Development and Analysis of Flexible Thin Actuator with a Built-in Fluid Pressure Source

Abstract

A flexible thin actuator using gas-liquid phase-change of a low boiling point liquid that can generate large force was proposed and tested in the previous study. The tested actuator is an envelope-type actuator that is made of laminating plastic sheets, low boiling point liquid and a flexible heater. In this paper, the analytical model of the flexible thin actuator was proposed and tested. The system parameters of the actuator were also identified. As a result, it was confirmed that the proposed analytical model can predict the behaviour of the tested actuator.