Analysis of parameter effects on thrust force and optimum driving frequency in an electrostatic induction dielectric sheet conveyor
In recent years, electrostatic induction has been introduced as a new approach for transporting dielectric sheets. Electrostatic Induction Sheet Conveyor (EISC) is a kind of electrostatic induction actuator which can directly handle dielectric sheet objects, such as papers and plastic films in asynchronous state. The capability of sheet handling demands more studies to recognize parameters influencing thrust force and optimum driving frequency of dielectric sheets in this actuator. In this paper, using the proposed model in previous work, the effect of parameters including geometric parameters of slider and stator, electrical properties of dielectric sheet and environmental conditions on thrust force and optimum driving frequency of the actuator were analytically investigated.
Multi-layered electrostatic film actuator
A multilayered electrostatic film actuator to realize a high force/weight ratio actuator applicable for large-scale machines is proposed. It has numerous films with plenty of small electrodes stacked and connected. In order to build this structure, an electrostatic actuator named the image charge stepping actuator has been developed. It utilizes image charges induced on a high resistance to produce force. It is fabricated on polymer films and a prototype of the multilayered actuator with four film actuators has been constructed. The fabricated multilayered actuator can produce a force of 0.4 N.<<ETX>>
An operational harmonic electrostatic motor
An operational harmonic electrostatic motor is described. A cylindrical rotor is placed inside a hollow cylindrical hole of slightly larger diameter. Electrodes on the circumference of the hole electrostatically attract the rotor and cause it to roll inside the stator. The harmonic motion of the rotor produces a gear reduction between the electrical drive frequency and the shaft rotation rate. This motor design has the advantage of increasing the torque of the motor. This motor has several other advantages. First, it uses the clamping force, normally larger than the tangential force used by most electrostatic motor designs, to generate the motion. Second, the sliding friction between the rotor and stator, a source of hindrance for most micro electrostatic motors, helps be keeping the rotor and stator from slipping. Third, this motor uses rolling surfaces that dissipate less energy in fiction than sliding surfaces.<<ETX>>