Powerful tubular core free dielectric electro activate polymer (DEAP) push actuator

Abstract

DEAP Actuator structures are being developed and optimized with focus on high volume automated manufacturing techniques and processes. New core-free and self-supporting structures are capable of providing PUSH forces without external mechanical tension mechanisms or film pre-strain. Fundamental actuator design and construction principles are presented. A simple quasi-static model governing behaviour is presented and actual results from this new class of push actuator devices are compared to modelled behaviour. These actuators have the capability of modest stroke and high actuation forces. Actuators can be easily scaled to fit the application based upon physical size and force-stroke relationship.

Design of interleaved multilayer Rosen type piezoelectric transformer for high voltage DC/DC applications

“…But they are still limited to these simple applications (with a constant and high frequency AC load) and the availability of PT based converters for DC/DC applications are very limited and are not that developed yet. However new applications, like electro active polymer (EAP) actuators [5] [17], require a high and adjustable DC voltage and calls for DC/DC converters of high step-up and high output voltage. EAP devices are based on polymer materials and change shape as a result of the electrostatic forces, generated by an applied voltage.…”

“…The availability of PT based converters for DC/DC applications are very limited and are not that developed yet. I this paper an interleaved multi layer Rosen-type PT for high step-up and high output voltage is developed, for driving a 2.5kV dielectric electro active polymer actuator [17]. The targeted application utilises an inductor-less half-bridge driving topology, where the reward of eliminating the series inductor is a reduction in component count, size and price.…”

Design of a high voltage bidirectional DC-DC converter for driving capacitive incremental actuators usable in electric vehicles (EVs)

“…The DEAP material is a very thin (~40 µm) incompressible elastomer film having a compliant electrode layer on both sides [4]- [6]. The basic operation of the DEAP is the reduction in the polymer's thickness and increase in its area, due to an applied electric field.…”

Bidirectional flyback converter with multiple series connected outputs for high voltage capacitive charge and discharge applications

“…1 is ideally equivalent to a capacitive load. When a DEAP actuator is driven with high voltage (2-2.5 kV), it converts a portion of the electrical energy into mechanical displacement, which is of the order of mm (1-1.5 mm) [4], [5]. Three of such axial DEAP actuators are used to create a DEAP incremental actuator [9] as shown in Fig.…”