Electrostatic clutch

An electrostatic clutch comprising:

• a shaft comprising a first layer that is electrically conductive;
• a hold attachment rotatably coupled to the shaft;
• a tension band comprising a second layer that is electrically conductive, wherein the tension band is wrapped around the shaft such that a first end of the tension band is coupled to the hold attachment;
• a dielectric material disposed between the first layer and the second layer;
• and
• a load attachment rotatably coupled to the shaft, wherein the electrostatic clutch is configured to perform functions comprising:
• operating in an engaged mode wherein a voltage applied between the first layer and the second layer causes the tension band to clasp the shaft and the load attachment and the hold attachment to be rotationally locked to the shaft;
• and
• operating in a disengaged mode wherein the voltage is absent and the shaft can rotate freely with respect to the load attachment and the hold attachment,
• wherein the load attachment is coupled to the hold attachment via a second end of the tension band.

An electrostatic clutch comprising:

• a shaft comprising a first layer that is electrically conductive;
• a hold attachment rotatably coupled to the shaft;
• a tension band comprising a second layer that is electrically conductive, wherein the tension band is wrapped around the shaft such that a first end of the tension band is coupled to the hold attachment;
• a dielectric material disposed between the first layer and the second layer;
• and
• a load attachment rotatably coupled to the shaft;
• and
• a torsion spring that surrounds the shaft and couples the hold attachment to the load attachment, wherein the electrostatic clutch is configured to perform functions comprising:
• operating in an engaged mode wherein a voltage applied between the first layer and the second layer causes the tension band to clasp the shaft and the load attachment and the hold attachment to be rotationally locked to the shaft;
• and
• operating in a disengaged mode wherein the voltage is absent and the shaft can rotate freely with respect to the load attachment and the hold attachment.