Strong dielectric-elastomer grippers with tension arch flexures

Kim Rui Heng, Anansa S. Ahmed, Milan Shrestha, Gih Keong Lau*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Soft grippers based on dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) are usually too flimsy to perform the task of pick and place on a heavier object given their low payload capacity. This work developed a new design of DEA unimorph consists of a flexible frame holding at a DEA on the discrete support by a stiffer spine-like flexure of 380μm thick Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet. It finds an equilibrium of curling up when the DEA's pre-stretch is partially released; it can electrically unfolds upon a voltage application. This dielectric elastomer unimorph of 3 grams produced a maximum voltage induced bending of close to 90° and a maximum voltage-induced blocked force of up to 168mN. Given their higher stiffness and large actuation, these 3-D shaped and strengthened DEA unimorphs can make stronger grippers for passive grasping and active pinching.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2017
EditorsYoseph Bar-Cohen
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510608115
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
EventElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2017 - Portland, United States
Duration: 26 Mar 201729 Mar 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10163
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceElectroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland
Period26/03/1729/03/17

Keywords

  • Dielectric elastomer actuator
  • apping wing
  • compliant mechanisms
  • ight muscles

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