Actuated elastometers with rigid vertical electrodes

Journal article (2006)

Authors

GK Lau Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
J.F.L. Goosen Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
A. van Keulen Computational Design and Mechanics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
P.J. French Electronic Instrumentation - EEMCS
Pasqualina M Sarro Electronic Components, Technology and Materials - EEMCS
Research Group
Computational Design and Mechanics (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Elektrotechniek Techniek
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Published Date

2006

Language

Undefined/Unknown

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Precision and Microsystems Engineering

Research Group

Computational Design and Mechanics

Abstract

This paper presents a novel design of actuated elastomers using rigid, vertical standing electrodes. The electrodes of high rigidity are designed to have small width, small gaps and large depth in order to produce large electrostatic forces at a moderate voltage, as well as to reduce the constraining effect on the soft elastomers. This novel design embodies lateral stacking to accumulate small strain into an adequate displacement for micro-actuation. Analytical and numerical analyses are performed to evaluate the force-displacement characteristics of the elastomer actuators. It is shown that actuation of the novel design is not limited by the electrostatic pull-in instability, and it is capable of travelling a large range at a high electric field. In addition, feasibility of fabrication processes is studied. It is shown that lateral stacking can readily be realized by filling liquid elastomers into deep, narrow and vertical trenches. A theoretical benchmark comparison with a conventional air-gap electrostatic comb drive indicates that the new elastomer actuator promises great flexibility, large attraction force and robustness against shock and dust blockage.
KeyWords Plus: COMPLIANT ELECTRODES; DIELECTRICS