Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), with the advantages of high energy density, large actuation strain and light weight, have been explored for numerous assistive related applications, including refreshable tactile displays, tunable optics, and bio-mimic robotics. However, their steps to practical applications are limited by the poor reliability and durability, especially under large actuation strain. Here we report a self-clearable compliant electrode comprising an ultra-thin singlewalled carbon nanotube (SWNT) electrode with an overcoated thin polymer layer. This bilayer electrode can provide the acrylic-based DEAs with a long lifetime stably under both cyclic and continuous actuation at 150% actuation strain in area.
Visual impairments limit a person’s ability to process information such as obstacles, environments, reading and especially multimedia content (e.g., photographs and videos). In this work, we present the design and operating mechanism of Braille PolyPad, a prototype 2D refreshable braille display featuring 4×10 braille cells, enabling the transformation of images to 2D braille information. The Braille Polypad is based on a miniature pump enabled pneumatic actuation of Braille pins. The encoder transformed the pattern information to a heating circuits to trigger the softening of a stiffness variable polymer, allowing for large pneumatic actuation in the softened pin area. The braille pattern can switch on and off in 0.5s each regardless of the number of braille cells and pins, with low operation voltage and low power consumption. The technical features in this work could enable low-cost, large-size matrix refreshable braille displays in compact form factor. Full development of the prototype device is still ongoing, including materials optimization, actuation uniformity, and improvement of user-friendly control interface.
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