Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maho Kaminaga, Tadashi Ishida, Toru Omata
Summary: A trapezoid-shaped microvalve was proposed in this study to effectively close deep microchannels for handling large particles. The valve was fabricated using a double-inclined lithography process, and operated by the expansion of a pneumatic balloon.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Lukasz Fracczak, Maksym Nowak, Katarzyna Koter
Summary: Recent research studies have introduced new concepts regarding Artificial Muscles (AM), including a modern flexible push pneumatic actuator with higher elongation and good environmental adaptability. The actuator is elastic during work and can function as an important push or pull/push actuator.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Robotics
Ajinkya Bhat, Shobhit Sandeep Jaipurkar, Li Ting Low, Raye Chen-Hua Yeow
Summary: The development of soft robotics has led to the exploration of novel techniques for manufacturing soft actuators, which are advantageous for wearable assistive robotics. This article presents a composite design scheme using a silicone polymer-based bladder and a reconfigurable fabric skin, which overcomes the limitations of individual materials and allows for versatile and customizable designs. The advantages of this fabric-skin-based concept include modularity, reconfigurability, and the ability to achieve complex motions.
Article
Robotics
Xing Ye, Shidong Zhu, Xiang Qian, Min Zhang, Xiaohao Wang
Summary: This article presents a soft robotic structure based on V-shape pneumatic torsional actuators, discussing its potential for miniature robotic automation in laboratory or industrial settings.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Guoliang Zhong, Weiqiang Dou, Xuechao Zhang, Hongdong Yi
Summary: Soft pneumatic actuators with pleated structures have advantages in low input pressure, high bending speed, and large-amplitude motion, but modeling their behavior is challenging due to discontinuity of pleated structures and material nonlinearity. This paper proposes an analytical model based on the constant volume principle and Neo-Hookean hyperelasticity theory to predict the bending angle and tip contact force of the soft actuator, which is validated through physical experiments and FEM simulations. The experimental study demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed analytical model in predicting the bending angle and tip contact force of the soft actuators.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
So Shimooka, Miku Kawanaka, Akio Gofuku
Summary: This paper presents a soft rotary actuator capable of rotating even when its shaft is bent. The actuator consists of three Extension-type Flexible Pneumatic Actuators (EFPA), flexible plates for geometric restraint, and a polyurethane tube as a shaft. By restraining the EFPA to a helical shape, the actuator can rotate when pressure is applied to extend the EFPAs. Experimental results confirm that the actuator can rotate with a maximum angle of approximately 400 degrees and torque of 0.5 Nm, even with a bent shaft. An analytical model is proposed to predict the rotation angle based on input pressure, taking into account EFPA friction and restraining effects.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
David Gonzalez, Jose Garcia, Richard M. Voyles, Robert A. Nawrocki, Brittany Newell
Summary: This study presents a novel design of a fully 3D printed soft pneumatic actuator and characterizes its performance. The theoretical model is able to predict the response of the printed actuator accurately, and the design meets practical requirements.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Katsuhiko Fukushima, Tetsuro Miyazaki, Toshihiro Kawase, Takahiro Kanno, Maina Sogabe, Yoshikazu Nakajima, Kenji Kawashima
Summary: In this study, a small rotary actuator for laparoscopic surgery was proposed using a soft actuator and a cylindrical cam mechanism. The actuator is lightweight, inexpensive, and highly biocompatible. Experimental results showed that the actuator achieved the desired rotation angle and provided sufficient torque.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Robotics
Richard Suphapol Diteesawat, Tim Helps, Majid Taghavi, Jonathan Rossiter
Summary: Bubble artificial muscles (BAMs) are lightweight, flexible, inexpensive pneumatic actuators that can be scaled and used to assist human mobility. By optimizing their design, BAMs can provide high contraction and tension, and can be tailored to meet specific dimensions.
Article
Robotics
Guoyong Xie, Dongliang Fan, Huacen Wang, Renjie Zhu, Jianjun Mao, Hongqiang Wang
Summary: This study proposes a novel self-clearing mechanism for electrostatic actuators, which can effectively clear conductor damage and protect the actuator by using a thin conductive layer. Compared with previous methods, this mechanism is easy to operate and compatible with various materials. Tests show that it significantly improves the maximum available voltage and electrostatic adhesive force. The robustness and repeatability of the self-clearing mechanism are also validated. This self-clearing method opens up new possibilities for high performance and practical applications of electrostatic actuators in the future.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Gihyeok Na, Hiroyuki Nabae, Koichi Suzumori
Summary: The McKibben artificial muscle is a promising actuator for musculoskeletal robots due to its similar properties to animal muscles. However, there have been limitations to its application. The research group developed a thin McKibben muscle, but it cannot relax like real muscles. The previous proposal of a braided McKibben muscle overcomes this disadvantage and in this study, the structure was improved for durability and passive relaxation was investigated, resulting in an increased driving range for a musculoskeletal arm model.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Eigo Kitamura, Hiroyuki Nabae, Gen Endo, Koichi Suzumori
Summary: This study proposes a method for using self-excited vibrations to achieve pneumatic soft actuators, which can increase the degree of freedom of the actuator while avoiding the use of valves. By using simple and flexible materials to manufacture the valve, the design of this soft actuator is made possible.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Dat Truong Le Tri, Hoang Nghia Vu, Jongbin Woo, Younghyeon Kim, Sangseok Yu
Summary: The anodic recirculation system is critical in designing modern proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. This study developed a one-dimensional ARS model for dual-stack PEMFCs to optimize the recirculation performance and analyzed the effect of ARS on fuel cell stacks. The dual-ejector concept was adopted, and the optimized geometries ensured that filtering parameters were under control during operation.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Agnes Beate Bussmann, Claudia Patricia Durasiewicz, Sebastian Heinrich Alexander Kibler, Christian Klaus Wald
Summary: This study presents the design, fabrication, and experimental evaluation of three piezoelectric microfluidic devices for implant automation: a diaphragm pump, a normally closed valve, and a normally open valve. All devices are made of titanium, minimizing the risk of artefacts in medical imaging. They have similar form factors and use the same actuation method, demonstrating outstanding fluidic performance.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Antonio Dylan Do Rosario Carvalho, Navin Karanth, Vijay Desai
Summary: Pneumatic muscle actuators are recognized for their high power to weight ratio and flexibility, making them ideal for assistive medical applications. The study introduces a novel end-fitting design that simplifies assembly and maintenance, and tests multiple muscle actuators of varying sizes to showcase the impact of size on behavior.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)