Model-Based Design Optimization of Soft Polymeric Domes Used as Nonlinear Biasing Systems for Dielectric Elastomer Actuators

Due to their unique combination of features such as large deformation, high compliance, lightweight, energy efficiency, and scalability, dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers appear highly promising for many application fields, soft robotics, wearables, well micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). To generate a stroke, membrane DE actuator (DEA) must be coupled with mechanical biasing system. It is known that nonlinear elements, negative-rate springs (NBS), permit remarkable increase in the DEA stroke comparison standard linear springs. Common types NBS, however, are generally manufactured rigid components (e.g., steel beams, permanent magnets), thus they unsuitable development compliant actuators robots wearables. At same time, NBSs hard miniaturize integrate DE-based MEMS devices. This work presents novel type system, which obtained by using fully polymeric dome NBS element. More specifically, this paper we propose model-based design procedure high-performance DEAs, maximized properly optimizing geometry dome. First, finite element model system introduced, describing how geometric parameters affect its response. After conducting experimental calibration validation, used develop numerical algorithm finds optimal given characteristics. Based on optimized design, prototype finally assembled experimentally tested.