Artificial muscles are actuators that operate by simulating a muscle. Artificial muscles made of elastomers and polymer gels are being developed and are characterized by their flexibility. Artificial muscles are classified into the following categories.
- Dielectric elastomers
- Electroactive Polymer (EAP)
- Ionic Conducting Polymer gel Film (ICPF)
- Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs)
- Electrorheological fluids (ER fluids)
- Magnetorheological fluids (MR fluids)
- HASEL Actuator
In this section, we will discuss artificial muscles called HASEL actuators.
HASEL actuator or a hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic actuator is known for a new type of artificial muscle. As for the mechanism of the HASEL actuator, when a voltage is applied to both ends of a bag filled with liquid, the liquid in the area where the electric field is applied moves. Then the actuator makes use of the deformation of the bag caused by the liquid movement. While in the case with piezoelectric actuators, a voltage is applied to both ends of a crimp element (piezo element), HASEL actuators apply a voltage to a bag filled with liquid. It can increase the displacement more than piezo actuators, enabling the device to perform an easy operation. This means it is like artificial muscles.
The voltages used in HASEL actuators are as high as 10kV or 20kV. Besides, high voltage amplifiers will be used when the fast response is needed.
- Related words:
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- HASEL Actuator (Artificial Muscle)
- Dielectric elastomers
- Electroactive Polymer (EAP)
- Ionic Conducting Polymer gel Film (ICPF)
- Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs)
- Electrorheological fluids (ER fluids)
- Magnetorheological fluids (MR fluids)
Recommended products
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