Actuator, Sensor, Generator, and Medical Device Using Dielectric Elastomers

Abstract

Using dielectric elastomer (DE) makes it possible to achieve a highly efficient transduction from electric energy into mechanical energy, which translates into a considerable energy saving compared with other actuator technologies. Furthermore, its low cost, light weight, softness, and quietness make the actuator suitable for robots, sensors, motors, speakers, pumps, and smart materials. The generator mode in DE uses the actuator mode process in reverse, transforming mechanical energy originating from the physical deformation of the elastomer film into electrical energy. DE has several characteristics that make it potentially well suited for wave, water current, wind, human motion, and other environmental energy harvesting systems including high energy density allowing for minimal elastomer material quantities, high energy conversion efficiency independent of frequency of operation and non-toxic and non-corrosion-susceptible low-cost materials.