A Bidirectional Soft Diode for Artificial Systems

Artificial material systems that seek to mimic the basic processes of life must perform multiple complex functions, including responsiveness, motion, and metabolism. Networks of programmable materials offer a pathway toward achieving these functions by altering local chemical, physical, and structural properties to enable control. The ability to perform multiple complex functions in a single soft elastomeric material system is demonstrated by reconfiguring, in situ, passive bistable fluidic diodes that are inspired by mammalian venous valves. It is shown how pneumo-mechanical programmability allows these silicone elastomer diode assemblies to accomplish, without rearranging the fluidic circuit, multiple functions, including pumping (motion), energy storage/discharge (metabolism), logic operations (response), and signal filtering/rectification. The ability to achieve multiple functions through in situ programming may lead to the development of efficient artificial systems capable of complex functions in compact, remote applications.

Automated summary

This article examines an artificial material system that achieves multiple complex functions through reconfiguring programmable material networks. The ability to perform pumping, energy storage/discharge, logic operations, and signal filtering/rectification is demonstrated in a single soft elastomeric material system.