Abstract

We present an approach for creating a reliable variable stiffness suspension using prestretched electroactive polymer films. In comparison to other variable-stiffness devices, the design is compact, lightweight, consumes low energy, and can change its stiffness in approximately 10 ms. Attention to the main causes of failure increases the reliability of the device so that multiple layers can be combined for increased loads and stiffness. A device with 20 layers supports loads of over 15 N at minimum stiffness and maximum voltage for displacements of $\pm 7$ mm and up to 138 N at maximum stiffness with a displacement of 20 mm. Multilayer devices have demonstrated 3 million mechanical load cycles and hundreds of thousands of stiffness variation (charging and discharging) cycles, respectively.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.