Dynamic modelling for a submerged freeze microgripper using thermal networks

Abstract

The growing interest for micromanipulation systems requires efficient, reliable and flexible handling strategies. Recent studies have demonstrated that performing manipulations and assembly in liquid surroundings is more advantageous than in dry conditions, especially when objects are under 100 µm in size. The thermally actuated ice microgripper proposed and analysed in this paper is designed to operate in a completely submerged manner in an aqueous medium. The handling principle which benefits from adhesive properties of ice, its thermal control principle based on Peltier effect, some features of the prototype, and the first micromanipulation tests are summarized. This paper is focused on the modelling of the thermal microhandling system using electrical analogy. The submerged microgripper is split into different subsystems which are studied in order to identify their thermal network. Then they are interconnected to build the whole thermal network of the submerged microgripper. This model is validated by comparison with experimental measurements. Controlling the temperatures involved in our device will be the purpose of further works.

Dynamic modelling for thermal micro-actuators using thermal networks

“…Moreover, as the thermal parameters of the proposed thermal networks are defined by the physical properties of the studied structures, constraints and dependences of these properties in relation to other properties could be directly addressed by the thermal networks. The compilation of elementary thermal networks proposed in this paper has been done in order to model a complex thermal microdevice [66].…”

A single-probe capillary microgripper induced by dropwise condensation and inertial release

“…The optical tweezer is restricted to very small transparent dielectric samples, and is used to trap nanoscale particles, but cannot generate sufficient optical force to pick up microobjects with a lifting force of μN. The handling ability of cryogenic grippers provides high lifting forces (0.1-100 N) [16,17], but local stresses may also be very high and may damage delicate micro-objects. Electrokinetic and acoustic traps are preferred for capturing microparticles suspended in a liquid.…”

High precision self-alignment using liquid surface tension for additively manufactured micro components

“…Surface-related forces such as Van der Waals, electrostatic and surface tension dominate over gravitational force, which have led to novel handling strategies becoming the focus of much work. This includes the development of micro grippers [2][3][4], vacuum grippers [5], freeze grippers [6], as well as those based on electrostatic forces [7,8].…”