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Actuators
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Smart Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Sensor Systems
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Smart Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Sensor Systems

A special issue of Actuators (ISSN 2076-0825).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 11116

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Stefan Seelecke

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Systems Engineering and Department of Material Science and Engineering, Saarland University, 66119 Saarbrücken, Germany
Interests: smart material systems; actuators; sensors; dielectric elastomers; shape memory alloys; elastocalorics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Giacomo Moretti

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Systems Engineering, Saarland University, 66119 Saarbrücken, Germany
Interests: electroactive polymers; multifunctional actuators; electrostatic actuators; dielectric elastomers; soft robotics; energy harvesting; vibrations
Prof. Dr. Paul Motzki

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Center for Mechatronics and Automation Technologies gGmbH (ZeMA), Saarland University, 66121 Saarbrücken, Germany
Interests: smart material systems; actuators; sensors; electroactive polymers; shape memory alloys; robotics; handling systems; elastocalorics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Gianluca Rizzello

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Zentrum für Mechatronik und Automatisierungstechnik gGmbH, Universität des Saarlandes, Lehrstuhl für intelligente Materialsysteme, Eschberger Weg 46, 66121 Saarbrücken, Germany
Interests: mechatronic systems; control systems; modeling; energy-based modeling and control; robust control; motion control; interaction control; self-sensing; smart materials; shape memory alloys; dielectric elastomers; soft actuators; soft robotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to submit your papers to our Special Issue on Smart Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Sensor Systems.

The quest for lightweight multifunctional actuator systems, which are adaptable to different scales and environments and feature a deep level of integration between actuation unit, sensing system, and algorithmic intelligence, is one of the great challenges in modern research on mechatronics.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are among the most promising technologies for the new generation of smart multifunctional systems. Due to their large deformations, inherent compliance, lightweight qualities, high power density and efficiency, DEAs can excel in tasks that are difficult, if not impossible, for conventional drives and servo systems to complete. Thanks to their capacitive behavior, DEs offer a means of developing lightweight stretch sensors or multi-function devices that can combine sensing and actuation into a single active unit via self-sensing.

Combining DEAs and DE sensors with passive mechanical structures, advanced algorithms, and interacting interfaces leads to complex multifunctional systems, which are capable of implementing a wide diversity of tasks. The unique features of DEA systems make them highly promising, among others, for novel soft robots that are capable of autonomous operation and safe interaction, smart fluidic drives, lightweight wearable and haptic interfaces, and distributed sound-generation devices.

This Special Issue collects novel contributions and comprehensive reviews in the field of multifunctional systems based on dielectric elastomer actuators and sensors. Submitted manuscripts must contribute theoretical and/or experimental advances.

The topics of interest to the Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • Advanced DEA applications (acoustics, haptics, soft robotics, wearables);
  • DE-based sensors and sensing algorithms;
  • New DEA system architectures and layout;
  • Multi-actuator and cooperative systems;
  • Integrated sensor-actuator systems;
  • Design, fabrication and optimization of novel DEA-driven systems;
  • System-level modelling and simulation;
  • Innovative driving/sensing electronics;
  • Control concepts for DEA systems;
  • Self-sensing and sensorless control;
  • Condition monitoring and lifetime assessment.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Seelecke
Dr. Giacomo Moretti
Dr. Paul Motzki
Prof. Dr. Gianluca Rizzello
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Actuators is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs)
  • Dielectric elastomer sensors
  • Dielectric elastomer systems
  • Soft actuators
  • Robotics
  • Acoustics
  • Wearable
  • Modelling
  • Control
  • Simulation
  • Self-sensing

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 13803 KiB  
Article
Manufacturing Process for Multilayer Dielectric Elastomer Transducers Based on Sheet-to-Sheet Lamination and Contactless Electrode Application
by Tim Simon Krüger, Ozan Çabuk and Jürgen Maas
Actuators 2023, 12(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12030095 - 22 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2085
Abstract
Dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs) consist of thin elastomer films and compliant conductive electrodes on each side. Several DE-based systems, e.g., DE actuators, loudspeakers or sensors, have great potential in industrial applications. Different manufacturing processes for DE-based transducers have been realized so far. An [...] Read more.
Dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs) consist of thin elastomer films and compliant conductive electrodes on each side. Several DE-based systems, e.g., DE actuators, loudspeakers or sensors, have great potential in industrial applications. Different manufacturing processes for DE-based transducers have been realized so far. An alternative manufacturing process, based on sheet-to-sheet lamination of pre-fabricated elastomer films, appears promising for the manufacturing of large numbers of DETs, as, on the one hand, the commercially available elastomer films produced are characterized by homogeneous and reproducible properties and, on the other hand, the curing time during processing can be avoided. However, the handling of thin elastomer films and a controlled film transfer onto a surface is a challenge, as pre-stretch and wrinkles can easily occur. The presented sheet-to-sheet lamination mechanism facilitates controllable film handling well, whereby a high number of DE layers can be achieved. This paper focuses on the developed, automated film lamination of pre-cut film sheets and the electrode application via a jetting system, representing core components of the corresponding overall manufacturing process of DE laminates. The process realization on a laboratory scale is presented and manufactured DET specimens investigated for validation purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Sensor Systems)
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15 pages, 29248 KiB  
Article
Adhesion State Estimation for Electrostatic Gripper Based on Online Capacitance Measure
by Ion-Dan Sîrbu, Marco Bolignari, Salvatore D’Avella, Francesco Damiani, Lorenzo Agostini, Paolo Tripicchio, Rocco Vertechy, Lucio Pancheri and Marco Fontana
Actuators 2022, 11(10), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/act11100283 - 05 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2094
Abstract
Electroadhesion is a suitable technology for developing grippers for applications where fragile, compliant or variable shape objects need to be grabbed and where a retention action is typically preferred to a compression force. This article presents a self-sensing technique for electroadhesive devices (EAD) [...] Read more.
Electroadhesion is a suitable technology for developing grippers for applications where fragile, compliant or variable shape objects need to be grabbed and where a retention action is typically preferred to a compression force. This article presents a self-sensing technique for electroadhesive devices (EAD) based on the capacitance measure. Specifically, we demonstrate that measuring the variation of the capacitance between electrodes of an EAD during the adhesion can provide useful information to automatically detect the successful grip of an object and the possible loss of adhesion during manipulation. To this aim, a dedicated electronic circuit is developed that is able to measure capacitance variations while the high voltage required for the adhesion is activated. A test bench characterization is presented to evaluate the self-sensing of capacitance during different states: (1) the EAD is far away from the object to be grasped; (2) the EAD is in contact with the object, but the voltage is not active (i.e., no adhesion); and (3) the EAD is activated and attached to the object. Correlation between the applied voltage, object material and shape and capacitance is made. The self-sensing EAD is then demonstrated in a closed-loop robotic application that employs a robot manipulator arm to pick and place objects of different kinds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Sensor Systems)
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19 pages, 4983 KiB  
Article
Performance-Optimized Dielectric Elastomer Actuator System with Scalable Scissor Linkage Transmission
by Daniel Bruch, Tobias Pascal Willian, Hendrik Cornelius Schäfer and Paul Motzki
Actuators 2022, 11(6), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/act11060160 - 14 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2180
Abstract
Thanks to their outstanding properties, in the last few years Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) have increasingly attracted the interest of the scientific community and generated a surge in the effort devoted to their industrialization. Compared to conventional actuator systems, DEAs are based on [...] Read more.
Thanks to their outstanding properties, in the last few years Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) have increasingly attracted the interest of the scientific community and generated a surge in the effort devoted to their industrialization. Compared to conventional actuator systems, DEAs are based on inexpensive and widely available polymeric materials, which make them potentially attractive from a market perspective. However, DEA systems with a given layout and dimensions have a fixed force-stroke response that is only suitable for a specific load profile. This leads to a wide variety of designs combined with small production volumes and high costs, limiting the competitive advantage. This work addresses this issue by proposing a combination of DEA systems with compliant scissor linkage transmission mechanisms, which provide linear stroke and force scaling and simultaneously maintain performance optimization by leaving the convertible energy density of the DEA unaffected. For this purpose, three systems are designed, based on a same strip-shaped DEA combined with inclined buckled beam biasing mechanisms. Two of the systems are coupled with scissor linkages that offer transmission ratios of 3:1 and 1:3, respectively, to adapt the system to different load profiles. The system design is explained in detail, and the functional principle is validated through experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Sensor Systems)
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Review

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30 pages, 10791 KiB  
Review
Dielectric Elastomer Sensors with Advanced Designs and Their Applications
by Holger Böse and Johannes Ehrlich
Actuators 2023, 12(3), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/act12030115 - 08 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2428
Abstract
Dielectric elastomer sensors (DESs) have been known as highly stretchable strain sensors for about two decades. They are composite films consisting of alternating dielectric and electrode layers. Their electrical capacitance between the electrodes is enhanced upon stretching. In this paper, a variety of [...] Read more.
Dielectric elastomer sensors (DESs) have been known as highly stretchable strain sensors for about two decades. They are composite films consisting of alternating dielectric and electrode layers. Their electrical capacitance between the electrodes is enhanced upon stretching. In this paper, a variety of advanced designs of DESs is introduced. An explanation of how these sensors work and how they perform in terms of capacitance versus deformation or load force is provided. Moreover, the paper describes how the sensor design affects the sensor characteristics in order to achieve a high measuring sensitivity. The most relevant quantities to be measured are distance variations or elongations, forces and pressure loads. It is demonstrated that the sensor design can be supported by Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. In the second part of the paper, possible applications of the advanced DESs are outlined. Pure sensor applications to detect or monitor pressure or deformation are distinguished from other applications, where sensors form a part of a human–machine interface (HMI). DESs are predestined to be used in contact with the human body due to their softness and flexibility. In the case of an HMI, a dosed load on a sensor by the user’s hand enables the remote control of arbitrary technical functions. This can preferably be realized with an operating glove, which exhibits different categories of DESs. Possible applications of DESs are described with the support of functional demonstrators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Sensor Systems)
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