Two degree-of-freedom micromirror actuation using thermocapillary effect in liquid droplets

Dhull, Rakesh K.; Fuller, Lynn; Kao, Pei-Chun; Liao, Ying‐Chih; Lu, Yen‐Wen

doi:10.1016/j.sna.2011.03.041

Cited by 7 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Like the previously discussed electrowetting technique, surface‐tension gradients and variable surface contact angles can be created with the application of heat through the thermocapillary effect. Droplets have been driven both in channels and on flat surfaces, although the observed speeds generally compare unfavorably to their electrically driven counterparts, with ≈0.7 mm s −1 observed for a ≈1.5 mm radius water droplet and 4 mm s −1 for a 26 µm droplet in work by Pratap et al and Hu et al A stationary liquid droplet was used as a deformable and actuatable mirror mount in the work of Dhull et al, where four surface microheaters induced a change in the droplet contact angle and therefore in the mirror tilting angle. Using small, embedded heaters, the applied voltage and current consumption can be kept low compared to their EWOD counterparts that can need upwards of 100 V.…”

Section: Thermally Responsive Soft Actuatorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soft Actuators for Small‐Scale Robotics

et al. 2016

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This review comprises a detailed survey of ongoing methodologies for soft actuators, highlighting approaches suitable for nanometer- to centimeter-scale robotic applications. Soft robots present a special design challenge in that their actuation and sensing mechanisms are often highly integrated with the robot body and overall functionality. When less than a centimeter, they belong to an even more special subcategory of robots or devices, in that they often lack on-board power, sensing, computation, and control. Soft, active materials are particularly well suited for this task, with a wide range of stimulants and a number of impressive examples, demonstrating large deformations, high motion complexities, and varied multifunctionality. Recent research includes both the development of new materials and composites, as well as novel implementations leveraging the unique properties of soft materials.

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Section: Thermally Responsive Soft Actuatorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Soft Actuators for Small‐Scale Robotics

et al. 2016

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“…As previously described, fluid joints yield passive self‐localization and vertical standoff to components, either in predefined or switchable configurations. A notable example of the latter is the multistable positioning of a floating micromirror through thermocapillary effects . In addition, fluid bearings provide inherent lubrication, which avoids dry friction between adjacent sliding surfaces.…”

Section: Structural Manipulation and Deployment: The Fluid Joint As Amentioning

confidence: 99%

The Fluid Joint: The Soft Spot of Micro‐ and Nanosystems

Mastrangeli

2015

Advanced Materials

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Fluid bridges are ubiquitous soft structures of finite size that conform to and link the surfaces of neighboring objects. Fluid joints, the specific type of fluid bridge with at least one extremity constrained laterally, display even more pronounced reactivity and self-restoration, which make them remarkably suited for assembly, actuation, and manipulation purposes. Their peculiar surface and bulk properties place fluid joints at the rich intersection of diverse scientific interests, and foster their widespread use throughout micro- and nanotechnology. A critical survey of the mechanics and of the manifold applications of fluid bridges and joints in micro- and nanosystems is presented here, along with current challenges and multidisciplinary perspectives.

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“…As length decreases, these scale linearly [3] and hence decrease more slowly than body force and weight. Because of this, these two forces have been utilized in many small scale mechanical manipulators, such as self-assembly [6,7], actuation [8,9], lubrication [10][11][12][13], grasp and release [14,15]. A practical example is the liquid bridge [5,16,17] spanning the gap between two solid surfaces.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploiting air cushion effects to optimise a superhydrophobic/hydrophilic patterned liquid ring sealed air bearing

Wen¹,

Reddyhoff²,

Hu³

et al. 2020

Tribology International

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A thrust bearing consisting of an air cushion formed within a liquid ring has been developed, which takes advantage of the Laplace pressure induced by the liquid/air surface tension. As forces induced by Laplace pressure and surface tension scales down much more slowly than gravity and inertial forces, such a bearing has great potential when scaled down to the micro-scale. The liquid ring between the rotor and the stator of the bearing is anchored there by alternating hydrophilic and superhydrophobic patterns. An important discovery is that the performance of this bearing is greatly enhanced by the sealed cushion of air within the ring. This air cushion and thin liquid ring arrangement mean that the solid/solid contact of the bearing is replaced by solid/air and solid/liquid contact which significantly reduces the friction and wear. The factors which affects the performance of the bearing have been studied both experimentally and numerically providing results that can be used to optimise the design of this new type of bearing.

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Two degree-of-freedom micromirror actuation using thermocapillary effect in liquid droplets

Cited by 7 publications

References 24 publications

Soft Actuators for Small‐Scale Robotics

Soft Actuators for Small‐Scale Robotics

The Fluid Joint: The Soft Spot of Micro‐ and Nanosystems

Exploiting air cushion effects to optimise a superhydrophobic/hydrophilic patterned liquid ring sealed air bearing

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