Dielectric elastomer actuator made of an organogel driven with multiple points

Abstract

In this study, we fabricated a DEA made of an organogel driven with multiple points. In our laboratory, we have succeeded in fabricating a DEA made of the organogel. The organogel has high relative electric permittivity and low Young's modulus. Therefore, the DEA made of the organogel can generate large displacement. However, because the DEA was driven by an electrode which was applied across the entire elastomer, the entire DEA could only expand and shrink. By fabricating the DEA driven with multiple points, it can be applied to organ models or tactile presentation devices with 3D shape. Therefore, we fabricated a DEA made of the organogel driven with multiple points by painting multiple electrodes on the elastomer.