Dielectric elastomers as actuators for upper limb prosthetics: Challenges and opportunities

被引：121
作者：
Biddiss, Elaine [1 ,2 ]
Chau, Tom [1 ,2 ]
机构：
[1] Bloorview Res Inst, Toronto, ON M4G 1R8, Canada
[2] Univ Toronto, Inst Biomat & Biomed Engn, Toronto, ON, Canada
来源：
MEDICAL ENGINEERING & PHYSICS | 2008年 / 30卷 / 04期
基金：
加拿大自然科学与工程研究理事会;
关键词：
electroactive polymers; dielectric elastomers; prosthetics; upper limb prostheses; rehabilitation;
D O I：
10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.05.011
中图分类号：
R318 [生物医学工程];
学科分类号：
0831 ;
摘要：
Recent research has indicated that consumers of upper limb prostheses desire lighter-weight, anthropomorphic devices. The potential of dielectric elastomer (DE) actuators to better meet the design priorities of prosthesis users is explored. Current challenges are critically reviewed with respect to (1) durability, (2) precision control, (3) energy consumption, and (4) anthropomorphic implementation. The key points arising from the literature review are illustrated with empirical examples of the strain performance and durability of one of the most popular DEs, VHB 4910. Practical application of DE actuators in powered upper extremity prosthetics is at present impeded by poor durability and susceptibility to air-borne contaminants, unreliable control owing to viscoelasticity, hysteresis, stress relaxation and creep mechanisms, high voltage requirements, and insufficient stress and strain performance within the confines of anthropomorphic size, weight, and function. Our review suggests that the implementation of DE actuators in powered upper extremity prosthetics is not feasible at present but worthy of reevaluation as the materials advance. (C) 2007 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
引用
收藏
页码：403 / 418
页数：16
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