Bio-Inspired Soft Proboscis Actuator Driven by Dielectric Elastomer Fluid Transducers.

Area of Science:

• Robotics and Soft Actuators
• Biomimetic Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) offer multi-DOF motion but face limitations in breakdown thresholds and strain-to-volume ratio.
• Dielectric fluid transducers (DFTs) overcome DEA limitations by using dielectric fluids, enabling higher breakdown voltages and large lateral extensions.
• DFTs are suitable for soft actuators and pumping applications due to their fluidic nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a soft spiral proboscis actuator inspired by butterfly proboscises.
• To achieve controlled uncoiling and coiling motions using dielectric fluid transducers (DFTs).
• To explore the potential of DFTs in creating bio-inspired, soft robotic components.

Main Methods:

• Designed and fabricated a bio-inspired spiral proboscis actuator (BSPA) comprising a coil-shaped tube, a DFT-based pouch, and a spiral spring.
• Actuated the BSPA by applying external voltages to the DFT pouch, injecting dielectric fluid to uncoil the tube.
• Utilized the elastic spring for retraction and coiling of the tube upon removal of voltage.

Main Results:

• The BSPA prototype successfully demonstrated consistent uncoiling and coiling motions over multiple cycles.
• The actuator elongated from a compact volume to a stiff and flexible shape when uncoiling.
• The actuator reliably retracted to its original coiled shape when voltages were removed.

Conclusions:

• The developed bio-inspired spiral proboscis actuator effectively mimics butterfly proboscis movements using DFT technology.
• The soft nature and coiling/uncoiling capabilities make the actuator suitable for portable applications.
• This research highlights the potential of DFTs in creating advanced soft actuators with biomimetic functionalities.