scholarly journals Fully Polymeric Domes as High-Stroke Biasing System for Soft Dielectric Elastomer Actuators

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Neu ◽  
Jonas Hubertus ◽  
Sipontina Croce ◽  
Günter Schultes ◽  
Stefan Seelecke ◽  
...  

The availability of compliant actuators is essential for the development of soft robotic systems. Dielectric elastomers (DEs) represent a class of smart actuators which has gained a significant popularity in soft robotics, due to their unique mix of large deformation (>100%), lightweight, fast response, and low cost. A DE consists of a thin elastomer membrane coated with flexible electrodes on both sides. When a high voltage is applied to the electrodes, the membrane undergoes a controllable mechanical deformation. In order to produce a significant actuation stroke, a DE membrane must be coupled with a mechanical biasing system. Commonly used spring-like bias elements, however, are generally made of rigid materials such as steel, and thus they do not meet the compliance requirements of soft robotic applications. To overcome this issue, in this paper we propose a novel type of compliant mechanism as biasing elements for DE actuators, namely a three-dimensional polymeric dome. When properly designed, such types of mechanisms exhibit a region of negative stiffness in their force-displacement behavior. This feature, in combination with the intrinsic softness of the polymeric material, ensures large actuation strokes as well as compliance compatibility with soft robots. After presenting the novel biasing concept, the overall soft actuator design, manufacturing, and assembly are discussed. Finally, experimental characterization is conducted, and the suitability for soft robotic applications is assessed.

Micromachines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 911
Author(s):  
Jesse Ross-Jones ◽  
Tobias Teumer ◽  
Susann Wunsch ◽  
Lukas Petri ◽  
Hermann Nirschl ◽  
...  

The industrial particle sensor market lacks simple, easy to use, low cost yet robust, safe and fast response solutions. Towards development of such a sensor, for in-line use in micro channels under continuous flow conditions, this work introduces static light scattering (SLS) determination of particle diameter using a laser with an emission power of less than 5 µW together with sensitive detectors with detection times of 1 ms. The measurements for the feasibility studies are made in an angular range between 20° and 160° in 2° increments. We focus on the range between 300 and 1000 nm, for applications in the production of paints, colors, pigments and crystallites. Due to the fast response time, reaction characteristics in microchannel designs for precipitation and crystallization processes can be studied. A novel method for particle diameter characterization is developed using the positions of maxima and minima and slope distribution. The novel algorithm to classify particle diameter is especially developed to be independent of dispersed phase concentration or concentration fluctuations like product flares or signal instability. Measurement signals are post processed and particle diameters are validated against Mie light scattering simulations. The design of a low cost instrument for industrial use is proposed.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Huang ◽  
Yin’an Ming ◽  
Ying Du ◽  
Yingru Wang ◽  
Ci’en Wang

This study presents the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue (MB) wastewater in a synthetic solution using three-dimensional particle electrodes. The novel particle electrodes were fabricated in this work using the lithium modified rectorite (Li-REC). The adsorption property of the fabricated particle electrodes was studied in a series of experiments. The optimum electrochemical operating conditions of plate distance, cell voltage, and concentration of electrolyte were 2 cm, 9 V, and 0.06 mol L−1, respectively. It was also found that microwave irradiation can effectively improve the adsorption property and electrical property of the fabricated electrodes. In addition, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the fabricated electrodes was investigated. The experimental results revealed the order of adsorption property and electrical property of the fabricated electrodes. So, fabricated electrodes are not only of low cost and mass produced, but also efficient to achieve decolorization of MB solution.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 968-974
Author(s):  
Witchuda Thongking ◽  
Ardi Wiranata ◽  
Ayato Minaminosono ◽  
Zebing Mao ◽  
Shingo Maeda ◽  
...  

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are a promising technology for soft robotics. The use of DEAs has many advantages, including light weight, resilience, and fast response for its applications, such as grippers, artificial muscles, and heel strike generators. Grippers are commonly used as grasping devices. In this study, we focus on DEA applications and propose a technology to expand the applicability of a soft gripper. The advantages of gripper-based DEAs include light weight, fast response, and low cost. We fabricated soft grippers using multiple DEA layers. The grippers successfully held or gripped an object, and we investigated the response time of the grippers and their angle characteristics. We studied the relationship between the number of DEA layers and the performance of our grippers. Our experimental results show that the multi-layered DEAs have the potential to be strong grippers.


2014 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 434-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhiwen Xian ◽  
Xiaoping Hu ◽  
Junxiang Lian

Exact motion estimation is a major task in autonomous navigation. The integration of Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) can provide accurate location estimation, but cannot be used in a GPS denied environment. In this paper, we present a tight approach to integrate a stereo camera and low-cost inertial sensor. This approach takes advantage of the inertial sensor's fast response and visual sensor's slow drift. In contrast to previous approaches, features both near and far from the camera are simultaneously taken into consideration in the visual-inertial approach. The near features are parameterised in three dimensional (3D) Cartesian points which provide range and heading information, whereas the far features are initialised in Inverse Depth (ID) points which provide bearing information. In addition, the inertial sensor biases and a stationary alignment are taken into account. The algorithm employs an Iterative Extended Kalman Filter (IEKF) to estimate the motion of the system, the biases of the inertial sensors and the tracked features over time. An outdoor experiment is presented to validate the proposed algorithm and its accuracy.


RSC Advances ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (56) ◽  
pp. 32333-32343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imen Ben Elkamel ◽  
Nejeh Hamdaoui ◽  
Amine Mezni ◽  
Ridha Ajjel ◽  
Lotfi Beji

This study involves the novel fabrication of a high responsivity, fast response, and low-cost (UV) photodetector (PD) based on ZnO/Ni nanoparticles deposited on a glass substrate.


2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 50405-1-50405-5
Author(s):  
Young-Woo Park ◽  
Myounggyu Noh

Abstract Recently, the three-dimensional (3D) printing technique has attracted much attention for creating objects of arbitrary shape and manufacturing. For the first time, in this work, we present the fabrication of an inkjet printed low-cost 3D temperature sensor on a 3D-shaped thermoplastic substrate suitable for packaging, flexible electronics, and other printed applications. The design, fabrication, and testing of a 3D printed temperature sensor are presented. The sensor pattern is designed using a computer-aided design program and fabricated by drop-on-demand inkjet printing using a magnetostrictive inkjet printhead at room temperature. The sensor pattern is printed using commercially available conductive silver nanoparticle ink. A moving speed of 90 mm/min is chosen to print the sensor pattern. The inkjet printed temperature sensor is demonstrated, and it is characterized by good electrical properties, exhibiting good sensitivity and linearity. The results indicate that 3D inkjet printing technology may have great potential for applications in sensor fabrication.


2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 453-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Besnea ◽  
Alina Spanu ◽  
Iuliana Marlena Prodea ◽  
Gheorghita Tomescu ◽  
Iolanda Constanta Panait

The paper points out the advantages of rapid prototyping for improving the performances/constructive optimization of mixing devices used in process industries, here exemplified to propeller types ones. The multidisciplinary optimization of the propeller profile affords its design using parametric CAD methods. Starting from the mathematical curve equations proposed for the blade profile, it was determined its three-dimensional virtual model. The challenge has been focused on the variation of propeller pitch and external diameter. Three dimensional ranges were manufactured using the additive manufacturing process with Marker Boot 3D printer. The mixing performances were tested on the mixing equipment measuring the minimum rotational speed and the correspondent shaft torque for complete suspension achieved for each of the three models. The virtual and rapid prototyping method is newly proposed by the authors to obtain the basic data for scale up of the mixing systems, in the case of flexible production (of low quantities), in which both the nature and concentration of the constituents in the final product varies often. It is an efficient and low cost method for the rapid identification of the optimal mixing device configuration, which contributes to the costs reduction and to the growing of the output.


1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 293-308
Author(s):  
J. Koponen ◽  
M. Virtanen ◽  
H. Vepsä ◽  
E. Alasaarela

Abstract Three-dimensional (3-D) mathematical models of water currents, transport, mixing, reaction kinetic, and interactions with bottom and air have been used in Finland regularly since 1982 and applied to about 40 cases in large lakes, inland seas and their coastal waters. In each case, model validity has been carefully tested with available flow velocity measurements, tracer studies and water quality observations. For operational use, i.e., for spill combatting and sea rescue, the models need fast response, proven validity and illustrative visualization. In 1987-90, validated models were implemented for operational use at five sea areas along the Finnish coast. Further validation was obtained in model applications from nine documented or arranged cases and from seven emergency situations. Sensitivity tests supplement short-term validation. In the Bothnian Sea, it was nescessary to start the calculation of water currents three days prior to the start of the experiment to reduce initial inaccuracies and to make the coastal transport estimates meaningful.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 460
Author(s):  
Mario Matthys ◽  
Laure De Cock ◽  
John Vermaut ◽  
Nico Van de Weghe ◽  
Philippe De Maeyer

More and more digital 3D city models might evolve into spatiotemporal instruments with time as the 4th dimension. For digitizing the current situation, 3D scanning and photography are suitable tools. The spatial future could be integrated using 3D drawings by public space designers and architects. The digital spatial reconstruction of lost historical environments is more complex, expensive and rarely done. Three-dimensional co-creative digital drawing with citizens’ collaboration could be a solution. In 2016, the City of Ghent (Belgium) launched the “3D city game Ghent” project with time as one of the topics, focusing on the reconstruction of disappeared environments. Ghent inhabitants modelled in open-source 3D software and added animated 3D gamification and Transmedia Storytelling, resulting in a 4D web environment and VR/AR/XR applications. This study analyses this low-cost interdisciplinary 3D co-creative process and offers a framework to enable other cities and municipalities to realise a parallel virtual universe (an animated digital twin bringing the past to life). The result of this co-creation is the start of an “Animated Spatial Time Machine” (AniSTMa), a term that was, to the best of our knowledge, never used before. This research ultimately introduces a conceptual 4D space–time diagram with a relation between the current physical situation and a growing number of 3D animated models over time.


2012 ◽  
Vol 497 ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
Liang Liang Yuan ◽  
Ke Hua Zhang ◽  
Li Min

In order to process heterotype hole of workpiece precisely, an open abrasive flow polish machine is designed, and the optimization design of machine frame is done for low cost. Firstly, basing on the parameters designed with traditional ways, three-dimensional force model is set up with the soft of SolidWorks. Secondly, the statics and modal analysis for machine body have been done in Finite element methods (FEM), and then the optimization analysis of machine frame has been done. At last, the model of rebuild machine frame has been built. Result shows that the deformation angle value of machine frame increased from 0.72′ to 1.001′, the natural frequency of the machine decreased from 75.549 Hz to 62.262 Hz, the weight of machine decreased by 74.178 Kg after optimization. It meets the strength, stiffness and angel stiffness requirement of machine, reduces the weight and cost of machine.


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