Dielectric elastomer microfiber actuators
AssigneeElysium Robotics LLC
InventorRodrigo Alvarez-Icara RIVERA
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Abstract
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for making DEMAs by forming a mechanical and electrical connection between a bundle of dielectric elastomer microfibers comprising a direct mechanical connection between the face of each microfiber and a supportive element, and a direct electrical connection between the core of all microfibers and a metallic contact. Also disclosed are dielectric elastomer (DE) microfibers comprised of an inner electrode, a hollow tube, and an outer electrode, wherein the ratio alpha between the outer and inner diameter maximizes the electromechanical performance of such fiber as an actuator.
Claims32
An electromechanically connected bundle of a plurality of dielectric elastomeric microfibers, comprising:
- a. a direct mechanical connection between the cross-section annular face of each of the dielectric elastomeric microfibers and a supportive element (end cap);
- and
- b. a direct electrical connection between the core of all microfibers and a conductive contact.
A DE microfiber, comprising:
- a hollow fiber body characterized as having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, an inner fluidic or compliant electrode deposed within the interior of the hollow fiber body, and an outer fluidic or compliant electrode deposed exterior to the hollow fiber body, wherein the ratio alpha of the outer diameter to the inner diameter of the hollow fiber body is chosen to maximize the electromechanical performance of the DE microfiber as an actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.