Releasable fastening system based on ionic polymer metal composites and method of use

A releasable fastening system, comprising:

• a knob portion comprising a knob element and a first support member at which said knob element is supported or attached;
• a cavity portion comprising a cavity configured to receive said knob element and a second support member at which said cavity is disposed;
• and
• an ionic polymer metal composite actuator disposed at said knob element, said ionic polymer metal composite actuator comprising a solid polymer electrolyte material, a first electrode disposed at a first surface of said solid polymer electrolyte material, and a second electrode disposed at a second surface of said solid polymer electrolyte material, said ionic polymer metal composite actuator being electrically operable to engage a surface of said cavity to retain said knob element at said cavity.

A releasable fastening system, comprising:

• a knob portion comprising a plurality of knob elements;
• a cavity portion comprising a plurality of cavities configured to receive said knob elements;
• and
• an ionic polymer metal composite actuator disposed at each of said knob elements, said ionic polymer metal composite actuators being operable to mechanically interlock said knob elements with said cavities.