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Bistable Joints Enable the Morphing of Hydrogel Sheets with Multistable Configurations
Chen Yu Li1, Dejin Jiao1, Xing Peng Hao1
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed novel bi-mode hydrogel joints that can fold and twist, enabling complex configurations for soft robots and devices. These bistable joints offer versatile control over hydrogel architectures without external power.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Biomimetics
Background:
- Natural joints inspire mechanical designs, but traditional systems require external power.
- Soft actuators and robots benefit from active, soft joints.
- Existing responsive joints typically exhibit uni-mode transformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report novel hydrogel joints capable of bi-mode folding and twisting transformations.
- To enable composite hydrogels to form multiple configurations under constant conditions.
- To demonstrate a modular strategy for designing versatile hydrogel devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of composite hydrogel joints with an in-plane gradient structure.
- Utilizing a stiff, passive gel frame and a soft, active gel actuating unit.
- Exploiting response mismatch between gels under external stimuli for deformation.
Main Results:
- Achieved hydrogel joints capable of both folding and twisting transformations (bi-mode).
- Demonstrated bistability in the joint's deformation, allowing multiple stable configurations.
- Showcased modular integration of these joints for complex deformations and versatile device design.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel joints offer selective control over hydrogel architectures.
- This approach facilitates versatile design of hydrogel devices, soft actuators, and robots.
- The bi-mode transformation capability advances the development of metamaterials and soft robotics.
