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Electrochemical Dual Transducer for Fluidic Self-Sensing Actuation
Yu Kuwajima1, Yumeta Seki1, Yuhei Yamada1
1Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics, Shibaura Institute of Technology, 3-7-5 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|January 7, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel electrochemical dual transducer (ECDT) for soft robots, enabling self-sensing actuation. The new device, based on electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps, offers a lightweight and simple solution for fluid flow sensing.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Fluidics
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Soft robots increasingly utilize fluidic machines for enhanced functionality.
- Conventional fluidic systems face challenges including bulkiness, noise, and complexity.
- Previous work introduced electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumps as compact alternatives for soft robots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a new electrochemical dual transducer (ECDT) for soft robots.
- To explore the potential of EHD pumps for self-sensing fluid flow.
- To characterize the ECDT's performance and identify its advantages.
Main Methods:
- Development of a novel ECDT integrated with an EHD pump.
- Experimental investigation of the ECDT's current response to fluid flow velocity.
- Mathematical modeling to elucidate the sensing mechanism.
- Characterization of flow rate detection range, sensitivity, and response time.
Main Results:
- The ECDT's current is found to be proportional to 1/3 of the inflowing fluid velocity.
- Detailed mechanism, mathematical model, and performance characteristics (range, sensitivity, speed) were clarified.
- Demonstrated a functional suction cup driven by the ECDT for object manipulation.
- Highlighted advantages: small size, light weight, simple fabrication, and tunable sensing range.
Conclusions:
- The proposed ECDT offers a multifunctional, compact, and lightweight solution for self-sensing actuation in soft robots.
- The technology has the potential to simplify fluidic systems by integrating sensing and actuation.
- Future development of a bidirectional ECDT could lead to even more streamlined fluidic systems.
