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Dielectric Elastomer Actuator-Based Valveless Impedance-Driven Pumping for Meso- and Macroscale Applications
Amine Benouhiba1, Armando Walter1, Silje Ekroll Jahren1,2
1Integrated Actuators Laboratory, École Polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
Soft Robotics
|September 20, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a novel impedance pump using a multilayered dielectric elastomer. This bladeless, valveless pump achieves high flow rates for challenging applications, including biomedical uses.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Materials science
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Impedance pumps offer bladeless, valveless flow generation, ideal for delicate fluids.
- Existing designs are simple but may lack high performance for demanding applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a high-performance impedance-driven pumping concept.
- To utilize a multilayered tubular dielectric elastomer for embedded actuation.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a pumping system with a dielectric elastomer actuator tube, passive tube, and rigid ring.
- Employed periodic off-center compression to drive fluid flow via impedance mismatch and wave reflection.
Main Results:
- Achieved net fluid flow rates up to 1.35 L/min.
- Generated internal pressure of 125 mmHg.
- Demonstrated a soft, self-contained pumping system.
Conclusions:
- The proposed impedance pump offers high performance and a simple, soft design.
- This technology has disruptive potential for meso- and macroscale applications, particularly in the biomedical field.
