Large Arrays of Microfabricated Shape Memory Polymer Actuators for Haptics and Microfluidics

Conference: ACTUATOR 2018 - 16th International Conference on New Actuators
06/25/2018 - 06/27/2018 at Bremen, Deutschland

Proceedings: ACTUATOR 2018

Pages: 4Language: englishTyp: PDF

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Authors:
Besse, N.; Aksoy, B.; Shea, H. (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Neuchâtel, Switzerland)

Abstract:
We report on a versatile strategy to arbitrarily reconfigure large arrays of densely packed microfabricated shape memory polymer (SMP) actuators, by combining local Joule heating with global pneumatic actuation. Using 3 mm in diameter SMP actuators on a 4 mm pitch, we demonstrate a 32x24 flexible haptic display and a 4x4 microfluidic platform with latching valves. Each SMP actuator is independently controllable and provide a stroke over 300 µm with a holding force over 300 mN. The technology is readily scalable, we have fabricated SMP actuators from 2 mm to 50 mm in diameter.