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Bioinspired Bistable Dielectric Elastomer Actuators: Programmable Shapes and Application as Binary Valves
1Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Fiber and Polymer Science Program, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Soft Robotics
|November 2, 2021
Summary
Engineers created a bistable actuator inspired by the Venus Flytrap, using dielectric elastomer layers for rapid, electrically triggered shape changes. This technology enables self-stabilizing binary valves for flow control.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomimetics
Background:
- Nature offers bistable thin structures for actuation via stimuli like touch and moisture.
- These natural models inspire systems with improved shape stability and energy efficiency.
- The Venus Flytrap's bistable leaf demonstrates rapid prey capture through unique actuation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a bistable actuator mimicking the Venus Flytrap's mechanism.
- To incorporate dielectric elastomer (DE) layers for electrically controlled reversible snapping.
- To explore bistable actuator design for applications like flow control.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a trilayered laminated actuator with DE layers.
- Analysis and experimental validation of bistable architecture design parameters.
- Utilizing voltage pulses to trigger snap-through actuation between stable configurations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a bistable actuator with reversible snapping via electrical stimulation.
- The actuator's bistability arises from the balance between elastic and bending energies.
- Actuation is triggered by a voltage pulse, with self-stabilization eliminating continuous power needs.
Conclusions:
- A Venus Flytrap-inspired bistable actuator using DE layers was successfully developed.
- The actuator exhibits rapid, electrically triggered snap-through between stable states.
- Proposed application in flow control using bistable DE actuators as binary valves to modulate porosity on curved surfaces.
