A model for dielectric elastomer based electronics

Ciarella, Luca; Wilson, Katherine E.; Richter, Andreas; Anderson, Iain A.; Henke, Ellen

doi:10.1016/j.ifacol.2022.09.159

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…The advent of dielectric elastomer sensors (DESs) and dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) has marked a significant milestone in the field of soft electronics, 1 offering promising applications in areas such as soft robotics, 2,3 human motion detection, [4][5][6] haptic interfaces, 7 pressure sensing 8,9 and healthcare monitoring. 10 Usually, DES and DEA have a sandwich structure of two compliant electrode layers and a dielectric elastomer layer between them.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of stacking on the stability of a multi-layer capacitive dielectric elastomer sensor for strain detection

Prokopchuk,

Ewert,

Menning

et al. 2024

Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXVI

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Flexible and stretchable electronics have garnered significant interest for their potential applications in fields like soft robotics, sensor-integrating machine elements, Industry 4.0, biomechanics, and wearable technology. Among these innovations, multi-layer capacitive strain sensors based on dielectric elastomers (DEs) stand out for their sensitivity, large deformation range, and compatibility with complex shapes. In this study, the focus is on advancing the design, fabrication, and evaluation of multi-layer capacitive strain sensors based on DEs. The goal is to explore novel approaches to enhance stability, sensitivity, and manufacturability. The research in this work introduces a comprehensive classification of four-electrode layer dielectric elastomer sensor (4EL-DES) structures, including a new 50 µm-C configuration, to identify designs maximizing capacitance and sensitivity. Additionally, investigation into electrode pin designs is conducted which considers manufacturing feasibility and mechanical stability, utilizing finite element (FE) simulations and experimental validation to assess various options. Novel fabrication techniques, such as upside-down electrode layering and the use of conductive thread paired with conductive carbon grease for electrode connections, aim to streamline manufacturing and enhance reliability. FEM simulations analyze stacked 4EL-DES structures' deformation behavior and the relationship between capacitance change and strain, providing insights into their mechanical and electrical properties under different loading conditions. Experimental results from various sensor configurations, including individual 4EL-DES sensors and stacked and "open" 5EL-DES structures, offer insights into performance capabilities and potential applications. This research contributes to advancing flexible sensor technology, laying the groundwork for high-performance sensors applicable in soft robotics, biomechanics, and beyond.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of stacking on the stability of a multi-layer capacitive dielectric elastomer sensor for strain detection

Prokopchuk,

Ewert,

Menning

et al. 2024

Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XXVI

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…[13][14][15][16] Recently, researchers have presented several stimuli-response materials that can achieve mechanical responses under the action of external fields, [17][18][19][20] such as light, [21] magnetic, [22,23] and electric fields. [24] Utilizing this distinctive feature of advanced materials, such as dielectric elastomers (DEs), [25][26][27] low-melting-point alloys (LMPAs), [28][29][30] and shape memory polymers (SMPs) [31][32][33][34][35] to construct soft machines, can endow them with tunable structural stiffness. For instance, Aksoy et al employed DEs to develop multimorph soft actuator sheets with enhanced loadbearing capabilities, which could obtain multiple distinct configurations controlled by Joule heating.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Synergizing Structural Stiffness Regulation with Compliance Contact Stiffness: Bioinspired Soft Stimuli‐Responsive Materials Design for Soft Machines

Ma,

Zhang,

Sun

et al. 2024

Adv Eng Mater

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Stiffness regulation strategies endow soft machines with stronger functionality to cope with diverse application requirements, for example manipulating heavy items by improving structural stiffness. However, most programmable stiffness strategies usually struggle to preserve the inherent compliant interaction capabilities following an enhancement in structural stiffness. In this study, inspired by the musculocutaneous system, we propose a soft stimuli‐responsive material (SRM) by combining shape memory alloy (SMA) into compliant materials. By characterizing the mechanical performance, the flexural modulus increases from 6.6 to 142.4 MPa under the action of active stimuli, crossing two orders of magnitude, while Young’s modulus stays at 2.2 MPa during programming structural stiffness. This comparative result indicates that our SRMs can keep a lower contact stiffness for compliant interaction although structural stiffness increases. Then, we develop three diverse soft machines to show the application potential of this smart material, such as robotic grippers, wearable devices, and deployable mechanisms. By applying our materials, these machines possess stronger load‐bearing capabilities. Meanwhile, these demonstrations also illustrate the efficacy of this paradigm in regulating the structural stiffness of soft machines while maintaining their compliant interaction capabilities.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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A model for dielectric elastomer based electronics

Cited by 2 publications

References 12 publications

Influence of stacking on the stability of a multi-layer capacitive dielectric elastomer sensor for strain detection

Influence of stacking on the stability of a multi-layer capacitive dielectric elastomer sensor for strain detection

Synergizing Structural Stiffness Regulation with Compliance Contact Stiffness: Bioinspired Soft Stimuli‐Responsive Materials Design for Soft Machines

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