Dielectric elastomer actuators linear contractile

Fig. 6.109. Linear contractile dielectric elastomer actuators a helical and b folded configuration...

Carpi F, Migliore A, De Rossi D (2005) A new contractile linear actuator made of dielectric elastomers. Proc SPIE 5759 64... 

In order to easily assemble a linear contractile DE actuator, a recently described simple structural configuration, known as a folded actuator [14], can be advantageously adopted. Such a device consists of a monoUthic strip of dielectric elastomer, which is first coated with compliant electrodes and then folded several times in order to obtain a compact structure (Figure 24.5). 

Carpi, F. and De Rossi D. Contractile monoUthic linear actuators, in Dielectric elastomers as electromechanical transducers. Fundamentals, materials, devices, models applications of an emerging electroactive polymer technology, (Carpieds, F., De Rossi, D., Kombluh, R. et al.), Elsevier Press, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 2008. 

---