Magnetic Actuator with Programmable Force Distribution and Self‐Sensing for Bidirectional Deformation Control. Issue 10 (7th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gao, Yinduan; Deng, Huaxia; Zhang, Jingyi; Shu, Quan; Xu, Zhenbang; Cao, Xufeng; Wang, Bochao; Gong, Xinglong
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials technologies. Volume 7:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-04-07
• Subjects: bidirectional deformation -- magnetic -- programmable force distribution -- sensor -- soft actuator; Materials science -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Materials science; Technological innovations; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.202200047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-709X

Abstract

Abstract: The realization of bidirectional deformation function is an important symbol of most natural creatures and intelligent flexible robots. Currently, most soft actuators are developed on the basis of transition between two different states, which means difficulties of control during the whole movement. In this work, variable distribution positions of hard magnetorheological elastomers (H‐MREs) in the matrix are used to achieve different magnetic force distributions. The programmable force distribution promotes different deformations of the magnetic actuators, which enlarges the deformation range by 51.69% under the same magnetic field. Pre‐magnetizing the H‐MREs makes them have a certain residual magnetization. Due to the residual magnetization property of H‐MREs, the magnetized actuator can not only be attracted but also be repelled by the applied magnetic field. This bidirectional deformation capability gives the actuators a wider deformation range and greater clamping force, such as the smart gripper for pinching up object. In addition, the actuators are integrated with a flexible sensing layer with high resolution and strong stability for self‐sensing. This kind of force distribution programmable technology and self‐sensing performance have the potential to broaden the application of actuators in medical equipment requiring high control accuracy. Abstract : A magnetic actuator with programmable force distribution and self‐sensing is reported. It can control the distribution of force on the trunk through internal material distribution and actuate form through stable electrical signals feedback, which makes its deformation easier to design and control artificially. This is expected to advance the use of magnetic actuators in medical devices with high control requirements.