Zhang Zhiyuan, Huang Wenwei, Zheng Shaodi, Tan Jianbo, Cheng Jinzhan, Cai Jiancheng, E Shiju, Xu Zisheng
Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, P. R. China.
Jinhua Intelligent Manufacturing Research Institute, Jinhua, 321004, P. R. China.
Adv Sci (Weinh). 2025 Feb;12(5):e2410724. doi: 10.1002/advs.202410724. Epub 2024 Dec 11.
Dielectric elastomers (DEs) have promising capabilities for soft electromechanical systems, including those for actuation and energy generation. However, their widespread application is restricted by electromechanical instability (EMI) and the requirement for high-voltage operation. This study presents a dual-modal DE system that effectively overcomes these limitations by leveraging a dual-membrane structure. The proposed structure not only suppresses EMI through charge sharing but also enables simultaneous energy harvesting and actuation, enhancing the overall electrical performance of the system. The system demonstrated a remarkable improvement in output performance, exceeding that of traditional single-modal DE generators by up to 30%. The practicality of the system is developed by integrating it into a mechanically powered soft robot capable of locomotion and environmental monitoring using a wireless temperature sensor. This study paves the way for the development of advanced DE-based systems with enhanced stability, functionality, and potential for diverse applications in soft robotics, energy harvesting, and other areas that require coupled electromechanical capabilities.
介电弹性体（DEs）在软机电系统中具有广阔的应用前景，包括用于驱动和能量产生的系统。然而，它们的广泛应用受到机电不稳定性（EMI）和高压运行要求的限制。本研究提出了一种双模态DE系统，通过利用双膜结构有效地克服了这些限制。所提出的结构不仅通过电荷共享抑制了EMI，还能够同时进行能量收集和驱动，提高了系统的整体电性能。该系统在输出性能方面有显著提升，比传统单模态DE发电机高出30%。通过将该系统集成到一个能够使用无线温度传感器进行移动和环境监测的机械动力软机器人中，提高了系统的实用性。本研究为开发具有更高稳定性、功能性以及在软机器人技术、能量收集和其他需要耦合机电能力的领域具有多样化应用潜力的先进DE基系统铺平了道路。
