A fin-like dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) that drives a miniature autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).

The fin-like actuator is modular and independent of the body of the AUV. All electronics required to run the actuator are inside the 100 mm long 3D-printed body, allowing for autonomous mobility of the AUV.

The modular DEA is capable of powering a miniature underwater vehicle. The soft actuator is integrated into a small and fully self-contained package that can be mounted on various AUVs. The DEA requires no pre-stretch of the elastomers, and is sealed for underwater usage. Only a minimal sealing is required since only four wires per actuator go into the vehicle’s body

Dielectric Elastomer Actuator

The fin-like actuator is modular and independent of the body of the AUV. All electronics required to run the actuator are inside the 100 mm long 3D-printed body, allowing for autonomous mobility of the AUV.The modular DEA is capable of powering a miniature underwater vehicle. The soft actuator is integrated into a small and fully self-contained package that can be mounted on various AUVs. The DEA requires no pre-stretch of the elastomers, and is sealed for underwater usage. Only a minimal sealing is required since only four wires per actuator go into the vehicle’s body.&nbsp;DesignThe bimorph actuators can flap and propel a swimming robot. Two similar unimorph actuators are connected by a double-sided adhesive to create a bimorph architecture. When one half of the bimorph is actuated, the second half and the adhesive serve as a non-stretchable constraint, directing the actuator to bend.&nbsp;Robot designThe 3D-printed body contains an Arduino Pro Mini microcontroller, an SD card reader/writer for data logging, a Li-Ion battery, and a power circuit to provide the high actuation voltage to the DEAs. A pressure sensor used for depth control, an LED for status indication, two waterproof Micro-B USBs for charging and programming, and an on/off switch penetrate the top end of the body; &nbsp;a ground and &nbsp;two positive supply voltage cables are routed to the DEA driven fin at the back. The flapping motion of the fin is achieved by switching on and off the two halves of the bimorph DEA.

Describes the design guidelines for the fin-like  DEA  are  detailed  in The reconfigurable and miniature  AUV  is  shown. Results including measurements of thrust and speed as well as planar swimming and  vertical diving are discussed.

A Modular Dielectric Elastomer Actuatorto Drive Miniature Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

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A fin-like dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) that drives a miniature autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV).