Multiple-degrees-of-freedom dielectric elastomer actuators for soft printable hexapod robot

2017 ◽  
Vol 267 ◽  
pp. 505-516 ◽  
Author(s):  
Canh Toan Nguyen ◽  
Hoa Phung ◽  
Tien Dat Nguyen ◽  
Hosang Jung ◽  
Hyouk Ryeol Choi
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Hexapod Robot ◽  
Multiple Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators

Improved Model for Conical Dielectric Elastomer Actuators With Fewer Electrical Connections

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hector Medina ◽  
Carson W. Farmer
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Artificial Muscles ◽  
Multiple Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Robotic Joints ◽  
Improved Model ◽  
Electrical Connections

Abstract Dielectric elastomers (DEs) exhibit remarkable properties that make them stand out among other electroactive polymers. Various types of actuators based on DEs have been used in applications that include artificial muscles, Braille displays, and robotic joints. In particular, conical dielectric elastomer actuators (CDEAs) are very attractive due to their multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) and easiness of construction. In this study, an energy method is used to derive an improved mathematical model for a double-cone dielectric elastomer actuator (DCDEA) capable of predicting horizontal and rotational displacements. To create the model, a new variable is introduced into the equations, the azimuth angle. In addition, a new pattern of electrodes is proposed as a method for achieving five DOF using only half of the electrode connections of traditional DCDEAs. Experimental tests are carried out and used to validate the proposed model. Results show very close agreement. A limiting aspect of the proposed model is that it relies on two experimental correction coefficients. Nonetheless, the model derived provides a means to more accurately implement automatic control to robotic systems that use DCDEAs (work in progress).

scholarly journals Dielectric Elastomer Actuator Driven Soft Robotic Structures With Bioinspired Skeletal and Muscular Reinforcement

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Franke ◽  
A. Ehrenhofer ◽  
S. Lahiri ◽  
E.-F. M. Henke ◽  
T. Wallmersperger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Aerosol Deposition ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Artificial Muscles ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Natural Motion ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators ◽  
Resonance Frequencies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Laminate Theory

Natural motion types found in skeletal and muscular systems of vertebrate animals inspire researchers to transfer this ability into engineered motion, which is highly desired in robotic systems. Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have shown promising capabilities as artificial muscles for driving such structures, as they are soft, lightweight, and can generate large strokes. For maximum performance, dielectric elastomer membranes need to be sufficiently pre-stretched. This fact is challenging, because it is difficult to integrate pre-stretched membranes into entirely soft systems, since the stored strain energy can significantly deform soft elements. Here, we present a soft robotic structure, possessing a bioinspired skeleton integrated into a soft body element, driven by an antagonistic pair of DEA artificial muscles, that enable the robot bending. In its equilibrium state, the setup maintains optimum isotropic pre-stretch. The robot itself has a length of 60 mm and is based on a flexible silicone body, possessing embedded transverse 3D printed struts. These rigid bone-like elements lead to an anisotropic bending stiffness, which only allows bending in one plane while maintaining the DEA's necessary pre-stretch in the other planes. The bones, therefore, define the degrees of freedom and stabilize the system. The DEAs are manufactured by aerosol deposition of a carbon-silicone-composite ink onto a stretchable membrane that is heat cured. Afterwards, the actuators are bonded to the top and bottom of the silicone body. The robotic structure shows large and defined bimorph bending curvature and operates in static as well as dynamic motion. Our experiments describe the influence of membrane pre-stretch and varied stiffness of the silicone body on the static and dynamic bending displacement, resonance frequencies and blocking forces. We also present an analytical model based on the Classical Laminate Theory for the identification of the main influencing parameters. Due to the simple design and processing, our new concept of a bioinspired DEA based robotic structure, with skeletal and muscular reinforcement, offers a wide range of robotic application.

Prediction of the Behavior of Dynamically Actuated DE Roll-Actuators Using Equivalent Circuits

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petko Bakardjiev ◽  
Uwe Marschner ◽  
Markus Franke ◽  
Andreas Richter ◽  
Ercan M. Altinsoy
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Model Updating ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Axial Direction ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Interface Circuits ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators ◽  
Conventional Systems

Abstract Dielectric elastomer actuators show suitable properties to be utilized for dynamic applications, e.g. speakers, shakers and pumps, with possible benefits to existing conventional systems. In this work a method to predict the performance of dynamically actuated dielectric-elastomer roll-actuators (DERA) depending on both, material and design parameters is presented. It incorporates in combination analytical computation, FEM, as well as electromechanical networks and considers a large variety of material configurations with a multitude of constructional degrees of freedom. DERA in push-configuration exhibit a distinct modal behavior in axial direction depending on the boundary conditions and loading at the actuators end terminals, which is described sufficiently by a one-dimensional longitudinal waveguide model. Several DERA were designed, manufactured and tested. The experimental studies were in good agreement with the made predictions. They allowed for further refinement regarding interface circuits and model updating, such as the estimation of inaccessible parameters (e. g. damping coefficients). The presented model allows for extensive parameter studies and the development of tailor-made actuators for given application in a very time efficient manner.

scholarly journals Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a Novel 3D 3-Fingered Electrothermal Microgripper with Multiple Degrees of Freedom

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 444
Author(s):  
Guoning Si ◽  
Liangying Sun ◽  
Zhuo Zhang ◽  
Xuping Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Polyimide Film ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Multiple Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Electrothermal Actuator ◽  
3D Space ◽  
Pick And Place

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a novel three-dimensional (3D) three-fingered electrothermal microgripper with multiple degrees of freedom (multi DOFs). Each finger of the microgripper is composed of a V-shaped electrothermal actuator providing one DOF, and a 3D U-shaped electrothermal actuator offering two DOFs in the plane perpendicular to the movement of the V-shaped actuator. As a result, each finger possesses 3D mobilities with three DOFs. Each beam of the actuators is heated externally with the polyimide film. The durability of the polyimide film is tested under different voltages. The static and dynamic properties of the finger are also tested. Experiments show that not only can the microgripper pick and place microobjects, such as micro balls and even highly deformable zebrafish embryos, but can also rotate them in 3D space.

scholarly journals The emerging technology of biohybrid micro-robots: a review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zening Lin ◽  
Tao Jiang ◽  
Jianzhong Shang
Keyword(s):  
Self Assembly ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Living Cells ◽  
Multiple Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
The Past ◽  
Great Prevalence ◽  
Performance Decline ◽  
High Energy Efficiency ◽  
Living Tissues

Abstract In the past few decades, robotics research has witnessed an increasingly high interest in miniaturized, intelligent, and integrated robots. The imperative component of a robot is the actuator that determines its performance. Although traditional rigid drives such as motors and gas engines have shown great prevalence in most macroscale circumstances, the reduction of these drives to the millimeter or even lower scale results in a significant increase in manufacturing difficulty accompanied by a remarkable performance decline. Biohybrid robots driven by living cells can be a potential solution to overcome these drawbacks by benefiting from the intrinsic microscale self-assembly of living tissues and high energy efficiency, which, among other unprecedented properties, also feature flexibility, self-repair, and even multiple degrees of freedom. This paper systematically reviews the development of biohybrid robots. First, the development of biological flexible drivers is introduced while emphasizing on their advantages over traditional drivers. Second, up-to-date works regarding biohybrid robots are reviewed in detail from three aspects: biological driving sources, actuator materials, and structures with associated control methodologies. Finally, the potential future applications and major challenges of biohybrid robots are explored. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Integrated structured light architectures

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Randy Lemons ◽  
Wei Liu ◽  
Josef C. Frisch ◽  
Alan Fry ◽  
Joseph Robinson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Temporal Distribution ◽  
Multiple Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Beam Combination ◽  
Angular Momenta ◽  
Field Control ◽  
Topological States ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Temporal Field ◽  
Structural Versatility

AbstractThe structural versatility of light underpins an outstanding collection of optical phenomena where both geometrical and topological states of light can dictate how matter will respond or display. Light possesses multiple degrees of freedom such as amplitude, and linear, spin angular, and orbital angular momenta, but the ability to adaptively engineer the spatio-temporal distribution of all these characteristics is primarily curtailed by technologies used to impose any desired structure to light. We demonstrate a laser architecture based on coherent beam combination offering integrated spatio-temporal field control and programmability, thereby presenting unique opportunities for generating light by design to exploit its topology.

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