SUMMARY:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering have developed a dielectric elastomer and layering process that can produce actuators capable of high strain and high frequency actuation.
BACKGROUND:
Dielectric elastomers (DE) can act as deformable capacitors that can generate a mechanical movement in response to an electrical signal. They are often referred to as “artificial muscles” due to their high energy density, large stroke, and high frequency response. Compared to more traditional designs such as pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, dielectric elastomer actuators are significantly more lightweight and flexible making it very promising for soft robotic systems. Typical DE are either silicone- or acrylic-based systems. Silicone dielectric elastomers are processable and have great frequency response, but their low strain leaves much to be desired. Acrylics dielectric elastomers, on the other hand, have great strain but poor frequency response and often require rigid structural support to achieve high performance targets. This significantly limits the practicality of acrylic dielectric elastomers in soft robotic systems. There is a need to develop new dielectric elastomer materials to obtain both high frequency response and high strain without the reliance of rigid structures.
INNOVATION:
UCLA researchers have invented a dielectric elastomer that achieves > 100% strain when actuated in a single layer configuration and can maintain high strains when operated at 1-20 Hz. Unlike conventional dielectric elastomer materials, the new dielectric elastomer is highly processable and can enable new actuator designs and configurations. A novel and scalable layering process was also invented to increase the overall energy output of the actuators. Most crucially, the new dielectric elastomer actuators can achieve these metrics without the need for rigid supporting structures. The new actuators are highly compliant and shock resistant. The PHDE is an incredibly promising dielectric elastomer for soft robotic, haptic, and wearable electronic applications.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Soft Robotic systems
- Haptics
- Wearable Devices
- Flexible sensors
ADVANTAGES:
- High strain and high frequency response
- Processable
- Scalable stacking process enabling larger energy output
- No need for rigid structures or “prestretching”
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
Reduced to practice in laboratory setting; first successful prototype