple complex functionsin a single soft elastomeric material system is demonstrated by reconfiguring,in situ, passive bistable fluidic diodes that are inspired by mammalianvenous valves. It is shown how pneumo-mechanical programmability allowsthese silicone elastomer diode assemblies to accomplish, without rearrangingthe fluidic circuit, multiple functions, including pumping (motion), energystorage/discharge (metabolism), logic operations (response), and signalfiltering/rectification. The ability to achieve multiple functions through insitu programming may lead to the development of efficient artificial systemscapable of complex functions in compact, remote applications.