Title :
Micromanipulation tool replaceable soft actuator with gripping force enhancing and output motion converting mechanisms
Author :
Guo-Hua Feng ; Shih-Chieh Yen
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Mech. Eng., Nat. Chung Cheng Univ., Chiayi, Taiwan
Abstract :
This paper presents an innovative arched ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuator for micromanipulating soft matters (e.g. cells). With a pair of through-hole structures at two front ends of the actuator, versatile designed micro-tools can be individually installed onto and replaced from the actuator. Two micro-tools of scissor-type gripper and elastic pin structure are developed to strengthen the clamping force of the gripper and convert a squeeze/pull motion to forward/backward motion, respectively. Through the location design of a hinge joint on the scissor-type gripping tool, the gripper tip can produce several times larger force on than at the end of the assembled actuator. A microneedle can be mounted onto the pin of arc-shaped PDMS tool to manipulate a single cell in a linear motion through electrically controlling IPMC actuation.
Keywords :
biological techniques; micromanipulators; organic-inorganic hybrid materials; polymers; IPMC actuator; clamping force; gripping force; ionic polymer metal composite actuator; micromanipulation tool; output motion converting mechanisms; replaceable soft actuator; scissor type gripping tool; through hole structures; Actuators; Fasteners; Force; Grippers; Joints; Polymers; Sockets; Micromanipulation; gripping force; motion control; soft actuator;
Conference_Titel :
Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems (TRANSDUCERS), 2015 Transducers - 2015 18th International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Anchorage, AK
DOI :
10.1109/TRANSDUCERS.2015.7181316