This paper presents a concept of multi-modal dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) that leverages a single voltage input to concurrently work as linear actuator and loudspeaker, while also integrating self-sensing capabilities. Low-frequency linear actuation is obtained by inducing tangential stretching of the DEA membrane surface, whereas high-frequency sound generation is concurrently achieved through transverse structural vibrations of the DEA membrane surface. Multi-mode actuation is combined with a new self-sensing paradigm: measuring the current signal arising from the dynamic acoustic excitation and processing it in real-time with capacitance estimation algorithms, the actuator low-frequency displacement can be reconstructed with no need for additional transducers or dedicated probing signals. The performance of the proposed self-sensing approach is evaluated using complex multi-harmonic driving signals, with a focus on analyzing the correlation between capacitance estimates and the low-frequency stroke of the device. Concurrent self-sensing and multi-mode actuation are finally demonstrated in a number of application scenarios, in which the intensity/frequency of the DEA acoustic output is adjusted in closed-loop as a function of externally induced deformations, such as impacts with obstacles, or interactions with a user. The multi-modality paradigm pursued in this work paves the way to new application opportunities, such as multi-sensory user interfaces (e.g. audio-tactile buttons), or highly integrated sensor-actuator units able to sense their state during operation and provide feedback (e.g., acoustic signaling) accordingly.

A tri-modal dielectric elastomer actuator integrating linear actuation, sound generation, and self-sensing capabilities / Gratz-Kelly, Sebastian; Krüger, Tim Felix; Seelecke, Stefan; Rizzello, Gianluca; Moretti, Giacomo. - In: SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. A, PHYSICAL. - ISSN 0924-4247. - 372:(2024), p. 115332. [10.1016/j.sna.2024.115332]

A tri-modal dielectric elastomer actuator integrating linear actuation, sound generation, and self-sensing capabilities

Moretti, Giacomo
Ultimo
2024-01-01

Abstract

This paper presents a concept of multi-modal dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) that leverages a single voltage input to concurrently work as linear actuator and loudspeaker, while also integrating self-sensing capabilities. Low-frequency linear actuation is obtained by inducing tangential stretching of the DEA membrane surface, whereas high-frequency sound generation is concurrently achieved through transverse structural vibrations of the DEA membrane surface. Multi-mode actuation is combined with a new self-sensing paradigm: measuring the current signal arising from the dynamic acoustic excitation and processing it in real-time with capacitance estimation algorithms, the actuator low-frequency displacement can be reconstructed with no need for additional transducers or dedicated probing signals. The performance of the proposed self-sensing approach is evaluated using complex multi-harmonic driving signals, with a focus on analyzing the correlation between capacitance estimates and the low-frequency stroke of the device. Concurrent self-sensing and multi-mode actuation are finally demonstrated in a number of application scenarios, in which the intensity/frequency of the DEA acoustic output is adjusted in closed-loop as a function of externally induced deformations, such as impacts with obstacles, or interactions with a user. The multi-modality paradigm pursued in this work paves the way to new application opportunities, such as multi-sensory user interfaces (e.g. audio-tactile buttons), or highly integrated sensor-actuator units able to sense their state during operation and provide feedback (e.g., acoustic signaling) accordingly.
2024
Gratz-Kelly, Sebastian; Krüger, Tim Felix; Seelecke, Stefan; Rizzello, Gianluca; Moretti, Giacomo
A tri-modal dielectric elastomer actuator integrating linear actuation, sound generation, and self-sensing capabilities / Gratz-Kelly, Sebastian; Krüger, Tim Felix; Seelecke, Stefan; Rizzello, Gianluca; Moretti, Giacomo. - In: SENSORS AND ACTUATORS. A, PHYSICAL. - ISSN 0924-4247. - 372:(2024), p. 115332. [10.1016/j.sna.2024.115332]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11572/409538
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