Abstract
We present a smart, thermally stimulated liquid crystal elastomer actuator with an integrated heater and temperature sensor based on deformable polyimide wiring technology. Due to optimal thermal contact to the active material, heating from room temperature to the point of maximum contraction takes only 19.6s; cooling requires only 5.6s. The integrated temperature sensor allows closed-loop operation and characterize the thermomechanical properties of the material: open-loop positioning precision was found to be better than 45μm and no inherent drift or hysteresis were observed. The maximum force generated by the actuator was 133mN, corresponding to 76kPa of stress. This ultra-compact actuator with integrated feedback is useful in applications that require large stroke in confined space.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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
