A Fluid Control Valve Based on the Viscosity Increase Effects of Dielectric Fluids Caused by Electrodes Planted with Hair-Like Short Fibers

(Proposition of a Fiber Planted ER Valve)

Abstract

Recently, Otsubo and Edamura have reported that dielectric fluids show a striking viscosity increase in an electric field when the electrode surface is planted with hair-like short fibers. Due to this phenomenon, the electro-rheological (ER) effect is obtained without any costly ER fluids. In this study, we aim to develop a fluid control valve with the above-described new ER effect. In this paper, first, a fiber-planted ER valve is proposed with a fiber-planted high-voltage electrode and a normally-surfaced ground electrode. Second, a two-port fiber-planted ER valve is fabricated, and its static and dynamic characteristics are examined. Finally, as further application of this technology, a four-port fiber-planted ER valve is proposed and fabricated, and then its ability to control a piston cylinder is demonstrated.