Electrostatic Zipping Actuators—Analysis of the Pull-In Effect Depending on the Geometry Parameters

Jacek Szkopek, Grzegorz Redlarski and Arkadiusz Żak
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Jacek Szkopek: Department of Biomechatronics, Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
Grzegorz Redlarski: Department of Biomechatronics, Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
Arkadiusz Żak: Department of Biomechatronics, Faculty of Electrical and Control Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 24, 1-13

Abstract: Continuous work on a new generation of actuators, referred to as artificial muscles, resulted in the initiation of work on electrostatic zipping actuators, the concept of which is derived from micro electro-mechanical devices. Despite partial knowledge of their basic operating parameters, a question remains whether electrostatic zipping actuators are able to meet the expectations in the context of generated forces and control possibilities. In order to get closer to the answer to this question, the authors of this work created a solution method using FEM, which allowed them to conduct a series of concentric contraction tests of the desired solution. In addition to the basic features of the actuators tested, such as their length, thickness and width, for the first time the size of the weld surface, to which the loading force was applied, was taken into account. The results of the investigations show the possibility of adjusting the supply voltage range to the application requirements, but most importantly, they present the variability of the pull-in strain parameter. In extreme configurations, its value increases from ~10% to ~26%. The results obtained emphasize the need for further analysis of electrostatic zipping actuators using FEM. It will make it possible to precisely define the characteristics of this technology as well as its limits. These activities will provide the ultimate answer to the potential of electrostatic zipping actuators as artificial muscles.

Keywords: electrostatic zipping actuator; artificial muscle; pull-in effect; MEMS; FEM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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