Soft Motion of Dielectric Driven Balloon Actuator

Abstract

This study presents the development of a balloon-type dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) that utilizes the Maxwell stress generated by applying voltage between electrodes. DEAs have been recognized for their superior responsiveness, durability, and energy efficiency, making them a promising candidate for applications such as artificial muscles. We fabricated two types of DEA using a latex balloon as the elastic material and carbon grease as the electrode to generate inflating and squashed deformations. We conducted experiments to measure and analyze the two types of deformation while varying the size or inner pressure of the balloon and the voltage magnitude. We found that the voltage magnitude affected the magnitude of the deformation in the actuator with inflating deformation, but not in the actuator with squashed deformation. Additionally, we estimated the applied Maxwell stress in the actuator. The developed actuators were capable of producing movements that imitate the behavior of organisms, such as the pufferfish.