Dielectric Elastomer Grippers

Dielectric Elastomer Based "Grippers" for Soft Robotics.

The use of few stiff fibers to control the deformation of dielectric elastomer actuators, in particular to break the symmetry of equi-biaxial lateral strain in the absence of prestretch, is demonstrated. Actuators with patterned fibers are shown to evolve into unique shapes upon electrical actuation, enabling novel designs of gripping actuators for soft robotics.

Dielectric Elastomers Conductive Elastomer Insulating Elastomer

Helical dielectric elastomer actuators

This paper presents a new type of contractile polymer-based electromechanical linear actuator. The device belongs to the class of dielectric elastomer actuators, which are typically capable of undergoing large deformations induced by an applied electric field. It is based on a novel helical configuration, suitable for the generation of electrically driven axial contractions and radial expansion...

Stacked Dielectric Elastomer

This paper presents a novel approach for active structures driven by soft dielectric electro-active polymers (EAPs), which can perform contractive displacements at external tensile load. The active structure is composed of an array of equal segments, where the dielectric films are arranged in a pile-up configuration. The proposed active structure has the capability of exhibiting uniaxial contra...

Self-stabilizing Dielectric Elastomer Generators

Dielectric Elastomer Generators (DEGs) are an emerging technology for the conversion of mechanical into electrical energy. Despite many advantageous characteristics, there are still issues to overcome, including the need for charging at every cycle to produce an electrical output. Self-priming Circuits (SPCs) are one possible solution, storing part of the electric energy output of one cycle to ...