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Droplet-based mechanical transducers modulated by the symmetry of wettability patterns

Author

Listed:
  • Luanluan Xue

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • An Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Huizeng Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xinye Yu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Kaixuan Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Renxuan Yuan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiao Deng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Rujun Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Quan Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yanlin Song

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Xiangfu Laboratory)

Abstract

Asymmetric mechanical transducers have important applications in energy harvesting, signal transmission, and micro-mechanics. To achieve asymmetric transformation of mechanical motion or energy, active robotic metamaterials, as well as materials with asymmetric microstructures or internal orientation, are usually employed. However, these strategies usually require continuous energy supplement and laborious fabrication, and limited transformation modes are achieved. Herein, utilizing wettability patterned surfaces for precise control of the droplet contact line and inner flow, we demonstrate a droplet-based mechanical transducer system, and achieve multimodal responses to specific vibrations. By virtue of the synergistic effect of surface tension and solid-liquid adhesion on the liquid dynamics, the droplet on the patterned substrate can exhibit symmetric/asymmetric vibration transformation when the substrate vibrates horizontally. Based on this, we construct arrayed patterns with distinct arrangements on the substrate, and employ the swarm effect of the arrayed droplets to achieve three-dimensional and multimodal actuation of the target plate under a fixed input vibration. Further, we demonstrate the utilization of the mechanical transducers for vibration management, object transport, and laser modulation. These findings provide a simple yet efficient strategy to realize a multimodal mechanical transducer, which shows significant potential for aseismic design, optical molding, as well as micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).

Suggested Citation

  • Luanluan Xue & An Li & Huizeng Li & Xinye Yu & Kaixuan Li & Renxuan Yuan & Xiao Deng & Rujun Li & Quan Liu & Yanlin Song, 2024. "Droplet-based mechanical transducers modulated by the symmetry of wettability patterns," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48538-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48538-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Martin Brandenbourger & Xander Locsin & Edan Lerner & Corentin Coulais, 2019. "Non-reciprocal robotic metamaterials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Corentin Coulais & Dimitrios Sounas & Andrea Alù, 2017. "Static non-reciprocity in mechanical metamaterials," Nature, Nature, vol. 542(7642), pages 461-464, February.
    3. Gabriele Librandi & Eleonora Tubaldi & Katia Bertoldi, 2021. "Programming nonreciprocity and reversibility in multistable mechanical metamaterials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    4. Huizeng Li & Wei Fang & Yanan Li & Qiang Yang & Mingzhu Li & Qunyang Li & Xi-Qiao Feng & Yanlin Song, 2019. "Spontaneous droplets gyrating via asymmetric self-splitting on heterogeneous surfaces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-6, December.
    5. Jing Lou & Songlin Shi & Chen Ma & Xiaohuan Zhou & Dong Huang & Quanshui Zheng & Cunjing Lv, 2022. "Polygonal non-wetting droplets on microtextured surfaces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
    6. Zhipeng Zhao & Huizeng Li & An Li & Wei Fang & Zheren Cai & Mingzhu Li & Xiqiao Feng & Yanlin Song, 2021. "Breaking the symmetry to suppress the Plateau–Rayleigh instability and optimize hydropower utilization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-7, December.
    7. Gabriele Librandi & Eleonora Tubaldi & Katia Bertoldi, 2021. "Publisher Correction: Programming nonreciprocity and reversibility in multistable mechanical metamaterials," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-1, December.
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